158 



PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE 



is delayed, it will be bad for the growth of the crop. For 

 four weeks after this, the ground should be cultivated 

 each week. 



Removal of Tops and Leaves. At about the time when 

 the first blossoms open, or a little later than this, the top 

 of the plant should be removed, as well as the lowest 

 leaves, which are usually unsound or dirty. The number 

 of leaves that should be left on the plant depends on its 

 size and strength, and on how high a price can be ob- 

 tained for finer leaves. Ten is a good number to leave, 

 and twelve should be the maximum. 



If some of the finest plants are 

 to furnish seed, the tops of these, of 

 course, must not be removed. From 

 the time when the tops are cut, the 

 branches begin to grow, and must be 

 nipped as they appear, before they 

 bear any flowers. 



Harvesting. Tobacco should be 

 ready to harvest about ten weeks after 

 it is transplanted. Before it is ready 

 the leaves wilt and hang down, their 

 green color fades, and they become 

 spotted with brown or yellow; they 

 lose their fresh texture and begin to 

 crumple, and suckers begin to grow 

 from the base of the plant. The 

 plant should then be cut off and 

 hung in a well-ventilated building. 



FIG. 108. Tobacco plant 

 after top and lowest 

 leaves are removed 



