Holding these ideas, we intend that the Pacific Coast Series of Readers shall be characterized by a strict adherence to them. In addition to the usual introductory chapters on Elocution, the higher volumes of the series will contain the most attractive matter that can be culled from the best literature of the past and present, embracing all subjects, and every variety of treatment; and such spelling and defining exercises and explanatory notes as will enable the student to understand what is written, and to read it correctly. The material of the Fourth Reader has been carefully adapted to its position in the grade of a progressive series, and is fresh, varied, and entertaining. Local subjects are occasionally treated in this volume, and in this and the succeeding numbers sufficient selections will be made from the literature of the Pacific Coast, to render the Readers, while not at all merely local, in a manner racy of the soil. The vowel and consonant marks used are those adopted by Noah Webster, the standard American Lexicographer. Figures, and other marks of reference to introductory lessons, definitions and foot-notes, are not used in this series, as they serve only to mar and encumber the text, without accomplishing any good result―it being found, in practice, that such references are usually disregarded. The example of other authors, in giving copious illustrations of vowel and consonant combinations as introductory exercises in Articulation, has not been followed, for the reason that the reading lessons afford sufficient drill in those combinations. Such, without any capricious attempts at novelty, are the leading characteristics of the present work, and of the Pacific Coast Series of Readers. |