UNCLE SAM SUMATRA VARIETY. 



63 



wrapper variety than other types. In the experimental stages the 

 plants belonging to this type were classed as type 3 and called Su- 

 matra to distinguish it from the other types. As soon as its commer- 

 cial importance was established it was decided to call it the Uncle 

 Sam variety. This name was considered appropriate from the fact 

 that it is probably a striking variation produced by the effect of the 

 change of climatic conditions consequent on the introduction of 

 Sumatra-grown seed into the United States, and while it was dis- 

 covered in the Connecticut 

 Valley it appears probable 

 that it can be successfully 

 produced under shade in 

 Florida. 



The striking character- 

 istics of this variety are 

 extremely round leaves of 

 fine texture, small fine veins 

 growing at right angles 

 from the midrib, the large 

 number of leaves borne by 

 the individual plants, and 

 the wonderful uniformity 

 of size and shape of leaves 

 from the base to the top of 

 the plants. In crops raised 

 from the seed of this va- 

 riety a large proportion of 

 light - colored w r a p pe r 

 leaves are jDroduced, which 

 when wrapt on cigars 

 have a smooth, glossy ap- 

 pearance. The leaves show 

 uniformly a good burn in 

 all practical and experi- 

 mental tests, and there is no 

 undesirable taste or flavor 

 present or noticeable when the wrappers are smoked on cigars. The 

 leaves have a peculiar and very characteristic habit of growth, stand- 

 ing out almost at right angles near the stem, and then drooping 

 slightly near the tips. The quantity of seed produced by plants of 

 this variety is very small, and very few and small suckers develop 

 at any time during the growing season. In figure 9 is shown a typical 

 plant of this variety, while figure 10 shows a typical leaf of this 

 variety grown from self- fertilized seed. 



96 



Fig. 10.— Typical leaf of Uncle Sam Sumatra tobacco, show- 

 ing the ideal shape for cigar-wrapper manufacture. 

 The veins are small and stand out almost at right angles 

 to the midrib, which is very important for the econom- 

 ical cutting of wrappers. 



