these words and the differences of opinion concerning their pronunciation in order that we may give due credit to those who may use a different form of pronunciation from that adopted by ourselves.

"The ultimate standard of pronunciation for the English language is the usage that prevails among the best-educated portion of the people to whom the language is vernacular; or, at least, the usage that will be most generally approved by them."

Campbell's law of the good usage of a word applies with much force to its pronunciation. This law requires this usage to be, first, reputable, or the practice of intelligent and educated persons; second, national, as opposed to provincial or foreign; third, present, or the usage of the generation in which we live.

As representing the best usage in pronunciation, ten of the best dictionaries of the English language published in this country and in England have been selected for reference. The scholarship, labor, and care displayed in these works entitle them to our highest

respect. Many other authorities have been freely consulted, but the resultant of the opinions of those named is rarely changed by the consideration of any others. Many important and obvious considerations justify us in assigning different values to the authorities quoted. In determining the preferred form of pronunciation in the following pages due weight has been given to all these considerations, with the feeling, however, that in the case of a few words a different form from that indicated might with equal propriety be preferred and used by others.

In cases where there is a marked difference in the English and the American usage, and yet nearly an average balance, the preference has been given to the latter.

The compiler has not presumed to give any weight of authority whatever to his own views in determining the pronunciation of words, but he has sought rather to present the views of others who are justly entitled to our highest respect.

OTIS ASHMORE.

March, 1904.

HOW TO USE THE BOOK

Success in teaching this book depends very largely upon frequent short drills. Daily lessons are far better than one or two lessons a week. The plan should be to advance slowly and review rapidly. Every pupil should have a book.

The teacher should first assign a lesson of from ten to twenty words daily, and go over the lesson with the pupils, pronouncing each word distinctly and giving such other instruction as may be needed.

In preparing the lesson the pupil should learn and adopt the preferred pronunciation only, using the other forms for reference and general information.

In the back of the book will be found a list of all the words given in this manual arranged in order corresponding to the pages and numbered accordingly for convenient reference, but the words are without diacritical marks. This list is intended for use in recitation and drill.

In conducting the recitation, have the pupils in turn pronounce from this drill list the words assigned for the lesson. While the pupil who is reciting is thus engaged, the other members of the class should follow closely with their eyes the words that are diacritically marked in the body of the book, in order that the eye memory as well as the ear memory may be utilized in fixing the desired impressions upon the mind. Corrections may be made in the usual way. Every recitation should include a rapid review of from one hundred to two hundred of the words previously learned. This review is essential.

Written recitations at stated times are desirable. The