322 
INTRODUCTION OF THE TOBACCO-PLANT. 
5, 6 July, 
tinentj probably from the Portuguese settlements, and is, at this time, 
growing among their northern neighbours, from whom they had 
obtained it by barter, long before it came to them from the side of 
the Cape of Good Hope. The leaves are prepared, they say, by 
boiling, or rather, perhaps, by steeping in hot water. This process 
renders the smoke less acrid, though less powerful : yet, by my own 
men who obtained some at Litakun, it was pronounced pleasant ; 
but, in their judgment, its mildness was considered to be a defect, 
and they, as well as the Bachapins themselves, always gave the 
preference to that which had been prepared in the Colony. From 
some inquiries, made of natives who had seen the plant growing in 
those countries, there seems reason for supposing that it is the 
round-leaved species * which is there cultivated ; that which is grown 
in the Colony, being the long-leaved A^irginian sort, f 
Our present visitors, as soon as they had enjoyed their handful, 
for it could not be called a pinch, of snuff, began to beg for tobacco, 
with much good-humoured importunity ; and held up their finger as 
the length of the piece they wished for. But, on showing by the 
half finger, how much was intended to be given them, they smiled, and 
said Nid Hdrra (No, Sir,) ; yet, when I remarked to them that as we 
travelled on, many more of their countrymen would make the same 
request, and that it would be out of my power to distribute to all, 
if I were to give away pieces so large as were asked for, they replied, 
' Yes ; that is true and then went away very well satisfied with 
the little which I gave them. Besides this, they received some 
meat ; and, as soon as they had broiled it, ran off with great speed 
to overtake their companions. 
It was now perceived that Gert felt strongly disposed to encroach 
on indulgence, and that", unfortunately, kindness only encouraged 
disrespect. Although I had long followed a rule of giving my people 
their rations of tobacco and brandy on Mondays, he now demanded 
them before the time, and told me that the quantity which was 
allowed to the people, was not half enough, and that the boors always 
* Nicotiana rustica. f Nicotiana Tabaam. 
