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BUEEAU OF AGEICULT

AGRteULTURAL
pELlBRARY,

UNIVERSITY

—OP-
CALIFORNIA.

FAKMERS' BULLETIlSr ISTO. 5

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO

BY

CXiARENCE W. DORSET,

Soil Physicist, in Charge of Soil Investigations.

PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE CHIEF OF THE BUREAU.

MANILA:

BUREAU OF PUBLIC PRINTING.
1903.

I

5364

CONTENTS

Page.
4
Letter of transmittal- "

Introduction _

Requirements of the tobacco manufacturer.--

Preparation of seed bed

Selection of the land

Cultivation of the crop

Harvesting and curing. ^^

Growing tobacco under shade

Conclusions '

o

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.

as a

Bureau of Agriculture,
Manila, P. L, April 22, 1903.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for publication
Farmers' Bulletin of this Bureau, a paper on the cultivation of tobacco.
Tobacco occupies a prominent place among the list of exports of the
Islands, but the quality of the product is inferior to that formerly grown,
and the cultivation of the plant does not receive the attention it should.
The cultivation of this profitable crop deserves more widespread atten-
tion, for the soil and climatic conditions in many parts of the Philippines
are favorable for growing tobacco that can successfully compete with the
finest grades produced in the world. To raise tobacco of superior quality,
it is necessary that the greatest care and attention should be taken at
every stage of growth of the plant, and the present paper is written with
the intention of arousing greater interest in the industry and describing
some of the more important features of its cultivation.
Respectfully,

Clarence W. Dorset,

Soil Physicist.
Prof. F. Lamson-Scribner,

Chief, Bureau of Agriculture.
4

CULTIYATION OF TOBACCO.

INTRODUCTION.

In the present paper an effort will be made to describe briefly the
methods employed in modern cultivation of tobacco, to treat of recent
successes in growing tobacco under shade in the United States, and also
describe the conditions of tobacco culture in Sumatra with especial
reference to the industry in the Philippines.

In the preparation of this paper the bulletins of the United States
Department of Agriculture relating to the cultivation of tobacco have
been very freely used and much information has been obtained from the
gentlemen connected with the leading tobacco companies in Manila.

Philippine tobacco has long been held in high esteem in the Orient,
and Manila cigars maintain the same rank in eastern countries that
Havana cigars occupy in Europe and America. To-day tobacco stands
third among the exports from the Philippines. During the year
1900, according to the Monthly Summary of Commerce and Finance of
the United States, 11,743,336 kilos of tobacco, valued at $1,906,436,
United States currency, were exported from the Islands. Tobacco was
introduced into the Philippines shortly after the Spaniards took pos-
session, seed having been brought from Mexico by Spanish missionaries.
Little effort was made by the Government to restrict or encourage the
cultivation of tobacco until 1781, when the cultivation and sale of tobacco
was decreed a State monopoly. While this monopoly was in force,
the natives in the large tobacco districts of Luzon were subjected
to great inconveniences and even hardships. Each family was com-
pelled to grow 4,000 plants and deliver the entire crop to the agents of
the government. None of the crop could be reserved for the use of the
planter, and a fine was imposed when the crop was short. After the
crop was harvested the leaves were selected and bought by Government
agents, and bundles of inferior leaves were rejected and burned. Native
houses were searched for concealed tobacco and fines and penalties
imposed on those who did not comply with all the requirements of the
monopoly. Early in the nineteenth century many riots and disturbances
arose out of the difficulties in meeting the harsh provisions of the law.

In the Visayan and southern Islands the monopoly was not in force,
but tobacco raising was not generally practiced until the middle of the

6 farmers' bulletin.

nineteenth century. The profits from the monoply annually amounted
to several million pesos, but was finally abolished on December 31,
1882. Since that time the cultivation and manufacture of the crop has
been in the hands of private individuals and companies. At the present
time the greater part of the tobacco grown in the Islands comes from
Luzon. The products of Isabela and Cagayan Provinces are the most
highly esteemed, while considerable quantities are produced in Union
and the Ilocos Provinces, on the west coast of northern Luzon. Xueva
Ecija formerly raised a fair grade of tobacco, but the cultivation has
fallen off in late years. The writer saw in Batangas Province many
small fields that would aggregate many hundreds of hectares of tobacco.
This is largely used fot local consumption, and is of inferior quality.
Tobacco is grown in small quantities in the Visayan and southern islands,
the greatest amounts probably being produced in Masbate, Tablas, Panay,
Bohol, Leyte, Siquijor, Negros, and Mindanao.

