The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-08-30
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HOUSE, FARM AND GARDEN.
When and How to Cut Tobacco.

A Lancaster county tobacco raiser
sends us The following There are
farmers in Perry county who have not
followed tobacco growing for many
years. To enable such to understand
the best methods TO grow, house and
cure, 1t Is proper that the experienced
grower should give his experience, and
the less experienced should read and
learn.
THE TEST OF RIPENIcss.
In from two to three weeks after 1t has
been topped the tobacco plant begins to
ripen. The change that then occurs in
the plant is very marked and not to be
mistaken, even by an observant novice.
The uniform green color of the leaves Is
no longer maintained. They assume a
mottled or spotted appearance. These
spots are not always alike in color, but
are by turns yellowish, reddish and
brownish. They are discernable at a
considerable distance from the plant
The upper leaves should also have ex-
panded until they approach the lower
ones in size, and the plant presents
something of q uniform appearance. If,
however, those signs are not sufficient,
another is at hand to lend its confirma-
tion. When ripe, the leaves become
more brittle and when taken between
the fingers and doubled up they break
easily. Either of these indications is an
infallible sign of maturity, although the
former is much the safest guide to new
beginner. By watching it closely he
cannot be deceived or make mistake.
WHEN TO CUT TOBACCO.
In plant that natures as slowly as
tobacco, there are as matter of course,
various stages of ripeness, which may
perplex the grower somewhat.
If the heaviest possible yield is the
only object, then undoubtedly, fully
ripe plant will give the most weight
Then the plants have attained their full
est possible development, and are richest
in gum, which does not evaporate as the
ordinary juices of the plant do, but
remains, adding to the weight. Cutting
tobaccos, those grown in the South and
used for the manufacture of plug tobac-
co, are not cut until they are fully ripe.
If not cut when fully matured it will
begin to decrease in weight. Among
many of the growers in Pennsylvania,
this same course is followed. But just
here the matter of color steps in and
largely directs the matter. Our best
growers have demonstrated to their
entire satisfaction that tobacco when cut
before it is fully ripe will cure richer,
darker brown than when left to mature
fully and as the ultimate value is large
ly dependent on its dark chestnut color,
this settles the matter. There may be
a slight loss in weight, it is true, but the
increased price the product commands
more than compensates for the loss in
pounds. But this is not the only reason
for early cutting, ,Ialthough it is amply
sufficient in itself. Rain and hail storms
are not unfrequent in tobacco, growing
regions, and all are aware how these can
damage crop. We have seen splen-
did crop, ready to cut, reduced to poor
filters in five minutes. This is a coutin-
gency likely to occur at any hour and
not to be lightly regarded. A single day
may decide whether the crop will sell for
% or cents. Then, again, if the tobac-
co is late crop, ell-known acquaint-
ance of the farmer Familiarity called Jack
Frost, sometimes comes along when his
presence is little desired, and he will set
tie the value of the crop even more
effectually than the tobacco worms, the
grasshoppers, or the flea beetles. A
timely removal of the crops from the
field is the only remedy against this
danger.
The weight of the various advantages
is, therefore, clearly on the side of early
cutting, and the Lancaster county plan
ters have, as rule, made that fact one
of the vital points in their tobacco grow
ing.
WHEN NOT TO CUT TOBACCO.
One of the essential constituents of to-
bacco is the resinous gum so palpable to
the touch when green leaf is handled
1t is one of its most valuable properties,
and being freely exuded by the glands of
the leaf,is liable to be washed off by rains,
Tobacco should, therefore never be cut
Immediately after rain. Wait three or
four days, during which the plant will
again secrete the necessary supply OF