2C 



days is enough on the scaffold; then put it into a well-lighted and well- 

 ventilated house, where it should be kept and thoroughly cured by opening 

 the doors and windows whenever the weather is favorable. After it is cured, 

 close up the house and let the tobacco remain until you are ready to assort it. 



air-curing. 



In air-curing, house your tobacco immediate gathering; and dm 



favorable weather, open your doors and ventilators that the air may circulate 

 freely. It is necessary to exclude the rain and dampness, which materially 

 damage the tobacco and injure its color. After it is nearly cured, do not give 

 it full ventilation during the prevalence of high winds; a stove is very useful in 

 preventing too much dampness, in case of continued wet weather. 



SWEATING, OR FERMENTING. 



Cigar tobacco is subjected to a process of fermentation called " sweating." 

 which should be carefully conducted, for on this depends the color, and, in a 

 large degree, the flavor of the tobacco. Place it in heaps about six feet in 

 diameter, and cover them with blankets or anything that will press lightly and 

 exclude the air. In about twenty-four hours, it will commence to ferment: and 

 when it becomes so hot inside that the hand cannot well bear it, break up the 

 heaps and repack, placing the heated tobacco on the outside, and again cover 

 with cloths. Repeat until all the heat is gone, which generally takes from five 

 to six weeks. 



ASSORTING. 



The variety of tobacco grown, and the market for which it is intended, must 

 largely govern the planter during this operation. It should be performed when 

 the leaves are moist enough to handle without being injured. The usual cus- 

 tom is to make but three grades, which are distinguished by different names. 

 such as first, second, and third qualities, manufacturing, shipping, and lugs, or 

 bright, medium, and dull. 



These grades or qualities are principally composed of rip:, overripe, and un- 

 ripe leaves at the time of gathering. 



If you tie it in bundles or '-hands." (which we believe to be work thrown 

 away, besides injuring one of the best leaves in each bundle,) farm them with 

 from six to ten leaves each, of uniform length and color. 



BULKING. 



[f your house has a ground-floor, either lay down boards or build raised 



platforms three or four feet in width, and construct perpendicular ends or bulk- 

 heads, to keep the tobacco in position. Commence at one end, and after 



