PREFACE.

THE English language-of all subjects in educationdeserves our attention. Its acquisition commences in the cradle, its practical application terminates only in death. Through it alone can mental acquirement be made, and social enjoyment felt.

Our mother-tongue ought to hold in education, a preeminence which certainly has hitherto been denied it,—for it is in that tongue we have to think, to speak, to write. If we become orators, historians, or poets-pleaders, speakers, or preachers-it must be in English. And yet, of all branches of study taught in our Schools, and even in our Universities,* there is none so neglected as that of cultivated reading and good delivery. In this country, the Pulpit, the Senate, and the Bar ought, from their position and advantages,

* See "Times" on the Oxford Commemoration, June 17, 1863. "Congratulatory Poems were then delivered on the occasion of the Royal visit, by two Undergraduates, and this was decidedly the heaviest and least satisfactory portion of the day's proceedings. As specimens of Oxford Poetry, they were very bad as specimens of how the Undergraduates committed their studies to memory, they were worse: and as specimens of delivery they were worst of all."

to be standard authorities, but unfortunately those who enter on each of these careers are generally so ill-instructed themselves as to require, from those condemned to hear them, the admonition, "Physician heal thyself." But here I may anticipate all objections, by stating that I do not advocate "tricks of speech," or the art of speaking so as to tickle the ear only. Such an art is unworthy any wise or good man. True eloquence is the power of speaking to the purpose, with tones so clear and manly, and gesture so natural and graceful, as to move every heart to feel the meaning and power of what is delivered. It is a common error to suppose that everyone who studies the art of speaking must necessarily become un-natural and stilted in his style. I shall only add, as to the prevalence of bad speaking, and intolerable reading, that it ought not so to be, in an era so remarkable for the expansion of intellect as the nineteenth century, and in a nation, too, who rely more on the art of oratory than any other nation of modern times.

Now, whatever touches the highest point of society, vibrates to the lowest link of the chain. Hence, we need not be surprised that our Working Classes" speak and read so indifferently. A great educational agency has been hit upon in the shape of "Penny Readings for the People," by which the mind of the working man may be educated, his taste elevated, and his spirit refreshed in the midst of his hard work. The success of these Readings has been so great in Bath, that, although ten or twelve Working-men, who have been previously trained in a Free Elocution Class, read