N.B. The publick are informed, that to prevent the above deception, the advertiſements on bladders of Snuff, in future, will be altered from letter-preſs, to a copperplate impreſſion. (2m)
Massachusetts Centinel.
The habit of Snuff-taking was formerly very prevalent in New England, as well as elsewhere. Within the writer's recollection it was a very common thing to see the snuff-box passed round for friends to take a pinch. Very few now a days indulge in this uncleanly habit; but a recent traveller relates that on visiting St. Peter's in Rome, the first thing upon entering the church which attracted his attention was seeing the Pope take a pinch of snuff and then shake from his pocket a large old-fashioned bandanna handkerchief, which he applied to his nose. Many years ago a gentleman of Salem was questioned by a stranger about a certain man who happened to be an inveterate snuff-taker and who was at the same time greatly interested in free-masonry. "Yes," said the gentleman, "I know him."—"He's about one third masonry and two thirds snuff." Mr. Francis H. Lee, of Salem, has a curious collection of a hundred or more snuff-boxes of former generations. They are of various patterns; some are made of shell and tipped with silver, and look quite ancient. Simon Elliot, of Boston, and later Wm. Micklefield, of Salem, were famous snuff manufacturers.
A curious snuff-box, advertised in the "Columbian Centinel," 1819.
A CURIOSITY.
E. COPELAND, Jr., has for sale a most elegant Gold SNUFF BOX set with Pearls, &c. It is about 2½ inches long and from the top a beautiful little Bird rises at command and sings a tune. The movements of the wings, beak, eyes, &c. are perfectly natural, and all its motions while singing are in complete unison with its notes. This is probably as ingenious a piece of mechanism as was ever seen in this town. It will be sold a great bargain.
august 21
In this connection we notice "Micklefield's Indian," as it was called, a well-known landmark in Salem half a century ago. Mr. Micklefield was much respected, and noted for his liberality and public spirit.