PREFACE. 
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Ever since the discovery of tobacco it has been the favorite 
theme of many writers, who have endeavored to shed new light 
on the origin and early history of this singular plant. Opwards 
of three hundred volumes have been written, embracing works in 
nearly all of the languages of Europe, concerning the herb and the 
various methods of using it. Most writers have confined them- 
selves to the commercial history of the plant; while others have 
written upon its medicinal properties and the various modes of 
preparing it for use. For this volume the Author only claims 
that it is at least a more comprehensive treatise on the varieties 
and cultivation of the plant than any work now extant. A full 
account of its cultivation is given, not only in America, but also 
in nearly all of the great tobacco-producing countries of the 
world. The history of the plant has been carefully and faithfully 
compiled from the earliest authorities, that portion which relates 
to its early culture in Virginia being drawn from hitherto unpub- 
lished sources. Materials for such a work have not been found 
lacking. European authors abound with allusions to tobacco ; 
more especially is it true of English writers, who have celebrated 
its virtues in poetry and song. All along the highways and by- 
paths of our literature we encounter much that pertains to this 
‘queen of plants.” Considered in what light it may, tobacco 
must be régarded as the most astonishing of the productions of 
nature, since it has, in the short period of nearly four centuries, 
