special favor, as it gives value to
the leaf.

The white rust,[81] as it is termed, is a small white speck (often
noticed on cigars), making its appearance on the leaves of the plant
towards the latter part of its growth, and usually found on the top
and middle leaves. It is usually found on the best, and more
frequently on light than dark tobacco. Unlike the brown rust, the
white does not fall out, but is as firm in its place as any part of
the leaf; sometimes the spots are as white as chalk, and again they
will be of a yellowish shade, though lighter in color than brown rust.
The lighter the color the better their effect on the leaf upon which
they are found. Leaves thus "spotted" make the finest of wrappers, and
light-colored leaf thus affected brings the very highest price. It is
well known to manufacturers of cigars that such leaves burn well, and
almost invariably make a light ash. Good judges of cigars always pick
for those thus affected, and watch with interest the ash of the cigar,
noting the color as well as the flavor.

[Footnote 81: Florida tobacco is noted for the white
rust found on the leaves.]

Some seasons this kind of rust is quite common, and it is supposed to
be caused in the same way as the brown, although there are some
growers who think that it is produced by altogether different causes.
There is, however, a marked difference in the appearance of the leaves
thus spotted; the white rust is not usually as thick upon the leaf,
and is more generally found along the sides of the leaf, while the
brown rust is found more in the center than along the sides. Tobacco
of a light cinnamon color thus "marked" is considered the most
valuable, and could the planter obtain such a crop at option, he could
realize the very highest price for it. Large growers who find much of
their tobacco "spotted" in this manner, would do well to keep such
leaves by themselves, and sell direct to the manufacturer. Both kinds
of rust are more commonly seen on the plants during a wet than a dry
season, and particularly if the plants have grown rapidly during the
latter part of the time.

Formerly buyers of leaf tobacco were more interested in leaf of this
description than now; and some of them, more anxious than others, made
liberal offers to any grower of tobacco who could ascertain how such
tobacco could be obtained. It is hardly probable that any method of
culture could be devised so as to obtain