Use of Illustrations.

A good wife rose from her bed one morn,And thought, with a nervous dread,Of the piles of clothes to be washed, and moreThan a dozen mouths to be fed,“There’s the meals to be got for the men in the field,And the children to fix awayTo school, and the milk to be skimmed and churned;And all to be done this day.”It had rained in the night, and all the woodWas wet as it could be;There were puddings and pies to bake, besidesA loaf of cake for tea.And the day was hot, and her aching headThrobbed wearily as she said.“If maidens but knew what good wives know,They would not be in haste to wed!”“Jennie, what do you think I told Ben Brown?”Called the farmer from the well;And a flush crept up to his bronzed brow,And his eyes half-blushingly fell:“It was this,” he said, and coming nearHe smiled, and stooping down,Kissed her cheek—“’twas this, that you were the bestAnd the dearest wife in town!”The farmer went back to the field, and the wife,In a smiling, absent way,Sang snatches of tender little songsShe’d not sung for many a day.And the pain in her head was gone, and the clothesWere white as the foam of the sea;Her bread was light, and her butter was sweet,And as golden as it could be.“Just think,” the children all called in a breath,“Tom Wood has run off to sea!He wouldn’t, I know, if he’d only hadAs happy a home as we.”The night came down, and the good wife smiledTo herself, as she softly said:“’Tis so sweet to labor for those we love—It’s not strange that maids will wed!”

A good wife rose from her bed one morn,

And thought, with a nervous dread,

Of the piles of clothes to be washed, and more

Than a dozen mouths to be fed,

“There’s the meals to be got for the men in the field,

And the children to fix away

To school, and the milk to be skimmed and churned;

And all to be done this day.”

It had rained in the night, and all the woodWas wet as it could be;There were puddings and pies to bake, besidesA loaf of cake for tea.And the day was hot, and her aching headThrobbed wearily as she said.“If maidens but knew what good wives know,They would not be in haste to wed!”

It had rained in the night, and all the wood

Was wet as it could be;

There were puddings and pies to bake, besides

A loaf of cake for tea.

And the day was hot, and her aching head

Throbbed wearily as she said.

“If maidens but knew what good wives know,

They would not be in haste to wed!”

“Jennie, what do you think I told Ben Brown?”Called the farmer from the well;And a flush crept up to his bronzed brow,And his eyes half-blushingly fell:“It was this,” he said, and coming nearHe smiled, and stooping down,Kissed her cheek—“’twas this, that you were the bestAnd the dearest wife in town!”

“Jennie, what do you think I told Ben Brown?”

Called the farmer from the well;

And a flush crept up to his bronzed brow,

And his eyes half-blushingly fell:

“It was this,” he said, and coming near

He smiled, and stooping down,

Kissed her cheek—“’twas this, that you were the best

And the dearest wife in town!”

The farmer went back to the field, and the wife,In a smiling, absent way,Sang snatches of tender little songsShe’d not sung for many a day.And the pain in her head was gone, and the clothesWere white as the foam of the sea;Her bread was light, and her butter was sweet,And as golden as it could be.

The farmer went back to the field, and the wife,

In a smiling, absent way,

Sang snatches of tender little songs

She’d not sung for many a day.

And the pain in her head was gone, and the clothes

Were white as the foam of the sea;

Her bread was light, and her butter was sweet,

And as golden as it could be.

“Just think,” the children all called in a breath,“Tom Wood has run off to sea!He wouldn’t, I know, if he’d only hadAs happy a home as we.”The night came down, and the good wife smiledTo herself, as she softly said:“’Tis so sweet to labor for those we love—It’s not strange that maids will wed!”

“Just think,” the children all called in a breath,

“Tom Wood has run off to sea!

He wouldn’t, I know, if he’d only had

As happy a home as we.”

The night came down, and the good wife smiled

To herself, as she softly said:

“’Tis so sweet to labor for those we love—

It’s not strange that maids will wed!”

Abou Ben Adhem—may his tribe increase!Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,And saw, within the moonlight in his room,Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,An angel, writing in a book of gold.Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,And to the Presence in the room he said,“What writest thou?” The vision raised its head,And, with a look made all of sweet accord,Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,But cheerily still; and said, “I pray thee, then,Write me as one that loves his fellow-men.”The angel wrote and vanished. The next nightIt came again with a great wakening light,And showed the names whom love of God had blessed;And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.—Leigh Hunt.

Abou Ben Adhem—may his tribe increase!Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,And saw, within the moonlight in his room,Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

Abou Ben Adhem—may his tribe increase!

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

And saw, within the moonlight in his room,

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

An angel, writing in a book of gold.Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,And to the Presence in the room he said,“What writest thou?” The vision raised its head,And, with a look made all of sweet accord,Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”

An angel, writing in a book of gold.

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the Presence in the room he said,

“What writest thou?” The vision raised its head,

And, with a look made all of sweet accord,

Answered, “The names of those who love the Lord.”

“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,But cheerily still; and said, “I pray thee, then,Write me as one that loves his fellow-men.”

“And is mine one?” said Abou. “Nay, not so,”

Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,

But cheerily still; and said, “I pray thee, then,

Write me as one that loves his fellow-men.”

The angel wrote and vanished. The next nightIt came again with a great wakening light,And showed the names whom love of God had blessed;And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.—Leigh Hunt.

The angel wrote and vanished. The next night

It came again with a great wakening light,

And showed the names whom love of God had blessed;

And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.—Leigh Hunt.

It is considered best by most experienced writers to prepare a plan of the composition, of whatever character it may be. In this way you are able to properly arrange your thoughts, and are less likely to omit something which ought to be treated.

There are authors who map out in their minds a general plan without committing it formally to paper. The disadvantage of this method is that something is liable to be forgotten, or inserted in the wrong place. Many authors compose a whole book with nothing more in mind than the general outline: others draw out what lawyers would call a “brief,” from which they build up their production step by step.

