AMERICAN SUMAC. 
11 
to produce a high-grade, bright, clean product. It is suggested 
that dealers and buyers keep on hand suitable samples, one to be 
known as " Standard," for which they will pay the regular price, 
and another as " Extra," for which a bonus of 15 to 30 cents per hun- 
dred will be paid, for the information and guidance of gatherers. 
Sumac materially below " Standard" in color or quality should be 
bought only at a reduction. If the directions for gathering and 
curing given in this bulletin are carefully followed, no sumac below 
" Standard" will be produced, while much of it will be of " Extra" 
quality. 
DIRECTIONS FOR THE PROPER GATHERING AND CURING OF SUMAC. 
In order to obtain sumac of the best quality, both as to color and 
percentage of tannin, carefully follow these directions: 
Gather only dwarf, white, and staghorn sumacs (Pis. I, II, and III). 
Break the stalk bearing the leaves and leaf stems just below the lowest 
leaf stem ; or, better, gather only the leaves and leaf stems. Harvest 
during June, July, August, and September, and avoid the collection 
of red or yellow leaves. As soon as gathered, plaee the sumac in the 
shade or under a canvas cover, which permits the air to get to it, 
and avoids undue exposure to the sun. Do not allow it to be wet by 
dew or rain, and at the end of each day haul the gathered sumac to a 
barn or open shed, where it should be spread in layers not over 1| 
feet deep upon a clean floor, or upon open racks which will permit 
ready access of air. Turn the layers over once or twice daily for 
from one to two weeks, or until thoroughly dry. In case the leaves 
have been gathered with stalks, separate these from the leaves and 
leaf stems by nailing and forking out. Do not allow the gathered 
sumac to come in contact with the bare ground at any time, as dirt 
injures the quality. The leaves thus prepared should be of a uni- 
formly light green color. Pack tightly in bags and keep in a well- 
aired, dry loft until sold. 
BUYERS OF SUMAC. 
Sumac, when properly cured, usually can be sold to merchants in 
towns or cities near the place where it has been gathered, or it can be 
sold directly to manufacturers who buy sumac for grinding or for 
the preparation of sumac extract. Before starting to gather, how- 
ever, the gatherer should have a definite understanding and contract 
with the dealer as to the quantity which he will buy from him; the 
price which will be paid ; how the sumac is to be delivered ; arrange- 
ments for a supply of bags, if it is to be delivered in bags; and especi- 
ally as to the extra price to be paid for exceptionally bright, well- 
cured sumac. If the names of dealers are not obtained by inquiry 
of merchants, hide dealers, or others in near-by towns or cities, this 
