IMPROVEMENTS. 497 



the method of curing is by air-drying instead of by " firing " 

 or by " flues." In New England the strongest timber, as oak, 

 is used for building, as the weight of the plants before fully 

 cured is immense. The shed is braced at every point and 

 generally rests upon stone posts so as to allow a good circula- 

 tion underneath the building. Poles are used for hanging, 

 either round or sawed, when the plants are hung with 

 twine; when hung on tobacco hooks, laths are used, the 

 hooks attached to the lath ; more frequently the plants are 

 strung upon the laths without the aid of hooks, the lath 



MODERN CONNECTICUT TOBACCO SHED. 



passing through the center of the stalk an inch or two 

 from the end. The doors lengthwise of the building 

 are simply the outside boards hung on hinges, every second 

 or third being chosen according to the ideas of curing enter- 

 tained by the grower. Some planters are of the opinion 

 that the plants need all the air that can be obtained, and 

 keep the sheds open during both day and night, while others 

 open the doors only now and then closing during warm 

 days, and during a storm. Sometimes the doors are hung on 

 hinges at the top opening but partially and not allowing as 

 free circulation as when hung on the sides. 



Another building of late has been built by the growers in 

 the Connecticut valley, called a stripping house. This build- 

 ing is frequently attached to the shed or near by so that 

 stripping may be performed during all kinds of weather, 