Philippine tobacco is nearly all utilized in the manufacture of cigars
and cigarettes, and finds a ready sale in Spain (which consumes more than
one-half of the total production), England, Hongkong (where it is
shipped to Asiatic ports), and British East India. During the year
1900 these countries bought more than seven-tenths of the entire crop.
The agreeable aroma and flavor of the better grades of tobacco grown in
the Islands have won for it a high place among the fine cigar tobaccos
of the world, and, for a long time, it ranked next to the celebrated Cuban
tobacco. When we consider the desirable qualities of Philippine tobac-
co, with the imperfect cultivation, curing, and fermentation it receives,
and the improvements and advances that have been made in other
tobacco countries, it becomes at once evident that every "care and attention
should be given the crop to enable it to regain its former position, if not
to make it superior to the finest tobaccos grown in the world.

The markets of the United States offer every inducement for the
improvement and spread of the Philippine tobacco industry. This
becomes all the more evident when we consider the vast sums of money
annually expended by the United States for foreign tobacco. During the
year ending June 30, 1900, the United States, according to official
statistics of the agricultural imports of the United States, paid for Cuban
tobacco $7,615,991, United States currency, and $4,569,271, United
States currency, for Sumatra tobacco. During this same year the Philip-
pines exported to the United States only a few hundreds of dollars worth
of tobacco, or less than one-hundredth of one per cent of the tobacco
importations of that country. While it may be true that Philippine
tobacco may never entirely supplant Cuban and Sumatra tobacco in the
United States, there is certainly every inducement to encourage and
improve the industry until modern cultural methods have realized to
the fullest extent the highest perfection of the crop.

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 7

REQUIREMENTS OF THE TOBACCO MANUFACTURER.

In the manufacture of high-grade cigars certain essentials are neces-
sary. The tobacco must burn smoothly and freely, with a pleasant taste —
not rank and strong, nor too mild. When the taste is pleasant, not sharp
and bitter, the aroma will invariably be good. The cigar that possesses the
above qualities will meet with a ready sale. The wrapper of the cigar, as
distinguished from the filler, must be light in color, rich in grain, thin in
texture, small in vein and stem, very elastic, and of good burning quality.
It should stretch and cover well, have little aroma and appear well on the
cigar. The most desirable sizes are 40 and 45 centimeter leaves, for from
such leaves the manufacturer can obtain four cigar wrappers from each
leaf, with but little waste. After such a suitable wrapper leaf is grown, it
must be properly cured, assorted and classified. The manufacturer can
never afford to pay a high price for a bale of tobacco, unless he can cal-
culate just how many suitable leaves it will contain. This is one reason
why Sumatra tobacco commands such a high value, for so carefully is the
grading and assorting done that the manufacture knows how many cigars
each package of tobacco will wrap, and that the color will be uniform.
Wrapper tobacco should be uniform in size, color, and texture; then the
buyer knows what he is getting and is willing to pay a good price.

For cigar fillers the leaves should be somewhat shorter, of medium
body, have a rich brown color and burn smoothly and freely. The quality
of the filler determines the character of the cigar; hence the filler must
possess the desirable aroma that distinguishes a good cigar.

Philippine tobacco has some of the above properties and has earned
its reputation, on account of its agreeable aroma, fine veins and notable
elasticity. This applies only to the better quality of tobacco grown on
the alluvial lands of the Cagayan Eiver in northern Luzon. The tobacco
grown in the Visayan Islands is coarser, uneven in color, and of greater
strength. From the provinces along the west coast of northern Luzon
the tobacco is of heavy body, and that grown near the sea has but little
combustibility. Its ragged, broken character also lowers its market
value. The tobacco grown in Nueva Ecija was formerly considered fine,
but the color was a decided yellow, and the taste somewhat bitter.

PREPARATION OF SEED BED.

No step in the cultivation of tobacco is more important than proper
care in the preparation and sowing of the seed beds. This work can not
be neglected without running the risk of a partial or total failure of the
crop. To make good seed beds is a laborious task and requires good
judgment in the selection of the location, soil and in the preparation of
the land. To have plenty of good, strong, healthy plants is the surest
foundation for a good crop of tobacco, provided they are from seed true

8

FARMERS BULLETIN.

to the desired standard. It is very important that in the preparation of
the seed bed an abundant supply of seed should be sown, and provisions
made for a succession of plants; so that, when the planting season
comes, the supply of plants suitable for transplanting will be ample for
the purpose, and the supply will be maintained throughout the period in
which the planting is to be done.

