122 TOBACCO : ITS HISTORY. 



question as truly, as scientifically, as theoretic- 

 ally, as practically, as the incontestable mental 

 and bodily vigour of the jolly tar, *' in shape and 

 gesture proudly eminent " ? 



There is a point connected with this chev/ing 

 of tobacco which is somewhat noteworthy. The 

 wonderful dexterity acquired by man in the use 

 of his hands and eyes in taking deadly aim as a 

 sportsman or otherwise, however striking, is still 

 conceivable, as we can clearly see that his hands, 

 arms, and eyes, were adapted to the purpose ; 

 but the naturalists tell us of a little sporting fish 

 whose endowment is, if I may think so, still more 

 extraordinary. He rises near the surface of the 

 summer-sea, just where the flies or other insects 

 are vaulting in their mazy dance, and, taking his 

 aim, spits unerringly at a fly a small pellet of 

 water, and thus secures his prey. I know not 

 how w^e are to come at the comparative anatomy 

 of the matter, after the manner of Cams ; but 

 the Yankee chewer unquestionably "repeats" 

 the unerring " organ" of this sporting fish to 

 admiration. If practice makes perfect, great 

 must have been that practice which has given 



