10 INTRODUCTORY. 



draught of this world-renowned decoction ? Is it not the luxu- 

 rious accompaniment of the chibouk and the cigar, and one of 

 the indispensable symbols of the hospitalities and amenities of 

 life? Yes, better far than the Bacchanalian cup of old is 

 this non-inebriating draught, since it may be indulged with 

 impunity; for while it refreshes and stimulates, it does not 

 stultify the mind. Wine, doubtless, inspired the ancient muse, 

 and not, indeed, the ancient poets only; and poetry, which 

 has been styled " the wine of the mind," was put into compe- 

 tition, in olden time, for the prize of a cask of wine ; while 

 the Bacchic hymn was styled the " hymn of the cask." The 

 poets-laureate have also, from the minstrel-monk, Chaucer, 

 down to their living representative in England, continued to 

 receive their " pipe of wine ; " from all which it seems that the 

 bards do not solely seek inspiration from the Heliconian fount ! 

 As a salutary beverage coffee has never, perhaps, been duly 

 estimated, since it is not only a digestive drink, but it has 

 suppressed to a great extent that excessive indulgence in 

 inebriating draughts, that so frequently dishonored the ban- 

 quets and prodigal hospitalities of former times. 



" Yes, the wine's a wayward child, 

 This the cup that ' draws it mild ! ' 

 Deeply drink its stream divine, 

 Fill the cup but not with wine, 

 Potent port, or fiery sherry; 

 For this milder cup of mine, 

 Crush me Yemen's fragrant berry ! " 



Not alone in the East is the amber beverage indispensable ; 

 it has also become a positive necessity in all the great capitals 

 of Europe, as well as with all classes throughout the length and 

 breadth of our own land. It has been w^ell said by a recent 

 writer, in one of our leading periodicals, " that the proud son 

 of the highest civilization can no longer live happily without 

 the coffee of African robbers, the tobacco of the red barbarians, 



