CHAPTER XXL 



ON THE MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO. 



PLUGS FOR CHEWING AND SMOKING. 



In no other line of manufacture is there so much to 

 be gained by the proper selection and judicious use of 

 the material, as in the manufacture of plug tobacco. 

 How to combine the different qualities of tobacco, with 

 what sauces to treat them, how to fashion the plugs or 

 twists, and what markets are to be accommodated, re- 

 quire the most intelligent thought and the most skillful 

 management. The tobacco leaf is exceedingly variable 

 in its component elements. Its secrets are the secrets 

 of chemistry and bacteriology. It presents endless prob- 

 lems and constant study for their solution. The manip- 

 ulation differs with each variety or grade, and no two 

 types or grades of tobacco will produce precisely the 

 same results under the same treatment. The taste and 

 flavor of the product must be agreeable to the consumer, 

 and the tastes of consumers vary. What will suit one 

 class of consumers would probably be very distasteful to 

 another class. The man of sedentary habits prefers a 

 mild, sweet tobacco, with a small content of nicotine. 

 On the other hand, the field laborer, the sailor, the fish- 

 erman or the man living an outdoor life, is best pleased 

 with strong tobacco. The habits, as well as the tastes, 

 of men must therefore be considered by the successful 

 manufacturer. 



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