tra. I should, perhaps,
mention that no distinction is made to dealers, the only
advantage they have over the private buyer is, that they are
enabled to get the discount for large lots. The absurd
notion so prevalent with us, that the Cubans only smoke
their cigars green, is an error, since the leaf is entirely
dried in the sun before being touched by the manufacturer.
The Cubans are very particular indeed to preserve the aroma
and fragrance of the cigars, by keeping them in wrappers of
oiled and soft silks; it is, in fact, quite a sight to see
with what ceremony some of these are produced at gentlemen's
tables, with much unction, like the ushering in of old wine.
My chapter on cigars would be incomplete did I fail to note
the beautiful and courteous way in which all Cubans no
matter of what position, whether the exquisite at the club,
or the _portero_ at the door, ask you for a light. 'Do me
the favor Senor?' and you present your cigar, the lighted
end towards the speaker. He takes the cigar delicately
between his thumb and fore-finger, lights his own, and then,
with a quick, graceful motion, turns yours in his fingers,
presenting you, with another wave, the mouth end, makes you
a hand salute, utters his _gracios_, and leaves you studying
out the 'motions' and thinking what a charming thing is
national politeness."

In the selection of leaves for the manufacture of cigars in the
factories only the large fine ones are used for _Regalias_,
_Imperiales_, or _Medios Regalias_; and also for _Cazadores_,
_Panetelos_, _Imperiales_, _Caballeros_, and so on; the smaller fine
leaves for _Panetelos_ and _Londres_; the dark inferior leaves for
_Canones_. The commonest tobacco goes to form the _Milores Communes_;
the worst is converted into cigars which are generally pressed flat,
and known as _Prinsados_. For the smallest kind of _Londres_ and for
_Damos_, a proportionally small leaf is employed.

In Cuba and Luzon, one of the Philippine Islands, is found one of the
largest factories for cigars in the world. In Manilla there are three
factories where 7,000 families and 1,200 males are employed: one in
Cavite, in which 5,000 operatives, mostly females, are engaged; and
one in Malabar, which gives employment to about 2,000 more, also
females. The tobacco is worked into both cigars and cheroots both of
which have a v