The _hookah-burdar_ rarely fails to smoke of the best his master may at any time possess; which, however highly perfumed, will rarely be strong enough for his gratification: the deficiency is supplied by the admixture of _bang_; a preparation from the leaves of the _ganjah_, or hemp, (the _cannabis sativus_,) and is extremely intoxicating. The leaves of that plant, when triturated with water, compose a drink of the same tendency, known by the name of _subzy_, (_i.e._ green,) which is a constant beverage among the more established sinners, who rarely fail, towards nightfall, to take an ample dose, of either _bang_, _subzy_, or _majoom_: the latter being sweetmeats impregnated with a decoction of the _ganjah_, or hemp plant, much used by all debauchees, and too often admitted within the sacred area of the _zenanah_, (or haram). The use of any preparation of the _ganjah_, or hemp plant, is attended with much opprobrium: like most intoxicating drugs and spirits, they, in the first instance, excite to gaiety, but ultimately leave their victim in the most deplorable state of stupefaction; the recovery from which is attended with dreadful headache, ill temper, and hypochondria. Some _hookah-burdars_ indulge freely in the use of musk, which never fails, after a while, to produce considerable derangement of the nerves; and, not unfrequently, that complete debility which is ever attended with the greatest depressure of spirits.
A very common species of debauchery, in which I have known only one or two gentlemen to indulge, is the incorporation of opium with the prepared tobacco, previous to its being spread upon the _towah_; a custom so repugnant to discretion, as to leave little room for animadversion, the folly being usually of very short duration, and, intermediately, attended with the most abject degradation. Many native princes, and others, who have been hurled from their thrones, or from offices of trust, are said to have been treacherously overcome by means of opium thus administered: it appears to me very practicable, by such a device, to lull a whole guard to sleep; for few can resist the offer of a whiff when the _goorgoory_ (a small kind of _hookah_ used by the lower classes) is passing round. Among such trash as is generally sold to the poor, who care not much about the flavor, so long as they can draw abundance of smoke, the opium would probably, if at all tasted, rather give a zest, than prove an objection, to the indulgence. It is asserted, that if a capsicum be put among the _gools_, or be mixed with the tobacco, fatal consequences will ensue; an instant attack of apoplexy taking place. This I have never known to be done; therefore am incapable of producing any testimony, one way or the other: but it appears rather doubtful whether any reasoning, or analogy, could be adduced in support of the assertion; the acrid stimulus would, in all probability, be dissipated, rendering the residue as inert as any other raw culinary vegetable. Admitting it to be true, that a capsicum can produce such an effect, a very strong argument against smoking may be adduced: no man would, altogether, relish the idea of being so perpetually in the power of a debauchee, who might, either through resentment, or by a small bribe, be induced to bestow a _quietus_, without the possibility of a discovery. In such case, the _hookah-burdar_ would have all the advantages of an inimical cook, without the danger of his narcotic being detected.