Tobacco Curing.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7255, 1 November 1890, Page 3

Tobacco Curing.

In answer to H J.E., who writes asking for information as to the best way of curing locally grown tobacco, it may be stated that subject to various minor modifications, the process ie carried out either slowly by the air oure process, or rapidly by fire-curing. The European cultivators, who generally cure by the slow process, either spit the leaves through tho middle on a long rod, or string them on a cord, taking care eaoh leaf does not touch its neighbour. These rods or l cords are suspended in a barn or shed * which allows free and equal circulation of air, and under favourable circumstance* the tobacco will bo dry and ready for further treatment in from six to eight weeks. In the United States, the quick-drying process by artificial heat is employed, the structure being heated by a system of flues which permits of the burning of any kind of fuel. The tobacco leaves are generally loft until moist weather ensues before being stripped for fermentation. After stacking, this pro-

ce>s is quickly set up, and the temperature of the moss steadily rises till it roaches about 180 dogrees Fah., when great care must be taken to prevent over-beating. The pile is from time to time taken down and rebuilt, and in from 3 to 5 weoks tho stack may be said to be sufficiently cured. It may be then piled up in store without further fear of fermentative activity, till, with increasing summer heat, it is subject to sweat, which renders further watchfulness necessary. In reply to a further question, a large number of excellent works on tobacco culture, curing, etc, arc published, amongst them, "Tobacco Growing, Curing, and Manufacturing! a handbook for planters in all parts of the world," edited by C. G. Warnford Locjc, F.L.S., and may be procured through any of tho booksellers.