To aid you in learning how to write compositions, I have inserted here the outlines of essays from which the complete productions are to be written. Many of these subjects will compel you to consult books in order that you may obtain the information you require, yet this will only be a benefit to you, and will amply repay all the time and labor you expend.

You do not need to confine yourself to the thoughts suggested in these outlines. Think for yourself; do not always go on crutches. Introduce new matter and express whatever is suggested to your mind, that will make your production complete and interesting.

The following is an outline of a brief and simple essay on “The Cat.”

1. Where found.2. Why kept.3. Fitted to be a beast of prey:—(a) Teeth; (b) Claws; (c) Pads.4. Fitted for night prowling:—(a) Fur; (b) Eyes.5. Fitted to be a pet.6. Habits.

1. Where found.

2. Why kept.

3. Fitted to be a beast of prey:—(a) Teeth; (b) Claws; (c) Pads.

4. Fitted for night prowling:—(a) Fur; (b) Eyes.

5. Fitted to be a pet.

6. Habits.

The outline may be filled in thus:—

A cat is found in nearly every house. Sometimes it is kept as a pet only, and sometimes it is kept only to catch mice, but most people keep one for both purposes. The cat is fitted by nature to be a beast of prey; hence its claws and teeth are sharp and long, and under its feet are pads, which enable it to walk without making a noise. The cat is also fitted for prowling at night. Its thick fur keeps it from feeling cold, and its wonderful eyes enable it to see almost in the dark. Cats make good pets because they are pretty, clean and gentle. They like to lie on something soft and warm. When stroked they purr. Kittens are very playful.

1. Found nearly all over world; friend to man.2. Uses:—Hunting, guarding, minding sheep, etc.3. Description: Teeth for tearing, legs for running, coat for warmth; differences between cat and dog.4. Habits.

1. Found nearly all over world; friend to man.

2. Uses:—Hunting, guarding, minding sheep, etc.

3. Description: Teeth for tearing, legs for running, coat for warmth; differences between cat and dog.

4. Habits.

1. Name various kinds.2. Showing how structure of each kind fits it for its work; as(a) Greyhound—shape, legs, chest for swiftness.(b) Bloodhound—broad head, large nose for smell.(c) Bulldog—size of head, strength of jaw and of body.(d) Newfoundland—thick, oily coat, webbed feet etc., etc.

1. Name various kinds.

2. Showing how structure of each kind fits it for its work; as

(a) Greyhound—shape, legs, chest for swiftness.

(b) Bloodhound—broad head, large nose for smell.

(d) Newfoundland—thick, oily coat, webbed feet etc., etc.

1. Grass allowed to grow from early spring.2. Ripe in June or July.3. Cut with a scythe or machine.4. Spread out to dry in sun—turned over—raked into “cocks”—carted.

1. Grass allowed to grow from early spring.

2. Ripe in June or July.

3. Cut with a scythe or machine.

4. Spread out to dry in sun—turned over—raked into “cocks”—carted.

1. Different kinds:—wheat, barley, oats.2. Sown in spring (wheat sometimes late in autumn).3. Ground prepared by ploughing, harrowing.4. Sowing (describe).5. Weeding.6. Harvesting:—cut with sickle, scythe or machine—bound—carted.

1. Different kinds:—wheat, barley, oats.

2. Sown in spring (wheat sometimes late in autumn).

3. Ground prepared by ploughing, harrowing.

4. Sowing (describe).

5. Weeding.

6. Harvesting:—cut with sickle, scythe or machine—bound—carted.

1. Wheat threshed to get grain and chaff from ear.2. Winnowed to separate chaff from grain.3. Ground in mill (wind, steam).4. Skin (bran) separated from flour.

1. Wheat threshed to get grain and chaff from ear.

2. Winnowed to separate chaff from grain.

3. Ground in mill (wind, steam).

4. Skin (bran) separated from flour.

1. Generally made from flour.2. Flour mixed with water, a little salt and yeast, into sponge—yeast to make it “rise.”3. Made into loaves.4. Baked in oven.

1. Generally made from flour.

2. Flour mixed with water, a little salt and yeast, into sponge—yeast to make it “rise.”

3. Made into loaves.

4. Baked in oven.

1. Made from cream.2. Milk placed in shallow pans—cream rises—skimmed.3. Cream begins to turn sour—churned.4. Describe churn.5. Churning divides cream into butter and buttermilk.6. Butter run off—butter washed.7. Beaten, often salted, moulded.

1. Made from cream.

2. Milk placed in shallow pans—cream rises—skimmed.

3. Cream begins to turn sour—churned.

4. Describe churn.

5. Churning divides cream into butter and buttermilk.

6. Butter run off—butter washed.

7. Beaten, often salted, moulded.

1. Cat kind—teeth, claws, sheath pad.2. About four feet high, tawny yellow, tufted tail, mane of male.3. Lion like cat steals up to prey.4. Brave.5. Cubs playful.

1. Cat kind—teeth, claws, sheath pad.

2. About four feet high, tawny yellow, tufted tail, mane of male.

3. Lion like cat steals up to prey.

4. Brave.

5. Cubs playful.

1. Compare tiger and lion:—(a) Lion in Africa and Asia, tiger in Asia.(b) Tiger as strong, more fierce and cunning.(c) Tiger golden fur with black stripes, no mane, tail not tufted.(d) Tiger, like lion, lies in wait.2. Man-eating tigers.3. Hunted, often on elephants.

1. Compare tiger and lion:—

(a) Lion in Africa and Asia, tiger in Asia.

(b) Tiger as strong, more fierce and cunning.

(d) Tiger, like lion, lies in wait.

