358 HOLLAND AND ITS PEOPLE. 
All admirers of tobacco like Holland and its people. It 
is emphatically the land of smoke. One is constantly in 
cloud-land, and whether in the house or on the street the 
incense of tobacco is perpetual, from the good natured dominie 
who puffs leisurely at many pipes to the humblest peasant 
who works modestly among the plants, all burn the fragrant 
weed and pay homage to its shrine. Ever since the Dutch 
looked upon the plant it has been more to them than king 
and courtier. The old Dutch burgomasters “who dozed 
away their lives and grew fat upon the bench of magistracy 
in Rotterdam ; and who had comported themselves with such 
singular wisdom and propriety, that they were never either 
heard or talked of, owed all to the use and influence of the 
‘kingly plant.” Not only are the Dutch prodigious smokers, 
but they use the pipe at all places and at all times. On the 
way to Church the pipe is lighted, and after service it is the 
solace of the evening hour. 
In all public places the pipe plays an important part. The 
traveler is constantly reminded of the use of tobacco; for 
even the bridges have public notices affixed to them request- 
SUCCESS TO VON TROMP, 
ing all visitors to prevent the fall of tobacco-ashes on the 
gravel or grass; and not to knock out their pipes within 
