xt7h445hb80x https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dipstest/xt7h445hb80x/data/mets.xml Sim, W. T. 1897.  books b98-51-42632364 English Sim Brothers, : Etiwanda, Calif. : This digital resource may be freely searched and displayed.  Permission must be received for subsequent distribution in print or electronically.  Physical rights are retained by the owning repository.  Copyright is retained in accordance with U. S. copyright laws.  For information about permissions to reproduce or publish, contact the Special Collections Research Center. Tobacco Pacific Coast. Tobacco California. Tobacco Arizona. Tobacco New Mexico. Tobacco from the seed-bed to the packing case  : the result of three years experience in Southern California with plain practical directions for the grower on the Pacific Coast, Arizona and New Mexico / from the pen of W.T. Sim. text Tobacco from the seed-bed to the packing case  : the result of three years experience in Southern California with plain practical directions for the grower on the Pacific Coast, Arizona and New Mexico / from the pen of W.T. Sim. 1897 1897. 2002 true xt7h445hb80x section xt7h445hb80x 



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                  - FROM TIIE -


   ctSE EDBED TO THE PACKING CASE  

8   The result of three years' experience  Gi
            in Southern California,
                    -WITH -

      Plain, Practical Directions
                   -FOR THE -

oo)  Gro10er on I PgNpoelie Coas1, kiZ000 00o Neo Mgiico.



.tt  From the pen of W.T. Sim, Etiwanda, Cal.  (



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     +TOBACCO'  
             I'S  1 11I SI U S  S4 .IS11  l',  ih5gil  1 1 44SIS  6143  145SuH 1143 I'  S.811011






TOBACCO is a native of South America, and was introduced to the
  R     civilized world soon after the discovery of this continent. It is
        said that Columbus found it cultivated by the Indians in 1492.
Its cultivation was commenced by the early settlers of Virginia, soon
after the settlement of the colony.
    It is recorded that in the year 1615, the gardens, fields, and even the
streets of Jamestown, were planted with tobacco.
    James I. of England, wrote a counter-blank on Tobacco, which was
intended to do away with its use, and even the Popes have issued Edicts,
excommunicating those who should use tobacco, while other great person-
ages have violently opposed, and denounced its cultivation and use, but
all the denunciation, and opposition has not hindered its rapid progress,
and the extent of its cultivation, until at the present time, it is known to
almost the whole world.
    Tobacco, while a native of South America, is grown in many
countries of the old world. Whether tobacco was known to any part of
the ol0( world before its discovery in America is in doubt, no authentic
record is obtainable, that it had ever been cultivated prior to its discovery
in America.
    Tobacco has been so extensively cultivated, and for so long a time,
that it has become naturalized wherever it has been introduced.
    The modifications it undergoes in the different soils and climates, is
(uite marked, assuming characteristics peculiar to the locality in which it
is pro(luce(d. The amount of nicotine contained in tobaeco, varies greatly
with the different varieties and modes of culture; that produced on heavily
manure(l lands, as a general rule, containing a larger percentage than that
grown on landls less heavily manured.

 

2)



    Thorough investigation, and the experiments made in this state, have
convinced those who have given the subject their special attention, that
this state is better fitted by climatic conditions, than any other part of the
United States.
    California, Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, as a field for tobacco
raising, present possibilities that are very inviting, and that in a few
years will be demonstrated, that a great and paying industry has been
almost entirely overlooked; no great interest is being manifested at the
present time, more especially in this state, in the culture of tobacco, many
being desirous to engage in its culture, but not having the necessary ex-
perience, hesitate to embark in its cultivation without having the result of
others' experience placed within their reach. Under these circumstances
we have deemed it expedient to issue this book, giving the result of our
own experiments, embodied in such a manner, in the general method of
its culture, that we fully believe it cannot fail to be of considerable value
to those thinking of engaging in its cultivation.
















                                  C .

