ail to be beneficial. But
the adversaries of tobacco, in order to furnish themselves
with an argument, make tobacco bear all the blame when some
one who has given himself up to an intemperate and luxurious
life, and who is besides a great smoker, becomes the victim
of all kinds of discomforts and sickness. To condemn tobacco
by saying those who begin to chew or smoke it nearly always
suffer from malaise and nausea, is surely preposterous. May
we not in fairness contend that tobacco is essentially
wholesome, that it helps digestion, relieves the mind and
cheers the spirits."

The following humorous account of "Thirsty Tobacco" is a most curious
illustration of the superstitions which spontaneously grow up in the
hearts of the people.

"Soon after the introduction of tobacco into Holland many of
the Dutch were of the opinion that the tobacco plant drank
in moisture greedily and required to be often and abundantly
watered. From this insatiable thirst the belief arose that
tobacco was the cause of rain, brought clouds to the
heavens, and restored the general crops. Once, in the
neighborhood of Amersfoot, the weather was very rainy, and
the crops suffered accordingly. On the tobacco growing round
the town the blame of the calamity was thrown; and it was
resolved to punish tobacco, the sottish rain-drinker and
wicked rain-bringer. A rabble, consisting chiefly of boys
and youths, rushed to the tobacco fields, and scattered
havoc with the ferocity of stupidity. The mad creatures
pulled up the stalks, tore off the leaves, and trampled
leaves and stalks under foot. Before they had done the work
of destruction quite as completely as they desired, soldiers
appeared on the scene. They sternly commanded the rioters to
desist, but the rioters paid no heed either to entreaties or
threats. Thereupon they drew their swords, as if by the mere
flash of these to terrify the rioters, who laughed a laugh
of contempt. Then effectually to frighten the rioters, the
soldiers fired at them with blank cartridges. This harmless
noise drove the mischief-makers to ignominious flight, and
the tobacco plants which were still uninjured were left in
peace."

At what exact time this destruction of "thirsty tobacco" took place we
are left in doubt. It is doubtless a "good joke" g