THE Pacific Coast Fourth Reader has been made as complete as possible, in view of the fact that it is the highest Reader used by the majority of pupils in the public schools. The selections for a Reader of this grade should furnish valuable information and sound moral lessons; they should be models of correct English, adapted to stimulate a taste for literature; and, from the variety of topics, they should open varied channels of thought, and awaken zeal for observation and patient research. These desiderata have been kept steadily in view, and the contents of the present volume will be found to meet the above requirements. A brief and concise Analysis of the Principles of Reading is given, containing only such general rules as are universally recognized and easily applied. Inflection and Emphasis are not marked in the body of the work, for the reason that there is no absolute standard by which the reading of any passage may be gauged. This is especially true of emotional language, the reading of which must necessarily vary with the reader's temperament, taste, and appreciation of the subject. Fine shades of expression cannot be prescribed by rules and indicated by arbitrary marks, and any attempt to do so cramps and embarrasses both teacher and pupil. The Definitions preceding the Reading Lessons are mainly confined to the sense in which the words are used in the text. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by A. L. BANCROFT & COMPANY, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. EDUCATION DEPT. |