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 ^K 1653 Eoat Uo.r Str«) 
 
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DOMINION DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
 OTTAWA, CANADA 
 
 TOBACCO DIVISION 
 
 
 « 
 
 REPORT ON THK TOBACCO INDUSTRY IN ONTARIO 
 
 
 By 
 
 W. A. BARNET 
 
 1'' 
 
 frlf 
 
 HuUotin oil Tobju'fo No. A-- + 
 
 i; 
 
 Publiihed by direction of the Hon. SYDNEY A. FiSHER, Minister of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ont. 
 
 .Taiiuaiy. IDOO 
 
 l(tr)2S— 1 
 
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 at 
 
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 OK 
 
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 To the Honourable 
 
 ]ICinl8ter of Agriculture. 
 
 Sm,-I have the honour to present herewith Bulletin No A4 onp «f fl,» ^ • 
 of bulletins of the Tobacco Division, entitled ' Report on th« tI t ^ . f 
 
 Ontario, prepared by W. A. Bame, .ssistant'of ^r?obaecf ii^Lir '"""''^ " 
 
 This bulletin although not containing any technical information wiU be of 
 
 of the methods of culture m the different sections of the counties of Es. o, and K^ 
 TW w,U find dsoeome valuable suggestions which will be carried out on our e^^' 
 ment station, and I therefore recommen.l that this report be printed for distribuZ 
 
 I have the honour to be, sir. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 Ottawa, Januaiy 4, 1909.. 
 
 F. CHARLAN, 
 Chief of the Tobacco Division. 
 
 10625— IJ 
 
REPORT ON THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY INI ONTARIO. 
 
 The object of the investigation here reported upon was to find out, (o far aa mei* 
 inquiiy can diaoover, the present situation of the tobacco industry in Essex county. 
 Particular attention was paid to the practices generally adopted in the preparation 
 of the soil, the manuring and fertiliring of the same, the manner of establishing seed 
 beds to obtain plants, and to note any special practices or problems relating to the 
 prMtuction of tobacco. 
 
 In addition experimental work was begun in the selection of seed planU; tho 
 object being to breed a particular strain of tobacco suited to the soil and climatic 
 oonditions of that section of Ontario and furnishing the desired characteristics of 
 leaf. 
 
 Preparation of the «o«7.— Having a suitable type of soil, well drained, with a fair 
 iimount of vegetable matter present, the next important consideration is ita prepara- 
 ti. n. Clover sod has given the best results in all parts. A few advocate stubble 
 land or com ground, but by far the greatest weight of evidence is in favour of the 
 clover sod; and my own observation of the growing crop has gone to confirm this 
 opinion. 
 
 As to the time of ploughing there is a great variety of opinion, all of which seems 
 to be tolerably correct for the district in which each particular method is advocated. 
 On the clay loam, and more especially on the typical clay soil, fall ploughing, unques- 
 tionably, has given the best results. To give the proper treatment it ahould be 
 ploughed early and disced in the fall; but few farmers seem to follow this method. 
 
 Outside of the beneficial physical effects to the soil, ore of the greatest benefits 
 of fall ploughing is the exposure of the chrysalids of the tobacco worm to the action 
 of the frost and other adverse conditions. If more of the growers, whose crops have 
 been badly damaged by this insatiable feeder, would practise fall plou^ng and the 
 use of cover crops, even on the sandy types of soil, there would be a much smaller 
 percentage of damaged leaves in many crops and a much more valuable product would 
 result. 
 
 Notwithstanding, on the sandy soils all along the ridge of land bordering the 
 lake, spring ploughing is practised. The growers claimed equally good or better 
 results than from the fall ploughing. Where there is any gravel in tho soil it is 
 liable to wash with the spring rains, and become very hard if ploughed in the falL 
 whereas, the sandy soil seems to run together too much or drifts badly in winter if 
 fall ploughed. But if the land is not tilled in the fall, it should be ploughed as early 
 ns possible in the spring. This conserves more moisture and gives the land time to 
 1-ecome firm before planting. By becoming solid below capillarity is increased, and 
 more moisture will be brought to the surface to nourish the plante during the dry 
 weather. With late ploughing the land invariably is loose, open and lumpy, and is 
 very apt to dry out. Many instances of the latter case have been brought to my 
 notice this season. 
 
