358 HOLLAND AND ITS PEOPLE. 



All admirers of tobacco like Holland and its people. It 

 is emphatically the land of smoke. One is constantly in 

 cloud-land, and whether in the house or on the street the 

 incense of tobacco is perpetual, from the good natured dominie 

 who puffs leisurely at many pipes to the humblest peasant 

 who works modestly among the plants, all burn the fragrant 

 weed and pay homage to its shrine. Ever since the Dutch 

 looked upon the plant it has been more to them than king 

 and courtier. The old Dutch burgomasters "who dozed 

 away their lives and grew fat upon the bench of magistracy 

 in Rotterdam ; and who had comported themselves with such 

 singular wisdom and propriety, that they were never either 

 heard or talked of, owed all to the use and influence of the 

 * kingly plant.' >: Not only are the Dutch prodigious smokers, 

 but they use the pipe at all places and at all times. On the 

 way to Church the pipe is lighted, and after service it is the 

 solace of the evening hour. 



In all public places the pipe plays an important part. The 

 traveler is constantly reminded of the use of tobacco; for 

 even the bridges have public notices affixed to them request- 



VON TROMP. 



ing all visitors to prevent the fall of tobacco-ashes on the 

 gravel or grass; and not to knock out their pipes within 



