Food for Plants. 167 



of these fifty-five streams is about 16,500 miles, or about 

 two-thirds the distance around the Avorld. The Missis- 

 sippi and its tributaries may be estimated to possess 

 15,550 miles navigable to steamboats, and 20',221 miles 

 navigable to barges. 



Business Rules for Farmers. 



The way to get credit is to be punctual in paying your 

 bills. The way to preserve it is not to use it much. 

 Settle often; have short accounts. 



Trust no man's appearances — they are deceptive — 

 perhaps assumed, for the purpose of obtaining credit. 

 Beware of gaudy exterior. Rogues usually dress well. 

 The rich are plain men. Trust him, if any, w^ho carries 

 but little on his back. Never trust him who flies into a 

 passion on being dunned ; make him pay quickly, if there 

 be any virtue in the law. 



Be Avell satisfied before you give a credit that those to 

 whom you give it are men to be trusted. 



Sell your goods at a small advance, and never mis- 

 represent them, for those whom you once deceive will 

 beware of you the second time. 



Deal uprightly with all men, and tliey will repose con- 

 fidence in you, and soon become your permanent 

 customers. 



Beware of him who is an office seeker. Men do not 

 usually want an office when they have anything to do. A 

 man's affairs are rather low when he seeks office for 

 support. '! 



Trust no stranger. Your goods are better than doubt- 

 ful charges. AVhat is character worth, if you make it 

 cheap by crediting everybody? 



Agree beforehand with every man about to do a job, 

 and, if large, put it into writing. If any decline this, 

 quit, or be cheated. Though you want a job ever so 

 nmch, make all sure at the outset, and in case at all 

 doubtful, make sure of a guarantee. Be not afraid to 

 ask it; the best test of responsibility; for, if offence be 

 taken, you have escaped a loss. 



