,a ,,treatise ,,on ,,the ,,culture ,,of ,,the ,,tobacco ,,plant4 ,price ,two ,shillings and ,sixpence4 ,illustration3 ,flowers of the ,tobacco plant ,drawn and ,engraved by ,copland ,sansom ,no #af ,maiden ,lane ,a ,,treatise ,,on ,,the ,,culture ,,of ,,the ,,tobacco ,,plant2 ,,with ,,the ,,manner in which it is usually ,,cured4 ,,adapted ,,to ,,northern ,,climates1 ,,and ,,designed ,,for ,,the ,,use ,,of ,,the ,,landholders ,,of ,,great-,,britain4 ,,to ,,which ,,are ,,prefixed1 ,,two ,,plates ,,of ,,the ,,plant ,,and ,,its ,,flowers4 ,,by ,,jonathan ,,carver1 ,,esq4 ,author of ,,travels through the interior ,parts of ,,north-,,america4 ,,london3 ,printed for the ,,author1 ,and sold by ,j4 ,,johnson1 in ,st4 ,paul's ,church-yard4 #aggi4 ,,to ,,the ,,right ,,honourable ,,the ,,president1 ,,vice-,,presidents1 ,,and ,,members ,,of ,,the ,,society ,,for ,,the ,,encouragement ,,of ,,arts1 ,,manufactures ,,and ,,commerce4 ,the ,extension of every ,branch of useful ,knowledge being the great ,object of the ,,society for the ,encouragement of ,,arts1 ,,manufactures and ,,commerce1 the ,author begs ,leave to commit the following ,treatise to their ,patronage4 ,london1 ,march #bfth1 #aggi4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,of the ,discovery and ,uses of ,tobacco ,p4 #a ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,a ,description of the ,plant and its ,flowers #i ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,of the ,soil and ,situation most proper for raising the ,plant #ac ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,of its ,culture1 with a ,description of the ,worm that annoys it #ae ,,chapter ,v4 ,of the ,manner in which it is usually cured #bh ,,appendix #ce ,illustration3 ,tobacco plant ,drawn and ,engraved by ,copland ,sansom ,no #af ,maiden ,lane ,a ,,treatise1 c4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,of the ,discovery and ,uses of ,tobacco4 ,tobacco1 or ,tabacco1 is a medicinal plant1 which remained unknown to ,europeans till the discovery of ,america by the ,spaniards2 being first imported from thence about the year #aefj4 ,the ,americans of the continent called it ,petun2 those of the islands1 ,yoli4 ,hernandez de ,toledo sent it into ,spain from ,tabaco1 a province of ,yucatan1 where he first found and learned its use2 and from which place he gave it the denomination it still bears4 ,sir ,walter ,raleigh first introduced the use of it into ,england1 in the reign of ,queen ,elizabeth1 about the year #aehe4 ,the plant was probably known in this kingdom before that time1 by means of the ,spaniards or ,portuguese2 it is however certain1 that he first taught the ,english to smoke it4 ,the ,french1 on its first introduction among them1 gave it various names1 as ,nicotiana1 or the ,embassador's ,herb1 from ,john ,nicot1 who came soon after it was discovered1 as embassador to that court1 from ,francis the ,second of ,portugal1 and brought some of it with him2 which he presented to a grand ,prior of the house of ,lorrain1 and to ,queen ,catherine de ,medicis3 on this account it was sometimes called the ,grand ,prior's ,herb1 and sometimes the ,queen's ,herb4 ,when1 or in what manner this plant was introduced into the oriental nations is uncertain1 although it is at present in general use among them4 ,considerable quantities of it are likewise cultivated in the ,levant1 the coasts of ,greece and the ,archipelago1 in the island of ,malta and in ,italy4 ,tobacco is termed by botanists1 ,nicotiana2 and is arranged by them as a genus of the ,pentandria ,monogynia class of plants4 ,it is sometimes used medicinally2 but being very powerful in its operations1 this must be done with great caution4 ,the most common uses of it are1 either as a sternutatory when taken by way of snuff1 as a masticatory by chewing it in the mouth1 or as an effluvia by smoking it2 and when used with moderation is not an unhealthy amusement1 whether it replenishes the humble pouch of the rustic1 or the golden box of the courtier4 ,before pipes were invented1 it was usually smoked in segars1 and they are still in use among some of the southern nations4 ,the method of preparing these is at once simple and expeditious3 a leaf of tobacco being formed into a small twisted roll somewhat larger than the stem of a pipe1 and about eight inches long1 the smoke is conveyed through the winding folds1 which prevent it from expanding1 as through a tube2 so that one end of it being lighted1 and the other applied to the mouth1 it is in this form used without much inconvenience3 but in process of time1 pipes being invented1 they were found more commodious vehicles for the smoke1 and are now in general use4 ,among all the productions of foreign climes introduced into these kingdoms1 scarcely any has been held in higher estimation by persons of every rank than tobacco4 ,in the countries of which it is a native1 it is considered by the ,indians as the most valuable offering that can be made to the ,beings they worship3 they use it in all their civil and religious ceremonies4 ,when once its spiral wreaths ascend from the feathered pipe of peace1 the compact that has just been made1 is considered as sacred and inviolable4 ,likewise1 when they address their great ,father1 or his guardian ,spirits1 residing as they believe in every extraordinary production of nature#a1 they make liberal offerings of this valuable plant to them1 doubting not but that they secure thereby the protection they request4 ,smoking was at first supposed to be the only means by which its virtues could be attained2 but at length it was found out that the juices of it extracted by chewing were of a cordial nature1 alleviating1 in laborious employments1 the cravings of hunger1 or the depression of fatigue2 and also1 that the powder of it received into the head through the nostrils1 in moderate quantities1 was a salubrious and refreshing sternutatory4 ,for these purposes1 the ,americans inhabiting the interior settlements manufacture it in the following easy manner4 ,being possessed of a tobacco-wheel1 which is