13 MARCH 1909, Page 23

St. Nicotine of the Peace Pipe, By E. V. Howard.

(G, Itent- ledge and Sons. 5s. net.)—Mr. }Toward has collected a number of interesting details about tobacco, its history—it cannot be definitely traced back to a remote past except, perhaps, in America—and its use, He mentions the various attacks which have been made upon it, but in personally inclined in its Warr. As far as authority is concerned, the "pro" is far better app- ported than the "con." Altogether, the book may be read with pleasure, especially over a pipe. Most of the objections made are of a theoretic kind, and do not touch facts. What ie the good of telling us that a drop of nicotine will kill a cat if it be placed on its tongue P "We're not as Tabbies are," says C. S. Calverley with great force.