INTRODUCTION. 81 



whole fields of it were already cultivated in Portugal.* It 

 was also previously known in France." 



Another author says of its introduction into Europe : 



"The seeds of the tobaccp plant were first brought to 

 Europe by Gonzalo Hernandez de Oviedo, who introduced 

 it into Spain, where it was first cultivated as an ornamental 

 plant, till Monardesf extolled it as possessed of medicinal 

 virtues."^: 



Murray says of the first cultivation of tobacco and potatoes 

 in the Old World :- 



"Amidst the numerous remarkable productions ushered 

 into the Old Continent from the New World, there are two 

 which stand pre-eminently conspicuous from their general 

 adoption. Unlike in their nature, both have been received 

 as extensive blessings the one by its nutritive powers tends 

 to support, the other by its narcotic virtues to soothe and 

 comfort the human frame the potato and tobacco ; but very 

 different was the favor with which these plants were viewed. 

 The one long rejected, by the slow operation of time, and, 

 perhaps, of necessity, was at length cherished, and has become 

 the support of millions, but nearly one hundred and twenty 

 years passed away before even a trial of its merits was 

 attempted ; whereas, the tobacco from Yucatan, in less than 

 seventy years after the discovery, appears to have been exten- 

 sively cultivated in Portugal, and is, perhaps, the most gen- 

 erally adopted superfluous vegetable product known; for 

 sugar and opium are not in such common use. The potato 

 by the starch satisfies the hunger ; the tobacco by its morphia 

 calms its turbulence of the mind. The former becomes a 

 necessity required, the latter a gratification sought for." 



It would appear then that the year 1559 was about the 

 period of the introduction of tobacco into Europe. Phillip 

 II. of Spain sent Oviedo to visit Mexico and note its produc^ 

 tions and resources ; returning he presented " His Most 

 Catholic Majesty " with the seeds of the plant. In the fol- 

 lowing year it was introduced into France and Italy. It was 

 first brought to France by Jean Nicot of Nismes in Langue- 

 doc, who was sent as ambassador to Sebastian, King of 



Spain began its culture In Mexico on the coast of Caraccas at the Islands of St. Domingo 

 and Trinidad, and particularly in Louisiana. 



tPourchat declares that the Portuguese brought It into Europe from Tobago, an Island In 

 the "WVst Indies ; but this is hardly probable, as the island was never under the Portuguese 

 dominion. 



JMonardefl wrote upon it only from the small account he had of it from the Brazilians." 



6 



