AN INFANTILE SMOKER.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1210, 29 July 1884, Page 3

AN INFANTILE SMOKER.

Springfield, Ohio, rejoices in a curiosity in the shape of a little boy four yean of age, who has been a confirmed smoker, according to the testimony of bis parents end their neighbors, since he was fourteen months old. Ha is the son of a well-known saloonist, and when only a bnhe in arms he was offered a cigar in sport by one of bis father’s customers. To the surprise of every one he seined and smoked it to the very end, continuing after that time to cry for cigars a* other children cry for candv. He finally reached twenty cigars a day, and would cry bitterly if he tras denied any part of his allowance. A physician was consulted, who said he could find find no evil results from the habit, and so allowed him to continue. Under this permission the boy has continued to smoko everything—pipes, cigars, cigarettss, Next month he will have reached the advanced age of four years and the spectacle of this fat little baby in kilt skirts, pulling away on a black, strong cigar, with the air of a man of fifty, is said to “ attract unbounded amusement and admiration from the patrons of bis father’s saloon.” The announcement is made that he never drinks wine and beer. Doctors declare that all his functions are in a normal condition. All these statements are vouched for as true. If they are so this infant phenomenon of real life is more horrible than ever dreamed of in fiction.