 

a



     EOPLE coming to this part of the state from the East, especially
       in the winter, after crossing hundreds of miles of desert, they sud-
 "   denly find themselves in the midst of orchards and vineyards, are
 amazed at the change, and think they have entered into a new world,
 recollecting that a few days since they were pinched by the cold, and suf-
 fering the discomforts incident to an Eastern climate.
     They can hardly realize the extraordinary change they have made,
but as soon as they engage in horticultural or agricultural pursuits, they
wonder why things don't do as they did in the Eastern locality, where
they came from. They find that they are not capable of producing the
same results, by the same means, they have been accustomed to; conse-
quently by slow degrees, they commence to experiment under the new
conditions, and in process of time, evolve new methods that are in
harmony with their new environments.
     Since coming to this state in i89i, we became interested in tobacco
culture, and were led to investigate what had been done in the cultivation
of the plant; we could hear of nothing but failure from anyone who had
tried its cultivation. Old tobacco raisers, who had followed the business
of growing tobacco for years, in the old tobacco states, had come to be-
lieve that its culture was not practicable, especially in this portion
of the state-Southern California.
    Being confident that the soil did not lack the necessary fertility, as
everything else that was planted seemed to grow to perfection, we en-
deavored to find the cause of their failure, but inquiry brought forth only
evasive responses from those from whom we sought to gain information.
    Before deciding to experiment in a practicable way, we were anxious
to get all the light on the subject possible. We therefore sought for any-
thing that might be published applicable to Southern California, but
found there was nothing that was in anyway satisfactory. All of the
hooks published relating to the cultivation of tobacco were found to be
disappointing, inasmuch, as they gave the systems in practice in the East,
which we understood without their assistance. We finally came to the
conclusion, that if we wanted to grow tobacco, we would have to (lo
some pioneering in that line ourselves.
    As there seems to be a belief, not confined to any particular locality,
that tobacco raising, if it could he successfully accomplished, would be a



-r (D IE3,A, CI C (D

 

4               A   .---  TOBACCO               ; -'

good thing for this part of the state; that, in fact, it would give us a new
industry. with the prospect that it would equal, if not surpass the sugar-
beet, and manufacture of sugar. The tobacco industry would be of
benefit to the individual grower, simply for the reason, that it could not
he controlled by large corporations, as the sugar-beet undoubtedly is;
each grower could raise and dispose of his own crop, let it be large or
small, without having to depend on large factories, for its market. It is
not a crop that has necessarily to be hurried to the factory, but may be
kept and sold at the convenience of the grower.
    From the many communications received since placing in the Los
Angeles Charnber of Commerce, a sample of this season's crop, asking
information as to how it should be cared for, we are led to believe that
many agriculturalists are very much interested in the proper method to
raise such a staple crop, and that it only remains for the way to be pointed
out, in a plain systematic manner, to induce a great many people to try
its cultivation.
    We do not propose in this connection to advise people to engage in
the cultivation of tobacco to any great extent at the beginning. A failure,
or a partial failure, might lead to disappointment, from which it would
take a long time to recover. In tobacco growing, like many other pro-
ductions, it requires time and experience, also persevering industry
    That we have the soil, and climate, there is no just grounds to doul)t,
at the same time, everyone who engages in the raising of tobacco, will
not meet with success. Some for lack of care in the different stages of
its development, and others from lack of taste for the work; but as soon
as it is demonstrated that it is a crop that will pay, there will be no doubt
the tobacco industry, like other similar industries, will soon enlarge to
proportions, as it has in states like Virginia and Kentucky.
    Without entering into any disquisition on the "6moral" of the use, or
abuse of tobacco, it being a mooted question, whether it actually does
more harm than good. Very eminent physicians, and many great anmd good
men, have found a solace and comfort, with immunity from disease, from
its habitual use. In our own case, at least, after forty years of constant
indulgence, we can say without fear of contradiction, that we have dis-
cerned no bad effects from its use, either mentally or physically; never-
theless, we do not wish to be understood as advocating or encouraging its

 

5



use by those who have not formed the habit; but are willing to leave it
to each individual's own sense of what is necessary to his own case.
     Confining our field of observation to our own immediate markets, we
 fint] that there are at least seventv-five per cent. Of the male population of
 the United States, who are habitual users of the weed in some form, and
 the large majority of whom would willingly sacrifice one meal a day
 rather than be deprived of what has become to them an actual necessity.
     When we term tobacco a staple article, it is with the distinct under-
standing of its immense production and use, the estimated yield at the
present time, being something like five hundred million pounds per
annum, which, at an average valuation of ten cents per pound for the
(different grades, would amount to the large sum of fifty million dollars
per annum.   And including what is imported from   other countries,
probably twenty million dollars more. These figures are quoted to show,
in a measure, the immense possibilites of the industry, and the almost
certain results that will accrue to those who will, in time, make a success
of the raising of tobacco in this state.

