HE Lessons in this SECOND BOOK form a slight advance upon those in the First; but the same main purposes have been kept in view in framing the lessonsinterest, variety, flexibility of style, fluency of rhythm, and ease in reading aloud. Care has been taken to introduce conversation and dialogue in many of the lessons. Experienced teachers know well how much this conduces to a natural and lively style of reading, and how it excludes dulness and monotony. Difficult words-whether difficult in form or in meaning, to the eye or to the mind-have been carefully avoided, and reserved for later Books. The Tabular Exercises in Spelling are intended to train the pupil to recognise the functions of words by the changes in their form. Full lists of words for spelling are also given. The Exercises in Grammar are adapted to this stage; and it is hoped that they will be found useful as well as interesting. Lists of Common Words, the Multiplication Table, and Pence Tables, will be found at the end. EDINBURGH, June 1882. |