so 



give it air. Later in the season, when the main stalk 

 has become partially cured and changed its color, I have 

 put tobacco in a cellar, and kept it 2 weeks without in- 

 jury, la^ang it loosely, without crossing the tips or cov- 

 ering. 



The stripping and assorting is done at the same time, 

 making 3 grades. The best leaves are found on the 

 middle of the stalk; the lower leaves of the stalk, with 

 one or two of the smallest top leaves, are the poorest. 

 These are called fillers. Good leaves that are badly 

 torn, light-colored leaves, and sometimes leaves next fo 

 the filler from the top, are called binders or 2d grade, 

 and for wrappers none but the best leaves are selected. 

 It will then class — perfect, imperfect, and filler. When 

 making two qualities, as some do, the imperfect and filler 

 are put together. 



In stripping and assorting tobacco, there will always 

 be some leaves that are not thoroughly cured, or what 

 we call fat ends ; that is, the stem of the leaf is soft, or 

 swollen, as we call it, near the main stalk ; they are 

 found at the top of the plant, and are to be stripped and 

 laid by for more curing. When cured, they are put into 

 hands, and placed with the fillers. If rather dry for 

 packing, they are to be moistened by the atmosphere. 

 Should any portion of such leaves remain unchanged, 

 they are to be rejected, as they will very essentially in- 

 jure the tobacco. 



When stripped and assorted, it is put into hands and 

 bound at the butts, with a single leaf, containing from 

 30 to 40 leaves, and secured by passing it througli the 

 end. It is then placed in a stack, with the butts out 

 that they may be packed close, to keep the tobacco 

 moist, as when taken from the poles — the stack to be 



