Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1857-04-16


in or on the check, as may be preferred, for
the reception Of the plant. The hill should
be raised little above the common level Of
the surface-the size of the hill being mat
ter Of fancy with the planter, and not regard
ed as matter Of consequence in the gene
raj. So soon as the plants have attained
sufficient size for transplanting, they may
be drawn from the bed and placed on the
hills whenever there is moisture enough to
prevent their dying. This is generally done
after shower; but, should the land be very
wet, il is best to wait until il dries or settles
some, as the plant will do better yet when
the land is not too wet. The plant, if it
survives the transplanting, will soon CON-
mencc growing, and requires no attention
until the weeds and grass begin TO make
their appearance, and must be subdued by
the plow and the hoe. Should the earth be-
come hard about the plant, the hill should
be lightly scraped with the hoe. This will
greatly promote the growth Of tho plant
When the plant becomes large enough, the
bottom or plant leaves may be broken off,
This is called pruning, and the land may
then be deeply and thoroughly plowed, Ia
king care not to injure the roots Of the plant,
and the plant hilled up by following with
hoes and throwing the loose soil around 1t.
In land that has been kept clean this may be
the last plowing; the weeds and bushes may
be kept down with the hoe, should any ap-
pear. When the plant is large enough to
top, the leaves nearest the ground are to be
broken off and the bud taken out, leaving
on the stalk the number designed for the
plant. a 7ss..ra.
The number of leaves, as was remarked
about the size of the hill, is much matter
Of fancy; yetit has more to do in forming
the future character Of the tobacco than most
planters seem apprised Of Experience has
fully demonstrated that ten leaves are suffi-
cient for plant, and this is almost uni
versal practice among our best planters
The first plants, if the sscrop has grown of
unevenly may be placed at twelve leaves;
the next topping may be ten, and as the sea-
son advances the number may be lessened,
as the appearance of the crops and the sea-
son,indicate. This will insure moro uni.
formity in the maturing oflhe crop, and saves
much labor, and adds TO the value of the
crep, making it more uniform in quality. Al
this stage Of the crop, the care and attention
of the planter are almost constantly required
TO keep off the worms and other insect.
which prey upon it, and in breaking off the
suckers which soon appear upon the stalk
at every leaf; ample employment may be af'
forded to every idler about the premises.
As the plant approaches maturity, it begins
to thicken, and assumes stiff, slick, ant
motley appearance, which the most unprac
ticed eye will readily detect. Should thu
weather be favorable (viz: dry), the frs
ripe plants may be permitted to remair
standing until sufficient quantity is maturet
to satisfy the planter in making a regular
cutting. If, however, the weather be un
propiiious, it is best TO cut as fast as il ma
lures, as il is subject to injury under sucf
circumstances If suffered to remain TOO long
The harvesting of the crop is an importan
period in its cultivation, and neglect upoI
the part Of the planter will bring loss in it
future value. In cutting the plant, a sharl
knife is to be used, and the stalk to be spli
about half its length, taking care not to breal
the leaves or otherwise injure them, and tn
plant to be set with the butt Of the stalk up
exposed to the sun. So soon as the plant i
wilted enough to handle without breaking
> they should be taken up and laid in a heal
Of seven to nine in place, being governed
by the size, and hung as soon as possible L
prevent being scorched by the sun. Th'
after part fthe day is best for cutting
there is less danger Of getting the plant sun
burnt. The sticks upon which The plant
sre hung are small split pieces Of timber fou
feet long, and of sufficient size to supper
the plants. These are taken to the barn ii
a cart or wagon after receiving the plants
or may be placed upon scaffolds in the field
at the option Of the planter. If the weathe
is fair, it is best to sun it, as it aids tn
curing and adds 10 the strength and elasti
city of the leaf after it is cured. Car
should be taken not to place the sticks to
close if the weather be damp and warm, a
there is danger ofinjuring the plant. Afte
remaining on the scaffold few days, it be
] comes yellow, or assumes the color of lea
, in autumn; it must then be carried to tn
barn or curing-house, and placed away
keeping the sticks far enough apart to Sc
s cure free circulation Of air through them
3 If the weather is wet, it is best 10 take III
9 plants to the house at once. and let the vel
y lowing process take place in the house