CURING. 



121 



the number of leaves which each head * gavilla ' should 

 contain : 



Sound .. .. 25 leaves to each gavilla 



First quality 



Second quality 



Third quality 



Fourth quality .. \ 



These three classes 

 may be added with- 

 out counting the 

 number of leaves, 



but making the heads (gavillas) of a regular uniform size ; 

 and the manojos and bales of about the same size as those 

 of * sound ' and ' broken ' of the third quality, the latter 

 weighing 100-125 Ib. 



" By following strictly this method, and by establishing 

 these quantities and qualities, as a basis for all contracts, 

 any defects found might easily be obviated; and very 

 exact calculations might be made of the number of cigars 

 each bale would yield, after having examined its special 

 condition ; and its real value might be estimated either 

 by bales or bundles, or by weight." 



Bulking. Bulking means placing the tobacco-leaves in 

 heaps for the purpose of heating, in order to develop 

 colour and flavour ; this is carried out in various ways, 

 nearly all involving great labour and risk, as in most 

 instances tobacco loses more or less in value during the 

 process called " curing." The more care is taken in raising 

 the crop, the less attention the tobacco requires in the 