 One field in which I happened to be served as a very convincing example to show 
 the importance of early spring ploughing. A narrow strip in the field was ploughed 
 three to four weeks before planting, and an area comprising a few rows alongside 
 was left till just before planting. All the field received the same cultivation and was 
 planted the same day with the same type of plants. On July 31, when I visited the 
 plantation, it could bo seen very plainly where the line of demarcation was between 
 the late and the early spring ploughing. There appeared to be about two wedos 
 difference in the growth of the plants. Several crops that were backward, indicating 
 
 5 
 
■ ttufh rwluccd yield, were plantod „ii Broiiiid pi-paml too lato in the iprinc; and 
 the d<.crpaiied return could Iv nixoiinfoil for in no other way. When the land ia lumpy, 
 open and dry. there h not eiiouirh moisture to push fh<- tomlor young planU alonff: 
 ini«vti), cajioiMally the diff. rent ii|i.Hi..^ of ciitwornw. nre npt to attack the irrowinK 
 i-rop. and whole ti.-hU <niflcr often in thin way, 
 
 '''''«• ""'.V tol.Mc.o di^trirt whrr.. I found fall ploujfhiiiff followed wu. that of 
 J'eW Island. The pnu-ti.v. i, ml„pf,.,| K,.|„.rully by mont of thu better growert. One 
 roii«..n why it i* mop,- prrviilont th. r,. |„. f„ct Hint a grvnt d.^l of the toil ia of a 
 clay nuture. In a few initancea I fou..(l that late apring plouKhing waa practiMd; 
 and, nd n r«iiiilt. the wecN were urentlv in advance of tljo tobnci'o rrop. When plough- 
 ing i» left till t.K) lute in the spriiiir there i4 not the same ehaneo to kill the weeda 
 bet. ire plnntniff tune, which i. ,i very important e.innideration, since (hev drawhoaTlly 
 on the n.oi-tur,. of tl... *,il. Cen. rally .p^-akinK, unless there i^ nn 'abundance of 
 moieture in the noil, lute pb.uKhinjf should not bo practised. 
 
 A tiun.ber of faruiers M„k llie lake fmnl sow a crop of ,« jh in the early apring, 
 or rye m the fall, and pluMnli down thi, .-over crop in the ,,,rinK. This is a verv 
 
 valiial.l,. ;.r;uuee, smo,. it mere s the .r«anic matter and prevents the mind froiii 
 
 (iriltinff. If lb.. er..p .,t r.w h turned under before it*, maturitv is too far advanced 
 It 18 generally uceonipanied by k<x"1 re^iult^. 
 
 In many instances where late ploughing was practised a great deal of trouble was 
 experiene.^1 in g.tling a roo.! stand of plants: some farmers were oblige! to rew-t 
 several times ll„s ind.eat.s a (treat deal of extra expens... U-sides Hueh Lite settings 
 '^noth'"''''''" '■'■*''' """ ""•'■ """■•■ ^■'"" ''"'f " '•'•"P' o.>iHi.lering one .reason with 
 
 Thug, no dirw't oonelu-ion may I.o drawn as to the exn.-t time of ploughing. The 
 .Into vanes a good -leal with the season. Sonu- plough early in April, as soon aa the 
 frost IS out of the ground. Many who di.l not begin early this season were waiting 
 tor lain to soft.n the ground. The spring of UH)8 was exceptionally d«y for a long 
 peruHl just when the growers were read.v to make preparations for planting 
 
 fh« tfi" ''"i"'"'""' "'''.""Ti-,,^ V"K^ "'•'■ '''"* """^"*f ^«"n"« ^!"> »iavo a clay soil 
 the better clasa practised fall ploughing ao far as time allowed them, whereas that 
 class who na. a light or gravlly -and invariably followed spring ploughing. 8owc 
 have tried fall ploughing on this licht soil, but found it was of no advantage since 
 the laml l.tH^ame so solid that it required ploughing in the spring again. 
 
 Aa to tile number of ploughings. invariably the soil is turned over but once, for 
 the simple reason that farmers have not time to repeat the operation. I found but 
 one Kro«,.r who had ploughed his tobacco ground more than once during the spring 
 Jt.s reason was that he .-etained more moisture in the ground. It is a question in my 
 mind If the inoreas.d return would warrant the extra labour and outlay incurred ii; 
 this, the most exi^noive operation of tillape. Early spring ploughing followed by 
 irequent and thorough cultivation ia the more economical practice in tho light soil 
 However it 19 not the most efiFective method, and should be supplanted in most cases 
 oy fall ploughing. 
 
 A^ regards the depth ,,f ploughing, there is a wide differeiiee of opinion. Some 
 
 o 8 im-hes, both l« levmg their particular method to be the best. On sand and sandy 
 loam soils there is just as much diversity of opinion, ^ilany good gr. "ers Tugh « 
 deep as 8 inch. s. while others go to a depth of from t inehei ,'0 6 inch,, and dafm o 
 
 thoroughnr.,ss and efficiency of the operation. 
 
