INTRODUCTION. ‘81 
whole fields of it were already cultivated in Portugal.* It 
was also previously known in France.” 
Another author says of its introduction into Europe :— 
“The seeds of the tobacco plant were first brought to 
Europe by Gonzalo Hernandez de Oviedo, who introduced 
it into Spain, where it was first cultivated as an ornamental 
plant, till Monardest extolled it as possessed of medicinal 
virtues.” ¢ 
Murray says of the first cultivation of tobacco and potatoes 
in the Old World :— 
“ Amidst the numerous remarkable productions ushered 
into the Old Continent from the New World, there are two 
which stand pre-eminently conspicuous from their general 
adoptien. Unlike in their nature, both have been received 
as extensive blessings—the one by its nutritive powers tends 
to support, the other by its narcotic virtues to soothe and 
comfort the human frame—the potato and tobacco; but very 
different was the favor with which these plants were viewed. 
The one long rejected, by the slow operation of time, and, 
perhaps, of necessity, was at length cherished, and has become 
the support of millions, but nearly one hundred and twenty 
years passed away before even a trial of its merits was 
attempted ; whereas, the tobacco from Yucatan, in less than 
seventy years after the discovery, appears to have been exten- 
sively cultivated in Portugal, and is, perhaps, the most gen- 
erally adopted superfluous vegetable product known; ‘for 
sugar and opium are not in such common use. The potato 
by the starch satisfies the hunger ; the tobacco by its morphia 
calms its turbulence of the mind. The former becomes a 
necessity required, the latter a gratification sought for.” 
It would appear then that the year 1559 was about the 
period of the introduction of tobacco into Europe. Phillip 
II. of Spain sent Oviedo to visit Mexico and note its produc- 
tions and resources; returning he presented “ His Most 
Catholic Majesty” with the seeds of the plant. In the fol- 
lowing year it was introduced into France and Italy. It was 
first brought to France by Jean Nicot of Nismes in Langue- 
doc, who was sent as ambassador to Sebastian, King of 
" *$pain began its culture in Mexico on the coast of Caraccas at the islands of St. Dominga 
and Trinidad, and particularly in Louisiana. 
¥Pourchat declares that the Portuguese brought it into Europe trom Tobago, an island in 
ane eet Indies; but this is hardly probable, as the island was never under the Portuguese 
lominion. 
fMonardes wrote upon it only from the small account he had of it from the Brazilians.” 
