r the manufacture of cigars, none have obtained an equal reputation
(simply as a cigar wrapper) with the famous and much sought for
variety known as

CONNECTICUT SEED LEAF,

which in all respects towers far above the seed products of the other
states. The varieties cultivated in the United States and known as
"seed leaf" tobaccos, are grown in Connecticut, Massachusetts,
Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin.
All of the seed leaf of these states is used exclusively in the
manufacture of cigars. Connecticut seed leaf is justly celebrated as
the finest known for cigar wrappers, from the superiority of its color
and texture, and the good burning quality of the leaf. The plant grows
to the height of about five feet, with leaves from two and one half to
three feet in length and from fifteen to twenty inches broad, fitted
preeminently by their large size for wrappers, which are obtained at
such a distance from the stem of the leaf as to be free from large
veins.

Connecticut seed leaf tobacco in color, is either dark or light
cinnamon, two of the most fashionable colors to be found in American
tobaccos. The plant is strong and vigorous, ripening in a few weeks,
and when properly cultivated attaining a very large size. There are
two principal varieties of Connecticut seed leaf, viz.--broad and
narrow leaf: of these two, the broad leaf is considered the finest,
cutting up to better advantage and ripening and curing fully as well.
Connecticut seed leaf attains its finest form and perfection of leaf
in the rich meadows of the Connecticut Valley, where it has been
cultivated to a greater or less extent for nearly half a century.

[Illustration: Connecticut seed leaf.]

The plant is one of the most showy of all the varieties of tobacco.
The stalk is straight and large, while the leaf (especially the broad)
is admirably proportioned, and the top is broad and graceful,
rendering it far more symmetrical in appearance than many of the
smaller varieties.

Before Connecticut tobacco became known as a wrapper, Maryland and
Havana tobaccos were used for this purpose, and when Connecticut first
came into use, it was only as a filler. This variety differs very
materially from Havana in this respect--it has not that fine flavor of
Cuba tobacco, but in texture is much superior. The lighter shades of
it burn purely and freely, leaving a white or pearl colored ash, which
is one of the best evidences of a go