2. Man-eating tigers.

3. Hunted, often on elephants.

1. Largest land animal, eight to ten feet high.2. Very heavy body, thick skin, little hair, legs thick.3. Head large, tusks sixty to seventy pounds each.4. Short neck; why?5. Trunk; why needed?—describe.6. Clever, obedient, faithful.

1. Largest land animal, eight to ten feet high.

2. Very heavy body, thick skin, little hair, legs thick.

3. Head large, tusks sixty to seventy pounds each.

4. Short neck; why?

5. Trunk; why needed?—describe.

6. Clever, obedient, faithful.

Tell a story showing cleverness of elephant.

1. Night bird; therefore eyes large, hearing sharp, feathers thick.2. Downy feathers make flight silent.3. Beak and claws.4. Food.5. Haunts.

1. Night bird; therefore eyes large, hearing sharp, feathers thick.

2. Downy feathers make flight silent.

3. Beak and claws.

4. Food.

5. Haunts.

1. Made for speed; feathers firm and close, wings large, tail long and pointed, legs short.2. Lives on insects; large, wide mouth.3. Bird of passage; comes in spring, leaves in autumn.4. Kind:—(a) Chimney martin or swallow—builds often under eaves.(b) Sand martin: smallest, builds in sandy banks or cliffs.

1. Made for speed; feathers firm and close, wings large, tail long and pointed, legs short.

2. Lives on insects; large, wide mouth.

3. Bird of passage; comes in spring, leaves in autumn.

4. Kind:—

(a) Chimney martin or swallow—builds often under eaves.

(b) Sand martin: smallest, builds in sandy banks or cliffs.

1. Named from cry.2. Bird of passage—In AprilCome he will; ...In JulyHe prepares to fly;In AugustGo he must.3. Description:—size of magpie or small pigeon; color:—blue gray above; white, with slaty bars below; wings black, with white at tips.4. Lays eggs in nest of other birds—often a hedge-sparrow.

1. Named from cry.

2. Bird of passage—

In AprilCome he will; ...In JulyHe prepares to fly;In AugustGo he must.

In April

Come he will; ...

In July

He prepares to fly;

In August

Go he must.

3. Description:—size of magpie or small pigeon; color:—blue gray above; white, with slaty bars below; wings black, with white at tips.

4. Lays eggs in nest of other birds—often a hedge-sparrow.

1. From China, Assam, Ceylon.2. Evergreen shrub, glossy leaves, white flower.3. Three crops a year, first and best in spring.4. Leaves gathered, placed in shallow baskets, dried first in sun, then over charcoal; rolled between hands.5. Two kinds, green and black.

1. From China, Assam, Ceylon.

2. Evergreen shrub, glossy leaves, white flower.

3. Three crops a year, first and best in spring.

4. Leaves gathered, placed in shallow baskets, dried first in sun, then over charcoal; rolled between hands.

5. Two kinds, green and black.

1. Arabia, Brazil, East and West Indies, Ceylon.2. Evergreen tree, eight to twelve feet high.3. Tree bears a dark red berry, size of cherry, and containing two hard seeds (the coffee “bean”) each in a skin.4. Berries gathered, dried, passed under rollers to remove skin.5. Roasted in a closed iron vessel over slow fire.6. Ground.

1. Arabia, Brazil, East and West Indies, Ceylon.

2. Evergreen tree, eight to twelve feet high.

3. Tree bears a dark red berry, size of cherry, and containing two hard seeds (the coffee “bean”) each in a skin.

4. Berries gathered, dried, passed under rollers to remove skin.

5. Roasted in a closed iron vessel over slow fire.

6. Ground.

1. How formed:—Places where forests, woods, etc., growing, sank—covered with water bringing soil—rose again—vegetable remains hardened into coal.2. Hence found in layers.3. Mining:—shaft, galleries.4. Dangers:—fall of roof; flooding; explosions of “fire-damp;” afterwards “choke-damp.”5. Safety lamp.

1. How formed:—Places where forests, woods, etc., growing, sank—covered with water bringing soil—rose again—vegetable remains hardened into coal.

2. Hence found in layers.

3. Mining:—shaft, galleries.

4. Dangers:—fall of roof; flooding; explosions of “fire-damp;” afterwards “choke-damp.”

5. Safety lamp.

1. Iron ore found in many places, worked on coal fields; why?2. To drive away sulphur roasted in kiln, or with layers of coal on ground.3. Mixed with coal and lime and placed in blast furnace.4. Earthy matters unite with lime to form “slag.”5. Melted iron falls to bottom—run off “cast iron.”6. Carbon added to iron to make steel.

1. Iron ore found in many places, worked on coal fields; why?

2. To drive away sulphur roasted in kiln, or with layers of coal on ground.

3. Mixed with coal and lime and placed in blast furnace.

4. Earthy matters unite with lime to form “slag.”

5. Melted iron falls to bottom—run off “cast iron.”

6. Carbon added to iron to make steel.

1. What months?2. Welcome season after short, cold days of winter.3. Trees and flowers—blossom.4. Sowing.5. Pleasant walks in the country.

1. What months?

2. Welcome season after short, cold days of winter.

3. Trees and flowers—blossom.

4. Sowing.

5. Pleasant walks in the country.

1. When?2. Most general holiday.3. Why kept—“peace and goodwill.”4. How kept:—business stopped; cards; presents; meetings of friends; Christmas fare; trees.

1. When?

2. Most general holiday.

3. Why kept—“peace and goodwill.”

4. How kept:—business stopped; cards; presents; meetings of friends; Christmas fare; trees.

1. Name.2. Situation.3. History.4. Subjects taught.5. Games.6. How you may do credit to it.

1. Name.

2. Situation.

3. History.

4. Subjects taught.

5. Games.

6. How you may do credit to it.

1. Name.2. Situation.3. Population.4. Chief industry.5. Chief buildings.6. History.

1. Name.

2. Situation.

3. Population.

4. Chief industry.

5. Chief buildings.

6. History.

1. Made from flax-plant about four feet high, blue flower.2. Ripe flax pulled up, dried.3. Seed (linseed) removed by pulling stalks through a kind of comb.4. Stalks consist of two parts, woody and fibrous.5. Steeped in water to make separation of two easier.6. Beaten to break woody part.7. Combed to remove it.8. Spun, bleached, woven.9. Uses.

