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 trust companies have secured for themselves as part of our financial machinery will give him access to a share in profits and security that are the privilege of first-hand information.

By means of a holding of this kind the investor, who has first through insurance policies and a well-chosen selection of creditor securities protected himself and his dependents against the risk of penury, may seek the ideal of expanding income and rising capital value that may be got from judicious ownership. But he must not by any means suppose that the shares of any and every bank, insurance society or trust company will open this door for him and that he can shut his eyes and buy, or even that he can buy, unassisted by professional advice, after the most patient study of all the information concerning the position of such companies that is produced for the benefit of the public. We shall see as we go on how little real knowledge is conveyed by the balance-sheets and reports that set forth the achievements of all kinds of public companies, and that real understanding of their position and prospects is only vouchsafed to those who can read between the lines and know something about the facts that are behind the figures. To have a good professional adviser and to follow his advice is the best way to safety and satisfaction