1()8 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Pub. Doc. 



work we ought to do in any case, and it is work to be done 

 by the grower himself. 



It is not certain, however, that the varieties we now have 

 and have raised for so many years are fitted to survive in the 

 ])resent struggle, however much we may change and improve 

 them. It may be that we shall have to be content with 

 growing binders, unless we can successfully grow leaf of the 

 Sumatra or the Cuban type either in the open or under 

 shade. 



Just what is the source of our Havana and Broad-leaf 

 varieties we do not know. Tradition says that the Havana 

 is acclimated Cuban. 



The Bureau of Plant Industry and the station have Cuban 

 selections three generations from the island, that is, it has 

 been grown in each of tliree years from seed of the previous 

 year. It is not 3'et fit to try as a crop, because the leaf is 

 obviously of no such size, shape or (]uality as to warrant a 

 field test. It is, however, gradually changing its character, 

 and we are watching to see whether in this way we are likely 

 to get what we want. 



It is also conceivable, at least, that a tobacco having the 

 Sumatra shape and size of leaf may be developed wliich will 

 grow in the open and will have something of the body, grain 

 and other desirable qualities of the domestic leaf. Such a 

 find would, of course, be the best way out of all our troubles. 



Give us the size and shape required by trade, and the 

 other qualities which our leaf now has, and we are secure. 



These are ways, you see, in which the United States gov- 

 ernment and the station can co-opei-ate and supplement the 

 work of the farmer. Do not jeer at us if our work makes 

 slow progress, and if, after all, the results are negative. I 

 have often heard dealers say, "Your leaf is too large. If 

 you would start anew with seed from Cuba and grow it a 

 few years you would have a vastly better leaf than you now 

 have." Easily said, very likely untrue, plausible any way, — 

 the statement will always remain an unlaid ghost unless we 

 put it to the test, and see whether the ghost is a valuable 

 citizen or the unsubstantial vision of a dream. 



It is worth everything to know the truth. It is worth a 

 good deal to explode untruth. 



