TOBACCO CULTURE IN THE WEST INDIES 49 
weather open charcoal fires are cometimes placed on the 
floor in order to dry up excessive moisture. 
The time for curing varies according to the class and 
condition of the leaf. A thin shade grown wrapper cures 
in less than four weeks under favorable conditions, while 
a filler attached to the stalk requires much longer time. 
The cured tobacco leaf should not be handled when it is 
dry and brittle and it is therefore often necessary to wait 
sometimes for damp weather before taking the tobacco down 
and removing it from the poles. 
FERMENTING 
After the tobacco is cured it is placed in large piies, 
ranging from a half ton to several tons, and left until the 
temperature rises to 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, after 
which the pile should be torn down and remade. 
No exact rule can be given regarding temperature, as 
it depends upon the condition of the leaf. If much moist- 
ure is present fermentation goes on rapidly. If very dry 
it ferments slowly. During fermentation the leaf changes 
in color, aroma and burning quality. If the fermenta- 
tion is rapid and the temperature high the color of the 
tobacco becomes dark while slow fermentation and low 
temperature produces a brighter leaf. In fermenting a 
thermometer should be used to ascertain the temperature 
if all other conditions are known but the practical man 
with years of experience, by placing his hand in the cen- 
ter of the pile judges the temperature at which it must be 
remade. This of course does not produce the best results, 
but on account of it being impossible at the present time 
