14 



MODERN BLACKSMITHING 



INTEMPERANCE 



NE of the chief reasons why 

 the blacksmith is not so 

 successful nor respected 

 as before is his intemper- 

 ance. The danger for 

 the smith becoming a 

 drunkard is greater 

 than for any other me- 

 chanic. It is often the case 

 .^ that when a customer pays a 

 bill the smith is requested to 

 treat. This is a bad habit 

 md quite a tax on the smith. 

 Just think of it — fifteen cents a day 

 spent for liquor, will, in twenty-five years, amount to 

 $9,000. Then add to this fifteen cents a day for cigars, 

 which will, in twenty-five years, amount to $9,000 at 

 ten per cent compound interest. If these two items 

 would be saved, it will give a man a farm worth 

 $18,000 in twenty-five years. How many smiths are 

 there who ever think of this? I would advise every 

 one to put aside just as much as he spends for. liquor 

 and tobacco ; that is, when you buy cigars or tobacco 

 for twenty-five cents put aside as much. When you 

 buy liquor for one dollar put aside one dollar. Try 



