ther_, _farthest_. Between the two sets
as they now stand, there is scarcely any distinction, except perhaps
_further_ is more used than _farther_ in the sense of _additional_;
as, for example,--

When that evil principle was left with no _further_ material to
support it.--HAWTHORNE.

(9) Latter and last are the older forms. Since _later_, _latest_,
came into use, a distinction has grown up between the two series.
_Later_ and _latest_ have the true comparative and superlative force,
and refer to time; _latter_ and _last_ are used in speaking of
succession, or series, and are hardly thought of as connected in
meaning with the word _late_.

(10) Hinder is comparative in form, but not in meaning. The form
_hindmost_ is really a double superlative, since the _m_ is for _-ma_,
an old superlative ending, to which is added _-ost_, doubling the
inflection. _Hind-er-m-ost_ presents the combination comparative +
superlative + superlative.

[Sidenote: _List II._]

165. In List II. (Sec. 163) the comparatives and superlatives are
adjectives, but they have no adjective positives.

The comparatives are so in form, but not in their meaning.

The superlatives show examples again of double inflection, and of
comparative added to double-superlative inflection.

Examples (from Carlyle) of the use of these adjectives: "revealing the
_inner_ splendor to him;" "a mind that has penetrated into the
_inmost_ heart of a thing;" "This of painting is one of the
_outermost_ developments of a man;" "The _outer_ is of the day;"
"far-seeing as the sun, the _upper_ light of the world;" "the
_innermost_ moral soul;" "their _utmost_ exertion."

[Sidenote: -Most _added to other words_.]

166. The ending _-most_ is added to some words that are not usually
adjectives, or have no comparative forms.

There, on the very _topmost_ twig, sits that ridiculous but
sweet-singing bobolink.--H.W. BEECHER.

Decidedly handsome, having such a skin as became a young woman of
family in _northernmost_ Spain.--DE QUINCEY.

Highest and _midmost_, was descried The royal banner floating
wide.--SCOTT.

[Sidenote: _List III._]

167. The adjectives in List III. are like the comparative forms in
List II. in having no adjective positives. They have no superlatives,
and have no comparative force, being merely descriptive.

Her bows were deep in the water, but her _after_ deck was still
dry.--KINGSLEY.