TOBACCO LEAVES 



receiving little food, and probably the 

 way in which it helps is by quieting cere- 

 bration for no one doubts its sedative 

 qualities and thus allowing more easily 

 sleep, which is so all-important when semi- 

 starvation has to be endured. 



The cases of acute mental derangement 

 in the course of campaigns such as the 

 present are many. There have indeed been 

 many in South Africa. It would be most 

 profitable and interesting could medical 

 officers have taken special note of the ca- 

 pacity for sleep previously evidenced by 

 those who broke down and also of their 

 indulgence or non-indulgence in tobacco. 

 We are inclined to believe that, used with 

 due moderation, tobacco is of value second 

 only to food itself when long privations 

 and exertions are to be endured. 



Two features are to be noted with re- 

 gard to the smoking practised in active 

 service. It is almost entirely in the open 



175 



