without regard to the excellence of
the article, leave the plant to its natural growth, which is
both scientifically and otherwise objectionable, for it is
on a process of thinning and pruning a due diffusion of sap
in the leaves depends, and consequently the quality of the
tobacco."

The tobacco, after being baled, is sent to the Havana market. The
bales of tobacco are carried on the backs of mules or horses to the
city or to the nearest railway station.

[Illustration: Going to market.]

"In the long line or train of mules or horses, the head of
one mule or horse is tied to the tail of the one before it.
On the back of the foremost sits the driver. The hindmost
carries a bell, which enables the driver to know whether any
of the animals have broken loose."

From the description given by Hazard of Cuba, its soil, climate, and
other resources, it will readily be seen by all acquainted with the
tobacco plant that this famous island is well adapted for the
production of a tobacco that for fineness and delicacy of flavor is
hardly rivaled. With the peculiar composition of the soil, and with a
climate well adapted for the perfection of all kinds of tropical
plants and fruits, it can hardly be imagined that any finer variety of
tobacco can be grown than that produced in Cuba and the adjoining
islands. Doubtless the climate of Cuba is nearly the same as when
Columbus discovered the island, and wrote in such extravagant
language its praise. The soil of Cuba is prolific, and the variety of
tropical plants and fruits grown upon the island is quite remarkable.
Nowhere is this seen to a greater extent than in the varieties of
tobacco cultivated. Although there are several kinds and qualities
grown on the island, the mode of culture upon all the _vegas_ is
nearly the same. These _vegas_ or tobacco farms greatly outnumber the
coffee and sugar estates, but are much smaller, and require a less
number of hands to work them. Hazard estimates the number at ten
thousand, while they are constantly increasing as new fields are being
tried and new modes of culture introduced. Russell says of tobacco
culture in Cuba:--

"In regard to climate, it is worthy of observation that
tobacco is only cultivated during winter, when there is
little rain. It grows most luxuriantly in summer with the
increased heat and moisture; but the leaves grown in this
season are devoid