292 The Fermentation of Cacao 
For the manufacture of cigarettes light yellow- 
coloured very thin leaves are wanted. 
The process of fermentation: for producing 
cigar tobacco is more difficult. Much care and 
skill is necessary to bring this work to a 
successful close. The desirable colour and 
aroma of the leaves depend entirely on this 
operation. After the leaves are dried in the 
shed they are put into bulk. The leaves 
should contain about 20 per cent. of moisture, 
so should be artificially moistened with a fine 
spray if too dry. On the other hand, 26 per 
cent. of moisture in the leaf is considered 
excessive. The temperature of the piles rises 
to about 126° F. within two days. Leaves 
should be rebulked in three or four days. The 
bulk should be watched closely during the 
fermentation. In the case of filler leaves the 
temperature must not be allowed: to rise above 
180° F, This maximum temperature is never 
desired. A temperature of 160° F. for the 
filler leaves and that of 120° F. for wrapper 
leaves are recommended by the tobacco ex- 
perts of the United States. When this tem- 
perature is reached, the bulk should be broken 
down and rebuilt. The bottom and top leaves 
should now be placed in the middle. The 
temperature now rises more slowly. The next 
rebulking is necessary in seven or eight days. 
Altogether the piles are repacked from five 
to ten times until the temperature fails to rise. 
The temperature of the fermentation room 
