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DOCTOR PARR AS A SMOKER. 



That tobacco in one form or another has been patronized 

 from the cottage to the throne, no one will deny who is at all 

 acquainted with the history of the plant. And while it has 

 had many a royal hater, it can also boast of having many a 

 kingly user. A favorite of king and courtier, its use was 

 alike common in the palace and the courtyard. It can claim, 

 also, many celebrated physicians who have been its patrons, 

 and among them the noted Dr. Parr. We give an anecdote 

 of him showing his love of weed and wit. 



The partiality this worthy Grecian always manifested for 

 smoking is well known. Whenever he dined he was always 

 indulged with a pipe. Even His Majesty, when Dr. Parr 

 was his guest at Carlton Palace, condescended to give him a 



smoking-room and the company of Colonel G , in 



order that he might suffer no inconvenience. " I don't like 

 to be smoked myself, doctor," said the royal wit, " but I am 

 anxious that your pipe should 'not be put out." One day, 



Dr. Parr was to dine at the house of Mr. , who 



informed his lady of the circumstance, and of the doctor's 

 passion for the pipe. The lady was much mortified by this 

 intimation, and with warmth said, "I tell you what, 



Mr. , I don't care a fig for Dr. P.'s Greek ; he shan't 



smoke here." " My dear," replied the husband, " he must 

 smoke ; he is allowed to do so everywhere." " Excuse me, 



Mr. , he shall not smoke here ; leave it to me, my 



dear, I'll manage it." The doctor came ; a splendid dinner 

 ensued ; the Grecian was very brilliant. After dinner, the 

 doctor called for his pipes. " Pipes !" screamed the lady. 

 Pipes ! For what purpose ?" " Why, to smoke, madam !" 

 " Oh ! my dear doctor, I can't have pipes here. You'll spoil 

 my room ; my curtains will smell of tobacco for a week." 

 "Not smoke!" exclaimed the astonished and offended 

 Grecian. " Why. madam, I have smoked in better houses." 

 " Perhaps so, sir," replied the lady, with dignity ; and she 

 added with firmness, " I shall be most happy, doctor, to show 

 you the rights (rites?) of hospitality; but you cannot be 

 allowed to smoke." " Then, madam," said Dr. Parr, looking 



