AIDS ΤΟ Ins. Iion. Canal, May 19, 1903. ENGLISH COMPOSITION. I. OBJECTS AND THEIR PARTS. The first step to be taken in writing composition is to obtain ideas. The second is the proper expression of the idea when obtained. To acqitire Ideas, it is necessary to cultivate habits of observation; to use the eyes not only in noticing entire objects, but also their different parts; to consider their qualities, uses, operations, and effects; together with their relation to other things. The mind employed in such processes acquires materials for its own operations, and thoughts and ideas arise as it were spontaneously. For the first exercise in composition, therefore, it is proposed that the student be required to enumerate the parts of some visible object, according to the following Exercises. a similar manner chumerate the parts of the following objects ()BJECTS, THEIR QUALITIES AND USES. The parts of a visible object having been noticed, the next step to be taken is the enumeration of its qualities and uses according to the following For windows to admit light: For spectacles to assist sight: For useful vessels, such as tumblers, pitchers, decanters, wine-glasses, jelly-glasses, bottles, phials, inkstands, lamps, and lamp-glasses, chandeliers, handles of doors and drawers, vases, cups, and ornaments, such as beads, drops, prisms, &c. Exercises. In the same manner enumerate the qualities of the following objects: OBJECTS, THEIR PARTS, QUALITIES. PROPERTIES, USES. AND APPENDAGES. The parts, properties, and uses of visible objects having now been considered, the two processes may be united, in the consideration of the parts, qualities, properties, uses and ap pendages, as in the following The use of the pen is to write down what we have seen, read, or thought, and thereby to preserve what would probably soon be lost, if intrusted to the memory alone. What is once written can be read, or preserved for future information, and thereby we can learn what our friends who are absent, and even those who are dead, have seen or said. Exercises. Enumerate the parts, qualities, and uses of the following objects IV. EVENTS. The object of this lesson is to teach the learner to describe, in easy sentences, any circumstances which happen to himself and others. He should be directed to write the incident just as he would relate it to his parents or a young friend; and after he has thus written it, to revise it carefully, to see whether any of his words are mis-spelt, and whether he has used the very words which he intended to use. Example. On returning home yesterday, I saw a man severely beating a horse. I stopped a moment to ascertain the cause; and perceived that one of the wheels of the wagon had sunk deep in the mire, and the poor animal was exerting all his strength to drag the heavy load, while the cruel driver was mercilessly beating the unfortunate creature because he could not proceed. Exercises. In a similar manner, the learner may describe the following events: The meeting of a beggar in the street. The overturn of a carriage. The passing of a procession. The sailing of a ship. The raising of a building. V. OBJECTS AND EVENTS. The object of this lesson is to accustom the learner to combine the results of the preceding lessons. The same directions should be given to him as are presented in the last lesson; and it will be proper to enforce the directions with regard to the spelling, and the proper use of words, in every exercise. Example. As my brother was riding in the country, he saw a beautiful, large house, painted white, with green blinds. In the front of the house was a small flower-garden, and the bright tulips, all in full bloom, presented a brilliant show. The rose bushes were not yet in flower; but the lily of the valley was dropping its modest head, while it perfumed the air with its delicious fragrance. At the back of the house were a number of fruit trees, in full blossom, among which was the peach tree, with its beautiful pink flowers. Some boys were seen |