PREFACE.

THE plan of the present little work is in all respects similar to that of the Greek Delectus, by the same author, which appeared in the spring of last year. The reason assigned for the publication of the latter, was, that the books which usually accompanied the first study of Greek were of little service in acquiring a knowledge of the grammar; but required that such knowledge should be to some extent already attained, before they could be used. The same objection applies to those commonly employed in teaching the rudiments of Latin; and there are reasons which render it even more desirable to remove the difficulty thus occasioned, than in the former instance. Latin is almost invariably the first learnt; the pupil,

therefore, has not the advantage of any previous acquaintance with grammar, which the beginner in Greek generally possesses. Moreover boys for the most part begin it at a very early age, and are taught by persons who have not themselves an accurate know

ledge of the language. All this combines to make its study unusually difficult: and the result is often much discouragement and loss of time. Few persons who have been concerned with elementary teaching can have failed to notice the great length of time which commonly elapses before a boy has attained to anything like an intelligent comprehension of the simplest principles of grammar; or is sufficiently advanced to be able to construe the easiest Latin author. This may be owing in some degree to the study of the language being commenced too soon; but, certainly, one great cause is the want of any book which will exemplify to him the meaning of every rule he learns; and, by repeated application of it to particular instances, fix it firmly at once in his com

prehension and his memory. "The ladder of learning", as it is sometimes called, instead of presenting an easy and progressive ascent, is converted into a species of inclined plane, down which the unfortunate beginner is perpetually slipping to the very bottom, to his sore discomfiture, for want of any point which might afford him a restingplace in his upward progress, or at least arrest his descent if he should be in danger of going backwards.

It has been thought better to adapt the arrangement of the work to some particular grammar; but it should be clearly understood, that it will serve almost equally well as an accompaniment to any of the Latin grammars in common use. The Eton Latin grammar has been selected as being, on the whole, the simplest, most intelligible, and most generally used of any with which the author is acquainted. It is doubtless defective' in many particulars, and contains

1

As, for example, the statement that hic, hac, hoc, is an article; the classification of the second future

some serious mistakes. But the other grammars, which are sufficiently known to be adopted as a text book, are more difficult of comprehension; either from the rules being less clearly stated, or from the insertion of additional matter, only intelligible to the more advanced student. An attempt has been made to supply some of the deficiencies, and rectify the mistakes above alluded to, by notes and explanations introduced in the course of the work. It only remains to be added, that any corrections or suggestions will be most thankfully received either by the author or publisher.

tense under the subjunctive mood, instead of the indicative; the very slight mention of deponent verbs; the absence of all explanation of one of the leading principles of syntax; the omission of some important rules, etc., etc. All these the pupil will find amended and supplied in the notes and introduction.

Oxford, 8th March 1852.