     The tobacco growers in the states that raise it for a staple crop,
have many disadvantages to contend with, that California is nearly al-
together exempt from. While California has conditions that will have to
be attended to, that do not enter into the calculations of the tobacco
planter in the East and South; the difference in the conditions will be
clearly pointed out and explained as we go along, not as tie result of
abstract theories, but as the patient results of three years actual experi-
ence in this state, with the advantage of years of experience in growing
an(l manufacturing in the old tobacco states.

     While the elements of danger to crops in the old tobacco states are
continuous from  the time the plants are set out until they are in the
curing house-such as thunder storms, hail and heavy rain storms-all of
which are liable to produce failure or partial failure; and are certain, in
some localities, to happen every year. such happenings making successful
crops very uncertain. While it cannot be said that none of the elements
of danger are common to this state, it can be said that they prevail to
only a very limited extent during the tinme the crop is growing.

    The season, from April to November, being almost without rain;

 

6                -  A        O E3A          QCC -   .- -

with no storms to be feared, there is almost nothing in the way to prevent
the crop from maturing successfully.
     The exemption of the tobacco crop from the elements of dangers
from the various kinds of storms in this state is a consideration that enters
largely into the value of the crop, not so much from a partial failure or
destruction of the entire crop, but especially from their blighting effects
upon the color and quality of the leaf; here, with nothing to interfete
with its steady and constant growth, the leaves, at maturity, are even in
texture; and, having been properly tended, are without the blemishes
that so much tend to mar the quality of the tobacco raised in some parts
of the old tobacco states.
    In all the various types of the seed-leaf varieties, the form of the leaf
and its freedom from blemishes has much to do respecting its value as a
cigar wrapper; these varieties, and the Havana, being used mainly for
this purpose. The leaf that is designed for fine-cut, chewing tobacco, or
fillers, not being so important in respect to blemishes.

    The kind of a leaf a person wishes to grow will have to be deter-
mined, to a great extent, by the nature of the soil and the different
locations. Many are deterred from trying to grow tobacco because of
their lack of knowledge of the right kind of soil, believing that only a
certain kind of soil will produce this plant, not realizing that tobacco is
pre-eminently a weed, and a native of America. We have never found
a soil that failed to grow tobacco, and a- leaf that could be used commer-
cially; but here comes in the benefit of good judgment and care in the
selection of extra favorable locations for the production of the finer
grades which command the greatest values; nevertheless, most any kind
of soil will be found to produce a quality that will pay.

    In certain clays that are heavy andl strong, it will be difficult at first
to get the plants to live when transplanted from the seed bed; but after
getting well started, or, in the common parlance getting a "1 stand," such-
soils will often produce the very best crops, the growth being strong,
heavy, and of fine quality.

    Our mesa lands, we are satisfied, will produce a quality of tobacco,
after the necessary- experience has been acquired, that will equal any
tobacco grown in any part of the world.

 

7



     In a recent report from a committee of the California Board of
Trade, they sav that those best advised on the subject claim that Califor-
nia has within her borders one millon acres of land suitable for the
cultivation of the higher grades of tobacco, while there is no doubt there
arl millons of acres more that are suitable for grades that will pay nearly
as well. When this area shall be utilized in growing tobacco, as, in time
it may be, the output of this state will aggregate more than the present
total output of the United States.
     From such an industry, on such a scale, the advantages that would
accrue to this state are difficult to contemplate.  Manufactories would
arise, to work up the raw material, in all centers of trade and population;
and the laborers required in these factories would be legion.  The rail-
roads and other carriers would find increased business in freighting out
of the state many tons of tobacco products, where they are now carrying
one ton. The farmers would receive a benefit that cannot be easily
estimated.
    It is well known that choice tobacco land in the eastern and southern
state,; rent readily for fifty dollars, or more, per acre per annum; and
what is true of the East in regard to the value of land for the production
of this staple, would be more than true in regard to the same item in
California. The increase in the value of the California farm products
would add to the value of that farm, and result in a corresponding
increase to. the assessment roll.
    The increased number of factories in cities and towns would give an
impetus to all lines of business, and greatly advance the value of all city
and town propetty. San 'Francisco and Los Angeles, would become the
rivals of New York as cigar manufacturing centers, and their output of
plug and smoking tobacco would surpass that of Richmond and St. Louis
in these goods.
    Tobacco has become one of the leading products in many parts of
the country. While it is cultivated to a greater or less extent in nearly
all sections, fifteen states produce more than ninety-nine per cent. of the
tobacco of the United States. Some states are steadily increasing their
production while other states one retrograding. As time goes on, the
greater adaptability of one State, over others, to produce a superior
article, gives it finally, control of the market.

