In the old country, when briar ran scarce or when gnomes ran pesky, it was common practice to use the blocky, stew meat-like heart of the gnome in place of good briar. The gnome hearts (also called ventriculita) were almost impossible to catch fire and allowed for a true tobacco burn that had almost no added flavor, provided they were cured properly. Pixie lasses were often hired to harvest the hearts, as they were considered the best at doing so anywhere.
This incredible drawing by artist Russ Hicks depicts a tobacco-garbed, pipe-smoking Pixie extracting a gnome's heart, prior to curing for a good smoke. Prints are printed on acid-free paper at 9 x 12 inches, ready for you to frame. $5 shipping & handling within the US.
In the old country, when briar ran scarce or when gnomes ran pesky, it was common practice to use the blocky, stew meat-like heart of the gnome in place of good briar. The gnome hearts (also called ventriculita) were almost impossible to catch fire and allowed for a true tobacco burn that had almost no added flavor, provided they were cured properly. Pixie lasses were often hired to harvest the hearts, as they were considered the best at doing so anywhere.
This incredible drawing by artist Russ Hicks depicts a tobacco-garbed, pipe-smoking Pixie extracting a gnome's heart, prior to curing for a good smoke. Prints are printed on acid-free paper at 9 x 12 inches, ready for you to frame. $5 shipping & handling within the US.