7S 



I commence topping when the majority of the field is 

 ready to bloom, breaking off the main stalk with five or 

 six leaves, topping all plants, that they may ripen at the 

 same time, taking a less number of leaves from the 

 small plants. 



In about 8 or 9 days, when the suckers are about 4 or 

 5 inches out, they are to be taken off, and in about 8 or 

 9 days sucker again, by which time, if a good growth, 

 the tobacco will probably be ready to harvest. I cut 

 the last of August or fore part of September. Tobacco 

 should be suckered, and wormed the last thing before 

 harv^esting, as otherwise the suckers will give trouble 

 while stripping, will grow on the poles, and injure the 

 tobacco, and the worm will also commit his depreda- 

 tions. 



I use a small saw for cutting. Cut close to the ground 

 horizontally, with one stroke. Lay the plant carefully 

 down to wilt. If tobacco is large, it will require 

 turning ; if small, it may require turning, as it will 

 burn very soon under a hot sun, when wilted, and 

 then it is worthless. Cut in the morning, wilt, and 

 finish hauling before 11 o'clock, and then commence 

 hanging, or in the afternoon, and haul when it is 

 ready. Tobacco left in a pile over night would heat, 

 and be worthless in the morning. It should be handled 

 by the butt of the plant, not by taking hold round the 

 leaves, always taking the j^lant from the top of the pile, 

 to prevent injury.* Plants are to be hung on poles or 

 rails, the butt end up, with a strong twine passed round 

 sufficiently tight to cut well through the rind. This 

 secures the plant ; then put it round another, in the same 

 way, to the end of the pole, placing them on the opposite 

 side of the pole, the twine having pre\:iou6lij been made 