1. Made from flax-plant about four feet high, blue flower.

2. Ripe flax pulled up, dried.

3. Seed (linseed) removed by pulling stalks through a kind of comb.

4. Stalks consist of two parts, woody and fibrous.

5. Steeped in water to make separation of two easier.

6. Beaten to break woody part.

7. Combed to remove it.

8. Spun, bleached, woven.

9. Uses.

1. One of the players has handkerchief tied over eyes.2. Tries to catch any of the others.3. If he catches any one he must say who it is.4. If he succeeds, player caught takes his place.5. The fun of the game.

1. One of the players has handkerchief tied over eyes.

2. Tries to catch any of the others.

3. If he catches any one he must say who it is.

4. If he succeeds, player caught takes his place.

5. The fun of the game.

1. Describe bases (number, positions, etc.).2. Describe bat and ball.3. How many players?4. Pitcher, catcher, basemen, fielders.5. How “runs” are made.6. How a player is “out.”7. How one side is out.8. Which “team” wins?

1. Describe bases (number, positions, etc.).

2. Describe bat and ball.

3. How many players?

4. Pitcher, catcher, basemen, fielders.

5. How “runs” are made.

6. How a player is “out.”

7. How one side is out.

8. Which “team” wins?

1. Describe the blacksmith.2. His work.3. Fire, bellows.4. Anvil, hammers, tongs, water-trough.5. “The children coming home from school....”

1. Describe the blacksmith.

2. His work.

3. Fire, bellows.

4. Anvil, hammers, tongs, water-trough.

5. “The children coming home from school....”

1. Work.2. Bench, planes, chisels, hammers, mallets, axe, adze, gimlets, saws, rule.3. Compare blacksmith and carpenter.

1. Work.

2. Bench, planes, chisels, hammers, mallets, axe, adze, gimlets, saws, rule.

3. Compare blacksmith and carpenter.

1. Appearance.2. Work.3. Where he lives in peace and in war.4. Recruits, drill, reviews, band.5. Battle.6. Qualities of a soldier.

1. Appearance.

2. Work.

3. Where he lives in peace and in war.

4. Recruits, drill, reviews, band.

5. Battle.

6. Qualities of a soldier.

1. Work varies with season.2. In spring work connected with sowing.3. Summer—weeding, haymaking.4. Autumn—harvesting; sometimes ploughing.5. Winter—looking after stock.

1. Work varies with season.

2. In spring work connected with sowing.

3. Summer—weeding, haymaking.

4. Autumn—harvesting; sometimes ploughing.

5. Winter—looking after stock.

1. On what river situated?2. Founded when? When captured by the British?3. Streets and avenues.4. Capitol building, dome, Senate chamber, Chamber of the House of Representatives.5. White House.6. Buildings of Government Departments.7. Smithsonian Institute.8. Washington’s monument.

1. On what river situated?

2. Founded when? When captured by the British?

3. Streets and avenues.

4. Capitol building, dome, Senate chamber, Chamber of the House of Representatives.

5. White House.

6. Buildings of Government Departments.

7. Smithsonian Institute.

8. Washington’s monument.

1. Of person.(a) Describe pores. Waste of body passes through them like smoke up a chimney; therefore must be kept open.(b) Diseases arise if waste cannot pass off.(c) Dirty person disagreeable.2. Of clothes.Clean person impossible in dirty clothes.3. Of houses.(a) Dust passes into lungs.(b) Dirty houses—bad smells.(c) Plague (formerly common) due to dirt.

1. Of person.

(a) Describe pores. Waste of body passes through them like smoke up a chimney; therefore must be kept open.

(b) Diseases arise if waste cannot pass off.

2. Of clothes.

Clean person impossible in dirty clothes.

3. Of houses.

(a) Dust passes into lungs.

(b) Dirty houses—bad smells.

1. What it is—willful attempt to deceive.2. Words may be true and yet a lie because meant to deceive.3. There may be lies without words.4. Why wrong.5. Consequence to liar—not believed even when speaking truth.6. Fable of boy that cried “Wolf.”

1. What it is—willful attempt to deceive.

2. Words may be true and yet a lie because meant to deceive.

3. There may be lies without words.

4. Why wrong.

5. Consequence to liar—not believed even when speaking truth.

6. Fable of boy that cried “Wolf.”

1. Animals can feel.2. How would you like cruel treatment?3. “Do unto others....”4. Animals grateful for kindness.5. Any story to show this.

1. Animals can feel.

2. How would you like cruel treatment?

3. “Do unto others....”

4. Animals grateful for kindness.

5. Any story to show this.

1. “Penny saved, penny earned.”2. Name some things on which children spend money needlessly.3. Advantages of saving:—“Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves;” savings can be turned to account; provision for a “rainy day.”4. Aids to thrift:—Savings banks, building societies, etc.

1. “Penny saved, penny earned.”

2. Name some things on which children spend money needlessly.

3. Advantages of saving:—“Take care of the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves;” savings can be turned to account; provision for a “rainy day.”

4. Aids to thrift:—Savings banks, building societies, etc.

1. Meaning of proverb. Hay is grass dried in the sun; if not “made” on first opportunity, it may be spoiled by rain.2. Proverb teaches us to miss no opportunity.3. Reasons:—Do not know what may happen by to-morrow; chance perhaps lost forever; “The mill cannot grind with the water that is past.”4. Story to show danger of putting off.

