o the
ground between the rows of the plants, and every fifteen
days to handpick, or even better, to root out with the
mattock, all the weeds which cannot be touched by the
plough. These four ploughings ought to be done in such a
manner as to leave alternately a furrow in the middle of
each line, and on the sides, and consequently, at the last
ploughing, the earth covers the plants up to their first
leaves, leaving a trench for carrying off all water that may
accumulate during the heavy rains. As soon as each plant has
gained a proper height, its head is lopped off to force the
sap to turn into the leaves, and, in a few weeks afterwards,
it is fit for being gathered."

The tobacco fields or plantations are very large, and together with
the vast sheds for curing, the fields present a beautiful appearance;
the long straight rows with their dark green leaves adding not a
little to the beauty and variety of the landscape. The great growers
of the plant are very careful in cultivating the fields and give the
tobacco frequent hoeings, until ready to be gathered and taken to the
sheds. The planters are obliged to take the utmost pains, as the
product is obliged to be given up to the monopolizing government which
is the sole purchaser, and which, in its great establishment at
Binondoc, employs continually from 15,000 to 20,000 workmen and
workwomen in manufacturing cigars for the consumption of the country
and for exportation.

[Illustration: Spanish planters.]

Manilla tobacco is much esteemed in the islands both by the Spaniards
and the Chinese. The custom of smoking is universal among all classes
and at all times. In the house, on the road and street, the aroma of a
fragrant Manilla is ever borne on the breeze. The Spaniards are the
principal owners of the tobacco fields, and, like their brother
planters on the island of Cuba, are fond of the weed and its more
potent companion. After a luxurious breakfast the planter elevates his
feet for a quiet smoke, and lights either a cigar or cheroot, filling
the room with smoke and with the most fragrant perfume.

Of all the various products cultivated, but few vie with the tobacco
plant in beauty of form and general appearance. By its great variety
of colors in leaves and flowers, it offers a striking contrast with
the more sombre hues of most other plants. When left to grow until
the plants have reached full size, the