 The after preparation of the soil is even more important than the ploughing 
 The majority of growers realize the circumstance, that unless the ground is weU workS 
 
 Z^lTl- H""- ''i**^ "i *il*u ^^'l '^'""I- ''"""°* '""'^'^ ^^^ '•'•"'^''"n continuation of 
 growth which 18 desired. The soil should be thoroughly pulverized with the disc har- 
 row, and put into a fine condition of tilth with the smoothing harrow. If it is lumpy 
 
the roller ikould be uiod. but uii the naiiily tyrp< s of i.,i\ i\wti> U little occanion to uae 
 thin iropbinftit. Very lew Kruwora hmj tho -pnnB t.ioili mltivator; the di«c and 
 •moothing harrow* are tho imploiiirntii iim<«1, Tho iiiimIxT of times tho averaire /.inn- 
 er cultivatee hi» tobaco Kromid d<<|tf>nd'* n {rrxxl ijoiil mi thi> t,v|M* of noil. A few diiio 
 fiTe or Rii timen uftor plonKliing, and aim to repent the operation once a week till the 
 time of planting. But where lato ploughinfr i* practiruHl, and tho land i* allowol to 
 dry out and bvcona- lumpy, no iiriiount of tilliiife will briiiK that Hold into n «iiitnblo 
 condition for pluntinir. .Miiii.v cropn havf suflfiTi'd from ju*t tiui"h a practice in ltK)8. 
 At a rcault, the tolmi-co, which in n very rxiu'liinf itd)), iiovpr ruoovercd from mirh a 
 Mvcre •ctback and was only half a yield. 
 
 Manures and ferliluiiii in ijrnwinfj t'tl,airi).— U,nnTi\u\K tho manuring and fi'r- 
 tiliEing methods adopted «<■ have foiiml much li-n ditTcniiPc of opinion. In any cntf, 
 nearly nil the farmyard miinuro iiviiilnlile i-i put on tho tobnceo ground in fnll, winter 
 or ipring. Tho only oxoeption to thi-< stnt<'iiMnt wti-t found in tho I'eliv Inland dis- 
 trict. Many farmers on tlii* ifllnnd wlin produced but very little mnnure gniw tohneco 
 on the mnrtihy hind, which comprised finite a larKc arr>n. In this vi<'inity the soil, 
 which is pun' black muck or perhaps eluy, containing n larsrc i>ereentag«? of decaying 
 organic matter, retains n largo available supply of nitrogen. Consequently, tho 
 tobacco grows coarse nnd heavy without nn opplicntion of manure. TTowever, where 
 tobacco, com and cereals luue lieon grown too freq"ently without rotation, tho soil 
 was becoming depicted in its nnturel supply of nitrogen nnd potn.sh; and the better 
 class of growers realized ihnt they must irrow clover wh"re the soil wag dry enough nnd. 
 in addition, produce as much mnnuro n« posjible. 
 
 There wns some difference of opinion in regnrd to the niuount of manure I'ld, 
 tike time of applicati:^n nnd the method of iiicoriK)rating it with the soil. For instance, 
 8ome growew bordering on the lake pastured hogs on a clover sod during the fall, and 
 in the followiHg spring ploughed unrlcr n heavy application of hog manure about four 
 to eight weeks before planting. 
 
 Regarding the amount of mr..iuro applied, it vnried from ten to twenty load-s per 
 acre; the latter amount v.'ould l>o a fairly heavy application, since twelve loads is 
 equivalent to twenty tons. In very many cases all the manure on the farm was put 
 on the tobacco ground ; however, the fertilizing value of the nuinure varies a great 
 deal, depending on the amount of grain used, the number and class of stock fed, tho 
 litter supplied and tho can' in handling. As a general statement, the most successful 
 farmers who kept a numlx-r of hogs an<l cnttlu — feeding all tho grain and fodder 
 produced on the farm— applied twelve to fifteen wagon loads to the acre. Those who 
 used the manure sprender applied about e>ght to twelve loads, the latter allowance 
 being the largest quantity that con bo put on at a single application. 
 
 The majority of the tobacco growers who apply the manure in tho spring and 
 incorporate it with tho soil at the time of spring ploughing ; 'cm to obtain fairly con- 
 stant results. A few practise top dressing in the winter nnd discing in the manure 
 in the early spring; and their efforte are attended frequently with very good results. 
 The efficiency of this practice will vary a good deal with tho season; if the mnnmro 
 wns applied to a snndy soil Inte in the spring and a long dry period followed, such as 
 r^asex county experienced this season the bencKts of the manure would not be apprj- 
 ciably noticed that season, since the constituents are slowly soluble. Hence, this 
 practice ncedd to be tried more extensively before reliable conclusions may be drawn. 
 As a general conclusion, we would say that nt the present time practically all the 
 manure is incorporated with the soil at the time the spring ploughing is done. 
 
 The commercial fertilizer problem is still in the experimental stage, and tho 
 success attending its use is very variable. The one most widely tried is what is known 
 u high grade special guano. A large number of growers in the important tobacco 
 producing sections have applied a few tons of this fertilizer to smad acreages in 
 previous years. Some have tried it but one year on one particular type of soil A 
 
 h. 
 
few fanners could detect the benefits in the increased yield of the crop, which eri- 
 dently shows that their particular soil was lacking in some of the ingredients which 
 the fertiliser contained. But the flreat majority of growers have used this prepared 
 mixture to no advantage. Although many people did not realise any return from this 
 high grade guano, however, in many cases the following crop of oats or wheat showed 
 the effects of the chemical manure. Since there are so many problems wrapped up in 
 the judicious use of fertilizers, it is impossible to draw any conclusions as to the 
 merits or demerits of the mixture. At all events, there was very little fertilizer applied 
 this season. The use of chemical manures has been confined to the Eseex county dis- 
 trict; no growers on Pelee Island have tried fertilizers during any previous years. 
 
