DEVELOPMENT OF TOBACCO. 217 



if lie comes from the land of tobacco. The indigent Jakut 

 exchanges his most valuable furs and skins for a few ounces 

 of the " Circassian weed." Its charms are recognized by the 

 gondolier of Venice and the Muleteer of Spain. The 

 Switzer lights his pipe amid Alpine heights. The tourist 

 climbing ^Etna or Vesuvius' rugged side, puffs on though 

 they perchance have long since ceased to smoke. Tobacco, 

 soothed the hardships of Cromwell's soldiers and gave novelty 

 to the court life of the daughters of Louis XIV, delighted 

 the courtiers of Queen Elizabeth and bidding defiance to the 

 ire of her successors, the Stuarts, has never ceased to hold 

 sway over court and camp, as well as over the masses of the 

 people. 



In nothing cultivated has there been so remarkable a 

 development. Originally limited to the natives of America, 

 it attracted the attention of Europeans who by cultivation 

 increased the size and quality of the plant. But not alone has 

 the plant improved in form and quality, the rude implements 

 once used by the Indians have given away (even among them- 

 selves) to those of improved form and modern style. These 

 facts are without a doubt among the most curious that com- 

 merce presents. That a plant primarily used only by savages, 

 should succeed in spite of the greatest opposition in becom- 

 ing one of the greatest luxuries of the civilized world, is a 

 fact without parallel. It can almost be said, so universally 

 is it used, that its claims are recognized by all. Though 

 hated by kings and popes it was highly esteemed by their 

 subjects. Their delight in the new found novelty was 

 unbounded and doubtless they could sing in praise as Byron 

 did in later times of : 



" Sublime tobacco which from East to West 

 Cheers the tar's labor and the Turkman's rest." 



