nail as in the act of
topping, and this process is termed suckering."

[Illustration: Suckering.]

After this operation is performed the planter ascertains in regard to
the

RIPENING OF THE PLANTS.

As soon as the plants are fully ripe they not only take on a different
hue but give evidence of decay. The leaves as they ripen become
rougher and thicker, assume a tint of yellowish green and are
frequently mottled with yellow spots. The tobacco grower has two signs
which he regards as "infallible" in this matter. One is that on
pinching the under part of the leaf together, if ripe it will crack or
break; the other is the growth of suckers to be found (if ripe) around
the base of the stalk.

Tatham says:--

"Much practice is requisite to form a judicious discernment
concerning the state and progress of the ripening leaf; yet
care must be used to cut up the plant as soon as it is
sufficiently ripe to promise a good curable condition, lest
the approach of frost should tread upon the heels of the
crop-master; for in this case, tobacco will be among the
first plants that feel its influence, and the loss to be
apprehended in this instance, is not a mere partial damage
by nipping, but a total consumption by the destruction of
every plant. I find it difficult to give to strangers a full
idea of the ripening of the leaf: it is a point on which I
would not trust my own experience without consulting some
able crop-master in the neighborhood; and I believe this is
not an uncustomary precaution among those who plant it. So
far as I am able to convey an idea, which I find it easier
to understand than to express, I should judge of the
ripening of the leaf by its thickening sufficiently; by the
change of its color to a more yellowish green; by a certain
mellow appearance, and protrusion of the web of the leaf,
which I suppose to be occasioned by a contraction of the
fibres; and other appearances as I might conceive to
indicate an ultimate suspension of the vegetative
functions."

[Illustration: Cutting the plants.]

After the plants have ripened the operation of cutting or

HARVESTING

begins. The cutter passes from plant to plant cutting only those
plants that are ripe. In harvesting a light hatchet or saw may be
used or a tobacco cutter which is the better and not as liable to
injure the leaves. Th