9 



as fill all the requirements that are exacted by the trade in the 

 finished leaf. 



In a field of growing tobacco, many types may be observed. 

 The best should be selected for seed. By protecting the seed 

 heads or keeping all other plants well topped, cross fertilization 

 may be avoided. 



Seed plants should have the small upper leaves and all the 

 sprouting seed branches and suckers removed and seed only 

 saved from the center head. All the large leaves should remain 

 on the plant until seed is mature, when the pod turns brown in 

 color. 



PLOWING AND TRANSPLANTING. 



The land selected for a tobacco field should be such as can be 

 plowed both ways. It should be sheltered from the high trade 

 winds that sometimes blow with great force. Small square plots, 

 of from 2 to 5 acres each, would form good fields for a small 

 planter, especially if surrounded by the forest. It is well to 

 plow the land some little time in advance of the planting. 



Tobacco being a tap-rooted plant, in some instances sending its 

 roots down to a depth of 2 feet or more, requires that tillage 

 shall be deep in preparing the land to receive the young plants. 

 The soil should be plowed to a depth of at least 12 inches. The 

 work must be done in such a manner that the sub-soil is 

 not brought to the surface. Have the soil fine and loose but 

 leave the sterile, acid sub-soil underneath where nature placed it. 

 Put the soil in good, mellow condition, as it pays to do so for 

 any crop. 



As soon as the land is plowed and harrowed, the field should 

 be poisoned to kill pokos, army worms, Japanese beetles and the 

 various pests usually abundant in newly turned land. There are 

 two remedies which are of about equal value. Sow one or the 

 other of the following broadcast over the newly plowed land : 



Arsenicated Horse-manure. To 40 pounds of dried, fresh horse 

 manure, as free from straw as possible, add 6 to 8 ounces Paris 

 Green mixed with 5 pounds of common salt. Stir until the salt 

 and Paris Green are thoroughly incorporated in every part of the 

 manure. This amount is sufficient for one acre. 



Poisoned bran. To 2 pecks of bran or coarse cornmeal, add 4 

 ounces Paris Green or 8 ounces disparene and 2 quarts of molasses 



