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have appeared had they been farther away? What comparison is used to give a clear idea of the appearance of the farm? Describe the picture which the whole scene presents to you. Mention the colors which are seen in this landscape, and tell what is added to the picture by each.

Read the second selection and name the elements that enter into this description. Describe the picture as it presents itself to you. How does this description differ from that of the New England landscape?

What purpose had the writer of the first description? What idea was uppermost in the mind of the writer of the second description? How is this shown?

Read the description of Loch Katrine and its surroundngs, and name the principal features of this scene. What colors are mentioned? Tell how they are produced. Have you ever seen these colors in a landscape? Describe the effects produced by them. Explain how the colors add to the beauty of the picture. What comparison is used in describing this scene? Consider whether it adds strength or beauty to the description.

Which of these descriptions gives you the greatest pleasure? Which of these writers do you think enjoyed most the scene he describes? Tell what

you think were his feelings regarding it. Which will a writer describe with more feeling, a scene which he views for the first time, or one which he has known and loved from boyhood?

Recall some bit of landscape or other scene with which

you are familiar, and describe it to the class.

LESSON V

COMPOSITION

DESCRIPTION

The power to describe with accuracy what is seen should be cultivated by every one. A person who can describe accurately and well the beautiful places which he visits, so that others may enjoy them with him, is able to give much pleasure.

Write the description of some scene with which you are familiar. It may be a bit of country with green trees, and a river, or a lake to add to its beauty, or it may be the city park with its velvety green grass, noble trees, and bright beds of flowers.

Make your description accurate, so that when it is read to the class any one who has seen the place will recognize it. By a careful use of words that will add beauty to your sentences, you may make your description pleasing as well

as accurate.

NOTE. These themes should be kept and returned to pupils for revision after a month or two.

LESSON VI

ACQUIRING A VOCABULARY

One way in which expression may be varied is by the use of synonyms, or a negative statement formed by using not with the antonym of the word changed. In order

EXERCISES IN ACQUIRING A VOCABULARY

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that we may be able to vary expression in this way, we must know the synonym and antonym of the word which we wish to change.

You

If you wish to vary the form of the sentence, “John Smith is an efficient workman," by changing the word efficient, you will find a synonym for it and use in its place. You may use the word capable instead of efficient. For example, "John Smith is a capable workman.” may wish to use the negative form of expression, and in this case you will select an antonym for efficient to be used with not. For example, "John Smith is not an inefficient workman."

Write a synonym and an antonym for each of the following words and use each in a sentence.

The same thought should be expressed by the use of the word given, its synonym, and its antonym.

EXERCISES IN ACQUIRING A VOCABULARY

The vocabulary of the average person is small, and because of this the same word is used too frequently, and often when some other word would be more suitable.