THE CULTIVATION OF THE TOBACCO 
PLANT 
A few general facts concerning the culture of 
the tobacco plant and its treatment until it 
reaches the hands of the manufacturers will be 
of interest for the smoker. 
The general principles underlying the culture 
of tobacco are the same whether it is intended 
for the cigar, pipe smoking or cigarette trade; 
but the treatment of the leaf after it is har- 
vested differs considerably. 
Tobacco is a perennial plant. It is, however, 
usually raised each year from seed. The seed- 
lings are usually ready for planting towards the 
end of May and are generally planted between 
the last week in May and the middle of June. 
The successful raising of tobacco depends on 
four principal factors: (1) the climate, (2) the 
nature of the soil, (8) the seed, and (4) on the 
method of culture. 
The climate must be such as to favor rapid 
growth and therefore must furnish sufficient 
heat and moisture during the time the plant is 
growing. ‘The fineness of the texture and the 
elasticity of the leaf depend on the climate. 
On the soil the plant depends for its food, 
and for the absorption of those chemical con- 
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