 The qusE-ities of manure applied vary with the method of application. Quite 
 a number have used the gruano at the rate of 200 to 300 pounds to the acre, putting 
 about a tablespoonful in each tobacco hill at planting time. In following this method 
 I found that in most cases the fertilizer was too much concentrated in one spot, and 
 the plants were ' burnt.' Other have taken prpcautions to mix the soil and fertilizer 
 in the hill, and have noted but 'ittle benefits from the application. The greater num- 
 ber have applied the mixture broadcast at the rate of 600 to 800 pounds per acre, har- 
 rowing in before planting. 
 
 A very limited number who have had considerable experience with fertilizers have 
 applied a home mixed, complete fertilizer, buying the single :' igredients, sulphate of 
 potash, Aitrate of soda, and acid phosphate from u fertilizer company, and applying 
 broadcast. Others again have bought prepared mixtures from different fertilizer com- 
 panies, a^d applied in the above manner at the rate of 500 to 800 pounds per acre. 
 By way of summary we would say that the greatest measure of success was found 
 where the ingredients were bought singly and mixed at hoin 
 
 One of the chief difficulties is that growers, as a whole, have not studied the needs 
 of the tobacco crop, the particular elements lacking in their soil, the action and 
 composition of these commercial manures, and their relative cost. In nearly all cases 
 the fertilizer has been applied solely with a view of increasing the quantity of the 
 crop, regardless of quality or ajiy other consideration. In a number of cases the fer- 
 tilizer has been purchased simply because certain tobacco dealers handled it, and the 
 grower in return expected the dealer to buy his crop. In such cases the fertilizer 
 has been used as a sort of connecting link between the dealer and fanner, no calcu- 
 lation being made by tlie latter as to whether the increased yield, if such was the 
 case, was sufficient compensation for the initial outlay in the fertilizer. 
 
 liegarding this problem there is a broad field for experimental research. Many 
 growers know that manures, rich in potash, are demanded for tobacco. Nevertheless, 
 the exact form of fertilizer as suited to the soil requirements of the Essex and Kent 
 farmer, requires much careful investigation, since on many farms the soil has become 
 depleted of some fundamental elements necessary to the growing of a Burley-type of 
 tobacco; such soils are termed 'Burley sick.' Some crops of Burley of this season 
 will not give half a yield, while other farms actually will not grow Burley at the pre- 
 sent time. Heavy applications of farm-yard manure, however beneficial they may be, 
 or the frequent use of legimiinous crops, however large an amount of nitrogen or 
 inert potash they may restore to the soil, are not sufficient in themselves to meet all 
 the demands of the tobacco crop. Such manures need to be supplemented with com- 
 mercial fertilizers ; and there is a vast need for data regarding when, how much, and 
 how to profitably employ these chemical manures. 
 
 However, a little inquiry into the history of these 'Burley sick' farms has 
 revealed the fact that rotation of crops has not been followed to any extent, the differ- 
 ent crops being placed without anv regard to the effect on the Innd or on <ach other. 
 For example, Burley tobacco has been grown in each of three or four successive years 
 on the same section of the farm within the short period of six years, a crop of grain 
 and clover having intervened before another term of tob.icco cropping. Thua tha 
 
 i 
 
 ■"1 
 
! 
 
 i 
 
 •oil ha« become depleted in the special demands of the Burley variety. Too many 
 growen do not realize the importance of a short rotation of crops. 
 
 Nature of teed beds and methods of establishment.— Then are more methods in 
 TOgue in t«gard to the establishment of seed beds than in any other branch of tobacco 
 culture, and coupled with this we have a very varying degree of success. I mi^t say 
 that each grower has his particular method, scarcely two adjoining neighbours adopt- 
 ing the same. 
 
 The failures attending the rearing of plants are numerous, to say the least A 
 grower may prepare his beds in a particular way one year, and the following year take 
 the same precaution and have no plants. Some particular seed, soil or manure used, 
 the quantities of each used, or the too frequent establishment of the bed in the same 
 place, may cause the grower a great deal of trouble. 
 
 The strongest ajid healthiest pla s I found were grown in the bush, and are 
 known as bush plants. The above were later in maturing than those reared in the 
 hot-bed, but withstand unfavourable conditions of transplanting better, and adapt 
 themselves to their new environment more easily. 
 