1. Meaning of proverb. Hay is grass dried in the sun; if not “made” on first opportunity, it may be spoiled by rain.

2. Proverb teaches us to miss no opportunity.

3. Reasons:—Do not know what may happen by to-morrow; chance perhaps lost forever; “The mill cannot grind with the water that is past.”

4. Story to show danger of putting off.

1. Meaning of the proverb—persevere.2. Illustrations:—(a) If you do not finish a study begun,allthe time spent on it is wasted.(b) Three removes are as bad as a fire.(c) By staying in the same place you make friends and a position.

1. Meaning of the proverb—persevere.

2. Illustrations:—

(a) If you do not finish a study begun,allthe time spent on it is wasted.

(b) Three removes are as bad as a fire.

1. Virtue often gains for a man honor, wealth, friends.2. But though it brought no such rewards it should be sought.3. For the approval of one’s own conscience is more important than the approval of any one else.

1. Virtue often gains for a man honor, wealth, friends.

2. But though it brought no such rewards it should be sought.

3. For the approval of one’s own conscience is more important than the approval of any one else.

Rabbit. Fox. Pig. Mouse. Bear. Camel. Monkey. Sheep. Goat. Cow. Hen. Duck. Robin. Lark. Canary. Ostrich. Eagle. Pigeon. Gull. Sparrow. Whale. Seal. Bee. Spider. Fly. Butterfly. Shark. Herring. Mackerel. Crab. Cod. Frog. Crocodile. Turtle. Adder. Cocoa. Sugar. Sago. Cork. India rubber. Potato. Turnip. Salt. Lead. Tin. Copper. Gold. Knife. Glass. Paper. Soap. Pins. Needles. Candles. Cotton. Silk. Woollen cloth. Autumn. Winter. Any game with marbles. Making and flying kites. Boating. Swimming. Fishing. Football. Skating. Lawn tennis. Punctuality. Industry. Perseverance. Obedience. Bad language. Good manners. Good habits. Temperance. Honesty. The “Golden Rule.” How to make yourself useful at home.

Describe:—(a) A house. (b) A street. (c) A church. (d) Any village. (e) Any town. (f) A farm. (g) A mill. (h) The sea-side. (i) Common spring flowers. (j) The most beautiful place you have seen. (k) A snow-storm. (l) A thunder-storm.

Describe the life and work of:—(a) A mason. (b) A gardener. (c) A teacher. (d) A doctor. (e) A sailor. (f) A policeman. (g) A postman. (h) A tailor. (i) A baker. (j) A shepherd. (k) A fisherman. (l) An errand-boy. (m) A painter.

Describe a visit to:—(a) The seaside. (b) Chicago or some other large town. (c) The Zoological Gardens or a menagerie. (d) A circus. (e) A school exhibition. (f) A department store. (g) A country dairy. (h) A picture gallery.

Tell a story about:—(a) A dog. (b) A cat. (c) A horse. (d) A monkey. (e) A parrot. (f) An elephant. (g) A hen.

Tell any stories you know illustrating the following sayings:—

(a) “Look before you leap.”(b) “Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth.”(c) “People are judged by the company they keep.”(d) “Penny wise and pound foolish.”(e) “Count not your chickens before they are hatched.”(f) “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”(g) “Union is strength.”

(a) “Look before you leap.”

(b) “Liars are not believed even when they speak the truth.”

(d) “Penny wise and pound foolish.”

(e) “Count not your chickens before they are hatched.”

(f) “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

(g) “Union is strength.”

Explain and illustrate the following proverbs:—

(a) “A stitch in time saves nine.”(b) “A prudent man foreseeth the evil; fools pass on and are punished.”(c) “The more haste the less speed.”(d) “Strike the iron while it is hot.”(e) “Touch pitch and be defiled.”(f) “Rome was not built in a day.”(g) “No gains without pains.”(h) “Nothing venture nothing win.”

(a) “A stitch in time saves nine.”

(b) “A prudent man foreseeth the evil; fools pass on and are punished.”

(d) “Strike the iron while it is hot.”

(e) “Touch pitch and be defiled.”

(f) “Rome was not built in a day.”

(g) “No gains without pains.”

(h) “Nothing venture nothing win.”

An apt illustration is always a help to a writer or speaker. The mind of the reader or hearer is interested in tracing the comparison, and receives a stronger impression than it does when the thought is stated simply by itself.

Many of the most famous orators have been very gifted in employing similes to express their meaning. You should cultivate the habit of using illustrations. Although there is sometimes danger in employing them, yet where carefully and rightly used they not only ornament the composition, but render its thoughts and ideas more striking, more impressive and more easily remembered.

A Simileis a comparison explicitly stated; as,

Now does he feel his titleHang loose upon him like a giant’s robeUpon a dwarfish thief.

Now does he feel his title

Hang loose upon him like a giant’s robe

Upon a dwarfish thief.

How far that little candle throws his beams!So shines a good deed in a naughty world.

How far that little candle throws his beams!

So shines a good deed in a naughty world.

An evil soul producing holy witnessIs like a goodly apple rotten at the heart.

An evil soul producing holy witness

Is like a goodly apple rotten at the heart.

The course of a great statesman resembles that of navigable rivers, avoiding immovable obstacles with noble bends of concession, seeking the broad levels of opinion on which men soonest settle and longest dwell, following and marking the most imperceptible slopes of national tendency, yet always aiming at direct advances, always recruited from sources nearer heaven, and sometimes bursting open paths of progress and fruitful human commerce through what seem the eternal barriers of both.

A Metaphoris a condensed Simile. The comparison is implied, but not expressed at length; thus:—

But look, the morn in russet mantle cladWalks o’er the dew of yon high eastern hill.

But look, the morn in russet mantle clad

Walks o’er the dew of yon high eastern hill.

