The Elocutionary Introduction, by Professor F. Townsend Southwick, presents in brief scope the most important rules. for oral reading and those principles of the art that are most necessary for the pupils to master. The teacher should, at the very outset, become thoroughly familiar with the subjects here presented, and the pupils should be referred to this discussion of elocutionary principles as often as occasion may permit.

The more difficult words are defined, and their pronunciation is indicated by diacritical marks. The object of this is to aid the pupil in the ready preparation of the reading lesson, and not to supply merely an exercise in the study of words. Short explanatory notes are given wherever required for a full understanding of the text. It is assumed, however, that the pupils have already a general knowledge of most of the subjects alluded to, or that they have ready access to the more common books of reference, and therefore only occasional notes of this character are necessary.

An alphabetical list of the authors of the various selections, together with brief biographical and critical notes, is given as an appendix to the volume.

Acknowledgments are due to Messrs. Little, Brown & Co., Charles Scribner's Sons, the Century Company, and other publishers who have generously permitted the use, in this series, of selections from their copyrighted works.

The selections from Longfellow, Hawthorne, Larcom, Emerson, Holmes, and Whittier are used by special arrangement with and permission of Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co., the authorized publishers of the works of these authors.