HABIT OF SMOKING.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3633, 5 March 1883, Page 4

HABIT OF SMOKING.

" I tell you," said Colonel Holcombe, "that smoking is tho Avorst habit that man can contract." You know I lean very affectionately toAvard literature and that I Avrite sketches occasionally. Several days ago I received an order from a literary paper for a story. _ I was flattered by the compliment and immediately began work. For years I have been an inveterate smoker, aud knew that the effect of tobacco avus injurious to my brain, and when I began the story I resolved to quit. I have a strong will", let me remark, but I Avas surprised at the ease with Avliich I crushed the habit. I Avrotc with a vigor Avhich I had ncA-er felt before, and Avhen night came I AA-cnt to bed feeling like a hero. I thought of men /who struggle Avith the habit, and smiled when I contemplated my superior strength. Tbe next day I began Avork again. I Avanted to smoke, but 1 froAvned at the desire, and bent my mental energies to the story. I soon conquered the desire, and Avorked Avith almost nervous rapidity. Looking up suddenly I saw my meerschaum pipe lying on the mantle-piece. My victory avus not complete. "Ab," I thought, "I'll show myself that I am master of flic situation, and, arising, I filled the pipe and placed it on the desk beside me." ''Now lam master," I mused. "The enemy is under niv very nose and still I resist him. The .victory- ivill soon grow commonplace." I took up the pipe. 1 would go further. I ivould light a match and bold it over the tobacco. I. took tho stem between my teeth and smiled again. Talk about conquering a desire. l" struck a match and held it over the pipe." "AVell," remarked one of the company, when the Colonel stopped. " 1 smokedj" be continued. "AYho's got a match ."—-Arkansas Traveller.