THE

"PROGRESSIVE READING-BOOKS."

T

HE present volume forms the Second of this New Series of English Readers, designed to follow the "Step by Step" books already published in "Nelson's School Series."

The object aimed at is to provide a set of books adapted to all classes of schools, and fitted to teach not only the art of reading, but to train the pupil to the love of reading. With this in view the pieces

selected are such as cannot fail to attract and interest The present volume is divided

the young reader.

into three parts:

Part I. consists of Miscellaneous Readings, " Stories of Natural History," &c., in prose and verse.

Part II. consists of "Incidents of History," and a selection of fine pieces of Historical and National Poetry.

Part III. consists of sketches of the "Heroes and the Triumphs of Peace," -James Watt, George Stephenson, Sir Richard Arkwright, &c. &c.

To these is added a selection of Poetical Pieces

specially adapted for Recitation.

It will be observed that nearly all the lessons in this volume relate to things and events connected with our own country. Lessons relating to distant countries have been reserved for the next book of the series, which will be arranged on the plan of a "Voyage Round the World," and will consist of pictures of travel and adventure, incidents of history, with descriptions of the people and the productions of the principal countries of the world.

APRIL, 1862.