to_ the floor," "She laid it _on to_ a dish," "I threw it _on to_ the
fire." Why use two prepositions where one would be quite as explicit, and
far more elegant? Nobody would think of saying, "He came to New-York,
_for_ to go to the exhibition."
466. "No other resource _but_ this was allowed him:" say, "No other
resource _than_ this," &c.
467. "I don't know but _what_ I shall go to White Plains to-morrow:" say,
"I don't know but _that_," &c.
468. "One of those houses _were_ sold last week," "Each of the daughters
_are_ to have a separate share," "Every tree in those plantations _have_
been injured by the storm," "Either of the children _are_ at liberty to
claim it." Here it will be perceived that the pronouns "one," "each,"
"every," "either," are the true nominatives to the verbs; but the
intervening noun in the plural number, in each sentence, deludes the ear;
and the speaker, without reflection, renders the verb in the plural
instead of the singular number.
469. "Many still die annually _from_ the plague:" say, _of_ the plague.
470. "He spoke _contemptibly_ of him," should be, He spoke
_contemptuously_ of him.
471. "_Was_ you?" should be, _Were_ you?
472. "This is the more _perfect_ of the two:" say, More _complete_.
_Perfect_ rarely admits comparison.
473. Avoid all slang and vulgar words and phrases, as, _Anyhow_, _Bating_,
_Bran new_, _To blow up_, _Bother_, _Cut_, _Currying favor_, _Fork out_,
_Half an eye_, _I am up to you_, _Kick up_, _Scrape_, _The Scratch_, _Walk
into_.
474. "Go _over_ the bridge," should be, Go _across_ the bridge.
475. "_I was some distance from home_," should be, I was _at_ some
distance from home.
476. "Is Mr. Smith _in_?" should be, Is Mr. Smith _within_?
477. "It is _above_ a month since," should be, It is _more_ than a month
since.
478. "Vegetables were _plenty_," should be, Vegetables were _plentiful_.
479. "We both were _very disappointed_." This is an incomplete expression:
say, _very much_, or _very greatly_. No one would think of saying, "We
both were _very pleased_."
480. "It is I who _is_ to receive the appointment:" say, who _am_ to
receive; _who_ is in the first person, and the verb of which it is the
subject must be in the same.
481. Never say _biscake_, for _biscuit_.
482. "Passengers are _not requested_ to let down the chains, before the
boat is fastened to the bridge." [From a printed regulation on one of the
New-York and Brooklyn ferry-boats.] The reading should be, "Passengers
_are requested not to let down_ the chains."
483. "How will you _swap_ jack-knives?" _swap,_ although it is a word
familiarly used in connection with "jack-knives," is a term that cannot
lay the least claim to elegance. Use some other of the many mercantile
expressions to which trade has given rise.
484. "He's put his nose to the _grin-stone_ at an early age." [A remark
usually made by old ladies, suggested by the first marriage among their
grandsons.] Say, _grind-stone_. A _grin-stone_ implies a stone that
"grins," whereas, especially in this instance, the "nose" fulfills that
office.
485. The importance of punctuating a written sentence is often neglected.
Space does not permit the giving of rules on this subject, in this book.
Business correspondence is generally blemished by many omissions of this
character; for example, "Messrs G Longman & Co have recd a note from the
Cor Sec Nat Shipwreck Soc informing them of the loss of one of their
vessels off the N E Coast of S A at 8 P M on the 20 of Jan." A clergyman,
standing in his pulpit, was once handed a slip of paper, to be read in the
hearing of the congregation, which was intended to convey the following
notice: "A man going to sea, his wife desires the prayers of the church."
But the sentence was improperly punctuated, and he read, "A man going to
see his wife, desires the prayers of the church!"
486. "The knave thereupon commenced rifling his _friend's_ (as he called
him) _pocket_:" say, "The knave commenced rifling the _pocket of his
friend_, as he facetiously called him." The possessive case, and the word
that governs it, must not be separated by an intervening clause.
487. "I owe _thee_ a heavy debt of gratitude, and _you_ will not permit me
to repay it:" say, either "I owe _you_," &c., preserving "and _you_ will"
in the second clause; or, "I owe _thee_," and altering "and _you_ will"
into "and _thou wilt_."
488. "Every lancer and every rifleman _were at their post_:" say, _was at
his_ post.
