CUTTING. 



saw may be used or a tobacco cutter which is the better and 

 not as liable to injure the leaves. The plants may be cut 

 either in the morning (after the dew is off) or just at night, 

 providing there are no indications of frost. Lay the plants 

 carefully on the sides to avoid breaking the leaves. If the 

 plants are cut during a very warm day they should be examined 

 from time to time as they are liable to " sun-burn," an injury 

 much dreaded by the planter, as sun -burnt leaves are useless 

 for cigar wrappers. 



After the plants are wilted on one side they are turned so 

 that the entire plant will be in good condition to handle 

 without breaking. Harvesting should be performed in the 

 most careful manner. At this time the leaves are very brittle 

 and unless the cutter is an experienced hand much injury may 

 be done to the leaves. The stem of each plant is severed as 

 near as possible to the ground and afterwards if hung on lath 

 they are divided longitudinally to admit the air and dry them 

 sooner. When the plants are to be hung on lath they may be 

 wilted before " stringing" or not, at the option of the grower. 

 Most growers are of the opinion now that the plants should 



PUTTING ON LATH. 



be harvested without wilting at all, stringing on the lath as 

 soon as cut and carrying them immediately to the shed. 



When wilted in the field there is often much damage done 

 to the leaves whether they are sun-burnt or not. Oftentimes 



