Page:Pictures of life in Mexico Vol 2.djvu/124

100 A tobacco factory however, is a still busier and more interesting sight. The plants are gathered and stowed into hogsheads; layers of leaves and often even single leaves, are separated from each other; then they are re-arranged into fresh layers and sorted according to their qualities; next sprinkled with the juice of liquorice; and pressed and arranged over and over again until they are judged ready for shipment and sale.

Two planters to the west of Vera Cruz had sedulously conducted their estates and business transactions in the spirit of the most violent opposition for a long period. The rules of their establishments, the growth and treatment of tobacco, the prices of their cargoes, the choice of markets, and tricks of competition and sale, had each afforded sufficient grounds for continued variance and bitterness. If one of them discovered a new and profitable market, the other was sure to make a rush in the direction with reduced prices. Had the former contrived some new arrangement, either in producing or bargaining, the other was certain to puff off his own commodities by its aid. In fact, their spirit of rivalry had for years been so strong, that the interests of both