106 OLD CUSTOMS. 
When tobacco was first introduced into England its sale 
was confined to apothecaries, but afterwards it was dealt in 
by tobacconists, who sold other goods besides tobacco. 
About the middle of the Seventeenth Century the 
culture of tobacco commenced in England; it continued, 
however, only for a short time, for the rump parliament in 
1652 prohibited the planting of it, and two years later Crom- 
well and his council appointed commissioners for strictly 
putting this act in execution: and in 1660 it was legally 
enacted, that from the first of January, 1660-1, no person 
whatever should sow or plant any tobacco in England, under 
certain penalties. - 
In England drinking or smoking tobacco seems to: have 
met with more success (as a mode of use) rather than 
chewing (now so popular). It was principally confined to 
the lower classes, and was common among soldiers and sailors. 
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SILVER SPITTOONS. 
When used by gentlemen it was common to carry a silver 
basin to spit in. 
The habit of smoking or using tobacco in any form was 