P'iG. 1. — Transplanting tobacco plants by machine.

The best soil for the seed bed is a rich, friable, dark, virgin loam or
sandy loam. A deep, well-drained soil is greatly to be preferred. The
necessary operations of tilling and stirring the soil should precede sowing
the seed by several weeks. It is usually customary to thoroughly plow
or spade the land and mark the land off into a number of beds surrounded
by boards. In the famous Deli district in Sumatra the beds are built up

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 9

about 30 centimeters high and surrounded by ditches. The size and
number of the beds varies, but they are usually rectangular in size, with
suitable walks or passageways between them. The beds are highly fer-
tilized with rich manures or with any complete, specially prepared com-
mercial fertilizer. Stable manure, or any complete guano, may be used.
Care should be taken to thoroughly mix the fertilizers with the soil, so
t})at the greatest amount of plant food may be available for the young
plants. In the case of old lands, it is. always advisable to burn the
land over, to insure safety against grass and weeds. With new land the
trouble from such sources is slight; but burning is sometimes practiced,
to increase the richness of the soil by adding the fertilizing properties of
11] e burned wood. The burning is usually done one week before planting
t'le seed. After burning, the soil is well spaded and all roots and tufts
are carefully removed, and the surface made loose and smooth. Then
the soil is well watered and the seed mixed with sand, or sifted wood
ashes are nicely spread over the surface. After the seeds are sown
tho soil should be thoroughly compacted with a heavy roller and, if the
soil is at all dry, the beds should be watered and kept continuously moist,
but not wet, until the plants are set out. It is best to plant new seed
beds at intervals of every few days, in order to be sure to always have
fresh plants of proper size on hand when the time comes for transplant-
i]!g. On a commercial scale it requires about 45 grams of seed to sow a
bed 1 hectare in size. In the Cagayan Valley the seed is sown in the
beds during the latter part of September and the first weeks of October,
wliile the trausplanting is made during the early part of December. This
period of planting the seed bed varies slightly in the different parts of the
Archipelago, on account of the varied climatic conditions; but practically
all of the transplanting is done during the month of December, as
experience has shown this to be the best month for such operations. In
many parts of the Philippines it will be found advisable to construct
some sort of cover for the seed bed, to protect the seeds and tender plants
from the intense heat of the sun. A suitable shelter made of straw, cogon
grass, or nipa palm, raised about 1 meter above the ground, will suffice.
It should be so arranged that the covering can be put close together or
spread out to regulate the amount of heat received by the small plants.
After a few weeks this covering can be removed altogether and kept to
serve for another bed. White ants and sometimes caterpillars and worms
are destructive in the seed beds, and should be removed by hand or by
mixtures of poisonous substances and water, known to be eifective in
removing such pests. When the plants are drawn for transplanting, great
care should be taken to secure as much root as possible. It is usually
considered the best practice to carefully wash away all particles of the
seed bed soil that cling to the roots, for the plants live and grow better
when the roots are perfectly clean.

10

SELECTION OP THE LAND.

Few^ if any, plants are so easily modified as tobacco by climate, soil,
elevation, nearness to the sea, and different methods of cultivation. This
is plainly demonstrated by the rapid changes which take place in the
character of the leaf, flavor, aroma, and special fitness for the varied uses
and for different markets in introducing seed of well marked varieties
into new districts. Each new class of soil, materially aided by climatic
condirtons, gives peculiar qualities to the cured leaf as to its flavor,
texture, color, etc.

It has long been recognized that tobacco grown near the sea or large
bodies of salt water has poor combustibility and, while the taste may be
sweet, it commands a low price for the manufacture of cigars on account
of its poor burning qualities.

