TOBACCO CULTURE. 21 



SOWING- 



The seed selected and previously tested should be mix- 

 ed with some foreign material before being sown. There 

 are two reasons for this course. First, the seed is so small 

 and dark colored, that it is not easily seen after it has 

 been sown. Therefore, a light colored, foreign substance 

 should be mixed with the seed, and then the area covered 

 will be shown up, and any unevenness in the work can be 

 remedied. The second reason for mixing with foreign ma- 

 terial is on account of the extreme minuteness of the seed. 

 A small quantity is sufficient for a large area, and without 

 the admixture of other material, an even sowing of the seed 

 is extremely difficult. 



For mixing purposes, corn meal, plaster of paris or 

 flour may be used. The seed should be carefully sown by 

 hand, and by going over the ground in two directions at 

 right angles to each other, even sowing of the seed is assured. 

 A good method for mixing the seed with the soil is by tread- 

 ing it in by foot, but for large areas, the hand roller should 

 be used. 



AMOUNT OF SEED. 



The quantity of seed required per acre of ground varies 

 very materially. The allowance of seed should be one 

 ounce per acre of land, and this quantity will cover a bed 

 about 40 square yards of surface. 



