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CIGARS
cigar should choose one that is not too big—a half-Corona
size is suggested—and, after examining the"wrapper
the only further test is to press it gently between the
fingers. It should feel even and firm through its whole
length ; if it feels soft, it is probably immature or badly
filled ; a brittle crackling is an obvious sign of dryness.
After experience it is possible to discover whether the
"filler"is uniform.
On Smoking a Cigar
Since every smoker of experience has his own fads and
foibles, in the matter of smoking it is dangerous to_ be
dogmatic. So much is a question of taste and opinion.
Nevertheless there are a few important points which give
the cigar a chance to offer its best.
After pressing the band lightly with finger and thumb aU
the way round, it should be torn off carefully, talcing care
not to damage the "wrapper". Some of the ways of
piercing and preparing the butt end of the cigar run the risk
of damaging it and of making an unsatisfactory aperture.
The most satisfactory is a clean"V "-shaped cut made by
a cigar-cutter, because this ensures the removal of the
broken leaf and provides a free draughtthat will not concen
trate all the smoke upon a small area of the tongue. The
tip of a pointed cigar should be removed with a cutter or
turned against the blade of a sharp knife and cut straight
across. After piercing or cutting,the cigar should be tapped
lightly on the finger to remove particles of tobacco.
The broad flame of a match or spill is the mostsatisfactory
for lighting and this should be done carefully and without
hurry. Some smokers prefer to hold the tip in the flame
until it glows evenly and then gently to draw in enough
smoke to flll only the cigar. If this is expeUed through the
cigar, no smoke made harsh by lighting can spoil the palate.
Whatever tricks may be preferred, there is no doubt that
careful lighting and slow smoking are the only ways to
ensure that the cigar burns evenly ; if it does not, the only
remedy is to smoke as slowly as possible until the burning
corrects itself. The retention of the ash helps to keep the
smoke cool but, although it should not flake, the length of
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