746 
Notes on the Cultivation of Tobacco 
there is a maximum quantity of potash united with organic 
acids in the tobacco-plant towards the 75th day of its germina- 
tion,* and at the period when the superficial development of 
the lower leaves ceases. Also that there is an uninterrupted 
increase in the quantity of nicotine, from the germination of 
the seedling to the maturity of the disbudded plant. Further, 
that atmospheric conditions have a manifest influence upon the 
proportions of potash and nicotine, humidity hastening the 
assimilation of potash and retarding the elaboration of nicotine, 
while heat favours the latter operation. 
A variety of considerations of much practical and theoretical 
interest are suggested by the experiments of these two eminent 
men, and have been fully discussed by them. In the present 
experimental condition of tobacco-growing in England, it is 
only necessary to mention the following : — 
(1.) That the influence of potash is specially physical, not 
adding to the weight of the crop, nor having any 
appreciable effect upon the percentage of nicotine 
which it contains, but giving to the leaves fineness 
and suppleness. 
(2.) That therefore the best cigars are made when the leaves 
are gathered before maturity, and when they contain 
the greatest quantity of potash. 
The great question for the grower is, whether it would pay 
him better to harvest his tobacco early for the sake of extra 
quality, or to allow it to become more ripe for the sake of extra 
quantity. I have no data bearing upon this question, except 
the results of two experiments made by M. Blot himself in 
France, where the prices are fixed a year in advance by a 
Government department, and where, therefore, competition finds 
no place. 
M. Blot's first experiment was made in the Department of the 
Gironde in 1873, where the experimental plot of plants, gathered 
before ripeness, gave a crop at the rate of 1380 kilos per hectare, 
and a gross return of 1010 fr., at the price of 73 ^r. 18 c. 
per 100 kilos, fixed by the Regie. A similar plot of tobacco, 
gathered when fully ripe, yielded at the rate of 1640 kilos, and 
a money return of 11 GO fr., at the Regie price of 70 fr. 73 c. 
per 100 kilos. Therefore the production of the finer quality 
in this case entailed a loss upon the grower of 150 Ir. per 
hectare, or 48.9. per acre. 
The second experiment was made in 1881, in the Department 
"du Nord," with the variety of tobacco known as " Pas dc 
Calais." The produce of the immature plants was at the high 
♦ In our climate the number of days would probably be different. 
