formed to aid the masters of the French tongue, not to instruct them.

It is next proper to speak of the sources from which the contents of the Book of Versions are drawn. These, it will be perceived, with some exceptions, are the best French Classics, extracts from which have been prepared and adapted to the intended purpose. The reason of the preference is obvious: it is necessary to go to French mind for French expression, and an attention to the one cannot but lead to the acquirement of the other. Neither is there a better way to attract a pupil possessed of the seeds of taste and discrimination, than by convincing him of the pleasure which he may derive from the literature of the language he is studying. Lord Chesterfield's opinion of the inducement is evident, by his using it as an argument to his son, whom he advises to learn French, if only to read Buffon in his native tongue. To give the more effect to these selections, a slight sketch is afforded of a certain number of the best

French authors, both in prose and verse. By this means the learner will acquire the standard opinion of their respective merits, as well as be guarded against their defects. The contents of the Book of Versions are, of course, pure and unimpeachable; but it would be vain to deny that genius in all countries is frequently misemployed, and to point out the fact when it occurs, is both useful and necessary.

It only remains to be observed, that the Book of Versions is closed with some specimens of French poetry from leading authors, with free translations. When some progress has been made in a language, there is no better way to perfect it than by a comparison of choice passages with good translations.