34 HOW TO PLANT. 



inches deep, thin out to one or two stalks to the hill, 

 cultivate clean until blooms begin to appear, then let it 

 take care of itself. Plant during March, April and May, 

 gather the seed when ripe. They are fine food for chick- 

 ens, horses, etc. The plant is said to be an absorbent of 

 malaria, and therefore healthful to cultivate about the 

 premises. It may be planted in fence corners, hedge 

 rows, groups on the lawn or almost anywhere. 



TOBACCO. (Nicotiana Tabacum. ) 



Sow the seed in February or March. A good plan is 

 to burn a brush-heap on a piece of fresh land. This kills 

 weed seeds and furnishes ashes, which is what the tobacco 

 needs ; after the brash-pile has burned, prepare the spot 

 by forking or digging up fine and manuring thoroughly, 

 then sow the seed and cover scarcely at all ; watch the 

 young plants that the bugs don't destroy them ; when 

 large enough to handle transplant to rich, well prepared 

 land where you wish to grow the crop. Lay off rows four 

 feet apart, and set out the plants eighteen inches to two 

 feet apart in the row. Tobacco likes fresh land, and 

 likes manure or fertilizer containing a large per cent of 

 potash ; cultivate carefully, keep clean of all weeds and 

 grass. Do not permit the worm to destroy the crop. 

 They will be sure to do this if you fail to watch the 

 plants daily and hand-pick the worms. As soon as signs 

 of blooming appear, top the plants to force the growth 

 into the leaf ; also pinch off the branches that appear in 

 the axils of the leaves. The stage at which tobacco should 

 be cut is determined by the color and feel of the leaf. 

 Get some practiced man to aid you in this and in curing it. 



POPPY. (Papaver somniferum.) 



This plant is grown for the opium it contains. Sow 

 the seed in a good, fine, rich bed in early fall ; transplant 

 as soon as the plants are large enough, in rows three by 



