t and most paltry of all gratifications," &c. Had not man
discovered in it a delight and comfort which was to be derived from few
other sources, the habitual use of tobacco would long since have been
neglected. To say man uses tobacco for no other reason but its
offensiveness, is a solecism; scarcely would it be more absurd to adopt
the habitual use of castor oil as a cordial, or assafoetida as a
perfume. On this subject Mr. Chamberet[56] has a very interesting
passage, which, as it is so well expressed by the author, we take the
liberty of offering to our readers in his own language.

"Observons," says he, "que l'homme, en vertu de son
organization a sans cesse besoin de sentir, que presque
toujours il est malheureux, soit par les fleaux que la nature
lui envoie, soit par les tristes resultats de ses passions
aveugles, de ses erreurs de ses prejuges, de son ignorance, &c.
Le tabac exercant sur nos organes une impression vive et forte,
susceptible d'etre renouvelee frequemment et a volonte, on
s'est livre avec d'autant plus d'ardeur a l'usage d'un
semblable stimulant qu'on y a trouve a la fois le moyen de
satisfaire le besoin imperieux de sentir, qui caracterise la
nature humaine, et celui d'etre distrait momentanement des
sensations penibles ou douloureuses qui assiegent sans cesse
notre espece, que le tabac aide ainsi a supporter l'accablant
fardeau de la vie. Avec le tabac, le sauvage endure plus
courageusement la faim, la soif, et toutes les vicissitudes
atmospheriques, l'esclave endure plus patiemment la servitude,
&c. Parmi les hommes qui se disent civilises, son recours est
souvent invoque contre l'ennui, la tristesse; il soulage
quelquefois momentanement les tourmens de l'ambition decues de
ses esperances, et concourt a consoler, dans certains cas les
malheureuses victimes de l'injustice."

Dr. Walsh says that tobacco used with coffee, after the Turkish
fashion, "is singularly grateful to the taste, and refreshing to the
spirits; counteracting the effects of fatigue and cold, and appeasing
the cravings of hunger, as I have often experienced. Hearne, I think, in
his journey to the mouth of the Coppermine river, mentions his
experience of similar effects of tobacco. He had been frequently
wandering without food for five or six days, in the most inclement
weather, and supported it all, he says, in good health