CHAPTER V. 



Of the Manner in which it is ufually cured. 



the plant is found, agreeable to 

 the preceding directions, to be fit for 

 gathering, on the firft morning that pro- 

 mifes a fair day, before the fun is rifen, 

 take an axe or a long knife, and holding the 

 ftalk near the top with one hand, fever it 

 from its root with the other, as low as 

 poffible. Having done this, lay it gently on 

 the ground, fo as not to break off the leaves, 

 and there let it remain expofed to the rays of 

 the fun throughout the day, or until the 

 leaves are entirely wilted, as it is termed in 

 America ; that is, till they become limber, 

 and will bend any way without breaking. 



But if, on the contrary, the rain fhould 

 continue without any intervals, and the 

 plants appear to be full ripe, they muft be 

 cut down and houfed immediately. This 



muft 



