78 



TOBACCO. 



has lost most of its brittleness, load as explained above ; 

 taking hold of the butt of the stalk, lay them carefully 

 upon the arm, and again as carefully upon the load. If 

 the day be very hot, use expedition in getting to the shed, 

 else, if the distance be great, the load may heat, which 

 will spoil the leaves for anything but fillers." 



When the plants are carried into the shed, "if quite 

 warm, they should be left only one plant deep upon the 

 floor and scaffolds. If the day be cool, and they are to be 

 hung up soon, they may lie much thicker. They should 

 never be hung upon a pole less than 5 inches in width. 

 If sawed pieces are used, saw them just that ; if poles are 

 nsed, see that they are about that; for if anything of 

 less width is used, the plants will hang so close, that the 

 chances of * pole-burn ' are greatly increased. They are 

 fastened to the pole by a half hitch. (Their position is re- 

 presented by Fig. 9 on p. 95.) It requires two hands to hang 

 them, one to hand them, another to tie them. The poles 

 should be about 18 inches apart, and the number hung upon 

 a 12-foot pole will depend upon the size, from 24 to 30, so 

 regulating them, that when thoroughly wilted, they will 

 scarcely touch each other. If hung thicker than this, a 

 little unfavourable weather will cause more or less pole- 

 burn, sweat and mould. After the tobacco is hung, the 

 building should be so thoroughly ventilated that there 

 will be a circulation of air through every part. The 

 ventilators should be kept open during all fair weather, 

 until well cured down. During storms, shut the doors 

 and exclude as much wet as possible ; being cautious to 

 give it a thorough ventilation again, as soon as the rain 

 ceases. When it is cured enough to be husky in dry 



