CURING. 119 



commences to show these spots and small holes near the 

 heads of the gavilla, where the dye has not been able to 

 penetrate owing to the manner in which the leaves are 

 tied. Each leaf ought, therefore, to be dyed separately, 

 as the most intelligent people do. The leaves should be 

 placed separately in rows on a bench, having all the heads 

 in one line ; then the dye should be applied by means of 

 a sponge, which should be soaked in the dye or infusion, 

 and squeezed, so that a dampness only will be communi- 

 cated to the leaf. 



" In passing the sponge over the leaf, it should be drawn 

 from the head or thick part near the stalk, down the large 

 vein to the point, so that the thick vein down the centre 

 of the leaf may receive the heaviest part of the infusion, 

 from which the dye pushes along the transversal veins, 

 and all parts derive benefit from it. 



" After dyeing the first layer on the bench, another one 

 is placed above this, keeping always the leaves in the 

 same direction ; and this operation is repeated, and each 

 layer is sponged, until the pile from which they are taken 

 is exhausted. As this new pile of dyed leaves gradually 

 increases in height, it should be gently pressed down with 

 the hand, and, when finished, should be covered over with 

 green plantain leaves. This operation should be done in 

 the morning, and by nightfall the tobacco will have 

 acquired the necessary softness, and soaked up the infu- 

 sion, so that the leaves, although very flexible, will have 

 no signs of excess in moisture. If they have, they should 

 be spread to dry somewhat, because, when the bundles of 

 leaves are being tied up, they should not be excessively 

 wet, as the result would probably be so strong a fermen- 



