432 TOBACCO LEAF. 



but never exposed to the rays of the sun. A sealed 

 room is usually preferred for the purpose, and the heat 

 generated is at times so great as to be quite uncomfort- 

 able. The sweating process is to tobacco what fermenta- 

 tion is to wine ; it ripens and prepares it for use, perfect- 

 ing its color and improving its flavor. The acrid, or 

 pungent, taste is subdued, while the burning qualities 

 are increased and it also gives a shiny, oily surface, 

 which is called "satin face." All tobacco does not go 

 through this process equally well. Some of it comes out 

 dead and lifeless in appearance and lacking in texture 

 and elasticity. The loss in weight is also quite consid- 

 erable, often amounting to 10 or 15 per cent. 



