12G WALL'S MANUAL 



the plant is concentrated in the remaining leaves, 

 By priming the air is admitted to the middle leaves 

 of the plant, and at the same time the plant can be 

 hilled up to better advantage. 



CUTTING. 



The maturity of the plant, and consequent fitness 

 for cutting, is indicated by the points and edges of 

 the leaves curling downward, the leaf becoming 

 thick and brittle, and its surface assuming a yellowish, 

 spotted appearance. At this stage the plants con- 

 tain more of the ingredients which afterward give 

 value to them than at any other period, cither earlier 

 or later. It should then be cut, and not till then, 

 unless it is becoming fired, or there is immediate 

 danger of ft-ost. The cutting consists in splitting 

 the stalk with a sharp, thin-bladed knife, down 

 nearly to the lowest leaf, and then cutting it off 

 below this leaf. As the plants are cut they are 

 inserted between the hills, and allowed to remain in 

 that position a few hours, until they are sufficiently 

 wilted to be handled without being broken. They 

 are then collected and placed (eight or ten) together 

 upon sticks, and hung on scaffolds in the open air, or 

 upon the tier poles in the tobacco barn. 



CURING. 



The process of curing, is a matter of the highest 

 importance. On it depends, to a great extent, the 

 market value of the crop. It should, therefore, be 

 attended to with great care. The modes adopted 

 vary somewhat with the end for which the crop is 

 designed. 



