The tobacco-houses are kept at a temperature of about 70 degrees; and late in the fall, to cure a late second or third crop, they sometimes use a stove to maintain a proper heat in the house, for the tobacco must not lie in the pile without heating.
[Illustration: INDIAN CRADLE, WASHINGTON TERRITORY.] When it has had its first sweat, it is hung up on racks; and here Mr.
Culp's process is peculiar.

He places the stalk between two battens, so that it sticks out horizontally from the frame; thus each leaf hangs independently from the stalk; and the racks or frames are so arranged that all the leaves on all the stalks have a separate access to the air.
The tobacco-houses are frame buildings, 100 x 60 feet, with usually four rows of racks, and two gangways for working.

On the rack the surface moisture dries from the leaf; and at the proper time it is again piled, racked, and so on for three or even four times.

The racks are of rough boards, and the floor of the house is of earth.
After piling and racking for three weeks, the leaves are stripped from the stalk and put into "hands," and they are then "bulked," and lie thus about three months, when the tobacco is boxed.

From the time of cutting, from four to six months are required to make the leaf ready for the manufacturer.
"Piling" appears to be the most delicate part of the cure, and they have often to work all night to save tobacco that threatens to overheat.