1 5 



2. Leaf partly sun-cured before being taken 



from the field. 



3 . Leaf brought to the curing barn immediately 



after harvest. 

 (b) Preliminary sweating*. 



i. Leaf slightly sweated before hanging. 





I'HOTO T\KKN BY Mr. I. B. I)r Maju.mdar. 



Harvesting of tobacco leasts at Thilippi, Macedonia. It will be observed 



that leaves of Turkish tobacco are very small in size, the lengths nf different 



types varying from 2!< to S inches. 



2. Leaf violently sweated before hanging. 



3. Leaf hung without previous sweating. 

 (c) After-sweating or Fermentation. 



"Leaves are collected in bundles and packed into moderate sized heaps 

 to sweat. Matting is placed over the heaps, and a gradual rise of tempera- 

 ture begins. The increase in temperature is due to certain processes 

 which are taking place within the leaves, whereby their more complex 

 contents become broken down into simpler ones, with an evolution of heat 

 and water. The water thus given off is in vapour form, but it condenses 

 again on the cooler matting covering, and it is the presence of this water 

 which gives rise to the idea of the heaps sweating. Care is needed at this 

 time to prevent overheating, for if the temperature rises unduly, the leaves 

 get darkened in colour. 



