252 SNUFF AND SNUFF-BOXES. 



In this instance the manufacturer is depicted pounding 

 the leaves in a mortar, the pestle being of peculiar 

 form to allow the more perfect mixing of the scents so 

 commonly used. 



The popularity of snuff in England increased after 

 the Great Plague, which gave fresh impetus to the 

 consumption of tobacco.* "When William ascended 

 the throne the prevalence of the Dutch taste confirmed 

 its general use, and it was the fashion to be curious in 

 snuffs ; valuable boxes of all kinds were sported, and 

 the beaux carried canes with hollow heads, that they 

 might the more conveniently inhale a few grains 

 through the perforations, as they sauntered in the 

 fashionable promenades. Eich essences were em- 

 ployed to flavour it, and a taste in such scents was 

 considered a necessary part of refined education. 



In Southerne's Wives' Excuse (1692), at a fashionable 

 party in an after-dinner scene, the following dialogue 

 occurs : — 



" Wild. Yours is very good snuff, Mr. Friendall. 



" Mr. F. Yes, truly, I think 'tis pretty good powder. 



"Wild. Pray your opinion of mine, you are a 

 critick. 



"Mr. F. This is Havanah indeed; but then 'tis 

 wash'cl. Give me your dry powders, they never lose 



* Dr. Henry Stubbe, of Warwick, tbe formidable opponent of tbe Royal 

 Society in the reign of Charles II., and whose career is noted in D'Israeli's 

 Quarrels of Authors, was a great snuff taker. He was drowned after 

 paying a night visit to a patient, when — to use the cynical language of 

 Anthony Wood — "his head was intoxicated with bibbing, but more with 

 talking and snuffing of powder." 



