Going back briefly to J.W.W.'s letters, I could not help but be amused by the content of a letter he wrote from Vienna in December 1817 in which he describes the habits and traits of German folk and with particular regards to thier smoking habits. Here is the relavent passage in full; see what you make of it:
........." Smoking, as I need not remind you , is a most important business in the life of almost every German of whatever condition. And to say the truth, I am rather inclined to consider it as a good thing for the common people. If they did not smoke they would probably drink more. It is a sort of defence against cold and bad air, and supplies a cheap, tranquil, harmless amusement. But it is an odd way for a gentleman to pass his day."
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