I have smoked this one of mine more than half a century." "But unlike our craniums, stocked full of concretions," said Babbalanja, our pipe-bowls never need clearing out." "True," said Mohi, "they absorb the oil of the smoke, instead of allowing it offensively to incrust." "Ay, the older the better," said Media, "and the more delicious the flavor imparted to the fumes inhaled." "Farnoos forever! my lord," cried Yoomy.

"By much smoking, the bowl waxes russet and mellow, like the berry-brown cheek of a sunburnt brunette." "And as like smoked hams," cried Braid-Beard, "we veteran old smokers grow browner and browner; hugely do we admire to see our jolly noses and pipe-bowls mellowing together." "Well said, old man," cried Babbalanja; "for, like a good wife, a pipe is a friend and companion for life.

And whoso weds with a pipe, is no longer a bachelor.

After many vexations, he may go home to that faithful counselor, and ever find it full of kind consolations and suggestions.

But not thus with cigars or cigarrets: the acquaintances of a moment, chatted with in by-places, whenever they come handy; their existence so fugitive, uncertain, unsatisfactory.