Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by

WILSON, HINKLE & CO.,

In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of Ohio.

ELECTROTYPED AT THE FRANKLIN TYFE FOUNDRY, CINCINNATI.

PREFACE.

IN the preparation of this treatise, the ever-recurring wants and requirements of the class-room have been kept constantly in view. The aim of the author has been to make a practical textbook-a useful manual for the learner, not a reference book for the learned.

The whole plan of the work is in accordance with the educational doctrine that accuracy and facility in the use of language, both spoken and written, are the ends to be secured by the study of grammar: that to secure these ends, a thorough acquaintance with the elements, forms, structure, and laws of our mother tongue, is indispensable; and that a practical knowledge of these can be acquired only by patient, persistent exercise. u. the analysis and synthesis of syllables, words, and sentences.

The author has endeavored to present the subject in a simple, concise, and perspicuous manner. He has purposely avoided the discussion of mere theories; preferring, rather, a plain didactic statement of his own views. such discussions serve only to ner, and are of questionable Neither the erudition of the teacher, nor the exhaustive completeness of the text-book used, can compensate for the lack of drill in the class-room.

Experience has taught him that confuse and discourage the beginutility to the advanced student.

The distinguishing features of this treatise, to which special attention is invited, are the following:

1. The methodical arrangement and logical development of the subjects discussed.