A PINCH OF SNUFF

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 160, 1 April 1919, Page 9

A PINCH OF SNUFF

&- HEARTY SNEEZE TO KEEP OFF " 'FLU." ,

One of Hie unaccustomed forms that the Christinas gift took in London last season is attributable to the influenza epidemic, and jewullers and antique dealers noted iv considerable revival .in the demand for snuff-boxes, while tobacconists reported a widespread renevrnl of the snuff-taking habit. During the height of the cpidemio maiiy elderly and middio-aged men con-, ctived the idea, which was not without some encouragement from medical men, that a good hearty, explosive sneeze such us is produced by a pinch of snuff not only cleared the nostrils and freed the air passages generally, but would also expel any lurking influenza gorme. l'lie notion spread with great rapidity. A customer for cigars, cigarettes, or smoking mixture having made his purchase would ask the shopman to oblige him with a pinch of snuff, and this being accorded as one of the traditional courtesies of the tobac:o'iist trade, would then lei out ;i resounding "atchoo!" followed by a vigorous trumpet solo with the aid of the handkerchief.. The eleemosynary, pinch quickly de veloimd into the habit of canning a snuff-box. Snuff-taking is not a revived fashion that is likely to endure. Itmaj not be discouraged by doctors, many of whom, like barristers, are habitual Snuffers, bui if is viewed as a horrid and filthy practice by women, even though tliov have abandoned their ancient prejudices against''smoking in tho" housu ami many even enjoy an occasional cigarette themselves. .But for the present snuff is being sold in larger quantities than for many years past, and there is a grent sale for pocket snuff-boxes as 'presents from men to their cronies, to business friends, and to themselves.