It will be noticed that in that letter which we quoted above concerning the statistics of the candy trade in the United States of America, estimates had a place, and foreign missions involve matters about which "correct figures" are more difficult to obtain than the candy business.

An estimate carefully made and understood, a deliberate statement expressed in round numbers, is not unscientific: it is only unscientific to mistake such figures for what they do not profess to be.
When men object that the figures are not exact, if the figures do not profess to be exact, it is the objector who is unscientific, not the statistics.
Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that the admission of estimates and round figures does open the door to serious error.

Men will be tempted to mistake an estimate for a guess.

An estimate is a statement for which reasons can be given, a guess is--a mere guess.

The great safeguard against guesses, as against all slipshod statistical entries, is the assurance that the statements made will be used.