are introduced. It
is hoped that the teacher will extend this defining exercise to
all the words of the lesson liable to be misunderstood. The
child should define the word in his own language sufficiently
to show that he has a mastery of the word in its use.
Drills in articulation and emphasis should be given with
every lesson. The essentials of good reading are not to be
taught by one or two lessons. Constant drill on good
exercises, with frequent exhibitions of the correct method
from the teacher, will be found more effectual than any form
prescribed in type.
If the pupils are not familiar with the diacritical marks,
they should be carefully taught; such instruction constitutes
an excellent drill on articulation, and enables the pupils to
use the dictionary with intelligence.
Copyright, 1879, by VAN ANTWERP, BRAGG & Co.
Copyright, 1896, by AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY.
Copyright, 1907 and 1920, by H. H. VAIL.
(ii) MG 30 60 REV.
EP 308

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY MATTER PAGE.
ARTICULATION 5
EMPHASIS 10
PUNCTUATION 11

SELECTIONS IN PROSE AND POETRY.

LESSON
1. The Shepherd Boy 13
2. Johnny's First Snowstorm 15
3. Let It rain 18
4. Castle-building 20
5. Castle-building 22
6. Lend a Hand (Script) 25
7. The Truant 27
8. The White Kitten 29
9. The Beaver 31
10. The Young Teacher 34
11. The Blacksmith 38
12. A Walk in the Garden 39
13. The Wolf 42
14. The Little Bird's Song 44
15. Harry and Annie 46
16. Bird Friends 48
17. What the Minutes say 51
18. The Widow and the Merchant 52
19. The Birds Set Free 54
20. A Moment too Late 66
21. Humming Birds 67
22. The Wind and the Sun 59
23. Sunset (Script) 61
24. Beautiful Hands 52
25. Things to Remember 65
26. Three Little Mice 67
Z7. The New Year 69
28. The Clock and the Sundial 72
29. Remember 74
(iii)

iv CONTENTS.

LESSON PAGE.
30. Courage and Cowardice 76
31. Weighing an Elephant 78
32. The Soldier 82
33. The Echo 83
34. George's Feast 86
35. The Lord's Prayer 90
An Evening: Prayer (Script.) 91
36. Finding the Owner 92
37. Bats 95
38. A Summer Day 98
39. I will Think of It 101
40. Charlie and Rob 104
41. Ray and his Kite 107
42. Beware of the First Drink 111
43. Speak Gently 114
44. The Seven Sticks 115
45. The Mountain Sister 117
46. Harry and the Guidepost 121
47. The Money Amy didn't Earn 123
48. Who Made the Stars? 126
49. Deeds of Kindness 128
50. The Alarm Clock 1