148 [Assembly 



pen, that producing less weeds. We pulTerize the soil thoroughly^ 

 then sow on the seed broadcast, an ounce to four square rods 

 being sufficient. Great care should be taken to spread the seed 

 equally over the surface ; then without raking the bed, roll with 

 a heavy roller, which serves to retain the moisture in the bed. 

 In dry weather the seed bed should be kept moistened by water- 

 ing the surface, or the young plants will die. 



We get our plants large enough for transplanting about the 

 lOth of June, and set them as rapidly as the work can be accom- 

 plished, finishing by the 25th of June. I have transplanted as 

 late as the 5th of July, and had the crop come to maturity. The 

 soil most suitable for tobacco is loam ; when clay predominates, 

 the plant will obtain but a small growth. When sand is pre- 

 dominant, the plant is likely to be affected by drouth. The time 

 between transplanting and harvest is so short that unless v/e can 

 produce a rapid growth, the plant will not arrive at maturity 

 early enough to escape the frosts of Autumn. We commence our 

 harvest about the first of September. The crop this season is 

 good, and all secured without damage from frost, and buyers are 

 now contracting at prices from 8 to 10 cents. We get from an 

 acre from 1,200 to 1,800 pounds. I have had crops which would 

 make a ton to the acre. That, however, is an unusual growth ; 

 1,500 pounds is perhaps full up to the average. I have taken 

 some pains to send the plant in as good order as may be. When 

 it arrives you will dispose of it as you think best.* 



I am yours respectfully, 



MAUS NEAMY. 

 Richard Pennell, M. D. 



SELECTING SOILS FOR ANALYSIS. 



We are often applied to for information as to the proper 

 method of taking a specimen of soil from a field for the purpose 



• The Syracuse Journal states that about 1,000 acres of tobacco wero'grovm in Onondaga 

 county til e past season; and that the average crop is about 1,400 lbs. per acre, though 2,000 

 lbs. are often produced. The entire crop of the county is estimated at 2,240,000 lbs., which 

 at ten cents, makes the snug sum of $224,000, gained by the cultivators, but totally lost, 

 wasted, and worse than thrown away by the consumers. Last year, the best quality, knowa 

 as seed leaf, brought fifteen cents per pound. At present rates, or even at six or seven cents* 

 it is considered a profitable crop. 