a very simple machine1 they spin the leaves1 after they are properly cured1 into a twist of any size they think fit1 and having folded it into rolls of about twenty pounds weight each1 they lay it by for use4 ,in this state it will keep for several years1 and be continually improving1 as it every hour grows milder4 ,when they have occasion to use it1 they take off such a length as they think necessary1 which1 if designed for smoking1 they cut into small pieces1 for chewing into longer1 as choice directs2 if they intend to make snuff of it they take a quantity from the roll1 and laying it in a room where a fire is kept1 in a day or two it will become dry1 and being rubbed on a grater will produce a genuine snuff4 ,those1 in more improved regions1 who like their snuff scented1 may apply to it such odoriferous waters as they can procure1 or think most pleasing4 ,the ,illinois usually form it into carots1 which is done by laying a number of leaves1 when cured1 on each other1 after the ribs have been taken out1 and rolling them round with packthread1 till they become cemented together4 ,these rolls commonly measure about eighteen or twenty inches long1 and nine round in the middle part4 ,but as many other methods are at present well known in ,england1 that probably answer the purpose full as well as these1 it is almost unnecessary to describe them4 ,these directions are here given for the benefit of those who raise tobacco for their own use1 and chuse to make their snuff without applying to the manufacturer for it4 ,among the articles of commerce tobacco holds a distinguished rank1 and affords no inconsiderable addition to the revenues of the state4 ,before the present unhappy dissentions broke out between ,great-,britain and ,america1 about ninety-six thousand hogsheads were annually imported from ,maryland and ,virginia4 ,thirteen thousand five hundred of which were consumed at home2 the duty of which1 at the rate of #bfl4 #as4 per hogshead1 amounted to #cea1gfel4 ,the remaining eighty-two thousand1 five hundred hogsheads were exported to various parts of ,europe1 and their value received in specie1 or the produce of those countries4 ,to the uses already enumerated1 ,i shall add another to which tobacco might be applied1 that ,i believe has never been made known to ,europeans1 and which will render it much more estimable than any of the foregoing4 ,it has been found by the ,americans to answer the purpose of tanning leather1 as well1 if not better1 than bark2 and was not the latter so plentiful in their country would be generally used by them instead of it4 ,i have been witness to many experiments wherein it has proved successful1 especially on the thinner sorts of hides1 and can safely pronounce it to be1 in countries where bark is scarce1 a valuable substitute for that article4 ,,footnote3 #a ,vide ,travels into the interior parts of ,north-,america1 chap4 #ac1 page #chb4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,a ,description of the ,plant and its ,flowers4 ,there are several species of the ,tobacco ,plant1 and these are chiefly distinguishable by their flowers1 and the junction of the leaves to the stalks2 but as this is not intended for a ,botanical ,treatise1 ,i shall confine my description to those sorts which are cultivated in the colonies for exportation3 these are two2 the ,oronokoe and the sweet-scented2 which differ from each other in no respect but in the shape of their leaves1 those of the former being longer and narrower than the latter4 ,both are tall1 herbaceous plants1 of an erect growth and noble foliage1 rising each with a strong stem 7in their native soil7 to the height of from six to nine feet4 ,the stalk is upwards of an inch diameter near the root1 and surrounded with a kind of hairy or velvet1 clammy substance1 of a yellowish green colour4 ,the leaves1 which are rather of a deeper green1 grow to the stalk alternately1 at the distance of about two or three inches from each other4 ,they are oblong1 of a spear-shaped-oval1 and simple2 without pedicles embracing the stalk by an auriculated base4 ,the largest are about twenty inches long1 decreasing in size as they ascend1 till they are not longer than ten inches1 and nearly half as broad4 ,the face of the leaves is much undulated1 or corrugated1 not unlike those of spinnage when full ripe4 ,in their first state1 at the time they do not exceed five or six inches1 the leaves are usually of a full green1 and rather smooth1 but as they increase in size they acquire a yellowish cast and become rougher4 ,the stem and branches are terminated by large bunches of flowers1 collected into clusters of a delicate red1 the edges1 when quite blown1 inclining to a pale purple4 ,the flowers continue in succession until the end of summer1 when they make room for the seed4 ,these are of a brown colour1 kidney-shaped1 and very small1 each capsule generally containing about a thousand1 and the whole produce of a single plant is estimated at three hundred and fifty thousand4 ,the seeds are usually ripe in the month of ,september1 and when perfectly dry may be rubbed out and preserved in bags till the following season4 ,the ,oronokoe1 or1 as it is termed by the seedsmen1 the long ,virginia1 appears to me to be the sort best suited to bear the rigour of a northern climate1 the strength of the plant1 as well as the scent and efficacy of the leaves being greater than the other4 ,the sweet-scented flourishes most in a sandy soil and warm countries1 where it greatly exceeds the former in the celerity of its growth2 and although1 as ,i have before observed1 it differs from the ,oronokoe only in the shape of its leaves1 being shorter and rounder1 yet it is unlike in its strength and flavour1 being1 agreeable to its name1 much milder and pleasanter4 ,as a species of garden plants1 the ,nicotiana is an ornamental annual for the pleasure ground1 as it attains a majestic stature1 and being adorned with fine luxuriant leaves1 and large clusters of pleasing flowers which terminate all the shoots1 during the autumn it exhibits an