This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 edition. Excerpt: ...The subterfuges they adopt to effect their purpose are very ingenious. In some cases Chinese seamen have been known to make temporary bootsocks of raw opium, others conceal it under their armpits, in their clothing, etc. By these methods they try to evade detection by H.M. Customs Officers and, if successful, they find a good and ready market amongst the Chinese residents. "The raw opium is then boiled in a copper saucepan, allowed to get cool, and when it sets it is prepared in small pills for internal application, and in packets for smoking. The pills have an effect similar to that of smoking. The drug is then surreptitiously sold and used in the East and West ends of London. The inveterate opium smoker can usually be detected by his extraordinary sallow complexion, dreamy appearance and want of vitality. "Opium smoking dens are usually arranged in upper rooms of the houses. The windows of such places are invariably covered in such a way as to prevent the fumes escaping into the street, obviously for the pur-pose of avoiding detection. These rooms are fitted out either with wide wooden shelves or beds upon which recline those desirous of taking an opium smoke. These smokes vary in price from 2/-to 5/-according to the value of the drug and the financial position of those desiring to indulge. "When the Defence of Realm.Act came into operation prohibiting opium smoking, etc., a number of these dens existed in 'Chinatown.' From this time until 1920 many prosecutions took place at the Thames Police Court and the offenders were fined, and in some cases imprisonment was imposed, but this did not deter the Chinamen a great deal, as when a fine was inflicted, it was at once paid and the 'Chink' continued...