In tropical countries the favored locations for tobacco cultivation are
the interior alluvial valleys. In such places the soils are usually deep,
porous, easily stirred, and cultivated, and the periodic overflow of the
rivers adds new fertilizing elements to the soil, already rich in plant
food. The famous tobacco districts of Isabela Province belong to this
class, as well as the valley lands of the provinces of the west coast of
Luzon. In the Cagayan Valley the quantity of rainfall, according to
two years' observation ending in 1897, is much less than at other points
in the interior of Luzon, or in tTie southern islands. The total amount of
rainfall during the year is 700 mm., the greater part of which falls
during the period from June to October. During the months of January,
February, and March, when the tobacco is growing and ripening, the
rainfall does not exceed 20 mm. Comparing the climate of this region
with the Deli district in Sumatra, it will be found that the climatic
conditions of the latter region more closely resemble those of southern
Luzon and some of the southern islands. The rainfall is distributed over
the entire year, while the greatest amounts are recorded in October,
November, and December. The total amount received during the year
averages more than 2,000 mm. The stations in the Philippines, where
equivalent or greater amounts of rainfall are recorded, are Bolinao in
Zambales Province, Albay in southern Luzon, La Carlota in western
N'egros, northeastern Mindanao, and Yigan in Ilocos Sur Province.

In Sumatra, where the best results with tobacco have beeij obtained,
the soils are mainly volcanic in origin. Where the finest and silkiest
tobacco of a rich brown color is grown, the soils are clayey, while the
lighter colors of fine cigar wrapper tobacco are grown on loamy and
sandy soils, with clay subsoils. In the clayey soils of the Deli and
Langkat districts tobacco can often stand droughts of three weeks and
longer, without much injury; but in these districts the frequent light
showers are of great value to the growing crop. Experience has also

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 11

shown in Sumatra that the best results have been obtained on land
situated from 8 to 16 kilometers from the ocean, while tobacco planta-
tions high up on th-e mountains have had poor success in growing fine,
silky wrapper tobacco. The lowlands, free from frequent inundations
and not too near the sea, with soils consisting largely of fine sand and
silt, and rich in organic matter, have given the best results.

In the Philippines many fine bodies of interior valley land, with rich,
loamy soils, can be found Avhere tobacco cultivation has not been
practiced, and if is on such tracts of land that its introduction is
especially recommended. Mindanao possesses many large valleys with
alluvial soils that could undoubtedly be made to produce a fine quality
of tobacco. The soils of the large valley between Manila and the Lin-
gayan Gulf should be carefully tested with seed from the famous tobacco
districts of the world, to determine its fitness for growing tobacco. New
areas are constantly being tried in various parts of the world, where
tobacco growing was unknown, and the success of so many of these
should prove an incentive to greater efforts on the part of the Philippine
planter, to enter into competition to furnish a goodly portion of the
world's supply of this profitable crop. Only very recently the cultivation
of Havana tobacco has been introduced into Annam and Tokin in
French Indo-China, and a portion of the crop exported to Manila. Such
nn example shows what may be accomplished by careful experimentation
in the field of new crops, and should stimulate the energies of farmers in
every part of the Archipelago.

CULTIVATION OF THE CROP.

Since the profits of growing tobacco depend largely on the planter's
ability to produce a leaf of such qualities as to make it desirable to the
n.ianufacturer, it follows that the greatest care should be exercised in the
cultivation of the plant. Prior to the work of transplanting, the ground
should be thoroughly plowed or spaded to a considerable depth. Deep
cultivation is advisable on any character of soils, as it readily allows
the free percolation of rain and air through the soil, and increases the
amount of available plant food contained in the soil, and helps to con-
serve the moisture, especially in times of drought. If only small amounts
of manures are to be applied, it can be spread broadcast after the first
plowing ; but, if large quantities of stable or straw manures are used, it is
best to plow them in several weeks before the time of setting out the
plants. After plowing, the land should be harrowed with a disk harrow,
and then with a smoothing harrow. In Sumatra, where all of the opera-
tions are performed by Chinese coolies, the work of breaking the soil is
performed by an implement called the "tyankol," a sort of spade, which
takes the place of the plow, while the work of smoothing and reducing the
soil to a fine state of tilth is accomplished by hoes and iron rakes. Either

12

FARMERS BULLETIN.

by plows and harrows or by spades and rakes, the field should be made
loose and smooth before transplanting, or the young plants are at a dis-
advantage from the very start. The writer has, seen many fields,
especially in Batangas Province, where young tobacco plants were
attempting to grow in a field filled with the hard clods of intractable clay
soil. Such methods are to be condemned, for plants as tender and
delicate as tobacco can not make a good growth in improperly prepared
fields.