The simile implied here is, “The morning like to a person clad in russet mantle walks,” etc.Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness ... above all taking the shield of faith wherewith ye may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

The simile implied here is, “The morning like to a person clad in russet mantle walks,” etc.

Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness ... above all taking the shield of faith wherewith ye may be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Similes and Metaphors are employed

1. To aid the understanding.

We comprehend the unknown best by comparison with the known.

2. To intensify the feelings; as

Offence’s gilded hand may shove by justice.What a piece of work is man; how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals!

Offence’s gilded hand may shove by justice.

What a piece of work is man; how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals!

3. To give point and force to what we wish to express.

Our conduct towards the Indians has been that of a man who subscribes to hospitals, weeps at charity sermons, carries out broth and blankets to beggars, and then comes home and beats his wife and children.Howe’er it be, it seems to me’Tis only noble to be good.Kind hearts are more than coronets,And simple faith than Norman blood.—Tennyson.Every one must admit the beauty and force of the great poet’s comparison of kind hearts to coronets, and simple faith to Norman blood, implying that each object mentioned surpasses the one with which it is compared.

Howe’er it be, it seems to me’Tis only noble to be good.Kind hearts are more than coronets,And simple faith than Norman blood.—Tennyson.

Howe’er it be, it seems to me

’Tis only noble to be good.

Kind hearts are more than coronets,

And simple faith than Norman blood.—Tennyson.

Every one must admit the beauty and force of the great poet’s comparison of kind hearts to coronets, and simple faith to Norman blood, implying that each object mentioned surpasses the one with which it is compared.

The following rules should be observed in the conduct of Metaphors:—

1. Do not use metaphors, except when needed to make a sentence clearer or stronger. Needless metaphors are a blemish instead of an ornament.2. Do not pursue a simile or metaphor too far. The further it is pursued the less likely is the comparison to hold.3. Metaphors should avoid mean or disagreeable details.4. Metaphors should not be forced. Some metaphors are so far-fetched that (as Mr. Lowell says) one could wish their authors no worse fate than to be obliged to carry them back whence they came.5. Do not mix literal and metaphorical language. In the sentenceI was walking on the barren hills of sin and sorrow near Welshpool,“the barren hills of sin and sorrow” is metaphorical, and “near Welshpool” is literal.

1. Do not use metaphors, except when needed to make a sentence clearer or stronger. Needless metaphors are a blemish instead of an ornament.

2. Do not pursue a simile or metaphor too far. The further it is pursued the less likely is the comparison to hold.

3. Metaphors should avoid mean or disagreeable details.

4. Metaphors should not be forced. Some metaphors are so far-fetched that (as Mr. Lowell says) one could wish their authors no worse fate than to be obliged to carry them back whence they came.

5. Do not mix literal and metaphorical language. In the sentence

I was walking on the barren hills of sin and sorrow near Welshpool,

“the barren hills of sin and sorrow” is metaphorical, and “near Welshpool” is literal.

But I am constant as the northern star,Of whose true-fix’d and resting qualityThere is no fellow in the firmament.—Shakespeare.

But I am constant as the northern star,

Of whose true-fix’d and resting quality

There is no fellow in the firmament.—Shakespeare.

I had rather be a dog and bay the moon,Than such a Roman.—Shakespeare.

I had rather be a dog and bay the moon,

Than such a Roman.—Shakespeare.

There is a tide in the affairs of menWhich taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;Omitted, all the voyage of their lifeIs bound in shallows and in miseries.—Shakespeare.

There is a tide in the affairs of men

Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;

Omitted, all the voyage of their life

Is bound in shallows and in miseries.—Shakespeare.

Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve.—Milton.

Now morn, her rosy steps in eastern climeAdvancing, sow’d the earth with orient pearl.—Milton.

Now morn, her rosy steps in eastern clime

Advancing, sow’d the earth with orient pearl.—Milton.

So may’st thou live, till like ripe fruit thou dropInto thy mother’s lap.—Milton.

So may’st thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop

Into thy mother’s lap.—Milton.

Methinks I see in my mind a noble and puissant nation rousing herself like a strong man after sleep, and shaking her invincible locks.—Milton.

There is a reaper whose name is death,And with his sickle keenHe reaps the bearded grain at a breath,And the flowers that grow between.—Longfellow.

There is a reaper whose name is death,

And with his sickle keen

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,

And the flowers that grow between.—Longfellow.

And the night shall be filled with music,And the cares that infest the dayShall fold their tents like the Arabs,And as silently steal away.—Longfellow.

And the night shall be filled with music,

And the cares that infest the day

Shall fold their tents like the Arabs,

And as silently steal away.—Longfellow.

But what am I?An infant crying in the night:An infant crying for the light,And with no language but a cry.—Tennyson.

But what am I?

An infant crying in the night:

An infant crying for the light,

And with no language but a cry.—Tennyson.

But Memory blushes at the sneer,And Honor turns with frown defiant,And Freedom, leaning on her spear,Laughs louder than the laughing giant.—Holmes.

But Memory blushes at the sneer,

And Honor turns with frown defiant,

And Freedom, leaning on her spear,

Laughs louder than the laughing giant.—Holmes.

There comes Emerson first, whose rich words, every one,Are like gold nails in temples to hang trophies on.—Lowell.

There comes Emerson first, whose rich words, every one,

Are like gold nails in temples to hang trophies on.—Lowell.

In winter, when the dismal rainCame down in slanting lines,And wind, that grand old harper, smoteHis thunder-harp of pines.—Mulock.

In winter, when the dismal rain

Came down in slanting lines,

And wind, that grand old harper, smote

His thunder-harp of pines.—Mulock.

Men not only want a competency, but they want a ten-story competency; then they want religion as a lightning rod to ward off the bolts of divine judgment.—Beecher.As the river is swollen by the melting snows of spring and runs with greater force and volume, so, when he is aroused, his thoughts and words pour forth impetuously, and he exhibits the strength and majesty of the most commanding eloquence.

