1908J Cultivation of Tobacco in Ireland. $ij 



Varieties. — All classes of tobacco have been produced, 

 embracing the principal types of American and other leading 

 tobaccos. Over fifty varieties of seed, including hybrids and 

 Irish-saved seed, have been tested. The results of these trials 

 are not yet decisive as to the best class of tobacco for growing 

 in Ireland. It has been possible, however, to select, somewhat 

 definitely, certain types of each class and to discard many 

 varieties. So far the common class of pipe-smoking tobacco 

 seems the safest for general growing, having regard both to 

 production and sale. Lissard Tail, Yellow and Blue Pryor, 

 are the best varieties of this type. Red Burley, for brown 

 roll wrappers and bright shag cutters, is produced almost as 

 easily as Pryor and Lissard Tail, and the crop is more re- 

 munerative. It does not, however, sell so freely. 



Cigarette and pipe-cutting tobaccos were made last season 

 with promising results. A very superior bright cutter is 

 probably the most promising tobacco yet produced in Ireland. 

 Coloury strains of White Burley are best for the purpose. 



Two distinct varieties of Turkish, viz., Lataki and Samos, 

 were produced commercially last season, 1907, with en- 

 couraging results. It is yet premature to judge of their exact 

 value. The experiments will be tried more extensively in 

 1908. . . . 



Cigar wrapper of standard types has been produced. The 

 cultivation of this tobacco is most difficult ; a high standard 

 of quality being demanded. The experiments seem well worth 

 following up. Sumatra and Cuba are the most promising 

 varieties. American Seedleaf varieties grow luxuriantly, but 

 the produce is inherently inferior to Sumatra and Cuba. The 

 cost of producing cigar filler in Ireland is out of proportion to 

 its quality. 



The methods of culture found most suitable for Irish con- 

 ditions are briefly as follows : — 



Seedbeds. — Glass-covered hotbeds of simple efficient con- 

 struction are made with 18 in. or more of manure, 4 in. of 

 fertile top soil, surfaced with pulverised, sterilised, garden 

 loam ; -i oz. of tested seed to be sown to every 6x4 ft. 

 sash by mixing with one quart of wood ashes or fine sand. 

 Careful attention is needed to watering, ventilation, weeding 

 and thinning. 



(4233) • 2 K 



