PRESS OPINIONS

JOURNAL OF EDUCATION.— -Mr. Siepmann says in his préface that ' the présent volume is an attempt to apply the principles of the Neuere Richtung to the teaching of German in public schools, as far as this is feasible under existing circumstances.' The attempt is successful, and \ve hâve hère a book which, in the hands of a compétent teacher, will prove a most satisfactory introduction to German.

" We recommend this book very warmly, as being, indeed, the first attempt to introduce in our public schools some of the more important results arrived at by the German reformers in modem language teaching."

OXFORD MAGAZINE.— "The appearance of this book marks an epoch in the study of modem languages in England. It represents the first serions attempt to introduce into this country, in a form likely to be acceptable, the principles of the Marburg School, whose influence on the Continent has been so far-reaching. The author's aim is ' to treat the language as a living thing and at the same time draw from it some mental discipline and gênerai outline, to impart ease in pronunciation and speech without degrading instruction to lessons in small talk and conversation.' The Primer is divided into three parts — Reader, Grammar, and Exercises — and thèse divisions stand in close interdependence with a coïncident vocabulary. Practice précèdes abstract rules. On a passage of the Reader are based conversation, grammar, and exercises, and endless variation suggests itself to a compétent teacher. We fear, however, that the Englishman who ' hears a German lesson ' and deems that to be instruction in the German tongue, will curse Victor, Bréal, Siepmann, and ail their works.

" We hâve hère a rational method. The adoption of this System would speedily efïect an incredible change in the attainments of the British schoolboy, and aid in the solution of the problem which is constantly forced upon our attention, viz.,how to induce the young hopeful to learn something of and in a foreign language.

" We hope that a second year's Course will soon be published."

THE MODERN LANGUAGE TE A CHERS' GUIDE.— " Every page of this book shows unmistakably that it is the work of a singularly able practical teacher. It is the only book for public school use which consistently carries out the principles of the New Method. It will undoubtedly achieve very great

SIEPMANN'S FRENCH SERIES.