R. _Law._

H. Indicus.

This species, which was introduced from Egypt, differs from the last
principally in its more dwarfish habit of growth, but also in being less
branched. The flowers are much smaller, and generally of a lighter
color.

_Soil and Cultivation._--The Sunflower will thrive in almost any soil or
situation, but succeeds best on land adapted to the growth of Indian
Corn. It is always grown from seed, which should be sown in April, or
the beginning of May, in drills three feet apart. When the plants are
well up, they should be thinned to a foot asunder, and afterwards
cultivated in the usual manner; stirring the ground occasionally, and
keeping the plants free from weeds. The flowers appear in July, and the
seeds ripen in August and September. The central flower is first
developed; attains a larger size than any that succeed it; and ripens
its seeds in advance of those on the side-branches. The heads of seeds
should be cut as they successively mature, and spread in a dry, airy
situation for three or four weeks; when the seeds will become dry and
hard, and can be easily rubbed or threshed out.

_Use._--"The seeds of both species yield an oil little inferior to that
of the Olive for domestic purposes, and which is also well adapted for
burning. In Portugal, the seeds are made into bread, and also into a
kind of meal. They are also sometimes roasted, and used as a substitute
for coffee; but the purpose for which they seem best adapted is the
feeding of domestic fowls, pheasants and other game. The greatest
objection to its culture is, that it is a most impoverishing crop,
particularly the Large or Common Tall species."--_M'Int._

* * * * *

TOBACCO.

Nicotiana, sp.

All the species and varieties of Tobacco in common cultivation are
annuals; and most, if not all, are natives of this continent. "Like
other annual plants, it may be grown in almost every country and
climate, because every country has a summer; and that is the season of
life for all annual plants. In hot, dry, and short summers, like the
northern summers of Europe or America, Tobacco-plants will not attain a
large size; but the Tobacco produced will be of delicate quality and
good flavor. In long, moist, and not very warm summers, the plants will
attain a large size,--perhaps as much so as in Virginia; but the Tobacco
produced will not have that superior flavor, which can only be given by
abundance of clea