16 



FARMERS BULLETIN. 



the tobacco. The doors and windows should be arranged with the idea of 

 giving very thorough ventilation when open. The manipulation of the 

 barn or curing shed is entirely governed by the condition of the 

 weather and the nature of the tobacco, and no fixed rules can be given. 

 Considerable care and judgment must be exercised in the curing of the 

 crop, and as the conditions vary in each case from year to year, only 

 experience can determine just what is to be done to meet the new problem 

 in the curing shed. The process requires a few weeks, especially if the 

 leaves have been primed. The crop is considered thoroughly cured when 

 the midribs of the leaves are cured; it is then ready to be taken to the 

 packing house for sorting, fermenting, and baling. 



Very much of the value of tobacco depends upon the infinite care that 

 is taken throughout the whole period of its production, and thorough 

 consideration of all the details should be shown in the fermentation. 



FIG. 3. Framework for the cheese-cloth covering. 



grading, and sorting. The fermentation has two purposes. The first is 

 to insure the proper texture, glossy appearance, and color to the leaf. 11 

 brings out the characteristic properties of the leaf, which are hardly 

 apparent when the leaf is cut in the field. It is, furthermore, necessary 

 to press the tobacco into bales, so that it can be shipped in compact form 

 The best results are obtained when bulk fermentation is practiced. In 

 this method, the leaves are assorted into piles, depending on what parl 

 of the stalk they have been taken from. Layer after layer of leaves are 

 placed together, until piles of more than 1 meter are reached. The 

 temperature in the pile gradually rises, and frequently thermometers are 

 inserted to determine the exact degree of heat, which is never allowed to 

 become excessive, or the tobacco will be injured. The piles are frequently 

 turned over, to secure the proper heat and regulate the fermentation. No 

 statement can be made as to how often the piles should be turned over, 

 or when this should be done, as it depends upon the condition of the 



