TOBACCO. S 



obtained by those who have used seeds grown for market at such places as the 

 Ragland Seed Farm, Hyco, Va. Due regard should be had as well to the nature 

 of the soil as to the type of tobacco desired." — W. H. Snow, High Point, N. C. 



The scope of this work does not permit us to enter further into this subject, 

 but full information as to the varieties of seeds adapted to the several types cao 

 be obtained from Major Ragland as above. 



PREPARATION OF PLANT BEDS. 



There are two modes for raising plants — in hot bed or cold frame, or in the 

 epen air; one or the other of which has preference according to locality — the 

 former being more practiced north of forty degrees latitude, while the latter is 

 preferred south of that line. We will here give both, that planters may choose. 



For a hot bed, select a southern or southeastern exposure, sheltered on the 

 north, dig and shovel out a space five by twelve feet or any required length, to 

 the depth of eighteen inches. Place straw to the depth of three or four inches in 

 the bottom of this trench, and cover with fresh unrotted manure from the stable 

 to the depth of six or eight inches; then cover the manure with soil (woods mould 

 is best) five inches deep. How to cover the bed Math canvas will be presently 

 described. 



Tobacco seed is sown on the bed thus prepared at the rate of two teaspoon- 

 fuls to a bed five by twelve feet. To sow regularly, mix the seed with a fertilizer, 

 ashes, or plaster, and sow in drills three inches apart. When the plants have 

 pretty well covered the surface of the bed, remove the canvas during the day, and 

 only replace it when there is dangft" of frost, or to keep off" the flea-bugs. There 

 is the advantage of having earlier plants by this mode and perfect security against 

 the flea-bug, which will repay for the additional cost of raising at least a portion 

 of the plants needed for the crop by this safe mode. 



But there is no question that open air beds are cheapest. And where this 

 mode of raising plants is practicable, it is greatly to be preferred for the main 

 supply of plants. It is the well-established opinion that plants raised in the 

 open air stand transplanting better and usually grow off" quicker than plants 

 raised in hot bed or cold irame. 



On the selection of a proper locality for a plant bed, and its preparation 

 largely depends the timely supply of strong, healthy plants, without which it 

 is impossible to raise a crop of fine grade. The planter, therefore, cannot be too 

 careful in choosing a sheltered spot, neither too wet nor too dry, as rich naturally 

 as can be found, and located so as to possess different degrees of moisture. 



Go into the woods — original forest, if possible — and select a spot near a 

 branch or stream of water, embracing both hill-side and flat, and having a 

 southern or southeastern exposure, protected by woods on the north. Burn over 

 the plat intended for plants, either by the old or new method. The first consists 

 in placing down a bed of wood on small skids three to four feet apart on the 

 ground well cleared and raked. Then fire this bed of wood and permit it to 

 remain burning long enough to cook the soil brown for half an inch deep. With 

 hooks, or old hoes fastened to long poles, pull the burning mass of brands a 

 distance of four and one-half or five feet, throw on brush and wood, and continue 

 burning and moving the fire until the bed is burned over. Never burn when tha. 



