Teachers should speak on the subject, and endeavor to prevent the
formation of so vile and tyranical a habit, by those under their
influence; for it is a fact that lads in many of our public schools try
to hasten their claims to _manliness_, by learning to chew, smoke or
snuff. This being the case, we may expect, of course, to find these
practices prevalent in our academies and colleges, our medical and our
law schools and theological seminaries.

In the early records of Harvard University, says Dr. Mussey, is a
regulation ordering that "no scholar shall take tobacco unless permitted
by the President, with the consent of his parents, on good reason first
given by a physician, and then only in a sober and private manner." How
different now! Probably one half, at least, of the students of our
colleges are, not in a "sober and private manner," but publicly addicted
to this slovenly and disgusting practice.

As the use of tobacco is injurious to health, it is the duty of
physicians to exert their influence against it. Their authority upon
such subjects is generally respected, and is therefore very important.

To the ladies, it would hardly seem necessary to say a word, in order to
secure their aid in a reform that so intimately concerns themselves. In
this matter, as in the vice of intemperance, woman, though comparatively
innocent, is by far the greatest sufferer. With what a melancholy
prospect does a young lady marry a man who uses the filthy plant in any
form. He may _at first_ do it in a neat, or even a genteel manner, and
neutralize the sickening odor by the most grateful perfumes; but this
trouble will soon be dispensed with, and in all probability he will, at
no distant day, become a sloven, with his garments saturated with smoke,
and himself steeped in tobacco juice. Alas, to think of being annoyed a
life-time by the nauseous odor of the vile tobacco worm, and of wasting
patience and strength in vain endeavors to preserve neatness in his
slimy trail! Little can be accomplished in this, or any other reform,
without the aid of females. Let them take hold of the subject, and exert
their legimate influence, and public opinion will soon be corrected;
young men and old too, will soon learn that by no rule in the code of
politeness and good breeding, can the use of tobacco be tolerated.

A word to dealers. How can a man who regards the morals, the happiness
and the prosperity of his neighborhood and his country, deal