the subject in a simple, concise, and perspicuous manner, and to furnish such "models" for necessary routine work as the student may use to the best advantage. He would call special attention to these "models," and suggest that more attention be paid to those relating to synthesis than most teachers have heretofore thought advisable. He has pur

posely avoided the discussion of mere theories; preferring, rather, a plain, didactic statement or clear indication of his own views, especially on those points that annoy and perplex both pupil and teacher. Experience has taught him that such discussions serve only to confuse and discourage the beginner, and are of questionable utility to the advanced student. Neither the erudition of the teacher nor the exhaustive completeness of the text-book used, can compensate for the lack of intelligent, systematic drill in the class-room.

The acknowledgments of the author are due for many valuable criticisms and suggestions, received from a large number of thoughtful, earnest teachers and superintendents. For these highly-esteemed favors he tenders his grateful thanks. His correspondents will see that most of their advice has been heeded.

Actuated by a desire to render the labor of the classroom more pleasant and effective, by furnishing an attractive means for instruction in a useful branch of study, the author ventures the hope that this revision will commend itself to the favorable notice and consideration of his fellow-teachers.

OCTOBER, 1878.

ENGLISH GRAMMAR.

1. DEFINITIONS.

1. A Word is the sign of an idea.

2. Language is the expression of thought by means of words. It may be either spoken or written.

Spoken Language is the expression of ideas by the voice.

Written Language is the expression of ideas by the use of written or printed characters representing sounds.

3. Grammar treats of the principles and usages of language.

4. English Grammar teaches how to speak and write the English language correctly.

5. English Grammar is divided into four parts: Orthography, Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody.

6. Orthography treats of elementary sounds, letters, syllables, and spelling.

7. Etymology treats of the classification, derivation, and properties of words.

8. Syntax treats of the construction of sentences.

9. Prosody treats of the quantity of syllables, of accent, and of the laws of versification.

PART I.

ORTHOGRAPHY.

2 DEFINITIONS.

1. Orthography treats of elementary sounds, letters, syllables, and spelling.

2. An Elementary Sound is one which can not be separated into two or more distinct sounds.

3. A Letter is a character used to represent either an elementary sound or a combination of elementary sounds; as, a, x.

Letters are divided into Vowels and Consonants. Vowels are used to represent Vocals; Consonants, to represent Subvocals and Aspirates.

4. A Syllable is a sound or a combination of sounds uttered with one impulse of the voice, and may be represented by a letter or a group of letters; as, man, man-ner, man-u-mit.

5. A Word is either a syllable or a combination of syllables; as, hat, men-tion, phi-los-o-phy.

3. ELEMENTARY SOUNDS.

1. There are forty-two elementary sounds in the English language.

2. They are divided into Vocals, Subvocals, and Aspirates.

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