62 
SMOKES. 
SMOKES. 
R Visit to the Montpelier Cigar Factory, 
Introduction into Europe. The tobacco leaf 
was first introduced into Europe by Columbus 
who discovered the plant in Cuba in 1492 
(two years before he discovered Jamaica;. 
The date of its introduction into England is 
uncertain ; it was either by Sir John Hawkins 
in 1565, or, later, by Sir Walter Raleigh, or 
Sir Francis Drake. The habit of smoking 
was much condemned and ridiculed at that 
time, King James I. publishing “ A Counter- 
blaste against Tobacco.” The price (three 
shillings and four pence for one ounce) was 
also against its popularity. 
History in Jamaica. Tobacco has been 
cultivated in the West India islands generally, 
Cuba taking a conspicuous lead, from the 
time of their early colonisation by Europeans. 
Great impetus was given to the industry in 
this island at the time of the Cuban rebellion 
in 1870, when a large number of Cubans 
came over here and, as refugees, settled in 
various parts. They made considerable pro- 
gress in growing and curing Jamaica tobacco, 
and at the Paris Exhibition in 1878 Jamaica 
tobacco obtained a grand prize. Since then 
the cigar industry has steadily developed, 
and in 1901 the Hon. Evelyn H. Ellis im- 
ported twenty of the best cigar-makers from 
Havana to work at his factory, the Montpe- 
lier Cigar Factory. Many connoisseurs are 
inclined to believe that Jamaica cigars, if not 
excelling, are at any rate quite equal to the 
