SNUFF 



A century ago snuff taking was the principal 

 form in which tobacco was used. The custom 

 pervaded all classes of society and it was used 

 by both sexes. The habit has to a very large 

 extent died out; and it is rarely now that 

 one sees a snuff box in use. Nevertheless there 

 is still a very large trade in snuff manufacture, 

 and it is used very extensively in many coun- 

 tries. It will surprise many to know that about 

 24 million Ibs. of snuff are manufactured and 

 used annually in the U. S. and that within re- 

 cent years the percentage of increase in the use 

 of this form of tobacco has been higher than in 

 the case of cigar, cigarette or pipe smoking 

 kinds. The value of the snuff manufactured an- 

 nually is appraised for revenue purposes at 

 about 6 million dollars. 



The process of the manufacture of snuff or 

 tobacco powder, is essentially based on long and 

 thorough fermentation as all bitter substances, 

 acid and essential oils, as well as a large part of 

 the nicotine, must be removed. 



Strong, coarse tobacco is suitable for the 

 purpose, the darker types of Virginian and 

 Tennessee tobaccos being used. Strong tobacco 

 does not necessarily contain a high percentage 

 of nicotine as is usually supposed. Strength 



145 