elegant appearance4 ,for a more compleat idea of the ,oronokoe plant and its flowers1 the reader is referred to the plate prefixed to this ,work4 ,but it must be observed1 that the number of leaves represented on the stalk is not designed to serve as a rule for topping the tobacco1 as directed in the fourth chapter4 ,only a few of them are annexed to the stalk1 that the representation of the leaf might be the more compleat4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,of the ,soil and ,situation most proper for raising the ,plant4 ,the best ground for raising the plant is a warm1 kindly1 rich soil1 that is not subject to be over-run with weeds2 for from these it must be totally cleared4 ,the soil in which it grows in its native climate1 ,virginia1 is inclining to sandy1 consequently warm and light2 the nearer therefore the nature of the land in which it is planted in ,england approaches to that1 the greater probability there is of its flourishing here4 ,other kinds of soils may probably be brought to suit it1 by a mixture with some attenuating species of manure1 but a knowledge of this must be the result of repeated trials4 ,it must however be remembered1 that whatever manure is added to the soil must be thoroughly incorporated with it4 ,the situation most preferable for a plantation is the southern declivity of a hill1 rather gradual than abrupt2 or a spot that is sheltered by a wall1 a bank1 or any other means1 from the blighting north winds which so frequently blow1 during the spring months1 in this island3 but at the same time it is necessary to observe1 that the plants must enjoy a free current of air2 for if that be obstructed they will not prosper4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,of its ,culture1 with a ,description of the ,worm that annoys it4 ,as the tobacco plant1 being an annual1 is only to be raised from seed1 ,i would particularly recommend to such as mean to cultivate it1 the greatest care in purchasing these1 lest by sowing such as is not good1 they lose1 with their expected crop1 the season4 ,the different sorts of the seeds not being distinguishable1 like the plants1 from each other1 nor the goodness to be ascertained by their appearance1 the purchaser1 till he has raised a supply from his own cultivation1 must depend on the veracity of the seedsman2 who may be also sometimes deceived1 having nothing to rely on but the honour of the person who raised it3 prudence therefore requires that he should apply to a person of character in that profession4 ,in describing the manner in which the plant ought to be raised from the seed1 as well as in the succeeding process1 ,i shall confine myself 7without regarding the methods usually pursued in ,virginia or ,maryland1 which1 from the difference of the climate1 can be of little service here7 to the practice of the northern colonies of ,america2 as these are more parallel in their latitude to ,england4 ,and there being even a difference between the climate of these and that of ,great-,britain1 to the disadvantage of the latter 7,i mean with regard to the cultivation of the tobacco plant7 ,i shall minutely attend to this variation1 and in the directions ,i give endeavour to guard against the inconveniences of it4 ,these instructions shall likewise be given in plain and familiar terms1 and not in a language that can be only understood by the ,botanist or ,gardener1 that this ,treatise may be of general use4 ,about the middle of ,april1 or rather sooner in a forward spring1 7for the season must be attended to1 as this plant will not bear forcing7 sow the seed in beds first prepared for the purpose1 composed of such soil as before described1 mixed with some warm1 rich manure4 ,in a cold spring1 regular hot beds would be most eligible for this purpose2 and indeed the ,gardeners of this country are persuaded1 that the ,nicotania cannot be raised in any other way2 but as these are seldom to be found in the garden of the farmer1 and as ,i am convinced that if the weather is not remarkably severe1 they might be reared without doors1 for his benefit ,i shall give the following instructions relative to their treatment4 ,having sown the seed in the manner directed1 on the least apprehension of a frost after the plants appear1 it will be necessary to spread mats over the beds1 a little elevated from the ground by poles laid across1 that they may not be crushed4 ,these however must be removed in the morning soon after the sun appears1 that they may receive as much benefit as possible from its warmth1 and from the air4 ,in this manner proceed till the leaves have attained the size of about two inches in length1 and one in breadth1 which they will do in about a month after they are sown1 or near the middle of ,may1 when the frosts usually are at an end4 ,one invariable rule for their being able to bear removal is1 when the fourth leaf is sprouted1 and the fifth just appears4 ,then take the opportunity of the first rains1 or gentle showers1 to transplant them into such a soil and situation as before described4 ,this must be done in the following manner3 ,the land must be plowed1 or dug up with spades1 and made as mellow and light as possible4 ,where the plants are to be placed1 raise with the hoe small hillocks at the distance of two feet1 or a little more1 from each other1 taking care that no hard sods or lumps are in it1 and then just indent the middle of each1 without drilling holes as for some other plants4 ,when your ground is thus prepared1 dig in a gentle manner from their native bed1 such plants as are arrived at the state before-mentioned1 and drop1 as you pass1 one on every hillock4 ,insert a plant gently into each center1 pressing the soil around it with your fingers1 and taking the greatest care1 during the operation1 that you do not break off any of the leaves1 which are at this time exquisitely tender4 ,if the weather proves dry1 after they are thus transplanted1 they must be watered with soft water1 in the same manner as is usually done to coleworts or plants of a similar kind4 ,notwithstanding