THE “CULP PROCESS.” AB 
e 
the “ Culp process” from the name of its patentee. When 
the plant lies in the field, Mr. Culp’s peculiar process begins 
which is described as follows: 
“Tobacco had long been grown in California, even before 
Americans came. He had raised it as a crop for fifteen years. 
and before he perfected his new process, he was able usually tc 
select the best of his crop for smoking tobacco, and sold’ the 
remainder for sheep wash. One year, two millions of pound: 
were raised in the State, and as it was mostly sold for shee 
wash, it lasted several years, and discouraged the growers 
Tobacco always grew readily, but it was too rank and strong 
They used Eastern methods, topping and suckering, and as the 
plant had here a very long season to grow and mature, the 
leaf was thick and very strong. The main features of the 
Culp process are, he said, to let the tobacco, when cut, wilt 
on the field; then take it at once to the tobacco house an¢ 
it down, letting it heat on the piles to 100° for Havana 
t must, he thinks, come to 1008, but if it rises to 102° it is 
ruined. Piling, therefore, requires great judgment., The 
tobacco houses are kept ata temperature of about 70° ; and late 
in the fall, to cure a late second or third crop they sometimes use 
astove to maintain a proper heat in the house, for the tobacec 
must not lie in the pile without heating. When it has had 
its first sweat, it is hung up on racks; and here Mr. 
Culp’s process is peculiar. 
“He places the stalk between two battens, so that it sticks 
out horizontally from the frame; thus each leaf hangs 
independently from the stalk; and the racks or frames are 
so arranged that all the leaves on all the stalks have a separate 
access to the air. The tobacco houses are frame buildings, 
100x60 feet, with usually four rows of racks, and two gang- 
ways for working. On the rack the surface moisture dries 
from the leaf; and at the proper time it is again piled, racked, 
and so on for three or even four times. The racks are of 
rough boards, and the floor of the houses is of earth. After 
piling and racking for three weeks, the leaves are stripped 
from the stalk and put into ‘hands,’ and they are then 
‘bulked’ and lie thus about three months, when the tobacco 
is boxed. From the time of cutting, from four to six months 
are required to make the leaf ready for the manufacturer. 
“Piling” appears to be the most delicate part of the cure, 
and they have often to work all night to save tobacco that 
threatens to overheat.” 
