_A new and compendious Latin Grammar; with appropriate exercises,
Analytical and Synthetical. For the use of primary schools, academies,
and colleges. By Baynard R. Hall, A.M. Principal of the Bedford
Classical and Mathematical Academy, and formerly Professor of the
Ancient Languages in the College of Indiana. Philadelphia: Harrison
Hall._
The excellences of this grammar have been so well proved, and the work
itself so heartily recommended by some of the first scholars in our
country that, at this late day especially, we feel called upon to say
but little in its behalf. But that little we can say conscientiously.
It appears to us at least _as well_ adapted to its purposes as any
Latin Grammar within our knowledge. In some respects it has merits to
be met with in no other. It is free from every species of empiricism,
and, following the good old track as far as that track can be
judiciously followed, admits of no royal road to the acquisition of
Latin. The arrangement is lucid and succinct—yet the work embodies a
vast deal of matter which could have been obtained only through
reference to many of the most elaborate treatises of Europe. In its
analysis of _idiom_ it excels any similar book now in common use—an
advantage of the highest importance. The size of the work is moderate,
yet nothing of consequence to the student is omitted. The definitions
are remarkably concise—yet sufficiently full for any practical
purpose. The prosodial rules at the beginning are easily comprehended,
and thus placed, are easily applied in the further progress of the
scholar. A great many useless things to be found in a majority of
grammars are judiciously discarded, and lastly, the analytical and
synthetical exercises are admirably suited to the illustration of the
principles inculcated. Upon the whole, were we a teacher, we would
prefer its use to that of any other Latin Grammar whatever.