Often it will be found advisable to water the field before the work of
transplanting begins. Transplanting can be done by hand or by a trans-
planting machine. Such a machine can only be used on level fields free
from stumps, stones or large quantities of undecomposed vegetable
matter. By its use more satisfactory results are obtained, and large

Fig. 2.— a tobacco field covered with a cheese-cloth shelter.

areas can be planted at much less expense than by hand-planting. A
transplanter is a two-wheeled machine drawn by two horses or mules.
One man drives, while two boys drop the plants. Plants are set with
mathematical regularity, at any distance desired. The machine is so
arranged that a supply of water is furnished at the time of planting, so
that the plants are thoroughly watered while being placed in the soil.
Machines of this character are widely used in the United States for
netting out tobacco, cabbage, and tomato plants, with exceptionally good
results. Machine-set plants start quicker and grow and mature more
evenly than hand-set plants. In figure 1 is shown the method of trans-
planting tobacco plants by machine.

In Sumatra, where all necessary operations are carried on by hand, the
coolie is provided with a plant string, the same length as the field. Each

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO 13

end of the string is securely attached to a stick of the same length that
it is intended the rows shall be separated. This string is divided into
intervals by means of colored string, to show the proper distance of the
plants in the row. By means of a sharp stick, holes are made at the
proper distance, about 10 centimeters deep and 7 centimeters in width.
The holes are watered immediately before the plants are put in. The
plants are pulled from the bed when the dew is still on them, and set
out late in the afternoon, when the rays of the sun are not very strong.
During the daytime the pulled plants are kept in a basket and carefully
watered, and covered with cloth. About 4 o^clock in the afternoon, the
coolie drops from the basket a plant beside each hole and, when all of
the plants are dropped, commences to plant. He holds the plant in the
center of the hole with his left hand and, with his right hand, presses the
soil around the roots carefully but firmly, so that he can give the plant a
sjight pull without removing it.

As regards the number of plants to the hectare, this depends so
largely on experience and the character of the soil and the kind of
tobacco that special directions can not be given. Close planting in the
row tends to develop a very thin leaf, while open planting allows the
leaves to grow to a greater size, and develops the gums and oils so
common to tobacco. For cigar wrappers it is usual to plant closely in
the row, in. order that the leaves will shade each other and develop the
line, thin leaves desired for this purpose. In Sumatra as many as 10,000
plants are set out in a field of 1-J acres (slightly more than one-half
of a hectare). For cigar fillers or for tobacco to be used for manufac-
iuring purposes, the planting is much more widely separated than in
Sumatra.

As it is always desirable to get a uniform growth, great care should
be exercised to have each plant live. Replanting should be done as
quickly as it is possible to determine where fresh plants are needed. If
the soil is moist and showers are frequent, watering the plants is unneces-
sary; but, if the ground is dry, they should be watered immediately
after setting and each day thereafter, as long as the plants require it.
The quantity of water used is in all cases governed by the condition and
nature of the soil. Usually, after setting, the plants are undisturbed
for a period of several days, during which time they are taking root.
After this time cultivation should be begun and continued rapidly and
frequently, until further cultivation is liable to injure the growing
leaves. Cultivation at first can be done by a light plow or hoe; but, after
the plants have reached a considerable height, only the hoe should be
used, and this very lightly. At this period the leaves furnish sufficient
shade to prevent the soil from baking and hindering the growth of the
surface roots.

Every eifort is made, both through fertilizing and cultivation, to main-

14 farmers' bulletin.

tain a steady and rapid growth, as any check in the rate of growth tends
to thicken the leaf and reduce its elasticity. Stable manures are
commonly used, while fertilizers known to be rich in potash are especially
to be recommended. In many parts of the United States it is customary
to apply specially prepared fertilizers after the plants have attained
considerable size, to still further stimulate the growth of the crop. In
Sumatra the crop is given three cultivations. The second cultivation is
made at the time the plants are about 30 centimeters high. Just before
the second cultivation, the coolie carefully removes the lower leaves,
places them around the stem, and packs the loose soil on these. At this
second cultivation the suckers are broken off and buried in the same
way as the leaves, so as to protect the stem. The work of topping and
suckering varies considerably, with reference to individual plants and
the character of tobacco desired.

Early or low topping is not desirable, as it throws too much growth
into the leaves, making them coarse and large. If the plants are thrifty
and the weather favorable for growth, it is frequently advisable, if thin,
fine-textured leaves are desired, not to top the plants at all, but let them
produce their flowers and seed pods. If, however, the plants seem weak
and it appears that they can not mature the full number of leaves, they
should be topped by pinch J2g out the "buttons," allowing to remain as
many leaves as the plant will be able to mature. When plants have been
topped too low and the leaves thicken and curl, a few suckers may be
permitted to grow, which will remedy any thickening and curling. By
using good judgment in the matter of topping and suckering, and
making proper allowance as to the soil and climatic conditions, the
leaves can be grown to almost any thickness that is desired.

