This textbook is a fourth and fifth-year reader. The lessons have been prepared and arranged with a view towards several ends: to interest the young reader; to cultivate a taste for the best style of literature as regards both thought and expression; to point the way to an acquaintance with good books; to appeal to the pupil's sense of duty, and strengthen his desire to do right; to arouse patriotic feelings and a just pride in the achievements of our countrymen; and add somewhat to the learner's knowledge of history and science and art. Writings by authors such as Ivan Kriloff, Henry W. Longfellow, Franqoise Coppee, Thomas Moore, Mary Howitt, and Ralph Waldo Emerson are presented.