AMERICAN SUMAC. - 11 



to produce a high-grade, bright, clean product. It is suggested 

 that dealers and buyers keep on hand suitable" samples, one to be 

 known as "Standard," for which they will pay the regular price, 

 and another as "Extra," for which a bonus of 15 to 30 cents per hun- 

 dred will be 'paid, for the information and guidance of gatherers. 

 Sumac materially below "Standard" in color or quaHty should be 

 bought only at a reduction. If the directions for gathering and 

 curing given in this bulletin are carefully followed, no sumac below 

 "Standard" will be produced, while much of it will be of "Extra" 

 quality. 



DIRECTIONS FOR THE PROPER GATHERING AND CURING OF SUMAC. 



In order to obtain sumac of the best quality, both as to color and 

 percentage of tannin, carefully follow these directions: 



Gather only dwarf, white, arid staghorn sumacs (Pis. I, II, and III). 

 Break the stalk bearing the leaves and leaf stems just below the lowest 

 leaf stem; or, better, gather only the leaves and leaf stems. Harvest 

 during June, July, August, and September, and avoid the collection 

 of red or yellow leaves. As soon as gathered, place the sumac in the 

 shade or under a canvas cover, which permits the air to get to it, 

 and avoids undue exposure to the sun. Do not allow it to be wet by 

 dew or rain, and at the end of each day haul the gathered sumac to a 

 barn or open shed, where it should be spread in layers not over IJ 

 feet deep upon a clean floor, or upon open racks which will permit 

 ready access of air. Turn the layers over once or twice daily for 

 from one to two weeks, or until thoroughly dry. In case the leaves 

 have been gathered with stalks, separate these from the leaves and 

 leaf stems by flailing and forking out. Do not allow the gathered 

 sumac to come in contact with the bare ground at any time, as dirt 

 injures the quality. The leaves thus prepared should be of a uni- 

 formly Hght green color. , Pack tightly in bags and keep in a well- 

 aired, dry loft until sold. 



BUYERS OF SUMAC. 



Sumac, when properly cured, usually can be sold to merchants in 

 towns or cities near the place where it has been gathered, or it can be 

 sold directly to manufacturers who buy sumac for grinding or for 

 the jDreparation of sumac extract. Before starting to gather, how- 

 ever, the gatherer should have a definite understanding and contract 

 with the dealer as to the quantity which he will buy from him; the 

 price which will be paid; how the sumac is to be delivered; arrange- 

 ments for a supply of bags, if it is to be delivered in bags; and especi- 

 ally as to the extra price to be paid for exceptionally bright, well- 

 cured sumac. If the names of dealers are not obtained by inquiry 

 of merchants, hide dealers, or others in near-by towns or cities, tliis 



