into general use—­first, because the plants are much earlier in the spring (say ten days at least), than any kind we have; secondly, when transplanted, the growth is remarkably quick, matures and ripens at least from ten to fifteen days earlier than any kind of tobacco we have in use amongst us.  It is a large broad, silky leaf, of fine texture, and of a beautiful color, and some plants grow as large as seven feet across, from point to point; upon the whole, I consider it a valuable acquisition to the planting community.

Tobacco is one of the chief staples of Cuba.  There are many qualities, but it is usually classed into two kinds.  That which is raised on the western end of the island and is unequalled for smoking, is called “Vuelta abajo.”  That which is raised east of Havana, is called “Vuelta arriba,” and is far inferior to the former.

The best Havana tobacco farms are confined to a very narrow area on the south west part of Cuba.  This district, twenty-seven leagues long and only seven broad, is bounded on the north by mountains, on the south and west by the ocean, whilst eastward, though there is no natural limit, the tobacco sensibly degenerates in quality.  A light sandy soil and rather low situation suit the best.

The “Vuelta abajo” is usually divided into five classes.

  Calidad or Libra. 
  Ynjuriado Principal or Firsts. 
  Segundas or Seconds. 
  Terceiras or Thirds. 
  Cuartas or Fourths.

Calidad is the best tobacco, selected for its good color, flavor, elasticity and entireness of the leaves.  The bales contain sixty hands of four gabillas, or fingers of twenty-five leaves each, and are marked L.60.  Ynjuriado Principal has less flavor, and is usually of a lighter color.  The leaves should be whole and somewhat elastic.  The bales contain eighty hands of four gabillas, or thirty leaves each, and are marked B. 80.  Segundas is the most inferior class of wrapper.  There are many good leaves in it, but the hands are usually made up of those which are stained, have a bad color, or have been slightly touched by the worm.  The bales contain eighty hands of four gabillas of thirty-six to forty leaves each, and are marked Y. 2a. 80.

Terceiras is the best tilling, and much wrapper can usually be selected from it when new.  The bales contain eighty hands of four gabillas of more than forty leaves each, and are marked 3a. 80.

Cuartas is the most inferior class, fit only for filling.  The bales contain eighty hands of four gabillas of no determined number of leaves, and are marked 4a. 80.

The Vuelta arriba tobacco is prepared in a similar manner, but neither its color or flavor is good, and it does not burn well.

The crop is gathered in the spring, and usually begins to appear at market in July.  Good tobacco should be aromatic, of a rich brown color, without stains, and the leaf thin and elastic.  It should burn well and the taste should be neither bitter nor biting.  The best is grown on the margins of rivers which are periodically overflowed, and is called “De rio.”  It is distinguished from other tobacco by a fine sand, which is found in the creases of the leaves.