 The method commonly adopted in getting these plants is very simple. Late in sum- 
 mer or early in fall the area of ground which is generally on the south side of the 
 \v(XKi lot, IS cleaned up by burning brush or old logs on the selected ground. This 
 practice kills all the weed seeds and insect pupa, besides giving a nice ash bed, which 
 19 rich in potash. In the spring, as soon as the ground is warm enough to favour the 
 growth, it 18 ploughed or thoroughly spaded up, a nice fine seed bed made and the seed 
 sown. Some growers protect the bed with cotton by having stakes at intervals to sup- 
 port the cover, but the majority grow the plants in the open without any cover tope. 
 Fewer failures attend this method than any other brought to my notice. 
 
 The common practice in establishing seed beds is to choose a convenient loca- 
 tion in a well sheltered spot, then to remove the soil to a depth of from 4 to 8 inches, 
 to put in a few inches of hog manure or a mixture of hog and hen manure and to 
 replace the soil removed, to make a fine surface layer and to sow the seed. In many 
 cases the latter is mixed with dry sand or ashes in order to get a more even distribu- 
 tion in sowing. In following this method, probably the first year there will be a good 
 stand of plants, and it may be that the beds prepared in a like manner will give fairly 
 good results the second year. But, aa far as I could learn, in nine cases out of ten, 
 the grower could not get strong plants if the system was followed during a third 
 season, particularly if he were trying to rear White Burley plants. Numerous fail- 
 ures, where the leaves turned yellow, developed dark roots and finally died, were 
 due to the rigid following of this method. This system would be more satisfactory 
 in growing the cigar-type plants, but the White Burley plants should not be grown 
 longer than one year in the same bed without change of soil. It seems to me that 
 a large number of the failures in rearing plants are due to this simple practical error. 
 
 In a few cases the warm bed was used rather than the half warm bed mentioned 
 above. In establishing this bed pure horse manure was made use of rather than hog 
 or hen manure. This system, where judiciously practised, seemed to give fair results, 
 the plants being obtained quite early. 
 
 However, I found that when well rotted manure was applied in the fall that the 
 best results, at all events, the least varying results, were obtained. By covering the 
 already prepared soil with a thick layer of well rotted hog manure, or a mixture of 
 hog and cattle manure, and allowing it to leach down through the soil, the ingredients 
 of the manure become incorporated in thie medium. Very often finely cut tobacco 
 stalks were added to the above preparation. In the spring the manure was thoroughly 
 mixed with the soil, or, if there was too much coarse material, it was raked o£F, then 
 the soil was spaded up and the seed sown. In rare instances the growers have added 
 to the surface ot the common clay loam a thin layer of bush virgin soil. In watering. 
 
 « ■■; 
 
10 
 
 many have uaed the dilute liquid from hen manure without injury to the planta, 
 thereby forcing the growth. 
 
 On the occasion of a visit to the Walker Company's plantation in October, T 
 found their beds already prepare<l for next spring. The method of establiahment con- 
 sisted in adding about four inches of pure black mould, consisting of thoroughly de- 
 oompoeed cattle manure and old pasture land soil, to the clay subwiL This type of 
 soil was of 8 vwy loose, friable texture. In watering the plants a eolution of nitrate 
 of soda, used at the rate of 800 pounds to the acre of seed bed, together with the 
 liquid from tobacco stems, has been utilized to good advantage. 
 
 In conclusion, I believe that few growers realize that the nourishment in the 
 small tobaoco seed is extremely limited, and the young seedling is early called upon 
 to rely on food from the soil of the eocd bed. Consequently, they fail to realize the 
 importance of having all conditions 'nKrccable to the exacting needs of this delicate 
 plant. 
 
 As regards the kind of cover tops, the great majority of growers use the cotton 
 covering. Only one case was brousht to my notice where oiled cotton had been adopted. 
 In using the cotton I believe many fail to take full advantage of its purpose, in that 
 it is not stretched tightly and closely over the frame; consequently, there is a draft 
 created below the covering, which is very injurious, especially during the cold, windy 
 days of early spring, if we are to gain full benefit of the cotton by the retention of 
 the sun's hcnt of the day during the cool evening hours, we must have it tightly 
 stretched. These m'nor details deserve attention. 
 
 A small number used the glass frames, by which method the plants may be grown 
 more quickly; but in cased where the glass tops were in vogue, I found that the par- 
 ticular object in view had l)een the growing of early tomato and cabbage plants. 
 However, not a few spoke in favour of the introduction of glass frames to ensure 
 early plants. I found that the Erie Tobacco Company and the Walker Company were 
 uaiug the glass hot house to good advantage. 
 
 However, I believe that the great niajority of growers do not pay enough atten- 
 tion to one of the fimdamental questions, namely, the source of their seed supply. 
 Too frequently the farmer relies on the old seed supply of his neighbour, or of a seed 
 firm which is not too careful in its methods, or probably his own seed supply, which 
 was gathered from plsints regardless of their individuality. A full treatise of this 
 subject will be dealt with later. 
 
