(3) The handsetting method of transplanting is tedious and exacting 
and the one least used today. One worker drops the seedlings in 
the proper places in the rows, and one or sometimes two others 
follow to make the holes and set the plants. 
The spacing of the plants in the fields differs widely according to the 
various types. The width between rows averages from 3 to 4 feet, with the 
plants ranging from 12 to 24 inches apart in the rows. This spacing allows for 
a range of 5,000 to 11,000 plants per acre. 
The methods of cultivation of tobacco crops are similar to those prac- 
ticed in connection with other crops, the main purpose being to keep the soil 
loose and the weeds down. It is important that the soil be well drained and 
aired. About four cultivations are made of most types, the last one being 
about 10 days before the normal topping time. 
Topping. When the plant begins to mature, usually at or before flower- 
ing it is "topped,"' that is, the top or crown is broken off at about the 
third branch below the seed head, so as to cause the rest of the plant to 
develop more fully. The state of development of the plant at the time of top- 
ping affects the thickness and color of the leaves. For some types, several 
of the bottom leaves are also removed at topping time. The number of leaves 
remaining on the plant after topping usually varies from 16 to 22 in the flue— 
cured, Maryland, burley, and cigar types, and from 10 to 14 in the fire—cured 
and dark air-cured types. Following topping, the "suckers," or side shoots, 
are also removed at intervals to increase the leaf development. 
VAS 