you now appear to have a sufficient quantity of plants for the space you intend to cultivate1 yet it is necessary that you continue to attend to your bed of seedlings1 that you may have enough to supply any deficiences which1 through accident1 might arise4 ,from this time great care must be taken to keep the ground soft1 and free from weeds1 by often stirring with your hoe the mould round the roots2 and to prune off the dead leaves that sometimes are found near the bottom of the stalk4 ,the difference of this climate from that in which ,i have been accustomed to observe the progress of this plant1 will not permit me to direct with certainty the time which is most proper to take off the top of it1 to prevent it from running to seed4 ,this knowledge can only be perfectly acquired by experience4 ,when it has risen to upwards of two feet1 it commonly begins to put forth the branches on which the flowers and seeds are produced2 but as this expansion1 if suffered to take place1 would drain the nutriment from the leaves1 which are the most valuable part1 and thereby lessen their size and efficacy1 it becomes needful at this stage to nip off the extremity of the stalk1 to prevent its growing higher4 ,in some other climates the top is commonly cut off when the plant has fifteen leaves4 ,if the tobacco is intended to be a little stronger than usual1 this is done when it has only thirteen2 and sometimes1 when it is chosen to be remarkably powerful1 eleven or twelve leaves only are allowed to expand4 ,on the contrary1 if the planter is desirous to have his crop very mild1 he suffers it to put forth eighteen or twenty3 but in this calculation the three or four lower leaves next the ground1 which do not grow so large and fine as the others1 are not to be reckoned4 ,this is denominated topping the tobacco1 and is much better done by the finger and thumb1 than with any instrument1 because the former close1 at the same time1 the pores of the plant2 whereas1 when it is done with the latter1 the juices are in some degree exhausted4 ,and though this might appear unimportant1 yet every method that tends to give vigour to the leaves should be carefully pursued4 ,for the same reasons care must be taken to nip off the sprouts that will be continually springing up at the junction of the leaves with the stalks4 ,this is termed succouring or suckering the tobacco1 and ought to be repeated as often as occasion requires4 ,the last1 and not the least concern in the cultivation of this plant1 is the destruction of the worm that nature has given it for an enemy1 and which1 like many other reptiles1 preys on its benefactor4 ,to destroy these1 which are the only insects that molest this plant1 or at least to keep them under1 for it is impossible totally to exterminate them1 every leaf must be carefully searched4 ,as soon as a wound is discovered1 and it will not be long before it is perceptible1 care must be taken to destroy the cause of it1 who will be found near it1 and from his unsubstantial texture1 which ,i shall describe at the conclusion of this chapter1 be easily crushed3 but the best method is to pluck it away by the horn1 and then crush it4 ,without a constant attention to these noxious insects1 a whole field of plants may be soon destroyed2 and even if any of them are left in the leaves1 during the cure1 they prove equally destructive4 ,this is termed worming the tobacco2 and as these worms are found most predominant the latter end of ,july1 and the beginning of ,august1 they must be particularly attended to at that season4 ,as ,i have just observed1 that it is impossible1 without experience1 to point out the due time for topping the plant1 so it is equally as impossible to ascertain the time it will take to ripen in this climate4 ,that can only be known by future observations2 for as it is at present only cultivated in ,england as an ornament for the garden1 no attention has1 ,i believe1 been hitherto bestowed on the preservation of its leaves4 ,the apparent signs1 however1 of its maturity are these3 ,the leaves1 as they approach a state of ripeness1 become more corrugated or rough2 and when fully ripe1 appear mottled with yellowish spots on the raised parts1 whilst the cavities retain their usual green colour4 ,they are1 at this time1 also thicker than they have before been1 and are covered with a kind of downy velvet1 in the same manner as the stalks are described to be1 in the preceding chapter4 ,if heavy rains happen at this critical period1 they will wash this excrescent substance off1 and thereby damage the plants4 ,in this case1 if the frosty nights are not begun1 it is proper to let them stand a few days longer2 when1 if the weather be more moderate1 they will recover this substance again4 ,but if a frost unexpectedly happens during the night1 they must be carefully examined in the morning before the sun has any influence on them2 and those which are found to be covered with frosty particles1 whether thoroughly ripe or not1 must be cut up3 for though they may not all appear to be arrived at a state of maturity1 yet they cannot be far from it1 and will differ but little in goodness from those that are perfectly so4 ,having now given every instruction that occurs to my memory relative to the culture of the plant1 ,i shall proceed1 as proposed1 to describe the worm that infests it4 ,it is of the horned species1 and appears to be peculiar to this plant2 so that in many parts of ,america it is distinguished by the name of the ,tobacco-,worm4 ,in what manner it is first produced1 or how propagated1 is uncertain2 but doubtless by the same inexplicable means that nature makes use of to continue the existence of many other classes of this minute part of the creation4 ,the first time it is discernible1 is when the plants have gained about half their height3 it then appears to be nearly as large as a gnat2 soon after which it lengthens into a worm1 and by degrees increases in magnitude to the size of a man's finger4 ,in shape it is regular from its head to its tail1 without any diminution at either