PREFACE.

THE ADVANCED READER and the other numbers

of the New Series have been prepared to comply with

the requirements of our Method.

This METHOD not only exacts that the teacher possesses the ability to give his lessons in an interesting manner; it also demands that each lesson should be specially prepared.

Apart from religious instruction, there is no subject that requires so conscientious a preparation on the part of teacher and pupil, as Reading: so numerous are the topics included, so varied the questions suggested. Especially is this true in our Method, where questioning is so urgently insisted upon, and legitimate curiosity encouraged with such fostering care.

Good teaching demands that the pupil be taught to co-ordinate his information; that his little sum of knowledge be brought to bear in all directions; that his intellectual tools be kept constantly bright. This can only be done where subjects are considered in various lights, where suggested ideas are discussed, and the historical, moral and practical bearings of the subject are brought before the pupil.

In this way alone can Reading be made a means to strengthen the will, to develop the understanding, to refresh the memory.

Owing to the limited time children have to learn the elements of English Composition, these Readers are so arranged as to lead the pupil almost instinctively to the knowledge of this essential branch of education.

To fully realize the plan adopted in these Readers, parents and guardians should take part in the preparation of the HOME LESSONS Suggested under the form of QUESTIONS and COMPOSITION.

The object in issuing this New Series is not to increase the number of Readers already in the field. Our motive has been simply to prepare Readers that meet the requirements of a System that has the experience of two centuries in its favor, and that has received the unqualified approval of the ablest minds at home and abroad.

THE BROTHERS OF THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS.