INTRODUCTION

5. The lessons are strictly graded, and are made up of Conversations on familiar subjects and topics of an interesting character. They supply the learner with such a stock of words and idioms as shall enable him to use the French language in ail the every-day affairs of life. Every lesson is subdivided into sections, in each of which one leading idea is prominent. In order to make them interesting and elevating as well as practical and instructive, proteros, riddles, fables, short stories, and poetical sélections are added.

6. Besides a fair knowledge of French, the method hère employed is designed to secure an acquaintance with some of those cornmon occupations of life of which even children of an older growth, than those for whom this book is primarily intended, know usually very little or next to nothing. Thus, e. g., the lst and 4th lessons treat of farm life, the implements used in the field, etc., etc.; the 5th is a lesson on Urne, the manufacture of time-pieces, etc., etc. ; the 7th, on ligltt and sight, the former subject continuing in the 8th also, etc., etc. In short, the aim in ail lessons is to keep the mind constantly occupied with thèmes of a pleasant and instructive nature.

7. The value of both the First and Second BooTcs will be greatly enhanced by the use of our Grammaire Française, especially prepared as a companion volume, and teaching the French différences from the English. Thèse are novel features in a foreign language course, but their utility will at once commend them to the experienced teacher. In no other way can the student insure a perfectly systematic course in language than by a tabular exhibit of the language, and in no easier way can lie rapidly acquire a free use of a foreign tongue than by the task of comparison with his own. Such a practice promises, moreover, not only the acquisition of the language studied and its facile use, but is sure to lay the basis for a sound linguistic culture.

In the préparation of the subject-matter of thèse lessons we hâve freely availed ourselves of whatever help we could obtain from French sources, and we hâve not hesitated to borrow whenever the matter was adapted to our wants. The works now used for elementary instruction in France, especially those teaching the objective method, hâve been of fréquent service. We désire also to acknowledge our obligations to Prof. H. M. Monsanto, of New York City, and Prof. A. Lalande, of Louisville, Ky., for valuable assistance in proof-reading. Prof. A. de Rougemont bas been our constant companion. in the préparation of the whole book, and to his mastery of the Frennh language we are greatly indebted.

Ail we ask for this course is a trial in the school-room, where it originated and where it has been repeatedly tested by the author previous to publication. We are qui te willing to abide by the décision which any fair-minded teacher shall render after such a test.

J. H. WORMAN.

Brooklyn, N. Y., 586 Washington Ave.