Men not only want a competency, but they want a ten-story competency; then they want religion as a lightning rod to ward off the bolts of divine judgment.—Beecher.

As the river is swollen by the melting snows of spring and runs with greater force and volume, so, when he is aroused, his thoughts and words pour forth impetuously, and he exhibits the strength and majesty of the most commanding eloquence.

Peace has poured oil on the troubled waters, and they blossom like the rose.She has come down among us in her floating robes, bearing the olive-branch in her beak.The American eagle broods over his nest in the rocky fastnesses, and his young shall lie down with the lamb.We have gone through the floods, and have turned their hot ploughshares into pruning-hooks.May we be as lucky in the future, preserving forever our Goddess of Liberty one and inseparable.Corrections.—Peace may pour oil on troubled waters, but waters never blossom.Anything that wears floating robes is not furnished with a beak.The young of eagles are not in the habit of lying down with lambs.Floods do not have hot ploughshares.Why should anyone wish to preserve the Goddess of Liberty inseparable, as it would be an unheard-of experience for a Goddess to be divided?

Peace has poured oil on the troubled waters, and they blossom like the rose.

She has come down among us in her floating robes, bearing the olive-branch in her beak.

The American eagle broods over his nest in the rocky fastnesses, and his young shall lie down with the lamb.

We have gone through the floods, and have turned their hot ploughshares into pruning-hooks.

May we be as lucky in the future, preserving forever our Goddess of Liberty one and inseparable.

Corrections.—Peace may pour oil on troubled waters, but waters never blossom.

Anything that wears floating robes is not furnished with a beak.

The young of eagles are not in the habit of lying down with lambs.

Floods do not have hot ploughshares.

Why should anyone wish to preserve the Goddess of Liberty inseparable, as it would be an unheard-of experience for a Goddess to be divided?

To be a good letter writer is an accomplishment as desirable as it is rare. Few persons possess the faculty of writing an interesting letter, politely and gracefully expressed. Unless you are an exception to the general rule you become stiff and formal when you attempt to express your thoughts to a friend, or make known your wants to a man of business. The epistle is labored, unnatural and lacking in that ease which is the charm of conversation.

“I now take my pen in hand,” etc. Do get rid of all old, set forms of expression. Imagine the person to whom you are writing as placed right before you, and talk to him with your pen as you would with your tongue.

There can be but one opinion concerning the general value of correspondence. How often people complain that they do not get letters from their friends. Neglect can be shown in no way more effectively than by failing to answer a letter when it ought to be written.

In writing a letter, care should be taken that the different parts are properly arranged.

First comes theAddress of the Writer.

This is written at the top of the paper, towards the right side. If the address consists of several parts, each part is given a separate line; thus—Livonia,Livingston Co.,New York.

This is written at the top of the paper, towards the right side. If the address consists of several parts, each part is given a separate line; thus—

Livonia,Livingston Co.,New York.

After the address comes theDate of Writing.

Next comes theForm of Address.

This is always placed towards the left of the page, and varies according to the relations between the sender and the receiver of the letter. Writing to an intimate friend, one may say, “My dear Tom,” or (a little less familiarly) “My dear Brown.” Writing to a friend who is also a superior in age or position, one would say, “My dear Mr. Brown.” “Dear Sir” is formal, but claims some small degree of acquaintance or regard. “Sir” is purely formal. Similarly we may have, “My dear Annie,” “My dear Mrs. Brown,” “Dear Madam,” and “Madam.” In writing to Miss Jones, a stranger, you may not wish to say, “Dear Miss.” It would be better in this instance to address her as “Miss Jones.”

After the form of address comes theLetter.

A friendly letter should be easy and pleasant in style—it should be, in fact, a talk on paper. In a business letter, on the other hand, the style is brief and concise. The first aim of the writer is to make himself understood, the next to be brief.

After the letter comes theSubscription, as,

Sincerely yours,Alexander Argyle.Or,Respectfully yours,New England Coal Co.Or in more formal style,I am, dear sir,Your obedient servant,Thomas Lancaster.The subscription is arranged like the address, but begins further to the left. The form of subscription varies with the form of address.

Sincerely yours,Alexander Argyle.

Or,

Respectfully yours,New England Coal Co.

Or in more formal style,

I am, dear sir,Your obedient servant,Thomas Lancaster.

The subscription is arranged like the address, but begins further to the left. The form of subscription varies with the form of address.

A business letter ends with theAddress of the Person to whom it is Sent.

This is written in the left corner. A friendly letter generally ends with the subscription.

345 Lancaster Street,15th February, 189-.Sir:Seeing by your advertisement in this morning’s “Standard” that you are in need of an office boy, I beg leave to apply for the position. I have been for six years a pupil in the Commercial School, Old Bridge Street. My teacher permits me to refer you to him for an account of my conduct and abilities. I have therefore only to add that if I am fortunate enough to enter your employ, it shall be my aim to serve you diligently and faithfully.I am, sir,Your obedient servant,Thomas Watson.J. W. Chambers, Esq.,97 Dearborn Street.

345 Lancaster Street,15th February, 189-.

Sir:

Seeing by your advertisement in this morning’s “Standard” that you are in need of an office boy, I beg leave to apply for the position. I have been for six years a pupil in the Commercial School, Old Bridge Street. My teacher permits me to refer you to him for an account of my conduct and abilities. I have therefore only to add that if I am fortunate enough to enter your employ, it shall be my aim to serve you diligently and faithfully.

I am, sir,Your obedient servant,Thomas Watson.

