Snuff-taking is one of the oldest customs associated with tobacco and today it is enjoying a welcome come back. The earliest knowledge of snuff dates from the second voyage of discovery by Columbus in 1494-96, when American Indians were observed sniffing a mysterious powder. Before long this practise was adopted by the voyagers, who, in a few years, introduced it to Europe. During the 16th century snuff-taking became fashionable throughout Spain and France and by the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First snuff had arrived in Britian, although it was mainly used in Court circles. The man in the street began to take snuff after the capture of a Spanish convoy in Vigo Bay. Among the loot taken was a large consignment of snuff, much of this found its way to London and the rest was distributed around ports and costal towns by discharged sailors.