CURING. 77 



and better. The leaves are strung on strings instead of 

 being hung up on sticks, with the same care and precau- 

 tions as recommended for hanging up the whole plants. 

 After the leaves are off, the stalks must be cut off or 

 pulled up, for they would still vegetate, and needlessly 

 take away nourishment from the soil. No more tobacco, 

 leaves or plants should be cut than can be taken to the 

 drying-house and hung up the same day." 



Perry Hull's instructions commence with a caution that 

 the plant should never be cut while the dew is on the 

 leaves ; " but wait until it is off, say 10 o'clock, and what 

 tobacco is cut from that time until 2 o'clock, if the day is 

 hot, will need close attention. In short, the whole opera- 

 tion, from cutting in the field, to the hanging upon the 

 poles in the barn, needs care, as a little carelessness or 

 inattention will damage many dollars' worth. No hand 

 should be allowed to handle it, who is unwilling to use 

 care, and perform every operation just as directed, or else 

 by breaking of leaves, or sticking fingers through them, 

 &c., he may do more damage than his wages amount to. 

 The plant to be cut should be taken by the left hand, not 

 carelessly by the leaves, but carefully by the stalk, and as 

 carefully leaned over, to give a chance to use the axe, 

 which should have a handle about one foot long. Cut the 

 plant with one blow, laying it carefully down, with the 

 top to the sun ; if it is laid otherwise, the leaf will bum 

 before the main stalk of the leaf will wilt sufficiently to 

 admit of handling. Even in that position, it may burn 

 unless attended to, but not as soon. After lying until 

 pretty well wilted, and before burning, turn it over and 

 wilt the other side. When so wilted that the main stem 



