CUEING. 89 



days, according to circumstances ; after this, they are hung 

 on the upper tiers. There they should be more apart, 

 each plant hanging free. When on the upper tiers, the 

 tobacco may be said to be in the free-hang ; and when on 

 the lowest tier, in the close-hang. The object in hanging 

 the plants more apart on the upper tier is to dry them 

 more rapidly there, and for this purpose, the shutters may 

 be opened, unless there be a strong dry wind. The light- 

 yellow colour of the leaves should change into a dark 

 yellow-golden or light-brown colour. After hanging on 

 the upper tier for about a week, the veins of the leaves 

 will be nearly dry, leaving only the midribs pliant. The 

 drying of the leaf and the changing of its colour proceed 

 gradually, commencing from the margin and proceeding to 

 the midrib. At this time, the plants are hung closer 

 together, the evaporation from the leaves being little, and 

 the space and sticks being required. The plants hanging 

 on two or three sticks may be hung on one stick. All the 

 windows may be kept open from this time ; the tobacco 

 may also be brought into an open shed, or even hung 

 outside exposed to the sun. In about a week more, the 

 midribs will be entirely dried up, and the tobacco will be 

 fit for stripping. In some climates, it may be necessary to 

 facilitate the drying by the aid of artificial heat. For this 

 purpose, heated air should be conducted into the drying- 

 shed, without the fire, or the products of combustion, 

 being admitted. 



Pursley warns tobacco growers that the plant should not 

 be exposed to the weather after it is cut, but should " be 

 immediately conveyed to the barn and hung up. As soon 

 as it gets about half yellowed, a slow fire should be started 



