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U. K. B. G. GUIDE TO DRINKS
the popular practice of sniffing at the cigar or of placing it
close to the ear, for a faint crackle can be heard even in a
cigar that is immature. The novice who wants to enjoy a
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 all
the way round, it should be torn off carefully, taking 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 draught that 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 most satisfactory
for fighting 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 fill only the cigar. If this is expelled through the
cigar, no smoke made harsh by fighting can spoil the palate.
Whatever tricks may be preferred, there is no doubt that
careful fighting and slow smoking are the only ways to
ensure that the cigar burns evenly ; if it does not, the only
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