The Lafayette gazette. [volume] (Lafayette, La.) 1893-1921, 1894-07-07
FARMER AND PLANTER.
cULTivAT,NG TOBACCO.
A Few Hints - the Raisers Of the
Fragrant Weed.

A Few Hints to the Raisers Of the
Fragrant Weed.
In all our experience we have never
passed through a season as destructive
to tobacco plants as this. The freezes
of the Goth and 27th of March killed
about all the plants that had shown
themselves and injured many of those
left to such an extent that after linger-
ing for several days finally died. This
is the first time in our long experience
that we have seen such a result from
freezing. Often we have seen a crust
formed half an inch thick and yet
the plants came out all right. The
misfortune happened at such an early
date there was plenty Of time to re-
sow. OF course the crop might be a
week or two later, which may mean
great deal. The farmer that succeeds
in a crisis like this is one that had seed
already swe11ed and Immediately re-
sowed. and afterward saw to it that the
surface never wanted for moisture.
This is such an important point that
we deem it proper and right to intro
duce it on every occasion. In a case
like this it is easy to prevent loss by
covering the beds with corn fodder or
straw. We know of several that took
this Precaution and saved their plants
We ourselves admit we IT, ought there
was no danger and lost nearly all; but
say further that we were ready for the
emergency and now have plenty of
plants, though not quite early as we
would desire. If the crop is set the first
half of June there is plenty Of time for
it to mature. provided there is no delay
by dry weather. The latter part of
July and first Of August il time when
the crop should be pushing rapidly for
ward; but if three weeks of dry wealth
err should prevail about this time, the
| crop will not mature properly unless
allowed to remain in the field until
after there is danger Of frost.
In 1863 the crop was badly bitten on
the night of September 10, not confin-
ing itself to low lands, as usually does,
but swept over hill and valley. In 1886
| like injury happened to the crop.
This was n late crop on account of dry
| juno weather. so the first Of July was
| reached before planting was finished.
| saving. On the other hand, in is
| more than half the crop was not
planted until the first week in July.
| and yet it made an excellent one. full
ma turing and saved without injury in
| any way. So the uncertainty about
| growing this staple makes the farmer
| anxious about getting it out early, tina
| is in the last weeks of May. Under
| f0vora bic circumstances it would ma
tnrc in September. Every cold wind
| that blows after this date warns the
| farmer that he might lose in n single
! night the labor of an entire season.
| The present condition of the plants
| renders success somewhat uncertain
| with the crop this year. Should dry
weather intervene to reta,d the growth
| of the plants, Or the putting them out,
| then a favora BILE season later becomes
| a necessity if good crop is to be
| grown. We here take occasion to warn
our friends from disturbing the roots
! of the plants as they begin to take pos
/ <>f f1SaS Iofx. %1,~,>
| If the land has been prepared as it
| should have been. before pla nting. aim
| to keep the surface clean by repeated
| STRINGS. with a view to prevent
| evaporation and keep down weeds and
grass.
In answer to correspondent who de
| s1res to grow white tobacco instead OF
dark, much closer planting is neces
sary. Say rows feet apart and feet
| in the row. so that when the crot, is
ready for the knife the grout,d will be
fully covered. The best paying crops
| OF white tobacco, always do so: i1
fact, the plnnts should protect each
| other from too much sun. high winds
| and dashing rains. We mean especial
ly during the time of ripening. If tn.
point Of leaf lies on the grous,d dur
ing Il windy day it will wear anc
ahrade until it will reduce it to Jugs o,
! even trash. If the ground between the
/ pis'ACS AS S-ABoNS>l W 1sSnlnR rains Cn&
| lower leaves will be covered with soil
| which will show itslf on the market
| We know little of tho dark tobacco ex
| cept that weight seems to be the frs,
| consideration. In the white, however
! color, style and weight arc about O.
| equal Importance. 1t is IL fact wr,l
| known that in the white varieties :
| heavy yield usually shows each O.
| these qualities. This indicates clearly
| the Importance of planting on lane
| that, with rain in due season pnc
proper cultivation, will bring a result
| SO much to be desired. In n season sucl
as we had in 1881. and again last year
there is no escape. No rain fell during
| July and August. The dismayed farmer
could only view his fields drying up i,
/ the scorching sun. To cut or not to Gu
! was a question he asked himself ever,
| day. We took the course we SO Otter
followed in other days, but now we ar,
not sure which was right. OF this w.
are sure, too much stirring of the sol
during a prolonged drought, especial,
| if work is done near the plants, is in
| furious. If any cultivation is ncccssar,
on account of weeds and grass let it b,
| as near the surface possible.
In answer toe many correspondent.
I about the different varieties of Burle,
tobacco, seed, fertilizing. ETC., we would
cheerfully answer all if our opinion:
| were not pu blished in Home and Farm
| The expenditure of a small sum for tn.
| paper is the shortest way out Of the
| difficulty, as we expect to continue ou1