5i2 Cultivation of Tobacco in Ireland. [oct., 



the Board think it useful to publish the following memorandum 

 which has been prepared by the Department of Agriculture 

 for Ireland on the experiments conducted during the past 

 seven years in the cultivation of tobacco in that country : — 



Experiments in the growing of tobacco have been carried 

 out under the auspices of the Irish Department of Agriculture 

 since the year 1900. In the earlier years the experiments 

 were for the most part conducted on small plots widely dis- 

 tributed and the curing of the leaf was effected under great 

 disadvantages. The results showed, however, that tobacco 

 could be grown and cured successfully in Ireland, and that a 

 leaf suitable for blending in smoking mixtures could be produced. 



Since the year 1904, inclusive, the experiments have been 

 conducted on a commercial scale. This involved the pro- 

 vision at each experimental centre of equipment for curing 

 and finishing the leaf, as well as the planting of a considerable 

 area with tobacco. In 1904 tobacco was grown on 20 acres 

 at one centre. The number of centres and the area under 

 tobacco were subsequently increased, so that during the past 

 year, 1907, experiments were conducted at eleven centres in 

 the following seven counties : — Louth, Meath, Kings, Kilkenny, 

 Wexford, Cork and Limerick ; the total area cropped being 

 almost 100 statute acres. The work is being continued on the 

 same scale during the current year. 



Since the inauguration, in 1904, of experiments on a com- 

 mercial scale, the seasons have been sufficiently varied to 

 justify the conclusion that, as to yield, tobacco is a fairly 

 certain crop in Ireland upon suitable soils in sheltered 

 situations. 



The experience has been that there is undoubtedly a very 

 narrow margin of growing weather for certain varieties, but 

 generally speaking there is little hazard from frost if proper 

 care be taken. 



Almost any good, dry, tillage soil may be made to produce 

 tobacco, but it nourishes best in a free, open soil, well stocked 

 with vegetable mould and plant food. The capacity of soils 

 for holding sufficient moisture is usually a prominent factor in 

 determining the class of tobacco they are adapted to produce. 

 This factor is, however, of less importance in Ireland owing to 

 the marked humidity of the climate. 



