SNUFF 
A century ago snuff taking was the principal 
form in which tobacco was used. The custom 
pervaded all classes of society and it was used 
by both sexes. The habit has to a very large 
extent died out; and it is rarely now that 
one sees a snuff box in use. Nevertheless there 
is still a very large trade in snuff manufacture, 
and it is used very extensively in many coun- 
tries. It will surprise many to know that about 
24 million lbs. of snuff are manufactured and 
used annually in the U. S. and that within re- 
cent years the percentage of increase in the use 
of this form of tobacco has been higher than in 
the case of cigar, cigarette or pipe smoking 
kinds. The value of the snuff manufactured an- 
nually is appraised for revenue purposes at 
about 6 million dollars. 
The process of the manufacture of snuff or 
tobacco powder, is essentially based on long and 
thorough fermentation as all bitter substances, 
acid and essential oils, as well as a large part of 
the nicotine, must be removed. 
Strong, coarse tobacco is suitable for the 
purpose, the darker types of Virginian and 
Tennessee tobaccos being used. Strong tobacco 
does not necessarily contain a high percentage 
of nicotine as is usually supposed. Strength 
145 
