Page:The Anatomy of Tobacco.pdf/139

 every one can see it, and so is 'ware of breaking it; but the smaller is apt to escape the sight, and so be destroyed unawares. Wherefore a short clay pipe is more likely to be broken than a churchwarden. Further, unless the clay be really of the best, they are very noxious, and apt to breed bile and black choler. And of all bad pipes a bad clay pipe is surely the worst. Therefore let the catechumen in smoking be chary of using them lest they become a Stumbling-Block to him and a cause of offence. With regard to meerschaums I would remark one thing, and one only. Be not misled in buying them by a pleasant appearance and outward show of a soft and creamy lustre. For all these are easy to be simulated by cunning men, whom I blame not, but those deceived by such devices. But if thou wouldest test whether it be a true meerschaum hold it in thine hand and try it by its weight. For true meerschaum is exceeding light and clay heavy. And this is a certain proof.

Such being the principal kinds of pipes,