Wherever we go, we see smoking so universal a practice, and people
"taking to it so naturally," that we are inclined to believe that it was
always so; that our first father enjoyed a quiet puff now and then;
(that, like a poet, man "nascitur non fit" a smoker); and that the
soothing power of this narcotic tranquillised the soul of the aquatic
patriarch, disturbed by the roar of billows and the convulsions of
nature, and diffused its peaceful influence over the inmates of the ark.
Yes, we are tempted to spurn the question, When and where was smoking
introduced? as being equal to When and where was _man_ introduced? Yet,
as some do not consider man as a smoking animal "de natu et ab initio,"
the question may provoke some interesting replies from your learned
correspondents.

Jarltzberg.

* * * * *

SIR GREGORY NORTON, BART.

I am desirous to be informed of the date and particulars of the above
baronetcy having been created. In _The Mystery of the good old Cause
briefly unfolded_ (1660), it is stated, at p. 26., that Sir Gregory
Norton, Bart. (one of the king's judges), had Richmond House, situated
in the _Old_ Park, and much of the king's goods, for an inconsiderable
value. Sir Gregory Norton has a place also in _The Loyal Martyrology_ of
Winstanley (1665), p. 130.; and also in _History of the King-killers_
(1719), part 6. p. 75. It is unnecessary to refer to Noble's
_Regicides_, he having simply copied the two preceding works. Sir
Gregory died before the Restoration, in 1652, and escaped the vindictive