296 TlMEHRl. 



process of fermentation, while that lying near the ground 

 needs assistance. The top and sides must be covered 

 with boards, thereby increasing the pressure and ac- 

 celerating fermentation. 



If the weather is fair the process of sweating is com- 

 pleted in from ten to fifteen days, otherwise it requires 

 perhaps twice as long. This can be ascertained by 

 putting the hand amongst the tobacco, when it will be 

 found dry and cold. It is preferable however to keep it 

 a few days longer in the press until entirely and well 

 done. 



During fermentation, any portion on being turned 

 and found to be very damp or burned, should be removed 

 from the lot. 



Tobacco loses 10 0/0 in weight by fermentation, but 

 this process preserves the tobacco and improves its 

 quality. 



Curing by Flues. 



Let the tobacco be placed in the barn as soon as cut, 

 and raise the heat in the barn to 85° F. Kindle the fire in 

 the flues every morning, raising the heat the second day to 

 90'' F., and continue this for 3, 4, to 5 days or more until 

 the tobacco has become thoroughly yellow. If the tobacco 

 has been cultivated on very rich land, it is certain to 

 have much sap ; in such a case, it is important to take 

 care not to raise the heat too suddenly, which by forcing 

 the tobacco, will cause sweating and spoil the colour. 

 This sweat, however, can be driven off, but the tobacco 

 will not be as good as if it went through the process 

 without it. When the leaves have assumed a mottled, 

 piebald appearance, raise the heat to 95° or 96® and let 

 it remain at that point for two hours, then raise it to 100° 



