32 TOBACCO : ITS HISTORY. 



rapidly in its artificial climate, until, in the first 

 week in May, it is ready for transplanting. It 

 is then pricked out singly, each plant being 

 allowed three square feet of superficial surface. 

 Thus, an acre will receive 16] 3 plants, and not 

 more, if broad and vigorous leaves are required, 

 such as will yield half a pound of prepared 

 tobacco from each plant, or 800 lbs. to the acre. 

 This transplantation requires care, so as not to 

 injure the delicate fibres of the embryo-giant, 

 giving as yet no conceivable idea of the "de- 

 velopment " which it will attain, if you only 

 give " ample room and verge enough " for its 

 superabundant energies. 



The first week in May is the usual time ; but 

 still a frosty night may utterly undo your toilsome 

 labour ; if so, you must renew the transplanting 

 from a stock reserved for the purpose ; nay, you 

 may have to do so a third time, in a very 

 " unlucky" season. After the third failure the 

 French " give it up," and plant hemp, so as to 

 lessen their loss for the season. It must be 

 remembered, however, that one crop out of three 

 will amply remunerate the culture. 



