Arnolds̕ First Latin Book

Ine Latin of the First and Second Latin Book has been retained, so far as consistent with our purpose; but as it has been found necessary to add many new selections, care has been taken to secure pure classic Latin, by resorting exclusively to the pages of Caesar and Cicero.

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In the preparation of this book, it has been a leading object with the editor, so to classify and arrange the various topics as to simplify, and, as far as possible, to remove the disheartening difficulties too often encountered by the learner at the very set in the study of an ancient language. He has accordingly endeavored so to present each new subject as to enable the be ginner fully to master it, before he is called upon to perplex himself with its more difficult combinations. The lessons have been prepared with constant reference to the Ollendorff method of instruction, while, at the same time, special pains have been taken to present a complete and systematic outline, both of the grammatical forms and of the elementary principles of the language. An effort has thus been made to combine the respective advantages of two systems, distinct in themselves, but by no means inconsistent with each other.

In the earlier portions of the book, the exercises for translation consist of two paragraphs of Latin sentences and two of English,

the first of each being designed to illustrate the particular topic which chances to be the subject of the lesson, and the second to furnish miscellaneous examples on the various subjects already learned. Thus each lesson becomes at once an advance and a review.

For convenience of reference and for the purposes of general review, a summary of Paradigms and an outline of Syntax have been appended to the lessons. The Syntax will be found, it is hoped, to be an improvement, at least in oint of classification and arrangement, upon that ordinarily presented in Latin Grammars. In a Second Latin Book, now in preparation-being at once a Reader and an Exercise Book-the editor contemplates a fuller development and illustration of the Latin Syntax, in a series of exercises on the principle of analysis and synthesis.

The present volume, as already intimated, has been prepared mainly from Arnold's First and Second Latin Book; the editor has, however, had before him numerous other works of a kindred character, from some of which he has derived valuable aid. Among these may be mentioned, in addition to the various Latin Grammars in use in this country and in England, Allen's New Latin Delectus; Analysis of Latin Verbs, by the same author; and Pinnock's First Latin Grammar; together with numerous other elementary works, among which the editor is happy to specify the First Latin Book, by Professors M'Clintock and Crooks.

Professor Spencer's edition of Arnold's Latin Prose Compo

sition, one of the volumes of the excellent Classical Sertes published by the Messrs. Appleton, has been consulted with much advantage.

For valuable assistance in the preparation of the Syntax, the editor is happy to acknowledge his indebtedness to Greene's Ana lysis of the English Language.

Providence, July 18, 1851.

A. HARKNESS.