CUTTING. 444 
saw may be used or a tobacco cutter which is the better and 
not as liable to in jure the leaves. The plants may be cut 
either in the morning (after the dew is off) or just at night, | 
providing there are no indications of frost. Lay the plants 
carefully on the sides to avoid breaking the leaves. If the 
plants are cut during a very warm day they should be examined 
from time to time as they are liable to “sun-burn,” an injury 
much dreaded by the planter, as sun-burnt leaves are useless 
for cigar wrappers. 
After the plants are wilted on one side they are turned so 
that the entire plant will be in good condition to handle 
without breaking. Harvesting should be performed in the 
most careful manner. At this time the leaves are very brittle 
and unless the cutter is an experienced hand much injury may 
be done to the leaves. The stem of each plant is severed as 
near as possible to the ground and afterwards if hung on lath 
they are divided longitudinally to admit the air and dry them 
sooner. When the plants are to be hung on lath they may be 
wilted before “stringing” or not, at the option of the grower. 
Most growers are of the opinion now that the plants should 
PUTTING ON LATH. 
be harvested without wilting at all, stringing on the lath as 
soon as cut and carrying them immediately to the shed. 
When wilted in the field there is often much damage done 
to the leaves whether they are sun-burnt or not. Oftentimes 