489. "I can lift as many pounds _as he has_:" add _lifted_.
490. Do not use _to_, the sign of the infinitive mood, for the infinitive
itself. "I have not written to him, and I am not likely _to_," should
read, "I am not likely _to write to him_."
491. The word _agree_ is sometimes followed by the wrong preposition. We
should say, agree _with_ a person--_to_ a proposition--_upon_ a thing
among ourselves.
492. We should say _compare with_, in respect of quality--_compare to_,
for the sake of illustration.
493. We should say copy _after_ a person--_copy from_ a thing.
494. _Between_ is properly applied only to two objects; _among_, to three
or more. "A father divided a portion of his property _between_ his two
sons; the rest he distributed _among_ the poor."
495. _In_ should not be used for _into_, after verbs denoting entrance.
"Come _in_ my parlor," should read, "Come _into_ my parlor."
496. "We confide _in_, and have respect _for_, the good." Such a form of
expression is strained and awkward. It is better to say, "We confide _in_
the good, and have respect for _them_," or, "We _trust_ and _respect_ the
good."
497. "This veil of flesh parts the visible and the invisible world:" say,
"parts the visible _from_ the invisible." It certainly is not meant that
the veil of flesh _parts_ (or _divides_) each of these worlds.
498. "Every leaf, every twig, every blade, every drop of water, _teem_
with life:" say, _teems_.
499. "Dr. Prideaux used to relate that when he brought the manuscript of
his Connection of the Old and the New Testaments to the publisher, _he
told him_ it was a dry subject, and that the printing could not be safely
ventured upon unless he could enliven the work with a little humor." The
sense alone, and not the _sentence_, indicates to whom _he_ and _him_
respectively refer; such a form of expression is faulty, because it may
lead to a violation of _perspicuity_, which is one of the most essential
qualities of a good style.
500. The last direction which this little book will give, on the subject
with which it has been occupied, is one that long ago was given in the
greatest of books--"Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of
Christ." If obedience to this injunction may not guard him who heeds it
against the commission of such mistakes as are numbered in this catalogue,
it will not fail to lead him out of the way of errors more grievous and
solemn.
THE SPELLER AND DEFINER'S MANUAL.
BY WILLIAM W. SMITH, Principal of Grammar School No. 1, New-York; Author
of The Speller's Manual.
This work contains about fourteen thousand of the most useful words in the
English language, correctly spelled, pronounced, defined, and arranged in
classes, together with rules for spelling, prefixes and suffixes, with
their significations, rules for use of capitals, punctuation and other
marks used in writing and printing, quotations from other languages used
in English composition, abbreviations, &c., to which is added a
+Vocabulary+ for reference. Words which resemble each other in
pronunciation, but have different meanings, are arranged together, and
occupy about one eighth of the entire work, containing nearly three
hundred pages. The sentences for examples for pupils (each embracing two
or more of these words) will be found very instructive and interesting.
While +The Speller and Definer's Manual+ supplies all that can be desired
in an ordinary dictionary or speller, it furnishes much important
information that cannot be found in these, and presents a study, usually
dry and uninteresting, in a natural and attractive manner. It is adapted
to the capacities of children, and will essentially aid the teacher in the
work of instruction by suggesting _questions_ and _ideas_ that are very
often overlooked amid the anxieties of the school-room.
It will be found to be one of the most useful works for schools or
+SELF-INSTRUCTION+ ever issued as a text-book, and its examination will
abundantly repay any friend of education.
The Manual has been adopted by the Board of Education for use in the
Public Schools of New-York City.
We invite attention to the following extracts of notices of this work from
city papers:
NOTICES OF THE PRESS.
"The volume is not only valuable as a text-book for schools, but will be
+USEFUL TO ADULTS+ whose knowledge of the mechanics of literature has
grown rusty."--_Commercial Advertiser._
"We like the plan and execution of this new work, and recommend it to the
attention of teachers."--_Life Illustrated._
"The author of this excellent little manual is the principal of one of our
grammar schools, and is well known as a teacher. If his manual have any
fault, it is that of _brevity_, for the principle upon which it is
constructed, strikes us as perfect."--_New-York Courier._
Retail price 62-1/2 cents. Single copies, for examination, sent to any
part of the country post-paid on receipt of Fifty Cents. Address
+DANIEL BURGESS & CO., Publishers+,
NO. 60 JOHN STREET, NEW-YORK.
