The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1894-07-14
FARMER AND PLANTER.
cuLrlvATINo TOBACCO.
A Few Hints to the Raisers of the
Fragrant Weed.

passed through 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 result from
freezing. Often we have seen crust
formed half or 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
week or two later, which may mean
great deal. The farmer that succeeds
in a crisis like this is one that had seed
already swelled 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 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 thought 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 as 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 is time when
the crop should be pushing rapidly for
ward; but if three weeks of dry wealth
er 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 1868 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
a like injury happened to the crop.
This was late crop on account OF dry
June weather, SO the first of July was
reached before planting was finished.
One-half of the crop was not worth
saving. On the other hand, in 49,
more than half the crop was not
planted until the first week in July,
and vet it made an excellent one, fully
maturing and saved without injury in
any way. So the uncertainty about
growing this staple makes the farmer
anxious about getting it out early, that
is in the last weeks of May. Under
favorable circumstances it would ma
ture in September. Every cold wind
that blows after this date warns the
farmer that he might lose in 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 retard the growth
of the plants, or the putting them out,
then favorable season later becomes
a necessity if a 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
session of the space between the rows
If the land has been prepared as II
should have been, before planting, ain
to keep the surface clean by repeated
STRINGS, with view to prevent
evaporation and keep down weeds and
grass.
In answer to a correspondent who de
sires to grow white tobacco instead O
dark, much closer planting is neces
sary. Say rows feet apart and 2 fee
in the row, so that when the crop i
ready for the knife the ground will b
fully covered. The best paying crop
of white tobacco always do SO; Il
fact, the plants should protect eacl
other from too much sun, high wind
and dashing rains. We mean especial
~ during the time of ripening. If tn
point of leaf lies on the ground dun
ing a windy day it will wear an
abrade until it will reduce it to Tugs O
even trash. If the ground between tn
plants is exposed to dashing rains tn
lower leaves will be covered with sol
which will show itslf on the markei
We know little of the dark tobacco e.
cept that weight seems to be the fir
consideration. In the white, howevel
color, style and weight are about {
equal Importance. 1t is a fact we
known that in the white varieties
heavy yield usually shows each {
these qualities. This indicates clearl
the Importance of planting on Ian
that, with. rain in due season an
proper cultivation, will bring resu
SO much to be desired. In a season sue
as we had in 1881, and again last yea
there is no escape. No rain fell durin
July and August. The dismayed farm'
could only view his fields drying up
the scorching sun. To cut or not to CT
was a question he asked himself ever
dsy. We took the course we SO ofts
followed in other days, but now we a
not sure which was right. OF this v
are sure, too much stirring of the sc
during a prolonged drought, especial
if work is done near the plants, is
furious. If any cultivation is necessa
on account of weeds and grass let it
as near the surface as possible.
In answer to many correspondent