49 



strong- one, is tlicn applied, by making- different rang-es 

 of fires throughout the house, and that wood is preferred 

 and sought for which will make the geatest heat with 

 the least blaze and smoke. The fires must be continu- 

 ally kept up until the curing is effected (say from four 

 to six days), when not only the leaves, but the whole 

 stalk becomes dry, and changes from a green or yellow 

 to a light brown color. 



" If it is not to be cured by fire, the tobacco is brought 

 to the scaffold and hung, and the sticks are crowded in 

 the same way on the scafibld, until the same yellow 

 color is imparted to the leaves ; and some planters are 

 so particular as to cover their scaffolds with green 

 bushes during this crowded state, to prevent sun-burning-. 

 When the proper time arrives, which is indicated by the 

 yellow color of the leaves, the sticks are thinned and 

 placed at such a distance as to admit the influence of 

 the sun and air; and if the weather is warm and fair, in 

 five or six days the curing will be so far effected as to 

 justify the removal of the tobacco into the house, when 

 it must be properly and finally arranged, and the cure 

 will be gradually accomplished by time and season. 



" But if damp, hot weather surpervenes, it will be 

 necessary, both in this and in the case of tobacco already 

 cured by fire, to make moderate fires under each when- 

 ever it comes in very high order. In such weather and 

 in such order, tobacco is liable to contract a mould about 

 the stems, which can only be prevented by keeping it 

 dry by fires. This mould injures both the quality and 

 appearance greatly, and cannot be easily rubbed off. 

 Great attention is therefore necessary to prevent it by 

 these occasional firings, until regular cool weather sets 

 in, after which there is no danger. From the vicissi 

 tudes of our climate for some years past, and other 

 causes, it happens commonly that some portion of onr 

 tobacco is not mature, and is left until we are compelled 

 to cut it by the approach of frost. Such plants, even 

 if fully ripe, seldom cure of a good color or quality, for 

 want of proper seasons. 



" And here we may venture a general remark, which 