From the time the plants begin to grow in the seed bed, until they are
harvested, they should be examined carefully for worms, insect pests of
all kinds, and all of the diseases which they are subject to. Worms may
be removed by hand or by applications of mixtures containing poisonous
substances, such as paris green. For diseased plants frequently there is
no other remedy than to remove the plant and reset other plants. But, if
the resetting is done too late, the small plants never amount to much.

At the time of topping, or when the buds have made their appearance,
a few plants are usually left for seed. Only the best, finest, and
healthiest looking plants are selected for this purpose. These are
allowed to grow and blossom at their full height. Sometimes all of the
leaves are removed; but, usually, only the bottom leaves are taken off.
When ripe, the little balls containing the seed are carefully cut off with
a knife or other sharp instrument. The cutting must be done carefully, so '
that the seed will not fall out. The seed pods are then spread out in the
sun and, when thoroughly dried, the seeds can be removed. The seed
should be cleaned, preferably in a small seed mill, and only the heaviest
seed preserved for the next planting.

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 15

HARVESTING AND CURING.

More satisfactory results are obtained when the leaves are "primed"
than when the entire stalk is cut. By cutting the entire stalk, much
green tobacco is carried to the shed, since all the leaves never ripen on the
plant at the same time. By the system of priming the leaves are taken
off the stalk as soon as they ripen, and carried to the drying sheds in
baskets. Sometimes half of the leaves are removed and the balance of the
stalk cut, and the leaves cured on the stalk. Tobacco should never be
cut or primed when wet with rain or dew, as this causes the leaves to
sunburn and little holes to form, which lowers the value of the leaf. If
the tobacco gives promise of being "wrapper" — that is, if it is light
green, very sound in leaf, and of desirable size — it should be primed at
an early stage of ripening. If, however, appearances indicate that it
will prove "filler" tobacco, it should be allowed to thoroughly ripen.

In the Cagayan Valley it is customary to make five gatherings of the
ripened leaves at intervals of eight days. The native cuts the leaves
while they are hot and drooping, collects them on his left arm until the
bundle is too large, when it is placed on carts and hauled to the sheds.

The different primings should be kept separate in the shed, so that
they can be fermented separately, as each set of leaves from different
parts of the plant requires different treatment in the subsequent
fermentation.

If the soil is rich and the season favorable, a second profitable crop
can be produced from the suckers. The first suckers, of course, should
be broken off from time to time; otherwise, they will sap, hinder, and
check the growth of the leaves. When all of the leaves have been primed
from the original stalk except four or six leaves at the top, two suckers
should be allowed to grow from the bottom of the stalk. These will be
well started by the time the top leaves of the original stalk are ripe. The
stalk should then be cut just above where the suckers sprout, and cultiva-
tion should begin' at once, by carefully placing soil up around the old
stubble. The suckers should not be allowed to have more than six or seven
leaves each. The growth of these will be rapid, and they will
mature early. Usually these are not primed, but the stalks should be
cut. In northern Luzon these mature in about three weeks and, in
years of great humidity, a second crop of suckers is allowed to grow.

After harvesting, the tobacco is carried to the sheds for drying and
curing. These sheds are usually large enough to hold the crop from a
number of small fields. Many different kinds of drying sheds are used
and differences of opinion prevail as to the relative merits of each style
of shed. Some are broad and flat, others narrow and tall. The broad,
flat type of barn is to be preferred, for the tobacco cures more slowly, and
better results are obtained. The interior of the shed is so constructed
that frequent tiers of rafters and posts allow ample support for hanging

16

FARMERS BULLETIN.

the tobacco. The doors and windows should be arranged with the idea of
giving very thorough ventilation when open. The manipulation of the
barn or curing shed is entirely governed by the condition of the
weather and the nature of the tobacco, and no fixed rules can be given.
Considerable care and judgment must be exercised in the curing of the
crop, and as the conditions vary in each case from year to year, only
experience can determine just what is to be done to meet the new problem
in the curing shed. The process requires a few weeks, especially if the
leaves have been primed. The crop is considered thoroughly cured when
the midribs of the leaves are cured; it is then ready to be taken to the
packing house for sorting, fermenting, and baling.

