318 BOAED OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan. 



One or two points more I would urge upon the young 

 man who is about entering upon his life work. He should 

 become thoroughly acquainted with his business in all its 

 branches and ramifications, otherwise he will surely be 

 outrun by competition, and imposed upon by his employees. 

 Let him ofive careful and unremitting attention to the details 

 of his business. He must watch for and prevent the small 

 leaks, as well as the larger wastes, if he Avould be successful. 

 Take care of the cents, and the dollars will be secure. 



Xo man has a right to expect his business will be successful 

 unless he gives it his personal attention ; and in no occupa- 

 tion is this rule more imperative than in farming. " The 

 best fertilizer for the farm is the owner's foot-prints in the 

 soil." But, while the young man entering business must be 

 thus primarily devoted to his individual interest, let him 

 remember that he is an integral part of the body politic, 

 and that the public good is identical wnth his own. "Pie 

 serves himself best who serves his country well." And so 

 let him be public-spirited, ready to do his full share in 

 securino^ the highest welfare of his tow^n, and not foro-etful 

 of those social and neighborly courtesies which form such 

 potent factors in the promotion of good order and happiness 

 in a community. 



But it sometimes happens that, after a man has well 

 entered upon his occupation, it may be after several years 

 of fair success, he finds some things unpleasant, and 

 imasfines he could do better in some other business ; and so 

 he sells out, and embarks in a new enterprise. Of course, 

 I am ready to admit that there are cases, involving such 

 paramount considerations as health, or social and educational 

 advantages for one's family, which might justify such a 

 course. But, as a general rule, I think it will be found 

 better to stick to one's business, and put forth increased 

 eff'orts to overcome the difficulties and improve the circum- 

 stances which exist. He should remember that the older 

 he grows the less able is he to commence anew the battle of 

 life ; and while, had he chosen in the outset the avocation 

 which he now proposes to take up, he might perhaps have 

 achieved a more decided success, it will, I think, generally 

 be better for his combined interests not to make the chaniie. 



