Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/123

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 Culture of tobacco.—A plantation.—Processes at a tobacco factory.—Rival planters.—Malicious dilapidation.—Destructive reprisal.—Duel between the rival proprietors.

tobacco is not cultivated to a great extent in Mexico flourishing plantations may be occasionally found especially on the tablelands of Anahuac; and were due attention but given to the subject its growth and exportation might prove a considerable source of wealth to this republic in its difficulties.

A tobacco plantation is frequently a hot and busy scene. Dark men almost entirely divested of clothing may be seen stooping over the dreary-looking' plants; clearing away any dust or damaged leaves that may have gathered about them, watering them in the most careful manner and tending them in many particulars almost as if they were children.