Very much of the value of tobacco depends upon the infinite care that
is taken throughout the whole period of its production, and thorough
consideration of all the details should be shown in the fermentation.

Fig. 3.— Framework for the cheese-cloth covering.

grading, and sorting. The fermentation has two purposes. The first is
to insure the proper texture, glossy appearance, and color to the leaf. It
brings out the characteristic properties of the leaf, which are hardly
apparent when the leaf is cut in the field. It is, furthermore, necessary
to press the tobacco into bales, so that it can be shipped in compact form.
The best results are obtained when bulk fermentation is practiced. In
this method, the leaves are assorted into piles, depending on what part
of the stalk they have been taken from. Layer after layer of leaves are
placed together, until piles of more than 1 meter are reached. The
temperature in the pile gradually rises, and frequently thermometers are
inserted to determine the exact degree of heat, which is never allowed to
become excessive, or the tobacco will be injured. The piles are frequently
turned over, to secure the proper heat and regulate the fermentation. No
statement can be made as to how often the piles should be turned over,
or when this should be done, as it depends upon the condition of the

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 17

tobacco, especially as to how moist it was when placed in the pile. The
I'aves from the upper part of the stalk must be fermented more slowly
tlian the lower leaves; consequ.entl3^, the piles must be torn down and
rebuilt more often. The principal fermentation is one before the
-orting as, after the sorting, there are so many grades which have to be
kept separate. Often these different grades are refremented to improve
ilic quality of the leaf.

In the Cagayan Valley the tobacco is placed into packs of four bundles
of from 20 to 40 leaves. These bundles are then placed into bales of
SO packs. From 1 hectare an average yield for a number of years is 612
Icilos of dry leaves. The tobacco is frequently assorted with the follow-
ing results: From 1 hectare, 10 packs of superior tobacco, 30 packs of
iirst-class, 40 packs of second-class, 80 packs of third-class, 160 packs of
fourth-class, and a number of packs of fifth-class tobacco. The sorting is
mjnerally carried on with reference to the colors, absence or presence of
spots, length and soundness of leaf. Many divisions and subdivisions
pre made, according to market demands and the intended use of the
tobacco. After the work of sorting and grading has been completed,
it is baled into compact bales, when it is ready for shipment.

GROWING TOBACCO UNDER SHADE.

The growing of crops under shade is not a new idea, but was practiced
perhaps hundreds of years ago; but the cultivation of fields of tobacco
under a light cloth shelter of some character is comparatively recent.
The idea of using shade started in the United States in Florida, where in
the last few years tobacco cultivation has made enormous advances. It
was noticed that in new land, only partially cleared of the forest growth,
the plants grown under the scattered trees were far superior to plants not
so shaded. From this the idea of artificial shade had its birth and now
large fields, nearly 5 hectares in size, are grown under shade with great
success.

In addition to the experiments in Florida, many trials have been
made in the State of Connecticut, with equal success. The character
ojid quality of the tobacco was considerably modified and profits greatly
increased. It was determined that tobacco fully equal to the finest
Sumatra leaf could "be grown in the Connecticut Valley on a commercial
scale, and the experiments received widespread attention, and large
companies have been formed to grow tobacco exclusively under shade. By
using the shade, the damage from insect pests is reduced to a minimum,
the moisture content of the soils is increased, while the evaporation from
the leaves is largely retained, favoring a more rapid and luxurious
growth. The shelter tempers to some extent the intense heat of the sun
and at the same time readily allows the free passage of even the slightest
showers through it.
5364 2

18

FARMERS BULLETIN.

In figure 2 is shown the general appearance of a tobacco fiehl
covered with a cheese cloth shelter. The field contains about 4^
hectares and is one of a number of large. fields .of shaded tobacco grown
in Florida in 1899. In figure 3 is shown the details of the outside
structure of the framework, before the covering was put on. In
figure 4 is shown the details of the framework of a shade that was
used in the Connecticut Valley in 1901. A strong framework is con-
structed of posts and stringers, that is further strengthened by strong
wires secured at each end of the field by strong stakes driven well into

Fig. 4.— Framework used in Connecticut.

the ground. This is covered with some light cloth, such as cheese cloth.
By special request, an extra wide (about 5 meters) quality of cloth was
made for the season of 1902. The cloth completely covers the framework
and reaches to the ground, where it is secured. Gates are provided,
covered with cloth, and, in the fields of large dimensions, it is advisable
to leave a road lengthwise through the field. Usually, the cloth must be
renewed each season, but the framework is built sufficiently strong to last
four or five years. The height of the framework is about 3 meters and
the average total cost of the shade in the United States is about $350,

J

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO. 19

rnited States ctirrenc}^, for 1 acre, 0.4 hectare. In the Philippines such
a shelter could he constructed much more cheaply, on account of the
cheapness of the framework, for bamboo and bejuco could be substituted
largely for hard wood posts and wire.

