64 ST NICOTINE 



In the tobacco plant English florists and gardeners have 

 found an accessory for filling up vacant spots in their 

 shrubberies with good effect ; and the side-beds along a 

 carriage drive, or the shelves in a greenhouse, can be 

 pleasingly diversified by selections from the varying kinds 

 the genus Nicotiana presents. As an ornamental flowering 

 plant it is certainly worthy of a place among the many 

 charming indigenous and exotic shrubs which nowadays 

 adorn private grounds. Then its uses either as a fumigator 

 or as a wash are such as all experienced gardeners know well 

 how to appreciate ; in either form it is a powerful prophy- 

 lactic, readily destroying insect pests and the germs of 

 blight. 



Let us now pass into the domain of the chemist and view 

 for a while the operations of this modern magician as he 

 summons the genii of the Indian weed to appear before 

 him in all their naked deformity, and compels them to 

 yield up their secrets. There is no poetry in the chemist's 

 crucible ; imagination fails to lend a transient charm to the 

 grim constituents of the bewitching leaf. Here, in his 

 silent retreat, the analyst weighs and measures, tests and 

 resolves into their original elements whatever things, foul or 

 fair, come into his hands. He weighs a pound of the pre- 

 pared leaves, steeps them in water, and subjects them to 

 distilation ; presently there rises to the surface a volatile, 

 fatty oil which congeals and floats. It has the odour of 

 tobacco and is bitter to the tongue; on the mouth and 

 throat it produces a sensation similar to that caused by 

 long- continued smoking. Taking a minute particle on the 

 point of a needle he swallows it, and immediately experiences 

 a feeling of giddiness, nausea, and an inclination to vomit. 

 And yet the quantity obtained of this evil thing from the 

 pound of leaves is barely two grains. Now he adds a little 