THE GRADUAL SERIES OF READERS. BY D. B. TOWER, A. M., (Principal of Park
Latin School, Boston,) AND CORNELIUS WALKER, A. M. (Principal of Wells
Grammar School, Boston.)
The _first essential_ of good reading is a _distinct articulation_. This
can only result from practice of the elementary sounds and their
combinations. All of these simple elements and their combinations are
given, with ample directions, arranged in the simplest and most compact
form, in the first books of Tower's series.
The _next points_ are _Emphasis_ and the _Tones_.
These are set forth and illustrated in the last three Readers. The
elements of expression requisite for the utterance of every sentiment are
clearly described and explained by appropriate examples. By these
examples, it is clearly shown how a passage is to be read, and thence is
deduced a rule or principle that all similar passages are to be read in a
similar manner.
The character of the selections is such as to claim the attention of all
who are in search of good reading matter. They are exciting, instructive,
and interesting, and admirably adapted to the capacity of the pupils.
The higher books of the series contain selections from authors who are
considered standards in their respective departments. The dignity and
objects of literature are distinctly brought to view, whether in the form
of prose to persuade and instruct--in that of poetry, to please the
fancy--or in that of the drama, to move the passions.
The character of the selections in these two books is such as to claim the
attention of all who are in search of _reading matter_ that will _wear_.
The superiority of these books is acknowledged, wherever they have been
brought to a practical test. The more intelligent any school committee, or
teachers are, the more readily are these Readers appreciated, and the more
eagerly are they sought for use in the school-room. So decided is the
preference for them, among the educated, over every other series, that
they are gradually but surely superseding them all, and going into general
use in all the best schools in our country.
Price.
TOWER'S FIRST READER, or Gradual Primer, 14 cts.
Do. SECOND READER, or Introduction to Gradual Reader, 25 "
Do. THIRD READER, or Gradual Reader, 34 "
Do. FOURTH READER, or Sequel to Gradual Reader, 50 "
Do. FIFTH READER, or North American Second Class Reader, 62-1/2 "
Do. SIXTH READER, or North American First Class Reader, 84 "
Do. GRADUAL SPELLER, or Complete Enunciator, 17 "
Do. INTERMEDIATE READER, 25 "
Copies of the above sent by mail, postage paid, on receipt of the prices
annexed. Address
DANIEL BURGESS & Co.,
PUBLISHERS, NEW-YORK.
ENGLISH GRAMMARS. BY DAVID B. TOWER, A. M., AND PROF. BENJAMIN F. TWEED,
A. M.
Tower's ELEMENTS OF GRAMMAR. PRICE 25 CENTS.
FIRST LESSONS IN LANGUAGE: OR, ELEMENTS OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR. BY DAVID B.
TOWER, A. M., AND PROF. BENJAMIN F. TWEED, A. M.
This little book was prepared for beginners, that they might feel their
way understandingly, and become interested in this sometimes dry study.
This subject is presented in a natural way, avoiding all unnecessary
innovations. The plan is simple and plain, introducing only one thing at a
time, that the pupil may see a reason for each step, and thus be led to
think. It is concise, that the whole subject may be placed before the
learner in the simplest manner and encumbered by as few words for the
memory as possible, that the interest may be kept up till he is master of
the study. By easy questions, principles are deduced from familiar
examples already explained for the sake of such inferences, that a clear
understanding of these principles and their application may be acquired,
rather than the words used to explain and describe them.
Towers ENGLISH GRAMMAR. PRICE FIFTY-SIX CENTS.
GRADUAL LESSONS IN GRAMMAR;
OR, GUIDE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE BY THE ANALYSIS AND
COMPOSITION OF SENTENCES; WITH A SEQUEL. BY DAVID B. TOWER, A. M., AND
PROF. BENJAMIN F. TWEED, A. M.
The first object in the Gradual Lessons in Grammar, is to render the pupil
familiar with the different CLASSES of words, in the various _relations_
in which they may be used, by directing attention to the manner in which
they affect the _meaning_ of the sentence. Thus it is stated, that "words
used as names are nouns." Then follow examples of the different kinds of
nouns, and the pupil is required to tell _why_ they are nouns, and to
write others, till he recognizes the noun wherever it is found.
The same course is then taken with reference to the verb, after which
_sentences_ are introduced in their simplest form, containing only the
essential elements, and the pupil is required to analyze them and
_construct_ similar sentences.
