434 SETTING. 
allowed to remain on the roots, or shaken off, at the option 
of the grower. Asa general rule, however, the earth should 
remain rather than be shaken off. Remove to the field and 
drop one at each hill, and where the plants are small, two. 
A common custom is to “set” every tenth or twelfth hill 
with two plants. This is a good plan, as they are frequently 
needed during hoeing time to “fill in.” If holes have not 
been made, insert the first two fingers, making a hole large 
enough for the roots to remain in an easy and natural posi- 
tion. Press the earth gently around the plant if the soil is 
moist, but if dry, more firmly. See that the plant stands in 
an upright position. If dry after “setting” the plants, water 
them, and if a protracted drought follows, cover them up 
with grass or hay dipped in water ; remove, however, in a day 
or two.* Plaster may also be used to advantage, as it keeps 
TRANSPLANTING. 
the hill moist, besides fertilizing the plant; put a little just 
around the plants. In taking up from the bed select large 
ones, leaving the smaller ones to grow. Transplanting should 
commence as early as possible that this result may follow. 
-*Walker says of tobacco culture In Colombia (South America) :—‘It is advisable to cover 
the plant with a banana leaf, or something similar: by this means the tobacco is protected 
from the heat of the sun, and from the heavy rains, which would not prove less prejudicial.” 
4 
