32 TOBACCO. 



pare the requirements of tlie different sorts, and the 

 means at his disposal to satisfy them, "before making his 

 selection. Though tobacco is a hardy plant, and grows 

 under varied conditions, yet to become a remunerative 

 crop, the plant should not be placed under circumstances 

 very dissimilar from those to which it has been accus- 

 tomed. By importing seed of a fine sort directly from 

 its native land, the plants will not retain in the new 

 habitat all their special qualities, unless climate, soil and 

 treatment are nearly the same. Climate must first be 

 considered. Fine and valuable tobacco is a product of 

 tropical countries : in a warm and humid climate, by 

 employing common means, tobacco may be made to yield 

 a profit not attainable in less favoured regions. A warm, 

 moist climate permits the selection of those sorts that 

 command the highest prices ; if to this be added a 

 suitable soil, and proper treatment, the cultivation of 

 tobacco yields a profit not easily obtainable from any 

 other crop. 



As the Havanna tobaccos command the highest prices, 

 the cultivator nearly everywhere attempts to introduce 

 and cultivate them. There is no great difficulty in 

 raising plants of these varieties, but they speedily de- 

 generate and form new varieties, if the climatic condi- 

 tions, &c., are not favourable. Virginian tobacco was 

 previously extensively cultivated, but has of late been 

 frequently replaced by the Maryland kind. It is still 

 much favoured by cultivators in temperate climates, as 

 it does not require a high temperature. On account of 

 its botanical characteristics, it is usually not much liked 

 by manufacturers of cigars; some varieties, however, 



