TOBACCO 539 



528. Two methods of harvesting. — The two methods 

 of harvesting are (1) priming, that is, removing the leaves 

 separately, and (2) cutting the stalks. While the object 

 of topping is largely to cause the remaining leaves to ripen 

 more nearly together, yet they will not all arrive at the best 

 stage for harvesting on the same date. On account of 

 this difference in the time of ripening of the leaves on the 

 same plant, it has become customary, especially with 

 high-priced tobacco, to harvest each leaf separately, 

 priming it, or going over the field several different times. 



The other method of harvesting consists in cutting the 

 entire stalk with the attached leaves.. The stalk is. then 

 split from the top to near the base, and 6 to 10 of the spHt 

 plants are then straddled over a spht stick or lath, or 

 otherwise strung on a stick which is about 4^ feet long. 

 The plants are then allowed to wilt slightly, taking care 

 that they are not injured by too much exposure to the 

 sun. After wilting they are hung for a few days on a 

 scaffold in the field, and later carried to the curing barn; 

 or they are taken directly from the field to the barn, 

 where they are to be cured. 



When the leaves are harvested separately, or primed, 

 ,they are strung on wires or strings, being arranged in 

 pairs with the upper surfa;ces facing each other, so as to 

 prevent excessive crumpling. 



529. Methods of curing. — Methods of curing differ 

 widely, varying with the type of tobacco and with other 

 conditions. They may be divided into (1) curing with 

 open fires ; (2) flue-curing ; and (3) air-curing. Special 

 barns are built to suit the method of curing. Those in- 

 tended for the flue-curing process are supplied with ven- 



