You can always tell the old river hand by the way in which he stretches himself out upon the cushions at the bottom of the boat, and encourages the rowers by telling them anecdotes about the marvellous feats he performed last season.

There are many families where the whole interest of life is centered upon the dog.

When you forget to take the sail at all, then the wind is constantly in your favour both ways. But there! this world is only a probation, and man was born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.

Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need - a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing.

It is always the best policy to speak the truth, unless, of course, you are an exceptionally good liar.

Being poor is a mere trifle. It is being known to be poor that is the sting.

Weather in towns is like a skylark in a counting-house-out of place and in the way.