1G 



Eleventh. It improves the quality and increases the weight by preventing 

 the sap from forcing the oil, gum, or other valuable properties of the leaf back 

 into the stalk. 



Twelfth. It enables the planter to cure his tobacco thoroughly i and greatly 

 improves the color and texture. 



By the use of this hanger in air-curing, all of these advantages are gained, 

 except the saving of fuel; and for this claim we substitute one of vast import- 

 ance to all who cure their tobacco in this manner, which is, the avoidance of 

 "pole-sweat," or rotting of the stem and leaf while curing. 



PREPARATIONS FOR CURING ON THE SHELTON HANGER. 



This device is made either by attaching wire to the sticks now in use, or to 

 others made for the purpose. 



Cut the wire the length of the stick, and attach it at the center, either by 

 giving it one turn around the stick, or passing it through a hole made with a 

 brad-awl, and giving it two or three twists, leaving the wire parallel with the 

 stick, with the ends in opposite directions. The wire may be attached to any 

 part of the stick, though we recommend attaching it at the center. 



SCAFFOLD. 



When ready to commence "priming," or gathering your crop, erect a scaf- 

 fold near the barn, on which to hang the tobacco after it is strung. This may 

 be constructed of poles, scantling, or other material, and supported by forked 

 sticks or horses. These poles should be the same distance apart as those in 

 the barn. A barn 16 x 16, with four "rooms," six full tiers and a roof tier, will 

 contain one thousand hangers filled with tobacco. A scaffold may be built to 

 hold this number or less, as the tobacco can be removed to the barn whenever 

 the scaffold is full. 



GATHERING THE CROP. 



If the plant is fully ripe, remove all the leaves at once, keeping the stems' 

 together, and transport them to the scaffold with a sled, wagon, barrow, basket, 

 or in any way most convenient. 



When a plant is only partially ripe, if you desire to make a fine, uniform 

 crop, remove only the ripe leaves, leaving the others to mature. 



When the leaves are about ripe, they present a spotted appearance and be- 

 come brittle. By bending them short, they will break before doubling. 



PREPARATIONS FOR STRINGING. 



Support the hangers on two upright posts or sticks, having notches in th<* 

 ends to keep the hangers in position. Place two hangers parallel with each 



