PREFACE. IN revising the FOURTH READER, the aim has been as it has with the other books of the Series-to preserve unimpaired all the essential characteristics of MCGUFFEY'S READERS. New pieces have been substituted for old ones only where the advantage was manifest. The book has been considerably enlarged, and has been liberally illustrated by the first artists of the country, as is shown in the Table of Contents. It can not be presumed that every pupil has at hand all the works of reference necessary for the proper preparation of each lesson; hence all the aids that seem requisite to this purpose have been given. Brief notices concerning the various authors represented have been inserted; the more difficult words have been defined, and their pronunciation has been indicated by diacritical marks; and short explanatory notes have been given wherever required for a full understanding of the text. Especial acknowledgment is due to Messrs. Houghton, Osgood & Co. for their permission to make liberal selections from their copyright editions of many of the foremost American authors whose works they publish. COPYRIGHT, 1879, BY VAN ANTWERP, BRAGG & Co. ECLECTIC PRESS VAN ANTWERP, BRAGG & CO. CINCINNATI |