HARVESTING AND CURING TOBACCO 499 



being put on a lath. If the entire plant is cut, from four to 

 six are put on a lath, according to the size of the plant. A 

 removable metal spear is placed on the end of the lath and 

 run through the base of the stalk. The leaves are allowed 

 to wilt for a few hours, and are then hauled to the barn for 

 curing. In hot, sunshiny weather the wilting is best accom- 

 plished by hanging the laths close together on a temporary 

 scaffolding in the field, as the leaves are likely to sunburn if 

 left fully exposed to the sun's rays. Leaves which are " yel- 

 lowed" or wilted on the scaffold are less likely to burn in 



Fig. 148. Harvesting tobacco. The stalks are strung on laths and loaded on the 

 frame on the wagon, to be hauled to the barn for curing. 



curing. Care should be taken throughout the harvesting 

 process to avoid injury by bruising. 



652. Curing. The curing process depends largely on the 

 use which is to be made of the crop. The object is to remove 

 the moisture in the leaves and stems in such a way as to 

 produce an even texture and coloring in the leaves. For 

 this purpose, the tobacco is hung in the curing barn as soon 

 as it has wilted. Scaffolding is provided so that the laths 

 may be hung in tiers, giving plenty of room between the 

 plants for ventilation. The plants should be shaken when 