extremity2 indented or ribbed round at equal distances1 nearly a quarter of an inch from each other1 and having at every one of these divisions1 a pair of feet or claws1 by which it fastens itself to the plant4 ,its mouth1 like that of the caterpillar1 is placed under the fore-part of the head4 ,on the top of the head1 between the eyes1 grows a horn about half an inch in length1 and greatly resembling a thorn2 the extreme part of which is in colour brown1 of a firm texture1 and sharp pointed4 ,by this horn1 as before observed1 it is usually plucked from the leaf4 ,it is easily crushed1 being only1 to appearance1 a composition of green juice inclosed by a membranous covering1 without the internal parts of an animated being4 ,the colour of its skin is in general green1 interspersed with spots of a yellowish white2 and the whole covered with a short hair scarcely to be discerned4 ,to preserve the planter from the ravages of an insect so destructive to his plantation1 as he will thereby be able to distinguish it with a greater degree of precision1 ,i have given in the frontispiece as exact a representation of it as can be done from memory4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,of the ,manner in which it is usually cured4 ,when the plant is found1 agreeable to the preceding directions1 to be fit for gathering1 on the first morning that promises a fair day1 before the sun is risen1 take an axe or a long knife1 and holding the stalk near the top with one hand1 sever it from its root with the other1 as low as possible4 ,having done this1 lay it gently on the ground1 so as not to break off the leaves1 and there let it remain exposed to the rays of the sun throughout the day1 or until the leaves are entirely wilted1 as it is termed in ,america2 that is1 till they become limber1 and will bend any way without breaking4 ,but if1 on the contrary1 the rain should continue without any intervals1 and the plants appear to be full ripe1 they must be cut down and housed immediately4 ,this must be done1 however1 with great care1 that the leaves1 which are in this state very brittle1 may not be broken4 ,being placed under proper shelter1 either in a barn or a covered hovel1 where they cannot be affected by the rain or too much air1 they must be thinly scattered on the floor1 and if the sun does not appear for several days1 so that they can be laid out again1 they must remain to wilt in that manner2 which is not indeed so desirable as in the sun1 nor will the tobacco prove quite so good4 ,when the leaves have acquired the flexibility before described1 the plants must be laid in heaps1 or rather in one heap1 if the quantity be not too great1 and in about twenty-four hours they will be found to sweat4 ,but during this time1 when they have lain for a little while1 and begin to ferment1 it is necessary to turn them2 bringing those which are in the middle to the surface1 and placing those which were at the surface1 in the middle1 that by this means the whole quantity may be equally fermented4 ,the longer they lie in this situation the darker coloured the tobacco becomes4 ,this is termed sweating the tobacco4 ,after they have lain in this manner for three or four days1 for in a longer time they may heat so much as to grow mouldy1 the plants may be fastened together in pairs1 with cords or wooden pegs1 near the bottom of the stalk1 and hung across a pole1 with the leaves suspended1 in the same covered place1 a proper interval being left between each pair4 ,in about a month the leaves will be thoroughly dried1 and of a proper temperature to be taken down4 ,this state may be ascertained by their appearing of the same colour as those imported from ,america1 with which few are unacquainted4 ,but this can be done at no other season than during wet weather2 for the tobacco being a plant greatly abounding with salts1 it is always affected if there is the least humidity in the atmosphere1 even though it be hung in a dry place4 ,if this rule be not observed1 but they are removed in dry weather1 the external parts of the leaves will crumble into dust1 and a considerable waste will attend its removal4 ,as soon as the plants are taken down1 they must once more be laid in a heap1 and pressed with heavy logs of wood for about a week4 ,this climate1 however1 may require a longer time4 ,while they remain in this state1 it will be necessary to introduce your hand frequently into the heap1 to discover whether the heat be not too intense2 for in large quantities this will sometimes be the case1 and considerable damage will accrue from it4 ,when they are found to heat too much1 that is1 when the heat exceeds a moderate glowing warmth1 part of the weight by which they are compressed must be taken away2 and the cause being removed1 the effect will cease4 ,this is called the second or last sweating1 and when compleated1 which it generally will be in about the time just mentioned1 the leaves may be stripped from the stalks for use4 ,many omit this last operation1 but ,i think it takes away any remaining harshness1 and renders the tobacco more mellow4 ,the strength of the stalk also is diffused by it through the leaves1 and the whole mass becomes equally meliorated4 ,when the leaves are stripped from the stalks1 they are to be tied up in bunches or hands1 and kept in a cellar1 or any other place that is damp2 though if not handled in dry weather1 but only during a rainy season1 it is of little consequence in what part of the house or barn they are laid up4 ,at this period the tobacco is thoroughly cured1 and equally as proper for manufacturing as that imported from the colonies4 ,having gone through the whole process1 if it has been properly managed1 that raw fiery taste so frequently found in the common sale tobacco will be totally eradicated1 and though it retains all its strength1 will be soft and pleasing in its flavour4 ,those who are curious in their tobacco in the northern colonies of ,america sprinkle it1 when made up into the roles for keeping1 described in the first chapter1 with small common white wines