cerned in the growing of the plant. The heavier 

 tobaccos which are intended for the export 

 trade are usually harvested late. The most im- 

 portant operations connected with the culture 

 of the tobacco leaf are the "yellowing" and 

 "curing" processes, and, as these commence 

 with the cutting of the plant, this latter must 

 be done under strictly favorable conditions in 

 order to insure proper results. The cutting 

 must not be done while the sun is very hot, or 

 while there is rain, or before the plant is fully 

 matured. On the other hand, after the plant 

 has reached its maturity, it must not be allowed 

 to continue its growth, which along with other 

 things would be likely to increase its nicotine 

 content which is not desirable. The experienced 

 tobacco grower knows well from the appear- 

 ance of the plant when it is best fitted for cut- 

 ting. The leaves become thick and heavy and 

 assume a drooping appearance. They become 

 crisp with a tendency to break easily, and a 

 mottled, spotty look is noticeable on them. The 

 surface becomes gummy and oily; the oily sub- 

 stances increases and exudates as the days pass. 

 When these signs appear the tobacco is cut on 

 the first day when the weather favors. It is 

 usual in most cases to split the stalks down the 

 middle and allow the leaves to wilt, before the 

 stalk is entirely cut through. After sufficient 



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