 As regards the species of insects attacking the tobacco in this section of the pro- 
 vince, we might state that they are few in number, but very destructive io the tobacco 
 crop. The most injurious species found were the wire-worms, the cut-worms and the 
 horn-worms. 
 
 The first mentioned were found in rare cise.i, where the grower hr.d in the pre- 
 vious year ploughed down an old timothy sod which had been seeded for a number of 
 years. In a faw cases the wire-worm had destroyed completely the first setting, thus 
 ii('0€s«it.".)iii,T a great deal of extra oxncnse in resetting. Such a liffituity may bo 
 overcome easily when a rotation of three or four years' duration is practised. 
 
 'J'oliiicirr. is no less subject to the attacks of cut-worms than other cropj. Set out 
 in newly ploughed fields in the early summer, the plants are quickly attacked by these 
 hungry worms, which have existed in the soil, for a few days at least, without any 
 kind of food. In some sections they have done considerable damage; often the first 
 and even the second plantings have been destroyed. From all reports the cut-worm 
 seems to do more damage on Pelee Island than in any other district. The beat way to 
 prevent the damage is to have strong healthy plants, to have the ground in the best 
 possible condition and endeavour to plant at a time when there will be lowers and a 
 subsequent rapid growth. There ia no practical way of fighting the cut-worm on a 
 large scala Poisoning with bran and Paris green is recommended where they are 
 very bad, but if preventive measures are observed such treatment will not be necessary. 
 Invariably the insect which causes the most damage ia the tobacco-worm or horn- 
 worm. There is but one generation of this insect in Essex county. The eggs, which 
 
11 
 
 may be found on the under side of the leaf, are laid singly in the months of July 
 and August In a few days the young caterpillars are hatched and are soon ready 
 to begin their ravages. 
 
 The actual damage resulting from horn-worms varied in the same locality during 
 the different seasons. It was not an uncommon occurrence to find a crop badly dam- 
 aged, despite every effort put forth to combat the insect, and the crop in an adjoin- 
 ing field practically exempt from tlie horn-worm. For some reason, the former field 
 seemed to be a favourable ground during that season, whereas in the preceding year 
 the grower might not have experienced an- damage from the horn-worm. 
 
 The general method of combatting this insect is hand-picking «i the time the 
 suckering and topping is being done. A limited number have resorted to the use of 
 arsenical poisons— Paris green. Two problems experienced in its effective use are: 
 1st. The difficulty in obtaining a solution of proper strength— not too concentrated 
 to bum the leaf, nor too weak to be effective; 2nd. The undue reliance on its insec- 
 ticidal effects, ultimating in an incr'^ased damage to the crop. A few growers have 
 used the sweetened cobalt, squirting it into the jimson flower in order to kill the 
 ndult sphinx moths of the tobacco worm. Tf every farmer would set out a few jimson 
 plants in early spring in his tobacco field smd use their flowers as a means l)y 
 which to apply the sweetened cobalt, scores of adults would be killed. Every adult 
 moth exterminated means about 150 to 200 fewer eggs being laid. Another very 
 useful agent in getting rid of horn-worms is the duck ; and a very surprising fact is 
 the limited number who even think of trying this useful animal. I found that on 
 the 230 aero plantation of the .v'alker Company about 600 ducks did all the ' worming.' 
 
 A valuable preventive measure in combating this insect is fall ploughing, fol- 
 lowed by discing. By ploughing about four to five inches deep we expose the chrysa- 
 lids to the action of the weather, thereby destroying scores of worms that are hibernat- 
 ing. By subsequent cultivation many will be broken up by coming in contact with 
 the revolving disc of the burrow. It seems to me that were no other object aimed at 
 than the destruction of these pupcD, we would be justified in fall ploughing. 
 
 Dates and distances of planting and dates of harvesting.— A-i intimated else- 
 where in my report, there is a wide difference in practice between the earliest and 
 liitest planting, even as much as six weeks lapses in some cases. It is vory doubtful 
 if even a month's delay can be afforded in producing a tobacco plant, for I believe the 
 :^oason is not too long for best results. 
 
 The distances of planting vary with nearly every grower. The majority plant 
 the Burley-type tobacco at practical distances for cultivation, and with a view to 
 obtaining maximum yields. However, scores of farmers set the cigar type tobacco 
 at the same distances; consequently, the yield is greatly diminished and the quality 
 13 poor. There ia a striking need for demonstration plots to correct this error. 
 
 Then in regard to dates of harvesting, too many fail to take advantage of cut- 
 ting at the proper stage of maturity. In nine cases out of ten the mistake lies in 
 allowing the tobacco, especially cigar types, to become too ripe. To determine the 
 exact dates and distances for planting, and the best dates for harvesting with a view 
 to obtaining correct conditions for growing and curing, would be an exacting line 
 for investigatioa. 
 
