CURING. 91 



divided by rails into widths to accommodate the lath, and 

 likewise into tiers, one above the other, far enough apart 

 to allow the stalks to hang from, well separate. The frame 

 of rails and timbers inside the shed destined to sustain the 

 weight of the tiers of tobacco (which, when green, is 

 exceedingly heavy) should be strongly constructed, so as 

 to preclude the possibility of breaking down, for if this 

 should happen to the upper tier, in all probability the 

 whole would be tumbled to the ground." 



The housing of the crop proceeds, says Dennis, " as 

 fast as it is cured up on the scaffold, or as the indications 

 of rain make it necessary, care being taken not to bruise 

 or tear it in hauling. The sticks of tobacco may be piled 

 upon the waggon or cart, and hauled to the barn and 

 hung up, commencing in the highest part of the building, 

 and filling up as you go downwards. If the leaves are 

 pretty well cured, you may hang it so as to touch, without 

 crowding it ; if not, there should be a little space between. 

 If a cold, rainy spell comes on, you will need to introduce 

 some means of artificial drying. A trench is sometimes 

 dug, and a log or two of wood placed in it, and a fire 

 made, taking care to remove the tobacco immediately 

 over the fire, and avoiding much blaze. This is dangerous, 

 and a better plan is to make a trench across the floor of 

 the barn, of mason- work, covered with sheet-iron, and 

 leading from a furnace outside the house on one side, to 

 a chimney at a safe distance on the other. The colour 

 and quality of tobacco may be improved by hanging it 

 closely and curing by artificial heat, watching that it 

 does not become * funked,' or moulded, while curing ; but 

 the best plan for a beginner is to dry it safely, and make 



