BY DR JAMES DOUGLAS,
TEACHER OF ENGLISH, GREAT KING STREET, EDINBURGII;

PUBLISHED BY

OLIVER AND BOYD, EDINBURGH;

SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO., LONDON.

THE PROGRESSIVE ENGLISH READER,

A NEW SERIES OF ENGLISH READING BOOKS.

The Earlier Books illustrated with numerous Engravings.

The arrangement of these Reading Books is systematically progressive. From the simplest sounds the pupil is led to the most difficult combinations, but so easy and gradual is his progress, that he acquires the art of reading without undergoing that drudgery which is inevitable with books arranged on a less methodical and systematic plan. Each new form, when introduced, is illustrated by numerous examples, and whenever words occur whose pronunciation differs from the ordinary rules, a Key is given, so that the correct pronunciation may at once be ascertained.

The First, Second, Third, and Fourth Books are illustrated with numerous engravings, which are calculated not only to please the eye but afford instruction on objects which are better understood by being seen than copiously described. In the selection of reading lessons care has been taken to adapt them specially to the capacities of those for whom the different books of the series are intended. Throughout, they will be found of such a character as to inculcate high moral principle, and otherwise tend to the religious and intellectual training of the young.

In the Fifth and Sixth Books, a systematic rather than a promiscuous arrangement of subjects has been adopted. Accordingly, in the former, the lessons are grouped under the following heads:-1. Illustrations of Moral and Religious Principles; 2. Stories of the Sagacity and Instinct of Animals; 3. Incidents of Travel and Adventure; 4. Natural Objects and their Uses; 5. Miscellaneous Subjects. In the Sixth Book, the subjects illustrated are:1. Miscell

samiativa Scones at Home and Abroad; 3. Curiosities

of Travel; 4. Curious Objects in Natural History; 5. Prominent Events in British History; 6. Illustrations of the Divine Wisdom, Power, and GoodThis last is a new feature in a work of this kind, but, it is hoped, it will be found more generally interesting than the abstruse and scientific extracts with which so many of our reading books abound.

ness.

In the Fifth Book is a detailed list of Prefixes and Affixes, and in the Sixth, are Spelling and Dictation Exercises, arranged on a new plan, which will be found particularly useful to those who are preparing for the civil or military examinations, or to others deficient in a knowledge of the orthography of their mother tongue.

During the progress of the different "Books" through the press, the utility of the plan pursued has been tested by teachers in various parts of the country, and the following are a few of many recommendations which have been received :

"Superior to any I have met with for careful systematic gradation, while the matter is such as must irresistibly enlist the sympathies of the pupils, and induce a love of all that is pure and noble."- Rev. W. Ogilvie, Head Master, Morrison's Institution, Crieff.

"Your series is, to my mind, the best of the many that have lately been published." -W. G. Mason, Esq., late Master of Method, Training College, Winchester.

"I have used the earlier books of your series, and never have I been able to record such satisfactory progress on the part of pupils, which I attribute in no small degree to the class-books used."-James Scott, Esq., Head Master, Lochies House School, Burntisland.

"A series of Reading Books, at once calculated to give the pupil a taste for reading, and save the instructor a vast amount of trouble."-James M'Lachlan, Esq., Head Master, Newington Academy, Edinburgh.

"An admirable series of Reading Books. Certainly the best I have ever seen."John E. Hogan, Esq., Hoxton Middle Class School, London.

"They possess excellencies which will recommend them, and obtain for them a wide circulation.”—The Head Master, English Department, Royal Academy, Inverness.

"Particularly instructive and interesting, and cannot fail to produce a marked improvement in reading wherever they may be introduced."-The Head Master, Foundation Schools, Staunton on Wye.

In 12mo, 208 pages, price 1s. 6d.

SELECTIONS FOR RECITATION,

WITH INTRODUCTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES;

Compiled for the Use of Elementary Schools.

"The Selections have this admirable advantage, that they are of pieces which have not been hackneyed by immemorial use, and are therefore admirably adapted to familiarize the young with some of the best poetry of their own time."-Edinburgh Weekly Review.

"An admirable work for Junior Classes. I shall very gladly recommend its use when I can, and I heartily wish it much success."-Dr W. F. Collier, English Master, Edinburgh Academy.

"Drawn up with care and judgment, and well adapted to the purposes for which you intend it."-The Head Master, Archbishop Holgate's School, York,

[For other Works, see end of Book.