The biographical notices, if properly used, are hardly of less value than the lessons themselves.  They have been carefully prepared, and are intended not only to add to the interest of the pieces, but to supply information usually obtained only by the separate study of English and American literature.

The illustrations of the revised sixth reader are presented as specimens of fine art.  They are the work of the best artists and engravers that could be secured for the purpose in this country.  The names of these gentlemen may be found on page ten.

The publishers would here repeat their acknowledgments to the numerous friends and critics who have kindly assisted in the work of revision, and would mention particularly President Edwin C. Hewett, of the State Normal University, Normal, Illinois, and the Hon.  Thomas W. Harvey, of Painesville, Ohio, who have had the revision of the sixth reader under their direct advice.

Especial acknowledgment is due to Messrs. Houghton, Osgood & Co., for their permission to make liberal selections from their copyright editions of many of the foremost American authors whose works they publish.  January, 1880.

CONTENTS (5)

INTRODUCTION.

Subject.  Page
I. Articulation 11
ii.  Inflection 18
iii.  Accent and emphasis 33
iv.  Instructions for reading verse 39
V. The voice 40
VI.  Gesture 55

SELECTIONS FOR READING. (5)

Title.  Author.  Page. 1.  Anecdote of the Duke of Newcastle Blackwood’s Magazine. 63 2.  The Needle Samuel Woodworth. 67 3.  Dawn Edward Everett. 68 4.  Description of a Storm Benjamin Disraeli. 70 5.  After the Thunderstorm James Thomson. 72 6.  House Cleaning Francis Hopkinson. 73 7.  Schemes of Life often Illusory Samuel Johnson. 78 8.  The Brave Old Oak Henry Fothergill Chorley. 81 9.  The Artist Surprised 82 10.  Pictures of Memory Alice Cary. 88 11.  The Morning Oratorio Wilson Flagg. 90 12.  Short Selections in Poetry: