PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION

have been omitted ; and many new ones, to explain passages of considérable diffieulty, have been added in their stead.

The orthography, which in the English édition is extremely diversified, has been made to conform to that of the Dictionary of the Academy and the usage of the best modem writers.

Numerous grammatical and typographical errors in the English édition, of a nature seriously to mai* the utility of the book to students, have been carefully corrected in the présent reprint.

The work, as now presented to the public, is believed to be comparatively free from the imperfections incident to similar undertakings. In connection with the Grammar of Professor Ollendorff, the " Introduction to the French language" by M. de Fivas, and the " New Dramatic Reader" of Professor Collot, it may justly be commended to the attention of students and teachers, as one of a séries of the most valuable elementary works extant for obtaining a knowledge of the French language in ail its phases.

May it contribute to the acquisition of a language so rich in treasures of wisdom and lessons of virtue ; and to an acquaintance with the varied érudition, the noble purpose, and the honorable ambition of a Guizot, a Thierry, a Villemain, and a Sismondi.

New York, June, 1847