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Printed by Thomas Wilson and Sons, High-Ousegate;

FOR LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN,
LONDON; AND FOR WILSON AND SONS, YORK.

1826.

3.1.2.90

1402.

of 24

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PREFACE.

THAT young persons in the present age enjoy advantages in the improvement of their minds, far superior to those by which any former period has been distinguished, is a truth too evident, not to be generally acknowledged. From the earliest dawn of reason and judgment, the mind is furnished with useful instruction; and in learning words, it obtains many valuable ideas. Fairy tales and surprising fables, the exploits of imaginary beings, and the dialogues of beasts of the field and fowls of the air, have given place to narratives of little incidents, belonging to the days of childhood, from which useful impressions are derived, and to conversations which excite and direct the curiosity, so important in the earliest stage of life. As the mental powers grow more vigorous, a wider field is gradually opened, and various pursuits in knowledge invite the most indolent. The office of the instructer is rendered more pleasing and useful; and the least informed parent is furnished with means of conveying instruction, not long since utterly unattainable.

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