58 TOBACCO GROWING IN GREAT BRITAIN. 



tional dressing. We generally sow the tobacco- 

 seed in the open air as soon as the fine weather 

 comes. It would, however, be preferable to use 

 hot-beds, to mature the plants earlier, so as to 

 harvest, and, above all, cure before the rains, 

 which usually set in towards the end of Sep- 

 tember or the beginning of October. These 

 plants, arrived at a certain age, are transplanted 

 during the first days of June, and even later if 

 the plants are not very successful. 



During its growth, the plant requires much 

 attention ; it must be freed of its sprouts so as 

 to permit the growth only of a certain number 

 of leaves. The gathering takes place in Sep- 

 tember, and is performed by adults. Children 

 are placed in the field and thread the leaves 

 singly, which are then hung up like illumination 

 lamps, to be cured under thatched sheds and in 

 the open air. 



The tobacco, when dried, is deposited in bams 

 till delivered over to the merchant or the factor. 



The cost and the rate of production of the 

 plant are as follows (for one hectare, or 

 2a. 1r. 35p.):— 