 

8              -.--3 T'O C3A CCO -;  

  The soil and climate of California is almost entirely different from the
eastern sections of the United States. Our experiments in horticulture
lead us to believe that we have a soil that with our superior climate, will
produce a tobacco, which will be altogether different from that grown in
the eastern and southern states, even should we use the same varieties
that are grown there.


           -j- VARIEsTIES s


  There are numerous varieties and sub-varieties of tobacco; the latter
of which have been produced principally by the differences in soil, climate
and cultivation. The varieties most cultivated in the United States, are
the Connecticut seed-leaf, Havana and Virgina. The Connecticut seed-
leaf is considered best adapted to the northern sections; that, with its
varieties. being grown most extensively there, although the I lavana and
other varieties are cultivated to a certain extent; it is also well suited to
the middle states. It is usually known in the different northern states
under some local name, which has given rise to so many types of the
seed-leaf varieties.

  The kinds most generally preferred in the southern states, are the
Havana and Virginia, although a number of other varieties are also
grown. In all the various types of the seed-leaf varieties, the form of
the leaf has much to do respecting its value as a cigar wrapper, the
Havana, being used mainly for this purpose. The leaf that is designed
for fine-cut, chewing tobacco, and fillers, may be either, broad or
narrow, long or short, the form of the leaf, making no difference with
regard to its use. Formerly the broadest leaves were preferred by most
buyers for cigar wrappers; but recently the long narrow leaf has come to
be used by many, the preference being almost equally divided between
the two; the latter being thought to cut more wrappers to the leaf and
case, and yield more leaves per plant than the broad, while the former
usually gives a somewhat heavier product per acre. The texture of the
two varieties is about the same; the broad spreading leaves are very
brittle, and are apt to be easily broken in working among them.
Whether the broad or narrow leaf be cultivated, there will be quite a

 




distinction between the same varieties grown in different localities.
     The naturc of the soil, method of culture, etc., makes a great
difference in the quality, and texture of the leaf. It would be well in
commencing to grow tobacco inl different localities, to try several of the
varieties observing carefully their growth, when, by hybridizing, better
cultivation, together with a perfect adaptation of soil, new varieties may
be produced, and the o0l kinds improved, forming new types, the same
as with all other plants. There is no crop that has a wider diversity of
quality than tobacco, andl none that will respond more quickly to extra
skill, labor and management in its cultivation.
     As in others kinds of farming, the culture of tobacco will vary in
different localities, and every cultivator must modify the hints here given,
to suit his own particular soil and location. Especially is this the
condition in California. Take most any location in this end of the state,
and we will find, that the nature of the soil, even on adjoining ranches,
is almost entirely different in its elements, the very climate having
different conditions of temperature on opposite sides of an avenue. The
principle thing is to understand the nature of the plant, that is, the neces-
sary requirements of the soil, climate, and culture, and the variety that is
found best adapted to the particular locality.
    As has been remarked before, tobacco will grow in almost any soil
that is fit to grow anything else; the variety that best suits the locality is
the kind to grow, and that can only be learned by experiment.

 

10



                              SOIL At.


