TAKING SNUFF.
Zöega kindly explained that, when the man’s nose was full he would naturally open his mouth, and as the snuff was very fine and strong it would eventually cause him to sneeze. In this way it was quite practicable to blow out the load.
“But don’t they ever hang fire and burst their heads?” I asked, with some concern.
“Why no, sir, I’ve never heard of a case,” answered Zöega, in his usual grave manner; “in this country every body takes snuff, but I never knew it to burst any body’s head.”
It was really refreshing the matter-of-fact manner in which my guide regarded all the affairs of life. He took every thing in a literal sense, and was of so obliging a disposition that he would spend hours in the vain endeavor to satisfy my curiosity on any doubtful point.
“Why, Zöega,” said I, “this is a monstrous practice. I never saw any thing like it. Are you quite sure that fellow won’t kick when he tries to blow his nose?”
“Yes, sir, they never kick.”
“Tell me, Zöega, are their breeches strong?”
“Oh yes, sir.”