Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian., 1858-11-20

Letter from DR.. Mann---Cuiture OF To.
bacco.
To tho Editors Of tho Ainnesotiam:
DEAR SIR: That what wrote on the cul-
ture Of tobacco may be deserving of some
credit and complementary be read and turn
ed to account by our planters, l will premise
by stating, that though have no individual
experience in the growth of the plant. am
in almost daily communication with very in
telligent gentlemen who have made the raising
and curing of tobacco the business of life.
Through D. j. Brown, Esq, who has charge
of the Agriculture Division of the Patent OF.
flee, am largely indebted, not only for prac-
teal details, but for general information touch
ing this subject in all countries. With the
worth and intelligence of this gentleman the
country is already familiar, and in turn, by
travel, he is familiar with most of the growths
in every section of the world. Two years
spent in Cuba made him familiar with the
growth of tobacco in that island, wherein the
uelta Abajo's" produce the finest tobac-
co in the world.
We come now to Minnesota. No possible
doubt is entertained but the soil of Minnesota
with its hot summer sun will produce this
crop in the greatest abundance, but the un.
proved question of interest is as to its quality,
and profit. TO this question our growers
cannot too earnestly turn their early attention
A man may grow and harvest the plant, as
he would prairie grass, and after all his cost
and labor find it in the market to possess but
little more value. 1t is in this point that
hope to be of service to the agricultural men o.
our State
If the Russians, portion of whose coun'
try is parallel with, and very similar to oul
State, were entirely satisfied with the culture
of the tobacco whose seed was originally
brought from Turkey or Prussia, they would
not be so anxious to possess themselves with
American tobacco. The simple fact that q
Russian agent has recently been purchasing
through Maryland the best seed, of the
choicest varieties at $40; per pound, shows
the esteem in which that tobacco is held by q
country which produces the crop in immense
quantities.
This plant, am informed, is comparatively
small, requires in its culture great care, but is
so delicate in flavor that the increase in price
more than makes up for the smallness of the
yield. The care of this crop does not enc
with its growth; but the greatest skill of man
agement is required until the crop is curet
and packed for market.
The variety most appropriate for our State
Mr.. Brown thinks, is that known as the " Con
| necticut Seed Leaf" This is good variety
of Cuban tobacco acclimated or naturalized
The seed may be procured at from 81 to s!
per pound, but should be selected with grea
care. With this there will be less experiment
less hazard, than perhaps any other variety
yet hope we have farmers who will procur
genuine Cuba and Maryland seed, that tn
process of naturalization may be made unde
| their own care.
The science of raising and curing tobacc
| is at this time receiving very special attention
| from the Agricultural Bureau. The entir
| subject will receive thorough scientific in
vestigation. DR.. jackson, the distinguishe'
Analytic Chemist of Boston, and Professo
Smith of Louisville, KY, are now engaged col
Iecting specimens of plants and soils in differ
ent climates. attitudes and locations where tn
| plant is cultivated, which will be analyzeo
ana all the cOnuIIiVlo vr IL, ~i,.,,auo, Yua
ity Of soil and production, quality and quantit,
of the tobacco, and methods of curing, will b
fully considered and presented to the country
A circular is also being sent to foreign coun
tries, soliciting from them such information a
will make the report complete.
To collect and digest such a mass of matte
| will certainly be herculean task, but whe
complete, its value to the country will be hey
ond calculation. This branch of industry nov
yields annually about 2OO,OOO,OOO pound
1.-TWO hundred millions), and our export abou
$12,OOO,OOO.
l should mention in passing that very pro
fitable account may be made, and is made, Q
| some varieties of American tobacco, where tn
growth is vigorous, the leaf large and entire
| though deficient in aroma, and such delcat
properties as are most esteemed in smokin,
tobacco, by exporting it to Cuba for outsid
wrappers. This fact may be of importanc
to Minnesota farmers, who so far can have bu
little experience in the soil, climate, or it's pro
ductions. I. 7. MANN.