[Footnote 109:  The injurious effect of sugar on the teeth, it is believed, is not now seriously contended for by any persons who think and make observations on the matter, though, undoubtedly, the assertion respecting it holds its place as strongly as ever, among the economical maxims of prudent matrons.  A word or two as to lime.  When this is spoken of, let it be understood always what is meant; whether pure lime, that is what is called burnt lime, or the same substance in combination with fixed air, or carbonic acid, of which the process of burning deprives it.  The effects of these two preparations are exceedingly different on animal bodies; the former causing rapid decomposition and consumption; the latter being, on the contrary, quite inert.  Loaf-sugar, though prepared by means of lime, ought never to contain a particle of it, and scarcely ever does.  So that, on the whole, the remarks in the text are totally incorrect.  As a matter of fact, again, the writer, from his own experience, and as what he has often occasion to recommend to others, takes the liberty of prescribing a tooth-powder, equal in comfort, efficacy, and safety, to any sold in the shops under such pompous and imposing titles.  It consists of equal parts of lump-sugar, (the finer the better) Spanish or French chalk, (which is in fact lime) rose-pink, (for the purpose of colouring, and also as an absorbent) and oris-root, (remarkable for its pleasant smell, and to be had in the perfumers’ or druggists’ shops, ready powdered) all in very fine powder, and properly mixed together.  A box of this never-to-be-excelled dentifrice, may cost two-pence, or so, for which, however, or for something else not a whit better, if as good, they who choose may give half-a-crown.  When the teeth are already tolerably clean, and not encrusted with what is called tartar, a soft brush is always to be preferred, as risking the enamel less.  Hard brushes and gritty powders ruin more teeth than all the sugar and lime in the world.  Charcoal is undoubtedly a good substitute for a tooth-powder; but it is to be objected to as leaving black furrows in the gums, which even much washing fails to remove in any reasonable time.  This is a good deal obviated when it forms but a part of the article used.  It may be mixed with the powder recommended.—­E.]

If the people here are at any time without this odious mouthful, they are smoking.  This operation they perform by rolling up a small quantity of tobacco, and putting it into one end of a tube about six inches long, and as thick as a goose-quill, which they make of a palm leaf.  As the quantity of tobacco in these pipes is very small, the effect of it is increased, especially among the women, by swallowing the smoke.