198 DOCTOR PARR AS A SMOKER. 
That tobacco in one form or another has been patronized 
from the cottage to the throne, no one will deny who is at all 
acquainted with the history of the plant. And while it has 
had many a royal hater, it can also boast of having many a 
kingly user. A favorite of king and courtier, its use was 
alike common in the palace and the courtyard. It can claim, 
also, many celebrated physicians who have been its patrons, 
and among them the noted Dr. Parr. We give an anecdote 
of him showing his love of weed and wit. 
The partiality this worthy Grecian always manifested for 
smoking is well known. Whenever he dined he was always - 
indulged with a pipe. Even His Majesty, when Dr. Parr 
was his guest at Carlton Palace, condescended to give him a 
smoking-room and the company of Colonel C——, in 
order that he might suffer no inconvenience. “I don’t like 
to be smoked myself, doctor,” said the royal wit, “but I am 
anxious that your pipe should not be put out.” One day, 
Dr. Parr was to dine at the house of Mr. » who 
informed his lady of the circumstance, and of the doctor's 
passion for the pipe. The lady was much mortified by this 
intimation, and with warmth said, “I tell you what, 
Mr. , I don’t care a fig for Dr. P.’s Greek ; he shan’t 
smoke here.” “My dear,” replied the husband, “he must 
smoke; he is allowed to do so everywhere.” ‘Excuse me, 
Mr. » he shall not smoke here; leave it to me, my 
dear, I'll manage it.” The doctor came; a splendid dinner 
ensued; the Grecian was very brilliant. After dinner, the 
doctor called for his pipes. ‘ Pipes!” screamed the lady. 
Pipes! For what purpose?” “Why, to smoke, madam!” 
“Oh! my dear doctor, I can’t have pipes here. You'll spoil 
my room; my curtains will smell of tobacco for a week.” 
“Not smoke!” exclaimed the astonished and offended 
Grecian. ‘Why, madam, I have smoked in better houses.” 
“Perhaps so, sir,” replied the lady, with dignity; and she 
added with firmness, “TI shall be most happy, doctor, to show 
you the rights (rites?) of hospitality; but you cannot be 
allowed to smoke.” ‘Then, madam,” said Dr. Parr, looking 
