Opium Smoking

Custom of comparatively recent origin in China, where it is practiced by a large part of the population. The crude opium is prepared in China by boiling in water, filtering, and then reducing by heat to the consistency of thick treacle. The pipe consists of a bamboo tube an inch or more in diameter and ab. two feet long. The bowl is of earthenware, with a flat top with a minute orifice. The smoker reclines upon a couch, takes a small drop of the prepared drug upon the point of an iron needle, and toasts it over the flame of a lamp. The opium is then applied with the needle to the orifice of the pipe, and held over the lamp lamp flame. As it is gradually vaporized, the smoke is drawn into the lungs with several strong inspirations. The operation is repeated until the desired effect is obtained. The practice is in general harmful, and when carried to exce leads to moral and physical deterioration. It has IMG:content-1665.jpg:[graphic] IMG:content-1666.jpg:[ocr errors] been introduced by the Chinese into the U. S., leading to stringent prohibitory laws. Chinese Opium Smokers.