was filled with naked men shouting with pleasure as they washed off the sweat of their long day's march. Even as I looked, the noise of battle grew louder, and soon the symptoms of movement were evident. The rappel was heard, the bathers hurriedly clad themselves, the ranks were formed, and the sharp, quick snap of the percussion caps told us the men were preparing their weapons for action. Almost immediately a general officer rode up to the front of the line, addressed to it a few brief, energetic words, the short sharp order to move by the flank was given, followed immediately by the "double quick," the officer placed himself at the head of the column, and that brave infantry which had marched almost forty miles since the setting of yesterday's sun-which during the day had hardly known either sleep, or food, or rest, or shelter from the July heat,—now, as the shadows grew long, hurried forward on the run to take its place in the front of battle and to bear up the reeling fortunes of the day.

From Oration on Battle of Gettysburg by CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Quincy, Mass., July 4, 1869. "World's Best Orations."

3. General Lee, after a cheery conversation, parted the window curtains and invited his visitors to a tiny balcony overhanging the street. The view was enlivening. The Prado was bathed in the effulgence of electric lights, and the statue of Isabella adorning the oblong park fronting the hotel looked like an alabaster figure. All was life and activity. A cool breeze came from the ocean. A stream of well-dressed ladies and gentlemen poured along the Prado-dark-eyed señoras and señoritas with coquettish veils, volunteers, regulars, and civil guards, in tasty uniforms, and a cosmopolitan sprinkling of Englishmen, Germans, French, Italians, and other nationalities, Americans being conspicuous. Low-wheeled carriages rattled over the pavements in scores, many filled with ladies en masque, on their way to the ball. Occasionally the notes of a bugle were heard, and anon the cries of negro newsboys, shouting "La Lucha!"

Description of scene in Havana, by Aмos J. CUMMINGS. "Congressional Record."

Exercise XXVI.

You have seen a production of some play, possibly one that you are reading in class. Describe some scene in which an important character appears at an exciting moment; for instance, just after Orlando rushes in while the exiles are eating, or where Orlando talks with Jaques while Celia and Rosalind listen. Include background, important details, and take care to show the relation of objects and persons. Indicate bearing and expression of face.

Exercise XXVII.

Describe one of the following, showing action:

Skating scene.

Scene at village post-office at mail-time.

Scene at railway station as train comes in.

Scene after church service.

Scene on circus grounds, or at the zoo.

Ballroom during dance.

Scene just after a wreck, or at a fire.

Scene on steamer deck or on pier, as ship goes out, or enters.
Scene before or during or after some ball game.

Brooklyn Bridge at the rush hour.

Subway station in New York or Boston at 8 A. M. or 6 P. M.
Scene in a large store, during a bargain sale, or on Christmas Eve.
Street scene on a main street in a large city after the play.
Scene during a parade.

Scene at a country fair.

Scene before or after school, or at lunch time.

Scene on street at beginning of heavy shower-(Read HAWTHORNE'S Sights from a Steeple, in "Twice-Told Tales").

The description of the scenes during the advance of the army, given on pages 220-21, illustrates a kind of description that progresses, though it is not pure narrative. A succession of pictures is given, without including any incident. Often this is more vivid than a single picture,

It gives opportunity for movement, and therefore truly presents a scene of action.

Exercise XXVIII.

Describe a race, or the rush to a fire, or the successive scenes in a football game.

Describe the changing scene viewed from a moving train or from a river boat.

In giving the general impression, in any of the exercises, you have used description by effect. This method may be used for entire descriptions.

CHAPTER VII

EXPOSITION

NATURE OF EXPOSITION

The word exposition means literally a setting out, or laying open. Sometimes the term explanation is used instead. It is that form of expression which makes some information or direction clear, which tells what or how. It does not relate a series of happenings, or even give an account of a single event with continued action, as does narrative. It may, however, state what certain persons or groups of persons are accustomed to do under specific circumstances, such as the Saturday afternoon dress parade at West Point. Nor does exposition aim to reproduce in the mind of the hearer a definite picture of an individual person or place, though it may state what characteristics one possesses. In other words, description gives a representation of the individual as distinguished from other members of a class or type, but exposition states the general marks common to all members of a class, or states what qualities the individual has without showing the appearance. One pupil may explain the plan or construction of the school building. Another may describe it, showing it as he sees it, without exact information as to dimensions. A political speaker may state fully what the Republican party stands for in that campaign, using exposition, not argument, as he would in attempting to convince the voters that they should elect the candidates who hold those principles.

The purpose, then, of exposition, is to give information of some kind in a clear, accurate way. One may find exposition necessary to make others understand the nature of work to be done, how to plan or carry out the work, conditions that exist, processes that others have followed, or even the personal opinion of the one giving the information, or theories that someone else holds.

Exercise I.

Read the examples on pages 207 and 259 to distinguish description, exposition, and argument. Give reasons for your classification.

CLASSIFICATION

There are various kinds of exposition. A simple definition is one. So is the explanation of what a museum in all its varied departments is. One may state what an automobile is. Then he may give a long and detailed account of how the machines are made and placed on the market. He may state the characteristics or advantages of various kinds. He may explain the workings of the parts to produce motion of the whole, and state the theory which the inventors applied. If experienced in its use, he can show someone else how to run it, and give directions for proper care, or how to make repairs. The dealer has, possibly, knowledge of the best methods of salesmanship, which he communicates to his men. He also knows the conditions of the trade, or production, or increased cost of making and marketing, which he tells other dealers, or a prospective purchaser. Of course, he should be able to give his own opinions as to the good workmanship and superiority of the car he sells. He should know its qualities of speed, endurance, and economy of fuel. It may be convenient for him to be able to summarize briefly the statements in a