 Special work in seed selection.— A watchful study of any tobacco field in On- 
 tario will reveal a great lack of uniformity as regirde nearly aU characters. This 
 variability is noticeable particularly with regard to the difference in number, size, 
 .-lapo and manner of growth of leaves on individual plants, the time of ripening of 
 I ho leaves on the same and on different plants. This lack of uniformity results in 
 .1 dccT«&hod yield, and greatly augments the cost of grading the different types, the 
 expense of which must be borne indirectly by the farmer. One of the leading 
 tobacco growers of Essex made the statement recently that unless we had large, heavy 
 
19 
 wed^obUined f toni a known reliable source, we cannot hope to have umlorm diM... 
 
 ^ cSnwTK**' ^^^ '^'"' ^^^^' ''' ^ ^^'^ c~P ii the lue Of immatuw 
 vanable plants which an. more subject to certain diseases, particularly the^^ 
 d«««. than are plants grown from heavy, well matured se;d The inoreaSd^d! 
 
 sSlZrwU^ "^ e^nment time and tin. .. nr. Wh? should not theTncb^ 
 «oi* apply with equal force in the usage of toi,actj seed! 
 
 Onf.'ir*''*' productive source of variation rests in the common practice among some 
 Ontario growers of obtaining seed from one of the states to the soutro7uTw^Sb 
 Affers in so.l and climatic conditions. This system may be advantageous if LS 
 iJants grown from this seed have been naturalized and rigid 8electiornracti!«d ^ 
 
 hazardous for the average Ontario grower. 
 
 is c,2rSiz*!?t'iir'"I'""L-'"'* °^Y.*^i^ variabUity in the tobacco crop of Ontario 
 ^rfertuSfn ";odu^'ir/° ?-\'T "^ P'"* '"^•'«' ^««d originated from 
 ^Dk^fir™ ki P'"."J' "'''**=^ '*•' '>°' resemble either parent. Where the 
 
 fl^e« wm LXb^cS JS°r *'?""* ^'"*'^*r '""° ''^^ fertilization, a n^ o| 
 iS Thus dSS f r "^^r'"' "' ''""'"^ ^^^' ^°°^y ''«« ond other small 
 fieKiisib'vf^m Jn Pl'J°.*^""'y ^ "°^«i '^ith undesirable plants in the same 
 plants wTbSkTfr *^°""."! ^^^''- ^r" ^''^ intermixing of pollen of desirable 
 n^h-Kl • P. ^^ •'"■"^"'*' *yP^' '^"Itinff in undesirable variations whichTre 
 
 probably reversions to unimprove.1 strains of tobacco. "naiions. wnicft are 
 
 of fi^'*""^" .*'>«'n°«t important field for investigation is that of breeding a strain 
 
 thelTd 'ZIL^^ t S ''^'^ """f '"'" ?' ^'-^ county :Slu^S 
 •o uesirta cnaracters m the leat. Ihia line of invest gation requires exnert attention 
 
 wllTw 7f <=»,«J.-«-f"J!.V on volunteer exif^imontTatronrCSeSs" 
 rn^K? * ^ i '^«'^'<'P">f » particular type suited to the above conditions TimS 
 
 TeSoltSrunT ""'^ "" "*=' ''^ *'^ ^'^"'"''"*''' Plots fnrdrffS 
 
 The of the leaves on each plant w.is measured with tbn nrAi^^r^ ♦„„ i- 
 
 c'peoially the mosaic d sease. toeether with thp h^inht «* ♦!.-. i ^ wmie spots, and 
 Pl.nt to th, pw^w .n.I to d.™l«p . .peei.1 ,dl ad.pW trnTrfSSio tE, ^^ 
 
 
u 
 
 The method for mvii)« Med wai aa foUows: To protect the flowen from croaa 
 
 pomnation, a 12-lb. paper ba^ waa placed over the flower bead jurt when the first 
 
 flowena were beginning to open. This kept out all agenU whereby the pollen might 
 
 t ^^JT"^ 7^ *i^'""^.'.'"* '* ^^ "«»• *'™» ^^ "ot «*•"! the development 
 
 mature their aeed. However, the practice was found by actual e:*erieiKe to be 
 thorou8*Iy practical and quite efficient. ->a^rioiKo w oe 
 
 The time when the first flowers begin to open is the most suitable stage for savins 
 teed of ^e best planU under bag. .\t that time the flower stem is rtroi enouS 
 s^^^Jtt't:::^? f t^'"- Af'^T '*^'"**' -«' bagged • earlier SieZve 
 T^A -i^ 1 "^^ ^""t '""^'y '^"* ""'J •» «<»»« «»■«» w" broken off. When 
 the desired development was reached, all small leaves and brenches with the eiceptiS 
 of the main stem were removed, and the bag tied loosely over the flower head tS 
 
 Z totZT. «n^ '^ ^"""^ "'"'^ [* "^'^'"^ *« ^"'^ »^« plantationsTa few 
 ^\^ 11°^ u" '""'«''««'»>7 growth and replace the bag. This practice was 
 
