THE IRRIGATION AGE. 79 



Also study some good commercial arithmetic, and procure some 

 good book on "Forms," to consult when needed (Eaton's "How to do 

 Business," is good). Remember that no man ever acquired a surplus 

 of knowledge, and do not be afra d to read and study whatever and 

 whenever you have opportunity. 



In this connection, however, I -want to say, that to know or to do 

 one thing better than other people is a great deal better than to know 

 or do almost everything fairly well. Therefore, let your studies be 

 in the line of your work. Become master of your business first; learn 

 other things when you can do nothing else. 



For the business under considertion, a good practical knowledge 

 of geology and physics, particularly the subject of hydraulics, will be 

 of the greatest advantage. Thoroughly master some elementary text 

 book of each of these sciences, and then pursue the study of them in 

 detail in all the subjects that relate to your business. The United 

 States and state Geographical Reports especially, contain a great deal 

 of information that is valuable and pertinent to the wellmaker. You 

 must learn to procure and utilize all such sources of information and 

 knowledge pertaining to your business if you would climb to the top 

 of the ladder. 



In this day and age of the world it has become fashionable to de- 

 cry and deride that "old-fashioned honesty" which was "aiways the 

 best policy." It is true that so-called "legal honesty" has in a meas- 

 ure and with some people supplanted the idea of honor, which, more 

 than any other attribute, has been the means of ennobling the human 

 race. No man starting in on a business career can, in my estimation, 

 afford to deprive himself in any degree of the highest attribute of a 

 true gentleman honor. It certainly cannot hinder success; it may not 

 hasten it; but the self-esteem and consciousness of worth which it en- 

 genders, the high ideals up to which it ever leads, are worth more to 

 any man than mere worldly success, valuable as it is. Therefore in 

 all your dealings, both with yourself and with your fellowmen, be not 

 only honest; be honorable. 



"Men succeed who are ready to succeed." Influential friends, cap- 

 ital and good fortune in those affairs beyond human control may be of 

 great assistance to a successful man in hastening the hour of prosper- 

 ity's high tide; but ninety-nine times out of one hundred a man will 

 not fail for lack of them, but because he has not acquired that busi- 

 ness ability which is made up of business knoivledge and everlasting push. 

 Success in the well business depends upon the energy the persistence 

 and the good sense and skill of the man engaged therein. It is not 

 recommended for a lazy man or for a man who is looking for a "snap.'' 



