21 



straightening out the tobacco, lay a row on one side the full length of the plat- 

 form, with the stems cut and evenly arranged. Then lav a row on the oppo- 

 site side, allowing the ends of the leaves to lap over those of the first row about 

 five inches, and so continue to pack closely. Place boards and weights on top 

 of the bulk. leaving tlic sides open. This will keep the leaves moist, and at the 

 same time allow the stems to become dry enough for packing. While in bulk, 

 examine it occasionally, and if it should heat, or not dry sufficiently, overhaul 

 and repack it loosely, without weighting the top. 



pack ixc. 



When the large or heavy portion of the stem becomes dry enough to break 

 easily, (with the leaf yet soft and pliable,) the tobacco is in proper condition 

 for packing. If any portion of it is too soft or has an ill smell, it should be 

 made sweet and dry by a few hours' sun. 



If it has to be shipped a great distance, we would recommend packing in 

 hogsheads, placing each layer across the one below it. Tobacco of fine quality 

 should not be pressed too hard, as it will surely be injured thereby. 



COMPARATIVE STATEMENTS. 



In order to show more clearly the advantages gained by using the patent 

 hanger, we make the following comparative statements of the two methods of 

 gathering and curing ; and though they only apply to one section of the coun- 

 try, as far as prices of labor and coal are concerned, yet the percentage saved 

 will be nearly the same in all cases. Consequently, the amount saved will be 

 greater in sections where labor and fuel are more expensive. A barn 16 by 16 

 will contain two thousand pounds of tobacco on the Shelton hangers, and can 

 be cured with one hundred bushels of coal in two days or less, while to cure 

 the same quantity on the stalk requires four barns, or four curings in one barn 

 of three days each, which will consume at least one hundred bushels of coal at 

 each curing, or four hundred bushels in all, and require the attention of a man 

 for twelve days and nights. 



COST OF GATHERING AND CURING OX SHELTON HANGER. 



To gather and cure one barn, containing two thousand pounds after curing, 

 requires — 



Gathering. 



3 men one day, <& 75 cents $2 25 



17 women and children, ^w 40 cents 6 80 



