New Britain herald., 1923-07-14

A Connecticut man travelling In tn,
 south recently was discussing th'
 wonders of his native state. He de
 scribed the miles and miles of manu | featuring establishments and finall.
 reached the subject of agriculture II
 which, he admitted, other sections O.
 the country were superior.
 But you should see our tobacct
 fields when the crop is well de
 veloped," he said.
 | Tobacco in Connecticut?" one oi
 his smoking compartment acquain-
 tances asked in surprise. You don't
 mean to tell me thateConnecticut pro- duces tobacco"
 The man from the land of steady
 habits assured him that the farmers of the Connecticut river valley have the tobacco habit very strong and that their crops are valued atsmillions of dollars yearly. -~
 Just what part tobacco plays in the agricultural life of Connecticut is de- scribed by Judge Levi M. P. Hickey in book published by the state de- partment of agriculture. During the 1922 season, Judge Hickey's article shows, the acreage of each type raised in the state was: Broadleaf, 12,S07: Havana seed. 1851; shade, S. 333: Havana primed, 725; round tip. 40. Broadleaf tobacco Is grown principally on the east side of the Connecticut river and Havana seed on the west side of the stream.
 The yield per year is declining, statistics prove. In 1922, the average yield per acre was about 1,200 pounds. Only a few years ago, the average yield was as high as 1,7Do pounds. Tobacco raisers are endeavoring to correct this situation by modern methods of agriculture and hope that before long their plantations will re- turn larger crops. The total value of the Connecticut river harvest for the past season will be about $20,004000.
 Raising tobacco requires special knowledge. In April the seeds are planted in seed beds usually after the soil has been sterilized. From that time until they are transplanted, the plants are dusted and sprayed to pro- tect them from wildfire, which has caused damage running into the hun dreds of thousands. Transplanting takes place in May and June and within 70 days the crop Is ready for the harvest. Before the middle of September, it is placed in curing barns. Precautions must be taken against pole sweat. When the leaf Is thoroughly cured it is packed in bales prior to being sorted into different grades. Later it is packed into cases, put through the sweating process and is then ready for manufacture into cigars. ,.
 In former years, the producer not only grew his tobacco but also sold 1t. Today the Connecticut Valley Tobac- % association handles the selling problem. The association has 2,400 members in Connecticut and 24,000 in New England.
 All the experts are not agreed on he business outlook. In the past | week the opinion has been expressed | hat the business man should begin | 70 take in sail Some of the noted | ,peciaIists predict that trade will de- 'line within the next few months and hey advise cautious buying.
 To offset this. there are others who annot understand why the business ituation should cause worry. They 'oint to the fact that manufacturers re receiving orders and that the fac ories are busy, even though there is 70 intense rush.
 The outlook was discussed this yeek by Louis G. Kaufman. president f the Chatham and Phenix national ank in New York city. He does not all in line with the prophets who see