Somewhere along the line of our endeavors we faltered--_then we fell_.

Our conservatism reinforced by our strength of character finally gave way at a given point and put the whole plant out of business.

Our system of inspection had become cursory instead of painstaking.
Everything had been running along so smoothly we forgot that everything _must_ wear out in time if it isn't looked after properly.
A previous chapter entitled, "Taking Stock of Ourselves," has a specific bearing upon the subject in hand.

It emphasizes the necessity of taking stock of ourselves early in life in order that we may know our weak spots and take immediate steps to dig them out by the roots and replace them with "_hardy perennials_" which thrive on and on unto the last day.
And that reminds us that it is well to take stock of ourselves every little while.

Even "hardy perennials" have to be looked after--the ground kept fertile and watered against the draughts of forgetfulness and neglect.