CULTURE AND CURING IN KENTUCKY. 



lauds .ire so broken and thin in soil that, although they might produce several crops of tobacco while fresh, they 

 would soon become exhausted and comparatively worthless. It is probable, therefore, that the highest limit of 

 production has been reached, and that tobacco culture in this district will scarcely retain its present importance. 



The decrease of yield per acre is variously reported. In some localities it is stated as high as 25 per cent., as 

 compared with the yield of the decade ending with 1809; in others, from 10 to 20 per cent. A corresponding 

 deterioration of quality is reported, especially in the heavier types, which have lost largely in weight and firmness 

 of texture. 



COST OF LABOR AND PRODUCTION. 



The labor system is much the same as in other parts of the state. Men receive from $75 to $120 per annum 

 when employed by the year, with board; by the day, 40 to 75 cents, with board. When crops are grown on the 

 share system, the laborer gets one-half, the employer furnishing necessary team, implements, etc. Barns and 

 fixtures for storing and curing cost from $75 to $400. 



The best lauds in farms are worth from $15 to $50 per acre, producing 800 to 1,200 pounds of tobacco per acre, 

 with a rental value of $4 to $G. Inferior lauds are valued at $5 to $10 per acre, producing 400 to 800 pounds, and 

 sire rented at $2 per acre. 



The cost of production varies between 4J and 8 cents per pound, the latter being the cost upon inferior lands. 

 There is general complaint that the culture of tobacco brings little or no profit. It would probably be abandoned 

 iu a great measure but for the fact that it furnishes employment for many workers, who cannot undertake the 

 heavier labors of the farm. 



VALUE OF THE CROP OF 1879. 



Bright wrappers were sold at 10 to 25 cents, the smaller quantity bringing the larger price; good shipping 

 leaf, to 8 cents; common leaf, 5 cents; and lugs, 2 to 3 cents. The value of the crop round in primary markets 

 may be fairly estimated at 5 cents per pound. 



In the following table the weigh: of product in the Cumberland River district for the first three years is obtained 

 from official returns to the auditor of Kentucky. For 1879 the weight of product, acreage, and yield per acre 

 are derived from the official returns made to the United States Census Bureau. The remainder of the statement 

 is estimated: 



CULTURE AND CURING OF TOBACCO IN THE SHIPPING DISTRICTS OF KENTUCKY. 



The methods of culture and the processes of curing tobacco in the seven districts of Kentucky already described 

 have no peculiarities not common to them all. This part of the report is therefore made applicable to the whole 

 tobacco region of the state, except the district in which the White Burley is the principal variety grown. The 

 character of the product of this new variety differs materially from that of any other, and the manner of cultivation, 

 handling and curing of the crop, varies in many particulars from the methods practiced in producing the types grown 

 in the other districts of the state. For these reasons it is thought best to conclude the account of what may be 

 properly called the shipping districts of Kentucky, treating separately the White Burley district. 



PREPARATION OF THE SOIL FOR PLANTING. 



It is the practice of good planters to break the land intended for tobacco as deeply as possible and as early in 

 the fall as practicable. It is regarded as of prime importance to complete the breaking of deep and stiff clay soils 

 before the colder period of winter. Soils of shale and sandstone derivation do not so imperatively require fall or 

 winter plowing, nor is it necessary that they must be worked to such depth as is essential for those based upon the 

 limestone formations; but even with the deepest and most friable of the siliceous soils there are advantages to be 

 gained by early breaking. 



Whatever the character of the surface or subsoil, it is important that all vegetable matter shall be turned 

 under in time to become thoroughly rotted before the final preparation for planting is begun, not only to secure the 

 utmost value of such material, both as a fertilizer and as a mechanical amendment to the soil, but that it shall he 

 so entirely decomposed as to offer no impediment to subsequent processes of culture. In many instances, when- 

 stubble, weeds, or grass cover the intended tobacco-field, if the breaking is deferred until February, or later, it is 



42 AG 657 



