1912 Hoffman House Bartender's Guide by Charley Mahoney

Give the people who patronize you value received for their money, and you will win out in the long run. Establish a reputation for good goods, and while your profits may not be so large on the go in, yet you will eventually build up a steady, substantial trade that will be worth having. Remember that every time you sell a good cigar you are getting the finest kind of an advertisement for your place, and don't forget that the keeping of good cigars will frequently bring you trade that you could get under no other circumstances. When you buy cigars, don't buy in large quanti ties, because the wholesaler can keep a large quantity in better condition than you can. When a cigar becomes dry it loses its flavor, and with its flavor goes its value. Have the proper kind of a case or humidor to keep your stock in, and see that they are exhibited to ad vantage. Cigars are easily kept in summer, the main thing being not to have them too moist. Natural heat produces moisture and that is what you will have to guard against. It is in the winter that you will need to watch your stock carefully. Artificial heat is very drying, and when cigars become too dry they not only smoke badly, but the wrappers are easily broken, and the stock becomes unsatis factory, not only to look at but to smoke as well. Modern and well-equipped cigar cases are fairly rea sonable in price, and no man who sells cigars ought 88