SPECULATION

on the part of a dealer consists usually in purchasing more than his requirements demand, or, in other words, more than is sufficient of any line of goods for the regular conduct of his business. Generally speaking, to the majority of tradesmen, speculation is an evil. Many fortunes of considerable magnitude have been made by it, but they are overshadowed by the vastly greater number that have been lost. Much more money is made, and at one tithe of the risk and anxiety, by legitimate, steady business. We do not say, never purchase more than your wants, but this we do say, and most emphatically--never purchase more than you can pay for without inconveniencing yourself in your regular business. The time, energy and capital which a man spends in speculation will, if directed to his store and the general improvement of his trade, nearly, always be productive of infinitely better results. Make your store your "speculation," and the result will be highly satisfactory.