to the next town, (meeting with fair
success), where I took the train for Adrian, Michigan, arriving there
the next day. A very impressive fact, to me, connected with this
particular trip, was my traveling over five miles of road, peddling
furniture polish at twenty-five and fifty cents per bottle, that a few
weeks before I had driven over with the horse and buggy, and several
hundred dollars in my pocket, during our patent-right experience.

Before leaving the subject of Patent Rights, I want to say a few words
for the benefit of those who may be inclined to speculate in them.
Although the selling of territory or State and County rights may be
considered legitimate, it is by no means a suitable business for a
reputable person to follow. The deeding of territory in a Patent Right
is about equivalent to giving a deed to so much blue sky. At least, the
purchaser usually realizes as much from the former as he would from the
latter.

Those who invest in Patent Rights invariably do so at a time when their
imagination is aroused to a point where all is sunshine and brightness.

But as soon as their ardor cools off their energies become dormant, and
by the time they are ready to commence business they are as unfit to do
so as they were visionary in making the purchase.

An invention of merit will never be sold by County or State rights.
There are any number of capitalists ready and willing to invest in the
manufacture of an invention of practical use. In such cases any
territory would be considered too valuable to dispose of.

Hence it should be borne in mind that, as a rule, to invest in specified
territory is to purchase an absolutely worthless invention.

The man who consummates the sale will seldom have the satisfaction of
realizing that he has given value received.

And without giving value received, under all circumstances, (whether in
Patent Rights or any other business), no man need look for or expect
success.

As experience is a dear teacher, let the inexperienced take heed from
one _who knows_, and give all business of this character a wide berth.

Upon reaching Adrian, I discarded the carpet-bag and bought a small
valise, with which I at once began business; and that night prepared
more stock for the next day.

I commenced by taking the most aristocratic portion of the city,
canvassing every street and number systematically, with good success.

One day, after I had succeeded in making enough money to bu