244 FARM CROPS 



one to three weeks before the plants are set, the 

 rows are laid out, usually 3 to 3^ feet apart. The 

 distance between the rows varies with the different 

 varieties and the localities. When the plants are 

 from 4 to 6 inches high in the seed bed, they are 

 ready for transplanting. The bed is thoroughly 

 watered so as to prevent injury to the roots. Pull- 

 ing up in the morning is a good practice as the 

 leaves, in doing so, are less liable to be injured. 

 The plants are now packed in small boxes or baskets 

 with the roots pressed together, the same as with 

 cabbage or sweet potatoes. These are covered with 

 a damp cloth and set in a cool, shady place until 

 ready to be set out. If the weather is warm and 

 clear, planting late in the day is preferable, but 

 if the weather is dark and cloudy, anytime will do. 

 Transplanting machines are now replacing hand 

 planting. 



Cultivation. — In ten days to two weeks after the 

 plants have been set out, it is advisable to start cul- 

 tivation. The real secret of growing good tobacco 

 is in keeping the land free from weeds and the soil 

 in the best of tilth. Cultivation, therefore, should 

 be thorough and continuous; and shallow cultiva- 

 tion is preferable to deep cultivation. Any injury 

 to the plant roots will check the growth and thus 

 affect the leaf. Rapid growth gives a finer leaf 

 than the slow growth. This is one reason why the 

 soil needs to be fertile. When the plant begins to 

 bud, horse cultivation should cease. 



All plants excepting those that are to be kept for 

 seed are topped. During the season, the suckers 

 are usually removed two or three times. If the 

 suckers be permitted to grow, an inferior tobacco 

 would result. Tobacco raisers should make it a 



