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wrung from the voice of young or old; while on the other hand, books, like the present, will always be read with at least the prominent tones of an agreeable style. Let children and youth understand what they read-let them be interested in what they read, and they will be sure to read with a good degree of spirit and correctness.

It will be seen that a larger portion of the volume is in verse, than is usual with reading books of corresponding character. It is thought, that this will add to the value of the work. Young persons especially are fond of reading poetry; and a moral sentiment, or a historical fact, expressed in verse, is much more likely to make an impression, than if it were in prose. While it is acknowledged, that much difficulty was experienced in finding a sufficient number of articles in this part of the work, of the high character desired, a belief is indulged by the author, that he has labored with some degree of success.

The plan of the Juvenile Companion required no other regard to classification or chronological arrangement of the different articles which compose it, than to make the work as interesting as possible. Hence, with a few exceptions the prose and poetry alternately succeed each other, throughout the volume. The author cheerfully relinquishes all claim to the honor of being thought very methodical, provided he can thereby render his labors more acceptable and useful to the youthful reader. His object has been to furnish young persons, both in families and in schools, with a compilation that will never fail to be interesting-that will always be found instructive-that will always leave on the mind of the reader an impression favorable to virtue and piety.

The author deems it unnecessary to make any comment upon the numerous reading books already before the public-or, to make any apology for adding to the number. He would indeed be cautious in presuming on an indulgence, with which his efforts to benefit the rising generation are liberally favored-not doubting, however, that such efforts, although comparatively unsuccessful, are justly entitled to respectful consideration The spirit of the age, especially as it regards education, justifies the persuasion, that he is not mistaken in this opinion; and, for the decision to be passed upon this, as well as upon every other literary undertaking in which he engages, he cheerfully yields to the intelligence of parents and teachers.

Boston, January, 1833.

J. L. BLAKE.

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