COMMERCIAL VALUE OF SEED SELECTION, 23 
That the tobacco has merit and will win for itself a place in the 
market is shown by the following statement from the buyers, located 
at Hartford, Conn.: 
Inclosed herewith please find our report on account sales of the Cuban shade-grown 
tobacco purchased through your Department last October, in which you will find all 
of the details and outlays; also the net proceeds which we have received on the amount 
of tobacco which has been sold. 
We are of the opinion that the experiment has been a success on account of now 
having actual data to base further experimentson. The prices obtained for the various 
grades of this tobacco have been, in our opinion, their true value; there is, however, 
no doubt that if the cigar trade had been in a normal condition the entire lot would 
have been sold some time ago. This tobacco has been sold to cigar manufacturers 
‘and leaf-tobacco dealers in various parts of the country, and of the entire number of 
bales seven were sold direct to cigar manufacturers and the balance to leaf dealers. 
In each case the first order was for a single bale only, and in every instance we have 
received duplicate orders, which is the best evidence that the tobacco has merit. 
We are of the opinion that this tobacco can be grown profitably in this section and 
that a demand can be created for same. It being a distinctive type of leaf, it can not 
be used successfully as a substitute for Sumatra or Connecticut Havana seed, but 
should be sold and used for what itis. The yield and burning qualities are excellent 
and the size and shape of the leaf are such as the cigar manufacturers consider 
profitable. : 
In regard to the culture and care of this tobacco, too much stress can not be laid on the 
importance of allowing the tobacco to properly ripen; also, in taking the crop from 
the curing shed with a sufficient amount of moisture, as the success of bulk-sweating 
shade-grown tobacco depends largely on the condition of the same when it is placed 
in the bulk. It should be such that no water would be necessary, either while the 
tobacco is in the bulk or when it is assorted, and none has been used on the crop which 
we have handled. 
The cost of handling can be reduced by having a larger quantity, but with this 
small amount it required extra time to look after small details, which has increased 
the cost of assorting. 
We believe that the growers of the Connecticut Valley can grow shade-grown tobacco 
of the Cuban variety at a profit, but they should commence by growing a few acres 
only and gradually increase up to 10 acres, which is ample for any one grower to care for. 
The following report from the growers shows the initial cost of 
preparing a small field at Tariffville, Conn., for the growing of shade 
tobacco, together with the expense of producing the first crop, 
including that part of the expense of building the frame which should 
be charged to this crop. This report also shows that it is not prac- 
ticable to pack such a small crop, because the bales of tobacco are 
too much broken up to sell to the best advantage. 
Report of Cuban-seed tobacco grown on 303 square rods under cloth in the Connecticut 
Valley. 
COST OF LABOR. 
EDS ee Ry © Se aete e $20. 66 
cee Lay fe eS Sack So Pee he eae eee ae 10. 34 
a a eee, ae ee eg 6. 50 
- Mixing and sowing fertilizer............--.....-.-. See a Pre Fors 46S - 7.04 
158 