Then follows the adjective, and attention is called to its effect on the
meaning of the sentence. The _statement_ at the head of each section is
not to be committed to memory, but is made to assist the pupil in
appreciating the _grammatical forms of the sentences_ which follow. In
this manner, by the introduction of a new class of words, or the use of
the same class in a different relation, the sentence is _gradually built
up_; till, from the most simple, we have the most complex an involved
forms. The _technical terms_, denoting the various relations and
modifications, are then given, with marginal references to the
illustrations. The _definitions_ and _rules_ in the Sequel are deduced
from illustrations in the First Part.
The First Part of this Grammar has one _peculiar_ advantage. It combines
CONSTRUCTION with Analysis. On every principle developed, _written_
exercises are required of the pupils, not only to insure an understanding
of that particular principle and to perpetuate a knowledge of it, but also
to furnish gradual and continued practice in the _construction_ of
sentences. This method of instruction makes _correct writers_, as it
regards the using of words _understandingly_ and _grammatically_ in
sentences, and prepares the pupil for the task of _composition_, by
enabling him to express his thoughts _correctly_ if _he has_ any.
Persons who wish to acquire a knowledge of English Grammar +WITHOUT A
MASTER+, will find these works of great service. Sent singly or
together, by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price.
DANIEL BURGESS & CO.
+Publishers, No. 60 John St., New-York.+
MAYHEW'S BOOK-KEEPING.
A PRACTICAL SYSTEM OF BOOK-KEEPING BY SINGLE AND DOUBLE ENTRY. BY IRA
MAYHEW, A. M. FOR FARMERS, MECHANICS, AND MERCHANTS.
This is a very neat-looking volume, whose title, "Practical Book-keeping,"
is indicative of its leading characteristics. The specimens of accounts
presented in it are in script that closely resembles writing, and they
hence afford excellent models for imitation. The book contains four forms
of accounts, immediately following each of which is a large number of
examples for practice. In their solution, the pupil has occasion
practically to apply the knowledge he has already acquired of both
arithmetic and penmanship, while at the same time he learns Book-keeping
as he will have occasion to practice it in after life. For this purpose a
set of account books, in which the examples for practice are to be written
out by the learner, and a Key for teachers containing the solution,
accompany the book.
Agesilaus, king of Sparta, being asked what things he thought most proper
for boys to learn, very appropriately replied, "Those things which they
should _practice_ when they become men." Ever since it was said to Adam,
"In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread," there has been a
necessity laid upon man not only to _labor,_ but to _exchange_ with others
the products of his industry, in order to secure a comfortable support.
Excepting merchants, mechanics, and professional men, very few,
comparatively, keep any accounts. The principal reason for this is found
in the fact, that when young they were not taught how to do so, and the
necessity of its being done. Considerations are presented, in the
Introduction to this work, to show some of the many advantages that would
result to individuals and to the community from making Book-keeping a
common study, and the design of the present work is to furnish a practical
system of popular Book-keeping, which may meet the wants of the great
majority of the American people.
Sent by mail, post-paid, to any part of the country, on receipt of 37-1/2
cts. Blanks, 50 cts.
+Daniel Burgess & Co.,+
_Publishers, 60 John St., New-York._
GEOGRAPHY FOR THE MILLION.
Smith's Modern and Ancient Geography,
ACCOMPANIED BY A LARGE AND VALUABLE
ATLAS,
Containing 35 Beautiful Colored Maps, drawn and engraved expressly for
this work. The Maps have all been corrected and brought up to the times;
Railroads have all been laid down as far as completed. This Atlas also
contains a large number of new and interesting Statistical Tables from the
Census of 1850. The Tables contain the POPULATION OF EACH COUNTY in the
United States. Also, the AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS of each of the States,
with 30 other Tables from the Census. A
CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE
of the principal Political and other Events in American History, from 1492
to 1853, has been added, in which everything of any importance has been
noticed, with the date at which it happened. There has also been added a
large and beautiful Map of the ROMAN EMPIRE, which will be of use in the
study of Ancient Geography and History, most of the towns mentioned being
laid down on this Map.