    Tobacco is an exhausting crop, and for the best results, requires a
rich, warm, soil. In fact there is no plant, that is so largely influenced,
by the character of the soil as tobacco. A deep, mellow, soil will always
secure the best results, one that is naturally rich, or made so, by the
application of the proper kind of fertilizers. -A light loamy, sand, is one
of the very best adapted to it; alluvial lands that are well drained and
fertile are also good. It will not thrive on soil containing a surplus of
water, however rich or whatever their character, and such lands should
never be devoted to this crop, until they have been thoroughly under-
drained. Soils containing a large amount of potash and lime, either
naturally or by application, are the best suited to it. It will not thrive
upon such lands, as are demoninated "sour," unless the quality be first
remedied by the application of salt, or lime, and previous cultivation.
On such lands it will generally attain about one-fourth of its growth and
then seem to remain stationery for a time the leaves assuming meanwhile
a yellowish tinge. The crop, in such cases, will prove almost worthless
-what there is of it-the stalks being hard and the quality of the leaf
poor.
    If the land is fresh and of good quality, manure will not be necessary
although tobacco is a gross feeder and grows rapidly when once started;
therefore it requires plenty of food to make it grow well. There is
nothing better, that we know of, than well rotted barn yard manure.
Any green crop plowed under is also good, adding humus to the soil, but
may be the cause of bringing more worms. Excellent results have been
attained an old alfalfa land, that has been well pastured; such is calcu-
lated to make strong tobacco. Our ordinary mesa land will be found to
produce a fine quality of tobacco of light weight and fine texture; the
more fertilizer being used the heavier the product.



-]['(D E3 -,N, C C C)  -. -

 

                             Fe =Mv TOBACCO as 11




             - SEED-BED I



   As strong, healthy, plants are essential for a good crop of tobacco, and
in order that such plants may be obtained, it is well to prepare the Seed-
bed properly. The locality of the bed should be in a protected place. In
sections where the north winds come with frequency, it is necessary that
the Seed-bed should have the best of protection, as the plant is so soon
drawn from the ground.
   After a thorough burning of brush, to help kill the vitality of weed seeds,
the bed, or beds, should be dug. without turning over; what ashes may be
left after burning will get mixed with the soil in raking over. Any kind
of manure is good for the Seed-bed, that is well-rotted, and can be
mixed thoroughly with the soil, reducing the surface to as fine a tilth as
possible; no stones or lumps should be left on the surface, nor should the
ground be too wet or too dry when the seed is sown.




            - Do-_ i SOWING  



    The time of sowing tobacco will vary in different localities, but we
think about the same time will (1o for any of the valleys in Southern Cal-
ifornia. From our experience we would prefer February as being the
best month to "sow."  As the seed is slow to germinate, at least half the
life of the tobacco being in the Seed-bed, it is well to sow early; the
ground being more likely to keep moist than if sown later on.  As an
abundance of plants is what is wanted. it is a good plan to make, say
three beds, and sow one each the three first weeks of the month. One
ounce of seed will sow enough for an acre, or a bed space of twenty-five
feet square.
  The following preparation for a hot bed we have found to answer the
purpose perfectly:  Select the ground for the desired bed, say sixteen

 

12



feet square with a path through the centre about two feet wide, and dig
the bet! two feet deep, removing the soil to sides and ends of bed. As a
foundation, put in about six inches of leaves, and tramp as solid as pos-
sible; then on top of leaves, fill in with about twelve inches of fresh barn-
yard manure, which ought to be well packed; then give it all the water it
will take up; then cover with about three inches of fine soil which rake
smooth, removing all stones and lumps; after getting in fine tilth, cover
with boards and let it remain for eight or ten days to allow it to ferment and
the rank heat to pass off. At the end of the time specified, remove the
boards and rake the soil again, which will kill any weeds that may have
germinated. The bed is now in condition to be sown. One tablespoon-
ful of seed will be ample to sow the bed. Sow the seed evenly, on the
sirface, and press by walking on a board. Place boards around the beds,
with edges up three inches above the surface, and bank the soil taken from
the bed against the outside of these boards; the boards are necessary
to lay cloth or boards on to protect against heavy rains and frost.
    The soil, when the seed is sown, should neither be too wet nor too
dry; the Seed-bed must be kept damp but not wet, and is better to be a
little higher on the north than on the south, to insure drainage.
     It .is absolutely necessary that the bed does not get dry; it must be
sprinkled every day, and, if necessary, twice a dav. The most critical
time is when the plants are beginning to show. Keep the beds covered
with muslin cloth from ten a. m. to four p. m., unless there is likely to be
frost or heavy rain, then it will be found necessary to cover with boards,
also. We wish to impress upon the minds of those who intend raising to-
bacco, that the Seed-bed will require careful attention; as neglect in
exposing the seed bud to very hot sunshine for one hour may prevent the
seeds from germinating; there is also constant danger from allowing the
bed to get too dry after the plants come up.

