808 M65

PREFACE.

'Reading maketh a full man; conference, a ready man;
and writing, an exact man.'

-BACON,

THE recent reports from the University Examiners
reveal the fact that the very important subject of
English Composition presents serious difficulties
to candidates; the standard of marks attained
being very low. It is a subject by which the
results of sound teaching may be most effectually
tested, and the power of thought and expression
acquired by the student best exhibited.

It is not, therefore, a matter of surprise that
special importance is attached to English Com-
position at all our public examinations.

An attempt to do for the subject what has
already been so abundantly done for Latin, and
French Composition, is made in the present
book. As will be seen from a glance at the
contents, the aim of the author is to instruct by
example rather than by mere precept.

J. W. M.