disastrous_ from _disaster;
monstrous_ from _monster; wondrous_ from _wonder; cumbrous_ from
_cumber,_ &c.

ix. Compound words, if both end not in _i_, retain their primitive
parts entire; as, _millstone, changeable, graceless;_ except
_always, also, deplorable, although, almost, admirable,_ &c.

x. All words of one syllable ending in a consonant, with a single
vowel before it, double that consonant in derivatives; as, _sin,
sinner; ship, shipping; big, bigger; glad, gladder,_ &c.

xi. Words of one syllable ending in a consonant, with a double vowel
before it, do not double the consonant in derivatives: as, _sleep,
sleepy; troop, troopers._

xii. All words of more than one syllable ending in a single
consonant, preceded by a single vowel, and accented on the last
syllable, double that consonant in derivatives; as, _commit,
committee; compel, compelled; appal, appalling; distil,
distiller._

xiii. Nouns of one syllable ending in _y_ preceded by a consonant,
change _y_ into _ies_ in the plural; and verbs ending in _y_,
preceded by a consonant, change _y_ into _ies_ in the third person
singular of the present tense, and into _ied_ in the past tense
and past participle, as, _fly, flies; I apply, he applies; we
reply, we replied, or have replied._ If the _y_ be preceded by a
vowel, this rule is not applicable; as _key, keys; I play, he
plays;_ we have _enjoyed_ ourselves.

xiv. Compound words whose primitives end in _y_ change _y_ into _i_;
as, _beauty, Beautiful; lovely, loveliness._

215. H or no H? That is the Question.

Few things point so directly to the want of _cultivation_ as the
misuse of the letter H by persons in conversation. We hesitate to
assert that this common defect in speaking indicates the absence of
_education_--for, to our surprise, we have heard even educated persons
frequently commit this common, and vulgar error. Now, for the purpose
of assisting those who desire to improve their mode of speaking, we
intend to tell a little story about our next door neighbour, Mrs.
Alexander Hitching,--or, as she frequently styled herself, with an air
of conscious dignity, Mrs. HALEXANDER 'ITCHING. Her husband was a
post-captain of some distinction, seldom at home, and therefore Mrs.
A. H. (or, as she rendered it, Mrs. H. I.) felt it incumbent