TOBACCO. 51 
a little before the beginning of the rainy season ; and, 
in order the better to cover it, the beds are raked over 
or trampled upon. In about a fortnight the young 
Elants begin to appear, and, as soon as they have four 
?aves, they are drawn up and transplanted in lines, and 
about three feet asunder, into the tobacco field. Here 
they are kept clear of weeds ; and, as soon as they 
have eight or nine leaves each, the tops are nipped aff 
to make the leaves grow thicker and longer. When 
the plants are full grown, and the leaves are become 
somewhat brittle, they are cut with a knife close to the 
ground. They are suffered to lie upon the ground for. 
a little while, after which they are carried to the dry- 
ing shed, where they are hung by pairs upon lines or 
ropes. When perfectly dry, the leaves are stripped 
from the stalks, and made into small bundles tied 
round with another leaf. These bundles are laid in 
heaps, and covered with blankets for about seven days 
to heat; after which they are closely stowed in casks 
for exportation. 
The name of tobacco was given to this article from 
its having been originally brought into Europe from 
Tobago, or Tabago, an island in the Bay of Panama, 
near the coast of America. 
To the American Indians the use of tobacco has been 
known for many centuries ; and the practice of smoking 
it is common to almost all the tribes. Tobacco forms 
a part of every entertainment ; and, in the intervals of 
hunting, sleeping, and eating, it occupies no small por- 
tion of their time. In many of their religious ceremo- 
nies tobacco is used ; and instances have occurred in 
which they have taken it in such quantity that death 
has ensued. 
The custom of smoking is understood to have been 
first introduced into England, by Sir Walter Raleigh, 
during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and a ludicrous 
story has often been told respecting it: that Sir Walter 
having directed a servant to bring him a jug of water, 
the man, at his return into the room, found him smok- 
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