     If it is shown, by small holes in the leaves, that bugs are working in
the plants, a simple remedy is found in unleached wood ashes; sprinkle
the bed in the morning while there is dew, and, if necessary, give the
plants another sprinkle of ashes in a few days; and also give the bed a
little more sunshine.
     The Seed-bed should be kept free from weeds; the weeding should

 

13



begin as soon as the weeds are large enough to pull. This is a laborious
process, especially when the seed-bed has not previously received the
attention requisite for destroying the seed of weeds in the soil. The
weeding should not be slighted, but attended to throughly, as often as
necessary.
    Should the foregoing directions be carefully followed, the plants will
be ready for transplanting in from six to eight weeks after sowing.



        PREPARATION OF SOIL


    The land intended for the tobacco plants should be put in condition
in time to be ready for the transplanting; in this part of the state, the
ground ought to be well plowed, although not necessarily deep; after
being plowed, it should be well harrowed and the soil made fine and as
nearly level as possible, as irrigation will have to be followed, the ground
can be marked crosswise, to the way it is to be irrigated.
    Lay off the furrows three and one half fret, with a small plow ; next
mark off the water furrows the same distance apart, which will make the
hills three and one half feet each way. When plants are ready to
transplant, wet the water furrows thoroughly.
    Where the furrows cross each other, small hills should be made with
the hoe, the top flatted down, indicating the place where the plants are to
he set, taking care not to raise the hills above the ordinary level. There
are other methods of preparing the ground, but we only give the method
we ourselves have followed, leaving others to follow better ways than ours
if they know of such. The most of the work may be done in time, so
that there will be no hurrying to get ready for transplanting, only the
wetting of the furrows, and making the hills being left to the last.

 

14                       Ir( AmO A C'CO         ---



     A-t TRANSPLANTING C;


     The tobacco crop requires from four to five months' growth, from
the time the seed is sown until the time for cutting, and nearly half of
this time, is confined to the seed-bed; hence the necessity of much care
to secure the best possible condition of the plants at the time of trans-
planting.
     The best size for setting is when the leaves are from an inch and a
half, to twoinches in length, or something like the size of a silver dollar.
The plant bed, several hours before being ready to transplant, should be
well watered to allow the young plants to be easily drawn out, they
may be pulled by taking hold and gently doubling up the several large
leaves of the plant at once. Should they not come up easily, then, if
necessary, use a knife or fork.
    No careless person should be allowed to perform this work, for
much injury to the crop might result from mutilating the plants in any
way.
    The practice of crowding a large number of plants into a basket, to
be taken to the field, is a poor one; resulting in the bruising and breaking
of the roots and leaves. The young plants should be kept straight, after
being taken from the Seed-bed, with their roots together, and placed in
shallow boxes, or pans, to be taken to the fields; and not a sufficient
number placed together to admit of crushing, keeping what little soil that
adheres to their roots from being loosened. They should also be pro-
tected from the hot sun, on the way to the field. Many plants will some-
times become wilted before setting, through carelessness in this respect,
One person should drop the plants ahead in the row, one plant to each
hill, and the setter follow; in setting, the plant should be taken
in the right hand and a hole made in the center of the hill with the left
forefinger for the roots, and should be deep enough to take them in,
without bending, to the same level they occupied in the Seed-bed. The
earth should then be pressed firmly around the roots with both hands; the
pressure should be sufficient to close the hole in the soil at the bottom as
well as at the top.

 

15



     Care should be used not to get the plants too deep, or press the bud
of unopened leaves, in making the soil compact. They should, however,
be well covered and have a sufficient depth of soil.
     It is also a good plan to set an extra plant about every rod or two,
which may be used to fill vacancies that will be found in the after cultiva-
tion; such plants may be taken up, with a small quantity of soil attached
to the roots, and reset without injury. As the Cut Worm will destroy
some of the young plants, and others will wither, the ground should be
carefully examined and rese