6 



The curing of the ripe leaf and the fermentation of the cured 

 article, are comparatively recent developments in the science of 

 tobacco culture. These processes were formerly carried on by 

 rule of thumb and the reasons for curing or fermenting were but 

 little understood. It is now, however, generally recognized that 

 curing and fermentation are controllable processes, which, when 

 properly conducted, tend towards improvement of the quality and 

 value of the finished article, the marketable tobacco. 



If we are to produce tobacco on a commercial scale in Hawaii, 

 the rules of experience which have been developed in Cuba, Su- 

 matra or other tobacco-growing lands, must be modified and 

 adapted to our own peculiar local soils, climate and conditions. 



This Report is and can be only preliminary. The results of 

 one year's experimenting indicate that we can grow fine cigar- 

 leaf tobaccos of the Havana type, which can be classed in flavor, 

 texture, aroma and burning qualities with the medium grades 

 of tobacco imported from Cuba. Our volcanic soils are not 

 comparable with the sandy soils of Florida or the limestone 

 soils of Cuba, and yet, the fact remains that we have produced 

 good tobacco and can probably do much better during the com- 

 ing seasons, as a result of more experience and better equip- 

 ment. 



After comparison of our results with those obtained elsewhere 

 in growing tobacco of fine quality, it is believed that uniformity 

 of temperatures, with sufficient moisture during the growing sea- 

 son of the plant, have as much to do with the quality of tobacco 

 as any other physical or climatic factor. If this be true, our re- 

 markable monotony of temperatures and narrow variations, daily, 

 monthly and seasonal, should make it possible to grow in Hawaii 

 fine tobaccos which will, in time, be classed as distinct from those 

 of any other land. 



In the beginning, the market for Hawaiian grown tobaccos 

 will be at home. It will be better in the beginning to develop 

 and cater to the local demand. 



SEED AND SEEDLINGS. 



One of the main items for success in tobacco culture, is to have 

 good, strong, healthy plants ready to transplant to the field at the 

 proper time. Good seed is the first essential in their production, 

 for without good stock to start with, one can hardly expect to ob- 

 tain the best results. How to produce that kind of a plant is still 



question, whether by using a rich soil in seed boxes or beds 



