450 HARVESTING IN VIRGINIA. 



grow after the leaves proper have been gathered.* Tobacco 

 made from these bastard leaves is easily recognizable, the 

 leaves being long and narrow, of a reddish color, and a bitter 

 taste. 



The mode of harvesting tobacco in Virginia at present is 

 thus described by a Virginia planter : 



" In bringing to the barn place the tobacco on scaffolds 

 near the barn-door, so that it can be readily housed in case 

 of rain. As Bright Wrappers and Smokers pay so much 

 better than dark tobaccos, it is advisable, whenever practica- 

 ble, to coal-cure all that ripens of a uniform yellow color. 

 The quality of the leaf will determine the hanging : * Ship- 

 ping ' should be hung seven to nine plants to the stick four 

 and a half feet long. To cure the plants properly requires 

 some experience, great care, and much attention. The plants 

 should not be ' cut ' until fully ripe. Be careful in cutting 

 to select plants of a uniform size, color, and quality, putting 

 six or seven to the stick. Let the plants go from the cutter's 

 hands on to sticks held in the hands of women or boys ; and 

 as soon as the sticks are full, place them carefully on wagons 

 and carry them to the barn. Place the sticks on tiers about 

 ten inches apart, and regulate the plants on the sticks. 



" It is impossible to lay down any uniform system or give 

 specific instructions. General principles will be suggested to 

 guide the planter amid the changeableness of seasons and 

 variableness of material to be operated upon." 



In Turkey 



" The planters calculate always fifty-five days from May 

 12th, for their crops to be ready for gathering. When the 

 leaves show the necessary yellow tips, they are carried to the 

 house, and there threaded into long bunches by a large, flat 

 needle, about a foot long, passed through the stalk of each." 



In Ohio the process of harvesting tobacco for cutting is 

 thus described by a grower : 



" When thoroughly ripe, having stood two or three weeks 

 longer than is necessary for cigar leaf, it is ready to cut. 

 This is done with a knife made for the purpose. It resem- 

 bles a wide chisel, except that the handle and chisel are at 

 right angles. Before cutting, the stalk is split down through 

 the center. Being ripe, it splits before the knife, and follow- 

 ing the grain the leaves escape unharmed. This splitting i 



Second crop, or Volunteer tobacco. 



