5*3 



three inches, the bundle is then opened in the middle and the end 

 of the wrapper neatly tucked through the opening, pressing all 

 down nice and compact ; this forms what is in trade called a " hand." 

 These hands are now laid aside until they are " bulked," an opera- 

 tion in which they are placed in a heap to heat, in order to develop 

 color and flavor by fermentation. Each day's stripping should be 

 bulked the same night before it dries. The tobacco remains in 

 these heaps for about three weeks, care being taken that the leaves 

 do not turn mouldy or over-heated, which is ascertained by pushing 

 the hand into the middle of the pile. At the end of that time the 

 whole will have assumed an even color, and may be hung up to 

 finally dry before packing for market. 



In America tobacco is usually packed (for export) in large 

 barrels or tierces, Cuban tobacco in bales, and Indian in boxes or 

 split bamboo baskets ; in all cases, however, the butts of the hands 

 must be to the outside, the ends of the leaves pointing inwards. 

 They should be packed evenly and firmly to prevent shaking in 

 transit, and each layer ought to be well pressed down until the 

 package is rilled, when it is closed down, marked with the gross 

 and net weights, the name or brand of the grower, and usually the 

 date of packing. On the subject of packing, it must be remembered 

 that a well-packed parcel realises a higher price (from Jd. to id. 

 per Ib.) than a slovenly one, as the leaf is in a better condition, and 

 when unpacked is in less danger of being damaged. 



This, so far as as the farmer is concerned, concludes the labor 

 pertaining to tobacco-growing, as the crop is now ready for market 

 and should be disposed of before sweating, which will take place if 

 held over till the hot weather of the next year sets in. 



