AND LETTER WRITING FOR USE IN Commercial Schools, Normal Schools, Colleges, Academies, and High Schools. 590979 PREFACE. To a young man or a young woman who seeks employment in business, or who would have a practical education, no subject can be of more importance than spelling. Any person expecting to succeed in business should at least be able to spell correctly and write a good letter. Correct spelling, beautiful writing, and careful arrangement, in letters, are like correct pronunciation of well chosen words; or like neat-fitting, cleanlooking clothes,— they are a valued and an impressive introduction. While one may not always receive the credit to which he is entitled for spelling correctly, he is sure to suffer humiliation and loss if he spells incorrectly. A great deal of time and thought was devoted to the preparation of this text-book, and it is, therefore, with much satisfaction. that the author observes its growing popularity. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1889, by in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. Copyrighted, 1897, by The Practical Text Book Company. Copyrighted, 1902, by The Practical Text Book Company. INTRODUCTION. Had we believed, with a celebrated congressman - not noted for skill in orthography that "spelling is very small business," this book would not have been published. Considering the subject important, we have earnestly endeavored to prepare a work that should present it in the most attractive, interesting, and useful manner. The words have been selected with great care, our aim being to give only words in common use, and those that are liable to be misspelled. They are arranged alphabetically, marked diacritically, divided into syllables, and classified according to their meaning. This classification makes the study of the lessons more interesting and at the same time gives a knowledge of the correct use of the words. There is no better way of acquiring discrimination in the use of words than by the study of synonyms, and many of these are grouped in lessons as a result of this method of classifying. The parts of speech have been indicated in accordance with the definitions given. Only, one, two, or at most three words have been selected from a series of words derived from the same root, varying slightly in spelling or definition. The dictation exercises are on the same subject as the respective lessons, and are the best thoughts of the best writers. They will add interest to the spelling lesson, and afford excellent practice in penmanship, and the spelling of short and common words. They may also be used as gems of thought to be recited in concert by the class, reading from the open book, or be committed to memory, by each pupil, and recited individually. The definitions are short and comprehensive, and of the words in their most common use. It is as important to know what a word means as how to spell it. Webster's International Dictionary has been used as the authority in spelling, defining, and pronunciation. |