A wrapper, prior to being cut to a cigar wrapper shape having a defined configuration, is arbitrarily divided into a plurality of sections, each substantially pneumatically isolated from each other. Each section is then pneumatically examined for the absence or presence of undesired holes or voids. A single pneumatic examining section can be used with good results. A vein detector can be provided to examine the head section of the strip of tobacco for the presence or absence of veins.