220 



BOXES AND GRATERS. 



told that Marechal d' Huxelles used to cover his cravat and 

 dress with it. The Royal Physician, Monsieur Fagon, is 

 reported to have devoted his best energies to a public oration 

 of a very violent kind against snuff, which unfortunately 

 failed to convince his auditory, as the excited lecturer in his 

 most enthusiastic moments refreshed his nose with a pinch. 



Although disliked by the most polished prince of Europe, 

 the use of snuff increased and soon spread outside the limits 

 of the court of France and in a short time became a favorite 

 mode of using tobacco as it continues to be with many at 

 this day.* The snuff-boxes of this period were very elegant 

 and were decorated with elaborate paintings or set with gems. 

 It was the custom to carry both a snuff-box and a tobacco 

 grater, which was often as expensive and elegant as the snuff- 

 box itself. Many of them were richly carved and ornamented 



in the most superb manner. Others 

 bore the titles and arms of the owner 

 and it was considered as part of a 

 courtier's outfit to sport a magnificent 

 box and grater. The French mode 

 of manufacturing snuff was to satu- 

 rate the leaves in water, then dry 

 them and color according to the 

 shade desired. The perfume was 

 then added and the snuff was pre- 

 pared for use. The kind of tobacco 



used was " Tobac de Virginia." Spanish snuff was perfumed 

 in the same manner with the additional use of orange-flower 

 water. Carver gives the mode of manufacturing snuff in 

 America (1779). 



"Being possessed of a tobacco wheel, which is a very 

 simple machine, they spin the leaves, after they are properly 

 cured, into a twist of any size they think fit ; and having 



* The Rev. 8. Wesley speaking of the abuses of tobacco, intimates that the human ear, will 

 not long, remain exempted from its affliction. 



" To such a height with some is fashion grown 

 They feed they very nostrils with a spoon, 

 One, and but one degree Is wanting yet. 

 To make their senseless luxury complete; 

 Some choice regale, useless as snuff and dear, 

 To feed the mazy windings of the ear. 



A TOBACCO GRATER. 



