exact science and can
obtain (the season being favorable) the color most desirable. He has
thoroughly tested all kinds of fertilizers, and knows just what kinds
will produce the various shades of color as well as the desired
texture and size of leaf. No other tobacco planter so thoroughly
understands the methods of curing, sweating and doing up the crop, and
he takes no little pride in showing his crop to the buyer.

[Illustration: Connecticut tobacco field.]

It is his aim to obtain not only the best leaf for a cigar-wrapper but
also a tobacco of the finest possible flavor; hence he tries the
principal varieties grown in Cuba, Brazil and other countries in order
to judge of their quality and whether they can be cultivated with
profit on his lands. He has the best constructed sheds for hanging and
curing and the latest and most improved agricultural implements for
the cultivation of the plants. The greatest pains are taken in
securing the crop and harvesting and handling the plants without
injuring the leaves. The tobacco fields are kept in the best possible
condition, no weeds or grass is allowed to grow and the entire
surface is as free from stones as a lawn. He usually, if his farm is
small, plants the same field year after year, securing a much finer
leaf and by yearly manuring keeping the ground fertile and in good
condition. When the tobacco is stripped the utmost care is taken to
assort the leaves and he frequently shades or assorts the colors,
obtaining fancy prices for such "selections."

The Connecticut grower is well acquainted with the different soils,
and is able to judge with considerable accuracy in regard to selecting
the right fields for tobacco. The warmest land is chosen--mellow and
free from stones or shaded by trees and prepared as if for a garden.
All of the improved methods of obtaining early plants as well as
transplanting, he adopts, and in spite of early freezing, is generally
able to outwit Jack Frost, and secure the plants before this great foe
of the weed ravages the fields. It may safely be said of the
Connecticut planter that he secures more even crops than any other
grower of the plant, and obtains the finest colored leaf for cigar
wrappers.

The growers are thoroughly informed as regards the prices, and
although the buyers may steal suddenly upon them, are generally
prepared to "set" a price upon their crops. Some refuse to sell on the
poles, or even after it is stripped, preferrin