ADVERTISEMENT. IN compiling a reading book for schools, it should undoubtedly be a leading object to make such a selection as will be likely to exert a salutary influence on the pupil in future life. Many of the lessons in this compilation have been taken from highly popular works, recently published, which appear better calculated to inspire the young with a taste for science and literature, and to instil correct moral principles, than any which have before appeared. It appears highly important that the rising generation should be deeply impressed with the necessity of a proper regard for the Sabbath; and also that the subject of Intemperance, which has been of late so much discussed, should be presented to the youthful mind, in a more striking point of view, than has been done in the school books now in use. In the following lessons, extracts treating of these and other subjects of acknowledged practical importance, have been chosen, in preference to those which are calculated merely to assist the pupil in becoming a good reader. It has not however been forgotten that variety is indispensable; and that the usefulness of the book must greatly depend on its containing pieces adapted to correct the monotonous drawl, so frequently heard in the reading of school boys. More lessons of this character have been inserted than are usually found in similar collections. It is hoped that these considerations will secure the work a candid examination from those who take an interest in the subject of education. Brookfield, October, 1828. CONTENTS. Evils of neglecting the early improvement of the Mind, Magnitude of the bodies which compose the Solar System, Magnitude and Number of the Stars, Rapid Motions of the Celestial Bodies, Reception of Columbus in Spain after his Discovery of America, |