el that it is
"bad form" to overstrain, or do anything which, even temporarily, mars
the perfect working of their physical organisms. Let each student so
train himself as to become healthy and strong both physically and
mentally, and the one who, through reasonable and wholesome exercises,
is able to present himself in the most perfect health should be awarded
the highest prize.

[1] There appears to be $39,781,262 missing from these figures.
Possibly Wu Tingfang's figures are incorrect, but it seems more likely
that he neglected to include expenditures by state and local
governments.--A. R. L., 1996.

Chapter 6. American Business Methods

If I should be asked what is most essential for the successful carrying
on of business in America I would say advertising. A business man in
America who intends to succeed must advertise in the daily, weekly, and
monthly papers, and also have big posters in the streets. I do not
believe any up-to-date merchant in America fails to do this. Every
book and magazine contains many advertisements; sometimes fully half of
a big magazine is covered with notices or pictures of articles for
sale. Wherever you go the inevitable poster confronts you; and even
when you look out of the window of the train you see large sign-boards
announcing some article of trade. The newer the brand the bigger the
picture. If when you get into a street-car you look around you will
see nothing but advertisements of all kinds and sorts, and if you
answer an advertisement you will keep on receiving notices of the
matter about which you inquired. Even now I receive letters urging me
to buy something or other about which I sent a letter of inquiry when I
was in America. At night, if you stroll round the town you will be
amazed by the ingenious and clever signs which the alert minds of the
trades people have invented, such as revolving electric lights forming
the name of the advertiser with different colors, or a figure or shape
of some sort illustrating his wares. But even this is not thought
sufficient. Circulars are often sent to everyone, making special
offers, setting forth forceful reasons why the commodity advertised is
indispensable. Certain stores make it a point to announce cheap sales
once or twice a year, with from 10 to 25 per cent. reduction. It
should be noted that no tradesman voluntarily sells his goods at a
loss, so that if during a sale he can give as much as 25 per cent.
disco