NOTI:. 35 



by trading ves-els. Many wanderers without a livelihood from various couni 

 went there from time to time, and it was through this class of persons that the 

 pernicious habit of Opium-smoking originated in Formosa. 



26. 



In the work named Tn : >ih ( H? 5&), or topographical account of AM.-IIKT :,,, um. 



of early Opium- 

 Taiwan,* it is said, " It is not known from what place the practice of Opium-smoking 



introduced. The Opium is boiled in a copper pan. The pipe used for smokiir. 

 in appearance like a short club. Depraved young men without any fixed occupation 

 used to meet together by night to smoke; it grew to be a custom with them. 

 i various delicacies prepared with honey and sugar, with fresh fruits, to the 

 number of 10 or more dishes, were provided for visitors while smoking. In order 

 to tempt new smokers to come, no charge was made for the first time. After some 

 time they could not stay away, and would come even if they forfeited all their 

 property. Smokers were alile to remain awake the whole night and rejoiced, as 

 an aid to sensual indulgence. Afterwards they found themselves beyond the 



iliility of cure. If for one day they omitted smoking, their faces suddenly 

 became shri\ellod, their lips opened, their teeth were seen, they lost all vivacity, 

 and seemed ready to die. Another smoke, however, restored them. After three 



- all such persons die. It is said that the barbarian inhabitants of Formosa 

 thus use craft and cunning in order to cheat the Chinese residents out of their 

 money at the expense of their lives. The foolish are not sensible of their danger, 

 and fall victims. This habit has entered China about 10 or more years. There are 

 many smokers in Amoy, but Formosa is the place where this vice has been most 

 injurious. It is truly sad to reflect on this." 



27. 

 In the year A.D. 1729 an edict was issued on Opium-smoking, prohibiting i -Hot 



f>f 1729* 



the sale of Opium and the opening of Opium-smoking houses. The Government 



* Kindly lent by Dr. DUDGEON, who was the first to discover the Native account of the origin and first 

 progress of Opium-smoking in Formosa. 