J. W. Chambers, Esq.,97 Dearborn Street.

Newark, September 11.My Dear Joe:Myself, and a half dozen other good fellows, are going to devote a few hours on Tuesday evening to the enjoyment of refreshments, chit-chat, and so on. I hope you will make one, as we have not enjoyed the “feast of reason and flow of soul” in each other’s company for some time past.Believe me, dear Joe,Yours ever,Harry.

Newark, September 11.

My Dear Joe:

Myself, and a half dozen other good fellows, are going to devote a few hours on Tuesday evening to the enjoyment of refreshments, chit-chat, and so on. I hope you will make one, as we have not enjoyed the “feast of reason and flow of soul” in each other’s company for some time past.

Believe me, dear Joe,Yours ever,Harry.

Madison Square, November 12.Dear Mr. Robinson:My old friend Richard Roy is coming to take a chop with me on Saturday, the 15th, and I hope you will come and join us at six o’clock. I know you are not partial to large parties, so trust you will think us two sufficient company.Yours ever truly,

Madison Square, November 12.

Dear Mr. Robinson:

My old friend Richard Roy is coming to take a chop with me on Saturday, the 15th, and I hope you will come and join us at six o’clock. I know you are not partial to large parties, so trust you will think us two sufficient company.

Yours ever truly,

Washington, July 3.Hon. J. B. Granger,My Dear Sir:We are endeavoring to get up a small excursion to visit Mount Vernon on the 10th of this month. Will you do us the favor of making one of our number? Mrs. ⸺ and my family desire their compliments, and request me to mention that they have taken upon themselves the task of providing the “creature comforts” for that occasion, and trust that their exertions will meet with unanimous approval. Should you have no previous engagement for that day, and feel disposed to join our party, a carriage will be at your door by 10 o’clock on Thursday morning; and believe me to be,My dear sir, yours most sincerely,Hon. J. B. Granger.P. S.—The favor of an early answer will oblige.

Washington, July 3.

Hon. J. B. Granger,My Dear Sir:

We are endeavoring to get up a small excursion to visit Mount Vernon on the 10th of this month. Will you do us the favor of making one of our number? Mrs. ⸺ and my family desire their compliments, and request me to mention that they have taken upon themselves the task of providing the “creature comforts” for that occasion, and trust that their exertions will meet with unanimous approval. Should you have no previous engagement for that day, and feel disposed to join our party, a carriage will be at your door by 10 o’clock on Thursday morning; and believe me to be,

My dear sir, yours most sincerely,

Hon. J. B. Granger.

P. S.—The favor of an early answer will oblige.

Washington, July 3.Mr. E. B. Allen,My Dear Sir:Replying to your kind invitation of this morning, I beg leave to say it would afford me great pleasure to join your excursion to Mount Vernon on the 10th inst. I will await your carriage at 10 o’clock on Thursday morning. Thanking you for your welcome invitation,I am, my dear sir, very truly yours,J. B. Granger.Mr. E. B. Allen.

Washington, July 3.

Mr. E. B. Allen,My Dear Sir:

Replying to your kind invitation of this morning, I beg leave to say it would afford me great pleasure to join your excursion to Mount Vernon on the 10th inst. I will await your carriage at 10 o’clock on Thursday morning. Thanking you for your welcome invitation,

I am, my dear sir, very truly yours,J. B. Granger.

Mr. E. B. Allen.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. James’s company, on Wednesday evening next, at eight o’clock, to join a social party. An immediate answer will much oblige.Fifth Avenue, January 9th.Mr. and Mrs. James will be most happy to avail themselves of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson’s kind invitation to join their social party as requested.West Street, January 10th.Mr. and Mrs. James greatly regret their inability to accept Mr. and Mrs. Thompson’s kind invitation to join their social party. Nothing would have afforded them more pleasure than to be present, but family affliction prevents them.West Street, January 10th.My Dear Bertha,—A few friends will be here on Wednesday evening next, to take a social cup of tea, and chat about mankind in particular. Give us the pleasure of your company.S. Buckman.Prince Street, Saturday morning.My Dear Sophie,—It affords me great pleasure to inform you that I shall join your party on Wednesday evening next.Bertha Merwin.Spring Street, Saturday afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. James’s company, on Wednesday evening next, at eight o’clock, to join a social party. An immediate answer will much oblige.

Fifth Avenue, January 9th.

Mr. and Mrs. James will be most happy to avail themselves of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson’s kind invitation to join their social party as requested.

West Street, January 10th.

Mr. and Mrs. James greatly regret their inability to accept Mr. and Mrs. Thompson’s kind invitation to join their social party. Nothing would have afforded them more pleasure than to be present, but family affliction prevents them.

West Street, January 10th.

My Dear Bertha,—A few friends will be here on Wednesday evening next, to take a social cup of tea, and chat about mankind in particular. Give us the pleasure of your company.

S. Buckman.

Prince Street, Saturday morning.

My Dear Sophie,—It affords me great pleasure to inform you that I shall join your party on Wednesday evening next.

Bertha Merwin.

Spring Street, Saturday afternoon.

Louisville, Ky., February 10.My Dear Howard:The news of your good fortune gives me great satisfaction. No one can possess true friendship without rejoicing in the prosperity of a friend. To one who has always been manly, true and noble, and who has labored persistently toward a particular end, success must be extremely gratifying.It will ever be my delight to hear that you are prospering in your undertakings, and if in any way I can serve you, you can rely upon my best endeavors. With every good wish for yourself and Mrs. Kerr,Ever faithfully yours,

Louisville, Ky., February 10.

My Dear Howard:

The news of your good fortune gives me great satisfaction. No one can possess true friendship without rejoicing in the prosperity of a friend. To one who has always been manly, true and noble, and who has labored persistently toward a particular end, success must be extremely gratifying.

It will ever be my delight to hear that you are prospering in your undertakings, and if in any way I can serve you, you can rely upon my best endeavors. With every good wish for yourself and Mrs. Kerr,

Ever faithfully yours,

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