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selves. Assorting the plant does not imply that it is carried 

 to its fullest extent in point of color, as in shading cigars, 

 but simply keeping those general colors by themselves, like 

 light and dark brown leaves. Figure 19 shows the bundle 

 after it has been stripped, assorted and tied. 



Figure 19. 



Packing. — After the process of stripping is completed the 

 hands should be packed to keep them moist, or as near as 

 possible in the same condition as when stripped. Select a 

 cool, dry place in the center of the floor of the tobacco barn. 

 Hand the tobacco to the packer, who presses the hands 

 firmly with his knees and hands, laying the tobacco in two 

 rows — keeping the pile about the same height, filling in occa- 

 sionally with a middle row until all is packed. The differ- 

 ent qualities should be packed separately. They can be 

 packed any height or length desired, but usually from three 

 to five feet high will be found a convenient height, while the 

 length may be proportioned to the height or not. After the 

 tobacco is packed, it should be covered with boards and 

 gently weighted with stone or pieces of timber. If the to- 

 bacco is packed down in a good case, or keeping condition, 

 which requires experience to determine, it can remain packed 

 until ready for prizing. 