 IT^l ia'tui^r'T '"'?1 tbe "— When suflicient podl hKv'o^^J 
 wed. all immature capsules and late flowers were destroyed and the bag remov^ 
 Thus nothing but lajge fertilized capsules were left to ripen. The ^dhold!^ were 
 harvested in the ordinary way and hung in a dry place 
 
 ih. l^T^y^^ "^^^^"J?,!. "" ^^^ '""^^ ^'^ "^"^^ to «™™ on the plants till 
 
 n O^rirwherebv^i t^^ "'"''''^ '" ^'""'"^ *" *^« ^^'^^ '««*<''' 'dopSd 
 
 ^cT™ . •'^™^"t «''Z»''o«l was that unless the plants were stripped Hie Med would 
 
 SfS befol^'Tht- ^'^'^'^'^ '^" ^r «be selected plants r^ureS Sir 3 
 
 St^ * % !• '^'^ ""'' '^''"^' °* ^'o«*- ■">'« ""Ob disputed point would be 
 worthy of consideration in experimental research. 
 
 Hi 
 
 OONCLUSIOir AND RECOMUENDATION. 
 
 Ist Preparation of the land.-\ practical test of fall versus spring ploughing on 
 at least two different types of soil-sandy loam and clay-^th p vifw to estaK 
 the comparative merits of both of these practices would be required. The date and 
 depths of ploughing axe also disputed too generally, especially the date of spring 
 
 fl.„ llL^"^f'l "^ manuring and f''rl{Uzing.--Fnrm.yard manure and clover supply 
 the nitrogen, but many so.k termed ' Burley sick' are lacking seriously in o^e^ 
 
 OnZ^ f« '"*"• • ^^' 'T, ^*'"" "^ ^^''"'^' »« ^-*^<1 *<• *« condition 0?^ 
 anSion f ''^""^ carefu inyestigatioa. The quantities, methods and time^ 
 ™J^ • f '^ fertilizers together with a comparative test of speciallv 
 
 prepared mixtures versus single chemical manures are fields demanding co^dera- 
 tion. The quantities to apply and the best methods of application of farm yard 
 manure require elose attention. A feasible aid in the solution of the whole J^bfe» 
 
 ::gfrLt£ •i;ta;T'i\'^*^*'- -' --■ ^^"- '"— - -<> ^-^-^ 
 
 ..Jm ^'- ' ""''^•'"! "^ •"'■''."'-'"^ pJants.-\ large number of grower either through 
 ™ "' '"ocquain aucP witn the proper methods do not reise their own plants S 
 consequently are obliged to purchase them wherever they can be procured A eries 
 
 :^srz)^:;:;::il:jr --^ '-' ^^^^-^^ ^^ -''^- -- p^-^ 
 ::;£:i^'~r?^ ^- "-^5-rs ::s^:- 
 
 small locnl differencos of soil and oliiimte. u^fpuoip to 
 
 i 
 
iii 
 
 14 
 
 6th. Dale* of planting and harvttUng, according to each variety. — A Btudy of 
 different disUncea of aetting i« demanded. In aouthwestem Ontario there is a differ- 
 ence of over a month between the earliest and the latest plantin«r. Undoubtedly thia 
 delay cannot be afforded. In addition, a larRfo amount of the tobacco, especially tlia 
 eigar type, ia allowed to become too ripe before harrestinfr. What is neeided in thia 
 direction is to determine the most favourable time for planting and alao for harrest- 
 ing, with a view to eetablishing the weight in pounds, and a demonstration relative 
 to the quality of the tissue. The best method and most favourable time for curing 
 are features requiring invusti^tion. 
 
 6th. Fighting insect petti. — Short rotation of crops for the struggle against the 
 wire-worm, and especially the cut-won., should be adopted. Fall ploughing and 
 pubsoquent cultivation, followod by the use of a siiit.iblc cover crop, together with the 
 establishment of a small seed bed of jimson weed, with a view to early distribution 
 of the plnnts among tho growers would be an important field for investigation. 
 
 7th. Selection of .seed and propnaalinn of types selected. — Perhaps one of the 
 most Jiiportant lines of investigation is that of breeding a variety of tobaeco suited 
 1o the soil and climatic conditions of Ontario, and furnished with the desired charac- 
 teristics of leaf. This line of investigation demands expert attention. By selecting 
 in the field plants that show Ihe desired quality of leaf, or probably by cross breeding 
 one variety with another, undoubtedly a type of tobacco espeeinlly adapted to Ontario 
 conditions, and of high quality, can be originated in a ri-asonnbly short time. Through 
 the aid of such demonstration work the grower will be in a position to practise indi- 
 vidual seed selection, to adopt the method of saving swmI of the best plants under bag 
 und to propagate this seed. 
 
 Ottawa, December 29, 190S.