12 BULLETIN 706, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



" Standard " in color or quality should be bought only at a reduc- 

 tion. If the directions for gathering and curing given in this 

 bulletin are carefully followed, no sumac below " Standard " will 

 be produced, while much of it will be of " Extra " quality. 



DIRECTIONS FOR GATHERING AND CURING. 



In order to obtain sumac of the best quality, both as to color and 

 percentage of tannin, carefully follow these directions: 



Gather only dwarf, or black sumac (PL II). Break the stalk 

 bearing the leaves and leaf stems just below the lowest leaf stem; 

 or, better, gather only the leaves and leaf stems, throwing away all 

 blooms or berries. Harvest during July, August, and Sep- 

 tember. Do not collect red or yellow leaves. As soon as gathered, 

 place the sumac in the shade or under a canvas cover, which permits 

 the air to get to it, and prevents undue exposure to the sun. Do 

 not allow it to be wet by dew or rain, and at the end of each day 

 haul the gathered sumac to a barn or open shed, w r here it should 

 be spread in layers not over L| feet deep upon a clean floor, or upon 

 open racks which will permit ready access of air. Do not allow 

 the gathered sumac to come in contact with the bare ground at any 

 time, as dirt injures its quality. Turn the layers over once or twice 

 daily for from one to two weeks, or until thoroughly dry. In case 

 stalks have been gathered with the leaves, remove the stalks by 

 flailing and forking out. The leaves thus prepared should be of 

 a uniformly light-green color. Pack tightly in bags and keep in 

 a well- aired, dry loft until sold. 



BUYERS OF SUMAC. 



Sumac, when properly cured, usually can be sold to merchants in 

 towns or cities near the place where it has been gathered, or it can be 

 sold directly to manufacturers who buy sumac for grinding or for 

 the preparation of sumac extract. Before starting to gather, how- 

 ever, the gatherer should have a definite understanding and contract 

 with the dealer as to the quantity which he will buy from him ; the 

 price which will be paid ; how the sumac is to be delivered ; arrange- 

 ments for a supply of bags, if it is to be delivered in bags ; and espe- 

 cially as to the extra price to be paid for exceptionally bright, well- 

 cured sumac. If the names of dealers are not obtainable by inquiry 

 of merchants, hide dealers, or others in near-by towns or cities, this 

 information can be obtained from the various State agricultural 

 experiment stations or from the Bureau of Chemistry, United States 

 Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 



