–better spend your time poking your finger in the water, pulling it out, and then looking for the hole.  Men who spend much time in tracing their ancestry are cranks.

and especially if his head is wide between the ears–such a man will not be driven.

–remember that dignity is a cover for ignorance.  No highly intellectual person is dignified–dignified persons are afraid that others will find out how little they know.

–it is as objectionable as being over-fashionable.

and endeavor to eat liquid food with a fork.

a coat made for the Prince of Wales–he may not wish to run the risk of being mistaken for that royal sprig.

–better break their necks and be done with it.

–you will make a fool of yourself.

it is like singing psalms to a dead horse.  It is a habit that signifies nothing in particular.