Rensselaer Standard, Volume 1, Number 1, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1879 — “Have a Dip.” [ARTICLE]

“Have a Dip.”

A correspondent of the Troy Times, at present traveling in Arkansas, gives the following sketch of snuff-dipping as still practiced in that State: I was about to go, without even making intended inquiries, when our company was suddenly increased by the incoming of two other women, one of middle age, the other evidently yet in her teens. Some short ceremonial chat ensued, when my hostess with the "yuralgy” laid aside her pipe, and, diving into a huge black outside pocket or reticule at her side, fished out a tip mustard box with a hole, in the top, through which a dirty looking stick protruded. She first took off the top, then she sighed, then she said: “ ’ Pears to me, ’Liza, dey don’t make no snuff dese days;” then she put the end of the stick in her mouth and gummed it awhile; then soused it about in the box until it was well coated with snuff; then she rubbed it about her toothless jaws and then passed it to Liza with the interrogatory sentence, "Have, a dip?” Liza went through with the same performance, and passed it to Tennessee with "Have a dip?” She defiled her sweet lips with the vile stuff and passed it to Missouri, not forgetting to say, "Have a dip?” This stately maiden indulged most plente--ously, and, turning on me an inexpressibly pleading look, she passed ovcr the box, and gently queried, "Have a dip, stranger?”