vate purchasers and none go on the market. 
The finest Havanas are of an even tint of rich 
dark brown, free from all stains and spots, 
burning freely to a white or whitish-brown ash, 
and holding fire for 4 or 5 minutes. Altogether 
the District of Vuelta Abajo produces about 
one-quarter million bales of leaf annually and 
about one-tenth of this is high class and pro- 
duces up to 20 dollars per lb. on the spot. 
As stated previously, Cuban cigars have no 
binder. They consist of filled and wrapper only 
and are all hand-made. The unique position 
which these cigars have held for so long is due 
not only to perfect curing and blending of the 
leaf, but also to the superior skill of the Cuban 
workmen who are the most expert cigarmakers .. 
and blenders in the world, and who in the best 
factories are allowed to take all the time they 
need in making the cigar. Some of these 
“Tabacqueros” have been making the same 
brand of cigar for 20 years or longer. 
Of the total annual output of Cuban made 
cigars, England takes about 40 per cent, the 
U. S. about 25 per cent and Germany 18 per 
cent. In 1918, the U. S.-imported 659,358 lbs. 
of cigars and cheroots from Cuba valued for 
$3,999,410. 
116 
