312 THE CONNECTICUT PLANTER. 
thoroughly acquainted with the nature of the plant and knows 
just what land to select and what kind of fertilizers to apply. 
He has reduced the cultivation to almost an exact science 
and can obtain (the season being favorable) the color most 
desirable. He has thoroughly tested all kinds of fertilizers, 
_and knows just what kinds will produce the various shades 
of color as well as the desired texture and size of leaf. No 
other tobacco planter so thoroughly understands the methods 
of curing, sweating and doing up the crop, and he takes no 
little pride in showing his crop to the buyer. 
Itishis aim to obtain not only the best leaf for a cigar-wrap- 
per but also a tobacco of the finest possible flavor; hence he 
tries the principal varieties grown in Cuba, Brazil and other 
countries in order to judge of their quality and whether they 
can be cultivated with profit on his lands. He has the best 
constructed sheds for hanging and curing and the latest and 
most improved agricultural implements for the cultivation 
of the plants. The greatest pains are taken in securing the 
crop and harvesting and handling the plants without injur- 
CONNECTICUT TOBACCO FIELD, 
ing the leaves. The tobacco fields are kept in the best pos- 
sible condition, no weeds or grass is allowed to grow and 