or cyder1 instead of salt water1 which gives it an inexpressibly fine flavour4 ,,appendix4 ,that estrangement which at present subsists between ,great-,britain and the ,american colonies1 renders a supply of the article of which ,i treat1 and which is become so essentially necessary to the happiness of a great number of his ,majesty's subjects1 very uncertain2 it depends1 in a great measure1 on the prizes1 freighted with this commodity1 that happen to be taken1 and on the quantities which are imported from other commercial states at a high price4 ,it is therefore to be hoped that the legislature will take into consideration so important a concern1 and pursue such measures as will conduce to remove this uncertainty4 ,a remedy is at hand2 that of cultivating it in these kingdoms2 but this appears to be prohibited by the following ancient acts of parliament3 ,in an act of ,charles the ,second1 entitled1 ,an act for prohibiting the planting1 setting1 or sowing tobacco in ,england and ,ireland1 the prohibition is thus expressed3 ,your ,majesty's loyal and obedient subjects1 the ,lords and ,commons in this present parliament assembled1 considering of how great concern and importance it is1 that the colonies and plantations of this kingdom in ,america1 be defended1 protected1 maintained1 and kept up1 and that all due and possible encouragement be given unto them2 and that not only in regard great and considerable dominions and countries have been thereby gained1 and added to the imperial crown of this realm1 but for that the strength and welfare of this kingdom1 do very much depend upon them1 in regard of the employment of a very considerable part of its shipping and seamen1 and of the vent of very great quantities of its native commodities and manufactures1 as also of its supply with several considerable commodities which it was wont formerly to have only from foreigners1 and at far dearer rates3 ,and forasmuch as tobacco is one of the main products of several of those plantations1 and upon which their welfare and subsistence1 and the navigation of this kingdom1 and vent of its commodities thither1 do much depend2 and in regard it is found by experience1 ,that by the planting of tobacco in these parts your ,majesty is deprived of a considerable part of your revenue arising by customs upon imported tobacco2 ,do most humbly pray1 ,that it may be enacted by your ,majesty3 ,and it is hereby enacted by the ,king's ,most ,excellent ,majesty1 and the ,lords and ,commons in this present parliament assembled1 and by authority of the same1 ,that no person or persons whatsoever1 shall or do from and after the first day of ,january1 in the year of our ,lord ,one ,thousand ,six ,hundred and ,sixty1 set1 plant1 improve to grow1 make or cure any tobacco either in seed1 plant1 or otherwise1 in or upon any ground1 earth1 field1 or place within the kingdom of ,england1 dominion of ,wales1 islands of ,guernsey or ,jersey1 or town of ,berwick upon ,tweed1 or in the kingdom of ,ireland1 under the penalty of the forfeiture of all such tobacco1 or the value thereof1 or of the sum of forty shillings for every rod or pole of ground so planted1 set or sown as aforesaid1 and so proportionably for a greater or lesser quantity of ground2 one moiety thereof to his ,majesty1 his heirs and successors2 and the other moiety to him or them that shall sue for the same1 to be recovered by bill1 plaint1 or information in any court of record1 wherein no essoign1 protection or wager in law shall be allowed4 ,provided always and it is hereby enacted1 ,that this act1 nor any thing therein contained1 shall extend to the hindering of the planting of tobacco in any physic garden of either university1 or in any other private garden for physic or chyrurgery1 only so as the quantity so planted exceed not half of one pole in any one place or garden4 ,in this act all sheriffs1 justices of the peace1 or other officers1 upon information or complaint made unto them1 are empowered to cause to be burnt1 plucked up1 consumed or utterly destroyed all such tobacco1 set1 sown1 planted or growing within their jurisdiction4 ,but it not proving forcible enough to prevent the cultivation of tobacco2 in the fifteenth year of the reign of the said ,king1 a clause was inserted in an act1 entitled1 ,an act for the encouragement of trade1 to the following purport1 clause #ah4 ,and forasmuch as planting and making tobacco within the kingdom of ,england doth continue and encrease1 to the apparent loss of his said ,majesty in his customs1 the discouragement of the ,english plantations in the parts beyond the seas1 and prejudice of this kingdom in general1 notwithstanding an act of parliament made in the twelfth year of his said ,majesty's reign for prevention thereof1 entituled1 ,an act for prohibiting the planting1 setting or sowing of tobacco in ,england and ,ireland2 and forasmuch as it is found by experience1 that the reason why the said planting and making of tobacco doth continue1 is1 ,that the penalties prescribed and appointed by that law are so little1 as to have neither power or effect over the transgressors thereof2 ,for remedy therefore of so great an evil1 ,be it enacted by the authority aforesaid1 ,that all and every the person or persons whatsoever1 that do1 or shall at any time hereafter set1 plant or sow any tobacco in seed1 plant or otherwise1 in or upon any ground1 field1 earth1 or place within the kingdom of ,england1 c4 shall1 over and above the penalty of the said act for that purpose ordained1 for every such offence forfeit and pay the sum of ten pounds for every rod or pole of ground that he or they shall so plant1 set1 or sow with tobacco1 and so proportionably for a greater or lesser quantity of ground2 one third part thereof to the ,king1 one other third part to the poor of such respective parish or parishes wherein such tobacco shall be so planted1 and the other third thereof to him or them that shall sue for the same4 ,physic gardens excepted as before4 ,this penalty also proving insufficient to put a stop to the cultivation1 