On that trivial fact hinges an important chapter in the economic history of America.
In 1612 Rolfe planted tobacco in his own garden, experimented with its culture, and prophesied that the Virginian weed would rank with the best Spanish.

It was now a shorter plant, smaller-leafed and smaller-flowered, but time and skilful gardening would improve it.
England had known tobacco for thirty years, owing its introduction to Raleigh.

At first merely amused by the New World rarity, England was now by general use turning a luxury into a necessity.

More and more she received through Dutch and Spanish ships tobacco from the Indies.

Among the English adventurers to Virginia some already knew the uses of the weed; others soon learned from the Indians.