VIRGINIA METHOD. 435 
Plants with large broad leaves are ‘considered the best, 
while those that grow tall and “spindling” or “long shank” 
plants, as they are called at the South, are rejected and 
should not be set out when others that are more “stocky ” 
can be obtained. Avoid, however, setting too large plants, 
as they are not as apt to live as smaller ones. Transplanting 
should be done as fast as possible, that the tobacco field may 
present an even appearance and be ready to harvest at 
one time. If the plants are to grow and ripen evenly, the 
transplanting should be finished in a week or two from the 
time of the first setting. This can generally be done unless 
plants are very scarce, when circumstances, beyond the 
growers’ control, often make the field give apparent evidence 
of want of care, although the real trouble is a want of plants. 
“Tt may be necessary to water the plants once or twice 
after transplanting; this in a measure will depend upon the 
season.” 
Tatham in his Essay on the Culture and Commerce of 
Tobacco, (London 1800,) gives an account of the manner of 
transplanting in Virginia at that period. Under the head of 
“THE SEASON FOR PLANTING,” 
he says: 
“The term, ‘season for planting,’ signifies a shower of 
rain, of sufficient quantity to wet the earth to a degree of 
moisture which may render it safe to draw the young plants 
from. the plant bed, and transplant them into the hills 
which are prepared for them in the field, as described under 
the last head; and these seasons generally commence in 
April, and terminate with what is termed the long season in 
ay; which (to make use of an Irishism), very frequently 
happens in June; and is the opportunity which the planter 
finds himself necessitated to seize with eagerness for the 
pitching of his crop: a term which comprehends the ultimate 
opportunity which the spring will afford him, for planting a 
quantity equal to the capacity of the collective power of his. 
borers when applied in cultivation. By the time which 
these seasons approach, nature has so ordered vegetation, 
that the weather has generally enabled the plants, (if duly 
