This textbook is a fourth-year reader. The lessons in this volume 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 incidentally to add somewhat to the learner's knowledge of history and science and art. Writings by authors such as William Blake, Hannah F. Gould, George P. Morris, William Bingley, Mary Howitt, Francis Scott Key, and Charles Dickens are presented.