it was found necessary in the twenty-second year of the reign of the said ,charles the ,second to enforce it by the following act1 entitled1 ,an act to prevent the planting of tobacco in ,england1 and regulating the plantation trade4 ,whereas the sowing1 setting1 planting and curing of tobacco1 within divers parts of the kingdom of ,england1 doth continue and increase1 to the apparent loss of his ,majesty's customs1 and the discouragement of his ,majesty's plantations in ,america1 and great prejudice of the trade and navigation of this realm1 and the vent of its commodities thither1 notwithstanding an act of parliament made in the twelfth year of his ,majesty's reign that now is1 for the prevention thereof1 entitled1 ',an act for prohibiting the planting1 setting1 or sowing of tobacco in ,england and ,ireland2' ,and also one other act of this present parliament1 made in the fifteenth year of his said ,majesty's reign1 entitled1 ',an act for the encouragement of trade4' ,and forasmuch as the remedies and provisions by these laws are found not large enough to obviate and prevent the planting thereof1 ,be it therefore enacted by the ,king's ,most ,excellent ,majesty1 by and with the advice and consent of the ,lords ,spiritual and ,temporal1 and ,commons in ,parliament assembled1 and by the authority of the same1 ,that from and after the first day of ,may1 which shall be in the year of our ,lord1 ,one ,thousand ,six ,hundred and ,seventy-one1 all justices of the peace1 within their several limits and jurisdictions1 shall and do1 a month before every general quarter-sessions to be holden for their respective counties1 issue forth their warrants to all high-constables1 petty-constables1 and tything-men1 within their several limits1 thereby requiring the said high-constables1 petty-constables and tything-men1 and every of them1 to make diligent search and inquisition1 what tobacco is then sown1 set1 planted1 growing1 curing1 cured or made within their several and respective limits and jurisdictions1 and by whom2 and to make a true and lawful presentment in writing upon oath1 at the next general quarter-sessions to be holden for such county1 of the names of all such persons as have sown1 set1 planted1 cured or made any tobacco2 and what the full quantity of land is1 or was sown1 set or planted therewith1 and who are the immediate tenant or tenants1 or present occupiers of the land so sown1 set or planted1 who are or shall be deemed planters thereof1 to all intents and purposes4 ,which said presentment upon oath1 shall be received and filed by the clerk of the said county in open sessions2 and after such receipt and filing1 shall be a sufficient conviction in law to all intents and purposes1 of all such persons as shall be so presented for the sowing1 setting1 planting1 improving to grow1 making or curing tobacco1 either in seed1 plant1 leaf1 or otherwise1 contrary to the said recited act or either of them2 unless such person or persons so presented shall1 according to the usual forms1 traverse such presentment4 ,and it is hereby further enacted1 ,that all constables1 tything-men1 bailiffs1 and other public officers1 shall and do within their respective jurisdictions1 from time to time1 as often as occasion shall require1 within fourteen days after warrant from two or more of the justices of the peace within such county1 town1 city or place1 to them1 calling to their assistance such person or persons as they and every of them shall find convenient and necessary1 pluck up1 burn1 consume1 tear to pieces1 and utterly destroy1 all tobacco seed1 plant1 leaf1 planted1 sowed1 or growing in any field1 earth or ground4 ,the other clauses relative to the cultivation of tobacco in this act1 are1 ,a penalty on the officers of five shillings for every rod1 perch1 or pole of ground so set1 planted1 or sowed with tobacco1 that shall be suffered or permitted to grow or be consumed in seed1 plant or leaf1 within their jurisdiction1 by the space of fourteen days after the receipt of such warrant or warrants4 ,a penalty for refusing to assist the officers1 and also for resisting them4 ,and after making the same provision as before for the physic gardens1 and reciting many other articles for regulating the plantation trade1 the act thus concludes3 ,provided always1 and be it enacted4 ,that this act shall continue in force for nine years1 and from thence to the next session of parliament1 and no longer4 ,by an act made the fifth of ,george the ,first1 these acts are confirmed and rendered perpetual4 ,the repeated inforcement of them seems to prove1 that large quantities of tobacco were raised at that period in these dominions1 and that even the penalty of ten pounds per rod was not sufficient to deter persons from the cultivation of it4 ,as an application has just been made to parliament for an act to permit the growth of it in ,ireland1 the observations made in this ,treatise will not1 ,i flatter myself1 be thought unworthy the notice of the legislature1 that so advantageous a branch of agriculture may not be confined to one division of ,great-,britain1 but that every part of these united kingdoms may be allowed to share in the emoluments arising from it4 ,the advantages which will proceed from the permission1 are too many to be enumerated in so short a ,work4 ,whether a sufficient quantity can be raised in these kingdoms to supply the demand there was for it before the ,american trade became interrupted1 7as a revival of the demand will be the certain consequence of a reduction of the price7 time alone can discover3 but if enough be only raised for home consumption1 this will be no inconsiderable saving to the nation4 ,when the very great profits1 arising to the planter from every acre of tobacco1 come to be known1 7they will appear chimerical if ,i inform my readers to what they amount7 ,i doubt not but that tobacco will be considered as the most valuable branch of agriculture which can be attended to4 ,an emulation1 heightened by the prospect of gain1 being once excited in the breasts of the