The covering completely incloses the field, and should be made so close
tiiat few, if an}', insects can enter. The protection from strong winds is
very beneficial, as the leaves are often torn and lashed when the crop is
not protected. Much protection is also afforded from heavy, dashing
rains, which would otherwise damage the leaves. The force of the heavy
rainfall is broken and frequently the crop is saved when, without pro-
tection, it would be badly torn and damaged. So much better results
hnve been accomplished in the United States with the shade-grown
tobacco that an earnest plea is made for its introduction into the tobacco
districts in the Philippines. Eumors have stated that the attempt is to
i)(' made in the Cagayan Valley, but the author can not state how far these
experiments have been conducted, or what success has been attained. It
will, of course, be advisable to experiment on a small scale, rather than
expend any considerable amount of money on materials for shading large
fields. A shade of sufficient size should be constructed to determine
to what extent the crop will be benefited, and then plans can be made
fur the erection of larger coverings.

CONCLUSIONS.

From the above, it is at once apparent that the successful cultivation
i)f tobacco requires the greatest care and attention, from the preparation
of the seed bed to the final fermentation and baling of the ripened
leaves. While anyone unfamiliar with tobacco culture can probably
j'loduce a crop, it is to be doubted if it will be of such a character as to
eommand a good price. Judgment, only to be gained through experience
ill growing the crop, is necessary at so many stages of the growth of the
plant that it is doubtful if it is profitable for the planter to undertake
ils cultivation unless he can engage the services of some one who has had
'ch experience. And yet it is possible for the careful planter, who
t'lsistentty studies the requirements of the crop, in a very few years to
1 1 reduce tobacco of a quality superior to that grown in regions where its'
cultivation has been practiced for scores of years. When the Department
i'T Agriculture attempted growing Sumatra tobacco under shade in the
Connecticut Valley, the idea was greatly ridiculed by conservative Xew
iMigland planters, who scoffed at the idea of tr3'ing to grow a new kind of
tubacco. They maintained they had grown tobacco for years, and knew
the limitations of the soils and climate and the kind of tobacco best
suited to the conditions. It took only one year to convince them that a
now type of tobacco could be grown and sold for prices many times in
advance of the best prices ever obtained for the finest of the old standard

20

crop. And this has been the experience of tobacco cultivation the world
over. Experiments have been tried in tobacco growing in new areas and
in a few years, in many cases, have entirely revolutionized the agi'iculture
in certain districts. 'New areas are constantly being opened up, withi
results that are very gratifying, even to the most sanguine experimenters.

In the districts where tobacco cultivation has been carried on for
years, no one should be contented with the results obtained, but should
by constant experimentation with new seed and improved cultivation
endeavor to improve the quality of the crop. Here in the Philippines it
is commonly stated that the tobacco grown to-day is inferior to that
formerly grown. This is greatly to be regretted, and it should be the
especial effort of every planter to produce tobacco not equal to that
grown a few years ago, but far superior to the finest crops that were
ever harvested. The tobacco markets of the world willingly pay, and pay
well, too, for tobacco of a superior quality, whether it is to be used for
cigars, cigarettes or manufacturing purposes. The trade does not pay
well for common tobacco, for anyone can grow coarse, common tobacco of
low grade. The quality of the tobacco must be superior to that formerly
grown to command a good price, for tobacco consumers are becoming
more fastidious and constantly demand better goods for their money.

The author is of the opinion that the Philippine Islands can and
should produce cigar-filler tobacco that is fully equal to the finest product
of the famous Vuelta Abajo di»4rict of Cuba, and a cigar wrapper equal
to Sumatra tobacco. With careful attention to soil and climatic condi-
tions, it is believed districts can be found that will raise tobacco similar
in flavor and aroma to that grown in the best districts of Turkey. These
results can only be obtained, however, by persistent, intelligent, well-
directed efforts on the part of the planter.

Philippine tobacco to-day does not occupy the position it should, and
every planter or company engaged in its cultivation should strive to place
it on the high standard it deserves.

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