OPINIONS OF ITS MERITS

[Letter trom the Rev. J. R. P>oyd, Author oî the " Eléments of Rhetoric and Literarv Criti- •fe-i," ard M Eclectic Moral Phiiosophy." j

Watertown, Dec. 28, 1846.

Having examined, with some care, the récent work of Prof. Mandeville, entitled a " Cours© »f Reading," I am free to express the opinion that it possesses transcendent claims to public acceptance and use. It is not a mère collection of pièces in Prose and Verse, like the reading books in oommon use, but a work on the art of reading, constructed upon a plan that seems pe« euliarly well ai'.^pted to accomplish more by far than other reading books. It einbraces a phiiosophical analysis of the English language, in its letters, elementary sounus, and various forma ef sentences. The nature and uses of the various parts of speech are very projœrly and minutely expjdined a* a preliminary to the classification and description of ail the sentences or formulas of thought to be found in the English language. Numerous examples of each kind of sentence are given separalcly, and instructions for the manner of reading them are furnished. By this process the acquisition of the art of reading must be greatly facilitated. The next process carnes the student forward to the reading of paragraphs, as found in the connections and relations of ordinary discourse, and thèse are to be analyzed into their component parts according to instructions previously given and acted upon in the reading of separace and classified sentences.

I agrée with the author in the belief that his work is peculiarly well adapted to impart a fenowledge bf the structure of the English language ; that it lays a broad and just foundation for an intelligent and correct delivery ; that it prépares the pupil for the study of English Giammar and hideed introduces him to a practical and useful acquaintance with noi a small part of whct prope !y belongs to the science of Grammar, but not less so to the art of Reading ; and further, that it fnrnishes a very happy introduction to the art of Rhetoric, or of English Composition.

The peculiarities of the work are briefly set forth by the author in the following words— " Every sentence in the language is described ; and every sentence has its own delivery. The structure learned therefore by one, two, or at most three reviews, it is learned forever. Henceforward as soon as a sentence falls under the observation of the pupil, he knows how it should be rcad ; and while he can read it, he can give a solid reason for its bemg read in that particulai manner."

Such being the gênerai features of the work under considération, I shall consider it a pleasing duty to make an experimentof its value with classes und*r my care, and to reeommend thesama ex périment to other instructors.

J. R. BOYD, Principal Jefferson County Institute.

November 27, 1846.

Dear Sir, — Having examined with considérable care " Mandeville's Course of Reading," 1 consider it of far more practical value, as a means of making correct readers, than any other that has corne under my observation ; and although sensible of the inconvenience arising from a fréquent change of books, I cannot avoid the conviction that the introduction of the work un der considération, would greatly facilitate the progress of the pupil in this élégant and useful aceomplishment. The author has not attempted a servile imitation of what others hâve done, but has originated an entirely new plan — a plan as scientific as it is original, and as useful as it il beautiful. I caanot but deem it a valuable accession to the means of instruction employed il •ur oommon schcols and académies. I shall introduce it :nto my own school.

Very respect fully,

J. H. PURKITT.

Mt. Plias ant Boardinq and Day School, / Roxbury, Mass. j

D. Appleton fy CoS* Educational Publicaiiou*.