A LECTURE ON TOBACCO. 39 



those who wanted to strike a light had to use a piece 

 of steel, a piece of flint, and a piece of tinder, besides 

 a brimstone match. And (3) The more prosperous condi- 

 tion of the country has been accompanied by greater 

 indulgence in luxuries. Our liquor bill, as well as our 

 tobacco bill, has about doubled within the last forty years. 

 But while the consumption of intoxicating drinks has 

 increased, there is also an increasing conviction of the 

 evils resulting from them, which has led, in thousands 

 of instances, to their disuse ; and those who can expose 

 the injurious effects of narcotics ought not to be silent in 

 despair. It is my intention to say a little on the nature of 

 tobacco, and to consider its influence on health, on 

 property, on freedom, and on morality. Viewing it thus 

 seriously, I should regard my theme as quite suitable 

 for the pulpit — as much so as the opium-question ; but, 

 on many accounts, I prefer to address my fellow-townsmen 

 from this public platform. It will be my duty to speak 

 without respect of persons — and without disrespect to 

 persons. It would be an ill compliment to those who use 

 tobacco if I took for granted that they would wish me 

 to express myself timidly or obscurely. I invite the 

 criticism of those who are not ashamed to give their 

 names, and am desirous to correct any mistake. Having 

 to speak on so many branches of the subject, I can do 

 full justice to none ; but it is my wish to waken inquiry, 

 and to lead you to read and to think on the subject, and 

 then to express your convictions, and act up to them. 



The tobacco-plant belongs to the botanical order of 

 SolanecB, or the deadly-nightshade tribe, some species of 

 which are to be found in almost every region of the 

 globe : it comprises henbane and other plants noted for 