The descriptions of the States and Territories are full and complete,
having been brought up to the times in every respect. This work is
rendered still more valuable by a complete
COMPENDIUM OF ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY,
which will be found as interesting and instructive as the more extended
treatises of this subject. A series of DRILL QUESTIONS for General
Revision is appended to this work, which will be found of great
convenience to the Teacher and aid to the Scholar in bringing definitely
to his mind, in a condensed form, the main features of the subject he has
gone over. This Book is receiving universal favor where it is known by
Teachers, Committees, and others. It has been introduced into the Best
Schools of our country, and they cannot be without it.
Full and complete descriptions of our new Territories of
NEBRASKA AND KANSAS,
with their Boundaries accurately laid down on the Map. This Map will be of
great use to those who intend emigrating to these Territories. This work
contains more information than will be found in any other book for the
price. Price, for both Geography and Atlas, $1.13, sent by mail,
post-paid. The Atlas can be had separately by those who want it, at 75
cts., postage paid.
SMITH'S PRIMARY GEOGRAPHY,
A beautiful Book for young Students. Price, 37-1/2 cents.
SMITH'S QUARTO GEOGRAPHY,
combining Maps and Text in one volume; well adapted to private study.
Price, 75 cents. Sent by mail, post-paid.
+DANIEL BURGESS & Co.+,
PUBLISHERS, NO. 60 JOHN ST., N. Y.
WESTWARD, HO!
A NEW TOWNSHIP MAP OF THE STATE OF IOWA,
Showing the Streams, Roads, Towns, Post-offices, County Seats, Railroads,
&c., compiled from the latest U. S. Surveys, official information, and
personal reconnoissance, just published. Pocket edition. Very large and
beautifully colored.
Travellers, Emigrants, and all others interested, will find this the best
and only complete and reliable Map of this State published. Sent by mail,
post-paid, on receipt of One Dollar.
ALSO,
A NEW SECTIONAL MAP OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN,
Comprising all the most recent Surveys, Towns, Post-offices, Railroads,
County Seats, &c., &c. Sent by mail, post-paid, for 60 cents.
These are very elegant Maps, and should be in the possession of every
person who intends emigrating to the Western Country.
Dealers in Western Lands will find these Maps invaluable.
Address,
DANIEL BURGESS & CO., _Publishers_,
No. 60 John Street, New-York.
ELOCUTION MADE EASY.
CONTAINING
RULES AND SELECTIONS
FOR
DECLAMATION AND READING,
WITH
FIGURES ILLUSTRATIVE OF GESTURE, ETC.
BY RUFUS CLAGGETT, A. M.
This book is given to the public with a view to encourage the study and
practice of a branch of education which gives a tenfold vigor to all other
intellectual acquirements. Thousands of men, otherwise well educated, are
often heard to lament their neglect of Elocution in their school-boy days,
and their consequent inability to utter in public those thoughts which
they would gladly disseminate, and thereby confer a benefit on society.
The Selections in this work are principally from standard American
authors, and contain everything which can ennoble the mind and fill it
with exalted ideas of patriotism and virtue. At the same time, the price
of the book is so low that it can be placed in the hands of every pupil,
where, indeed, we are confident it will shortly find its way.
NOTICES.
_From the Brooklyn Evening Star._
Mr. Claggett, the author of this work on Elocution, has well performed his
task, giving evidence on every page of his familiarity with the subject.
He has prepared several rules easily understood and applied, and appended
forty-eight figures illustrative of gestures. The selections, both in
prose and poetry, are carefully made with reference to the object of the
work. We should like to see the work in daily use in our schools.
_From the New-York Express._
The whole theory and practice of the art of Elocution is so dissected and
simplified, that the pupil cannot fail to get a thorough understanding of
the subject.
Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of 30 cents.
DANIEL BURGESS & CO., PUBLISHERS,
No. 60 John Street, New-York.
+A BOOK FOR EVERY CARPENTER+.
THE AMERICAN House-Carpenters' and Joiners' Assistant.
BY LUCIUS D. GOULD, ARCHITECT.
A NEW AND EASY SYSTEM OF INSTRUCTION, ESPECIALLY ADAPTED TO THE WANTS OF
THE COUNTRY.
The Publishers respectfully ask the attention of the Public to this work,
believing that anything that is calculated to favor an advance in the
industrial arts, must meet with the approbation of all who seek the
elevation of the masses, and cannot fail to be appreciated by the
intelligent artisan.
GOULD'S AMERICAN HOUSE-CARPENTERS AND JOINER'S ASSISTANT