Gambling

References to gambling as such are constant in most early histories and mythologies both of Asia and aboriginal America. Its origin is frequently attributed to the gods or to mythical heroes, and certain festivals are usually devoted to it. The gods thought to preside over it are almost invariably those of war and fate. Although originally sacred, the practice has been condemned by most moral and religious teachers from the earliest historic time, and at the present day is restricted or absolutely forbidden by the laws of most civilized countries. Generally prohibited by statute in Britain and the U. S.; gambling houses are deemed nuisances, and gambling implements may be confiscated by summary proceedings. In England, after a vain struggle to suppre gambling, the law tried to regulate it, and gambling-houses were licensed in London 1620. All private faro, ba et, and hazard tables were suppre ed 1739, but they were run neverthele . In 1788 the season's profits at a private house were estimated at $750,000. Three peere es were convicted of keeping a faro table and fined $250 each 1797. In Paris houses were licensed till 1838. The public tables at Wiesbaden and Homburg were closed 1872, and the famous Casino at Monte Carlo is the only one now remaining. Gamboge. Gum-resin derived from plants of the genus Garcinia , natural family Gut tiferæ , natives of s. Asia. The fruit vields an oil called Gamboge Butter. IMG:content-0214.jpg:[graphic] IMG:content-0215.png:[graphic]