80 TOBACCO. 



the root under the bottom leaf, with a sudden stroke or 

 dab, sever the same from the root ; lay it gently down 

 back in a line with the row. Proceed in like manner to 

 cut what you can take care of, and not get injured by sun- 

 burn. Have two rows of butts together, lying the same 

 way for after-convenience. This cutting is done after the 

 dew is off in the morning, or in the afternoon. Let it 

 remain until the top side is somewhat wilted ; then com- 

 mence to turn it over. Step between the two rows with 

 the butts lying toward you, and with each hand take a 

 plant on either side ; raise them from the ground, and by 

 twisting the hands in or out, turn the plants, laying them 

 either to the right or left, as most convenient, at right 

 angles to their former position. Go through with the 2 

 rows, and you have the next 2 with the butts the other 

 way ; take these and lay the tips directly opposite those 

 first turned, and you have an alley, with the butts of the 

 plants of two rows on either side, which will be convenient 

 to drive in to load. "When wilted sufficient to be handled 

 without breaking, if in the forenoon, you can load it from 

 the rows as they lie ; if in the afternoon, it is best to put 

 in hakes, which is done by putting five plants at the 

 bottom, and on these four, decreasing one on each layer, 

 and terminating with one on the top ; this will protect it 

 from dew and wet. The best cart for hauling the tobacco 

 is a one-horse waggon, geared long, with merely a platform 

 resting on the axles. Such a cart can be driven between 

 the rows and loaded from either side, having the butts of 

 the plants uniformly one way, and laid ciosswise on the 

 platform. Great care should be used, in all the handling, 

 not to bruise, break, or tear the leaves. Having cut all, 



