The annual exports from the British North American colonies for ten years ending in 1709, were 28,868,666 pounds; from 1744 to 1776, the average annual exportation was 40,000,000 pounds; from 1768 to 1770, both inclusive, 67,780 hogsheads of about 100 pounds each, or 67,780,000 pounds;* in 1772, 97,799,263 pounds; in 1780, 17,424,267 pounds; in 1782, 9,828,244 pounds.

The following table exhibits the quantity and valuation of tobacco, and its products of domestic growth and manufacture from the adoption of the constitution up to 1853:

*Formerly, hogsheads of tobacco were much lighter than at present, owing to the less compact manner of packing, averaging only about 600 pounds prior to 1770, but gradually reached an average of 1,000 pounds. The present average of those of the tobacco-growing States is estimated at 1,200 pounds. Those of Kentucky often exceed 1,300 pounds each.

According to the census of 1840, the amount of tobacco raised in the United States was 219,163,319 pounds; of 1850, 199,752,655 pounds; showing a decrease of 19,410,664 pounds. The crop of 1853 may be estimated at about 199,000,000 pounds; which, at 10 cents per pound, would be worth $1,990,000.

CONDENSED CORRESPONDENCE.

Statement of R. H. PHELPS, of Windsor, Hartford county, Connecticut.

The valley of the Connecticut, where I reside, is particularly noted for the production of tobacco; and I believe no part of the United States produces it of better quality, and quantity per acre. This crop has been on the increase for some years, and many of our farmers are discovering that they can procure more ready cash from this than from any other; indeed, a single crop will often bring more money than the same land can be sold for. The yield from one acre in this town has

The annual exports from the British North American colonies for ten years ending in 1709, were 28,868,666 pounds; from 1744 to 1776, the average annual exportation was 40,000,000 pounds; from 1768 to 1770, both inclusive, 67,780 hogsheads of about 100 pounds each, or 67,780,000 pounds;* in 1772, 97,799,263 pounds; in 1780, 17,424,267 pounds; in 1782, 9,828,244 pounds.

The following table exhibits the quantity and valuation of tobacco, and its products of domestic growth and manufacture from the adoption of the constitution up to 1853:

*Formerly, hogsheads of tobacco were much lighter than at present, owing to the less compact manner of packing, averaging only about 600 pounds prior to 1770, but gradually reached an average of 1,000 pounds. The present average of those of the tobacco-growing States is estimated at 1,200 pounds. Those of Kentucky often exceed 1,300 pounds each.

According to the census of 1840, the amount of tobacco raised in the United States was 219,163,319 pounds; of 1850, 199,752,655 pounds; showing a decrease of 19,410,664 pounds. The crop of 1853 may be estimated at about 199,000,000 pounds; which, at 10 cents per pound, would be worth $1,990,000.

CONDENSED CORRESPONDENCE.

Statement of R. H. PHELPS, of Windsor, Hartford county, Connecticut.

The valley of the Connecticut, where I reside, is particularly noted for the production of tobacco; and I believe no part of the United States produces it of better quality, and quantity per acre. This crop has been on the increase for some years, and many of our farmers are discovering that they can procure more ready cash from this than from any other; indeed, a single crop will often bring more money than the same land can be sold for. The yield from one acre in this town has

been sold, in one instance, for $340. An ordinary crop will yield about 1,800 to 2,000 pounds per acre, and even 2,500 pounds are sometimes obtained. Our tobacco has of late years brought from 10 to 15 cents per pound, and in some instances 17 cents, delivered within two or five miles from the farm. Some of our farmers say that no more labor is required to produce an acre of tobacco for market, than two acres of corn. "Connecticut seed-leaf" generally stands highest in the market.

I have been inquired of from the South, whether the raising of tobacco will not eventually deteriorate our land, as it has done there. I answer no, so long as the soil is amply fed by manure, as it positively must be, to get crops good in quantity and quality.

The Connecticut mode of management is nearly as follows: The seed is sown as soon as the ground is free from frost; or if not, a quantity of bushes is burned upon the ground to warm it, and kill all the seeds of weeds, &c. It is then trodden down compactly, in order that the seeds, which are small, may come closely in contact with the earth. Guano is said to act with good effect in giving the plants an early start, which is to be attained if possible. In the field, a porous soil is preferred which has depth and strength, not tenacious with clay, nor containing a superabundance of water. From fifteen to twenty-five ox-cart loads of manure are spread upon the land about the first of May, and immediately ploughed under to a good depth. It remains in that condition until the 15th of June, or until the leaves of the plants are about the size of a silver dollar. A moist time is preferred to set out the plants, which are placed in rows about 3 by 34 feet apart. The ground is then kept well hoed, and stirred with the cultivator and horse-plough until the size of the plants prevents further tillage. The large green worm is then the great enemy, and follows up its depredations until found and destroyed. A great deal of close attention is required in discovering this depredator, and a good flock of turkeys will sometimes be of as much service as a multitude of hands.

I have known a fine crop of tobacco raised by turning under a grass sward early in the spring, applying a dressing of manure, and harrowing it in, just before the plants are set in the ground. In case of a dry summer, the inverted turf will retain moisture sufficient to sustain the crop in vigor. When the blossoms begin to appear on the stalks they are topped or pinched off, and the "suckers" broken as fast as they appear. At maturity the plants are cut and remain on the ground until a little wilted, so that they will handle without breaking; they are then conveyed to the barn or shed, with tight roofs, and there suspended on poles. They hang until cured sufficiently for the leaves to be stripped and packed away for market.

I would say, in conclusion, that no good farmer, who desires to produce large crops of hay or grain, can successfully appropriate a large part of his farm to tobacco, unless he purchases or manufactures a great amount of marure, which must be applied in the cultivation of this hungry crop.