The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1891-12-26
TOBACCO DEPARTMENT.
THE BEDs-sEED.

THE BEDS-SEED.
With this issue we commence writing
alb )ut the tobacco interests OF 1892. BEDS
come first. Seed really comes first but we
presume the tobacco grower who reads
this article has them laid away long ago
ready for planting time. II he has not ii
is high time he was securing goodly sup
ply, enough to plant beds every two weeks
during the first two months of 1899.
The seed should be of the Vuelta Absjo
variety and NO OTHER because ii has been
thoroughly tested and is beyond doubt
the bsst for Middle Florida, because it pro-
duces both wrappers and filters. each be-
| ing of an excellent quality. Don't SOW q
grain of the new seeds that has come in
this season from the Vuelts de Abajo, Dis.
trict of Cuba; do not plant 1t for crop:
scclimaie 1t first and secure seed from some
reputable grower for field purposes this
year.
Bear It in mind, and under no circum.
stanc,s should you for one moment forget
II, that the starting point of the crop is the
seed and they have not received the atten-
ton they should, as many planters, by this
time, well know, from their financial re-
turns. Again, we say with emphasis (be-
cause we want all of you to start off on the
right foot) the seed has very important
place in the business, for without good,
pure seed Of the very best variety Of the
kind we have indicated in the foregoing.
everything else may appear favorable, yet
failure is almost sure.
Often we hear it said that the Cuba seed
should only be us1d year or two after
importation, because it deteriorates, runs
out, or runs into seed leaf and all that sort
Of stuff. We are not believer in that
sort of statements, because we haYe seen
actual tests of seed planted three years
in succession and a very fine ma
hogany leaf made from the plant
ing. In the course Of seven or ten
years change in soil, climate, size and
Fagance probably may occur. but even
with these changes, if the soil is properly
cultivated and cured, the quality of the
VIZ spper will still be good.
Next month February and March are the
three months to SOW be1s in this ortion Of
the state, the two former months have
proved to be the most favorable and have
produced the best results as Tar as our
observ itions 60. The March beds are
really intended 10 be used for resettings nd
by all means put them where water is
handy, because, if you do not, along will
co ne the dry " ssther of late April and
early May and no wlter, consequently
they will not be cared for and die they
suTely will. We know of lots of growers
this season who failed to take this same
advice we are now giving to you that we
gave to them and they had a scattered
ragged field. They won't do SO
any more, I'll promise you that
they have been to old man Ex-
perience's school. He charges high, but
when once he gives lesson it is never
forgotten.
Rich upland, as far away from timber as
possible, on slightly incling raise Of the
ground, facing the south. is the proper
place for the beds. On these spots dig or
pillow up all-remember the word "all'-
stumps, roots, sticks, then throw them out.
Never stop until the sill is thoroughly
pulveTizei. Slope the surface 90
that no water win stand on the
beds lay poles across the ends and center
on which pile logs, bush, sticks or any
thing in the shape of hard wood that will
make strong ashe.. Don't be afraid o.
putting on too much-the more the better
Burn in the NOR ling oil, the day you In.
tend to SOW. Just before sowing, with q
wooden rake 60 over the beds and thor
ougtl mix the ashes with the soil, ther
SOW and rake in. Press the dirt down
firmly all over the bed, either with q
board or the feet.
| This must be done. Mix the seed with
ashes and be careful not to SOW too thick
Beds Gown too thick never produce half the
good blocky pl ants, the thin oaes do
Make the beds one rod square and only nee
one keeping table spoonful OF seed.
| Il should BE- remembered first and las
that the sooner the beds are sown the
greater the chances ofsuccess, as the earlier
Lea. the better; another reason, th,
earlier se,tidgs b much. easier kfowu
i and less trouble than the late setting
Last seafoa We owsrei our beds with .
| fsw light brush which kept stock fton
ltramping the BEDS and the rain iron bsat
Ing the soil away nom the roots Of Thu
Iyonng plnnis.
i Dnsnine may seem . b Of 10 value 4
&c., kul & undoubeodly = One Snnoon
/ I ~ ~ 9 - inoeoee = the viclnl0 @