472 



TOBACCO PRODUCTION 



is thus produced, and it brings a price that makes the very expensive 

 method of raising profitable. 



HARVESTING THE CROP 



Ripeness is indicated by the leaves taking on a yellowish tinge. 

 It is noticeable on the bottom leaves first. The thickening leaf also 

 has a leathery feel. Another test for some types is to turn up the 

 under side of the leaf and fold between the fingers. If ripe it will 

 snap or crack and retain the crease. In some regions the ripening 

 of the leaves is uneven enough so that they are gathered separately 

 as they ripen. Generally, however, the entire plant is harvested 

 when the majority of the plants are at the best stage. 





FIG. 200. Frame for hauling tobacco to the barn, Wisconsin. (Courtesy Wisconsin 

 Experiment Station.) 



In some regions shears are' used for cutting the stalks, in others 

 a hatchet is used, some use corn cutters and others knives of different 

 kinds. The plants are usually thrown with the butt end next to 

 the sun. After wilting the tobacco is hung on sticks by spearing the 

 stalks or by splitting them from the top to within six inches of 

 the butt, and then placed on scaffolds and let stay outdoors for a 

 few days or are taken directly to the barn. Worms and suckers are 

 carefully removed as the crop is harvested (Fig. 200). 



CURING THE CROP 



Air Curing. After the tobacco has wilted and probably yellowed 

 somewhat on the scaffold it is taken to the barn and the sticks are 

 hung on tier poles which are far enough apart horizontally to accom- 



