France's Match Monopoly

The manufacture of matches is a strict state monopoly in France, and a fine of one franc per match is ruthlessly imposed on all contraband imports of the kind from abroad. Forgetfulness of this lately cost an English traveler the sum of $100 at the port of Boulogne, where he had to pay a fine of 500 francs on a box of wax lights, value nine cents, whlch the custom house offlcers found amone his luggage.