154 



The term prizing originated in Virginia. In the sense in 

 which it is to be taken here is a local word, which the Vir- 

 ginians claim the credit of creating. It is the act of press- 

 ing or squeezing the article which is to be packed into any 

 package by means of certain levers, screws, or other me- 

 chanical force — this requires the combination of judgment 

 and experience, otherwise the tobacco may become bruised, 

 or crumbled. 



All leaf used for cutting purposes and export in America 

 is prized in hogsheads ; cigar leaf is usually cased or baled. 

 In some tobacco sections about 800 jjounds net is packed in 

 one parcel, while in others from 1000 to 1800 pounds. To- 

 bacco in good condition to prize must be damp enough to 

 bear the pressure without breaking and crumbling, while it 

 must not be too moist or it will rot in the case. 



The hands or bundles are packed in the hogshead, or the 

 case in two tiers — when nearly filled, it is subjected to a 

 strong pressure as is shown in figure 21. 



Figure 21. 



