such leaf; it seems to be a
freak of nature, depending somewhat on the soil as well as the
humidity of the atmosphere, and without doubt is beyond the control of
the grower. Various theories propounded and experiments tried have not
met with any success that we are aware of. Some growers are of the
opinion that light manure spread on moist soil will tend to produce
leaf affected with white rust, while others affirm that such leaf is
common on high ground when manured with light fertilizers. It is a
matter of doubt whether such leaf can be obtained by any preparation
of soil, or any system of cultivation whatever.

SEED PLANTS.

The selection of large, well-formed plants for the maturing of the
seeds, is of more importance than most growers are aware of.[82] Not
only should the altitude of the plant be taken into account, but also
the size and texture of the leaf.

[Footnote 82: Liancourt says of the selection of seed
plants in Virginia:--"The seed for the next year is
obtained from forty to fifty stalks per acre, which the
cultivator lets run up as high as they will grow,
without bruising their heads."]

If a variety foreign to the soil (on which it is cultivated) is grown,
then particular pains should be taken to select seed plants resembling
those cultivated in its native home.

In cultivating foreign varieties, even the first season plants may be
seen that do not resemble the majority, but are seemingly trying to
accommodate themselves to the soil and climate, and in consequence
resemble in a measure the variety commonly cultivated. Growers of
Havana tobacco in the Connecticut valley can testify to this, and
especially to the increased size of the plants. There are, however,
growers of Havana tobacco, who claim that it will never deteriorate in
quality, and that seed from Havana is not required in order to secure
the delightful flavor of the _Vuelta de Abajo_ leaf. Our experience is
the reverse of this, and applies more directly to the flavor of the
leaf than the size, color, or texture. In the Connecticut valley
Havana leaf retains in a remarkable degree the texture and color of
leaf, but not the flavor. Fresh or new seed is required from time to
time. Sieckle says on the choice of seed:--

[Illustration: Spanish seed tobacco.]

"The selection of seed is one of the principal conditions
for raising good tobacco, especially when