landholders of these kingdoms1 large tracks of land that now lie unimproved1 will be cultivated1 and1 after some years1 enough may probably be raised to answer the usual demands for exportation4 ,by this means the revenue1 which has been so greatly diminished by the unhappy divisions between ,great-,britain and the colonies1 will be in a great measure restored4 ,the duties to be collected for this purpose may either be laid on the plants before they are gathered1 or during the time of cure1 as on the article of malt2 the collection of which would be attended with very little additional expence1 and probably1 at no distant period1 amount to as much as was heretofore received on imported tobacco4 ,when the happy ra arrives that will unite once more ,great-,britain to the ,american colonies 7an event1 ,i fear1 more to be wished than expected7 and a constant uninterrupted supply of this necessary exotic provided1 the wonted restraint might be renewed1 as far as is consistent with the situation of both countries at that time4 ,by pursuing the rules laid down in the preceding chapters1 which ,i have endeavoured to give in as explicit terms as possible1 country gentlemen and landholders in general will be enabled to raise much better tobacco than that which is usually imported from ,maryland or ,virginia3 for notwithstanding there are not wanting prohibitory laws in those countries to prevent the planters from sending to market any but the principal leaves1 yet as most other commodities are subject to abuse or adulteration1 they frequently1 to increase their profit1 suffer the sprouts to grow1 and mix the smaller leaves of these with the others1 which renders them much inferior in goodness4 ,the crops that ,i have reason to believe may be raised in ,england1 will greatly exceed in flavour and efficacy any that is imported from the southern colonies3 for though northern climates require far more care and exactness to cultivate and bring tobacco to a proper state of maturity than warmer latitudes1 yet this tardiness of growth tends to impregnate the plants with a greater quantity of salts1 and consequently of that aromatic flavour for which it is prized1 than is to be found in the produce of hotter climes1 where it is brought to a state of perfection1 from the seed1 in half the time required in colder regions4 ,a pound of tobacco raised in ,new-,england or ,nova-,scotia is supposed to contain as much real strength as two pounds of ,virginia2 and ,i doubt not but that near double the quantity of salts might be extracted from it by a chymical process4 ,good tobacco1 the produce of the northern colonies1 is powerful1 aromatic1 and has a most pleasing flavour4 ,the fumes of it are invigorating to the head1 and leave not that nausea on the stomach that the common sort does4 ,as much time would be required to smoke one pipe of it1 as three of that which is generally used3 before so great a quantity of the vapour could be drawn from it as to prove hurtful1 the smoker1 from intoxication1 would be unable to continue his amusement4 ,i can truly say1 after a residence of several years in ,england1 that ,i never met with any tobacco1 though ,i frequently smoke1 that in strength or the delicacy of its flavour1 is to be compared with that which ,i have been accustomed to in ,new-,england4 ,many authors have given accounts of the bad effects proceeding from an immoderate use of tobacco4 ,borrhi mentions a person1 who through excess of smoking1 had dried his brain to so great a degree1 that after his death there was nothing found in his skull but a small black lump confirming of mere membranes4 ,from the use of good tobacco this could not have happened2 for1 as ,i have just observed1 the fumes which only prove noxious from an immoderate continuance1 could not have been repeated so often as to produce such dreadful effects4 ,to the instructions already given ,i shall add1 that ,i would advise the planter1 in his first trials1 not to be too avaricious1 but to top his plants before they have gained their utmost height2 leaving only about the middle quantity of leaves directed before1 to give it a tolerable degree of strength4 ,for though this1 if excessive1 might be abated during the cure1 by an increase of sweating1 or be remedied the next season by more leaves being suffered to grow1 it can never be added2 and without a certain degree1 the tobacco will always be tasteless and of little value4 ,on the contrary1 though it be ever so much weakened by sweating1 and thereby rendered mild1 yet it will never lose that aromatic flavour which accompanied that strength1 and which greatly adds to its value4 ,in the directions before given for raising the plants from the seed1 ,i have omitted to mention the size of the beds on which a specified number of them may be produced4 ,i apprehend that a square yard of land1 for which a very small quantity of seed is sufficient1 they being so diminutive1 will produce about five hundred plants1 and allow proper space for their nurture till they are fit to transplant4 ,i shall also just add1 though the example can only be followed in particular parts of these kingdoms1 that the ,americans usually chuse for the place where they intend to make the seedling-bed1 part of a copse1 or a spot of ground covered with wood1 of which they burn down such a portion as they think necessary4 ,having done this1 they rake up the subjacent mould1 and mixing it with the ashes thus produced1 sow therein the seed1 without adding any other manure1 or taking any other steps4 ,where this method cannot be pursued 7though it is much the best1 as it destroys at the same time the weeds7 wood ashes1 which are most proper manure for this purpose1 may be strewed over the mould in which the seed is designed to be sown4 ,the ,author presumes that the preceding instructions will be found sufficient for any person inclined to enter upon the cultivation of tobacco2 yet if any nobleman or gentleman wishes to consult him upon the subject1 he will give his attendance on receiving a line at his ,publisher's4 ,,finis4