you know the old adage, that any
man can lead a horse to water, but a hundred cannot make him drink. It is
a pity that men should be inferior to horses in that respect. You will
think that this is becoming a temperance lecture. Perhaps it is; but never
mind, it does not call for total abstinence.

TOBACCO?

I can see no advantage to be gained by tobacco; and you will find that it
administers to your comfort, and that is the only advantage that it has.
This in itself is a very damaging kind of an advantage, as, without
advancing your object, it endangers your freedom, as all comforts do.

ATHLETIC PROWESS?

By all means cultivate this and in every form possible, but even here have
an eye to moderation. Do not develop your heart and lungs to such an
extent that, when you have taken up a more sedentary life later, they will
suffer a reaction. Almost all the great athletes suffer a few years'
discomfort while adjusting themselves to a less athletic existence than
was theirs in college. Therefore, be moderate and specialize in this, so
that in after life you may do what you are best fitted for, and in the
attainment of athletic success make a test case of your proficiency of
attainment. Do not fear to be prodigal of energy concentrated on the right
thing.

FURNITURE?

In fixing up your room, your house, or personal surroundings, have good,
comfortable furniture for rest and for work, but not for show. Be simple,
even to the extent of being severe. The fewer things you have, the better
off you are. Shun all other possessions as the devil would holy water.
Have nothing that is not for a definite purpose and that you do not
actually use. The criterion to be applied to these is not what you can
find use for, but what you cannot get along without. A traveller who knows
his business can travel on very slender baggage, and be perfectly
comfortable and clean. Consider yourself a traveller through this world,
and study to cut down your baggage. Thus you will avoid dissipation, and
keep your freedom.

PICTURES?

Yes. Do not be afraid to cultivate the artistic. It is a card thrown to
the discard, but one which you cannot regret. Do not have too many. A
jumble of pictures is not what you want, but a few good ones. Only beware
lest a craze for expensive pictures overtake you, which would interfere
with your more definite object. If, however, your career lies in the line
of the artistic, the purchase and collection of f