ScsooL - Boons.--English Composition. By William Murison, M.A. (Cambridge University Press. 3s.
6d. net.)—This is a very complete manual which should be found useful in a high degree. The accurate use and choice of words, the right employ- ment of metaphors and figures of speech generally, the con- struction of sentences with due regard to perspicacity and rhythm, the subject of punctuation, not unfrequently neglected in books of this kind, are successively dealt with. Then we have a chapter on the essay, a matter of the highest importance, which is treated with adequate fullness. Various subsidiary topics are then handled, as paraphrasing and modernising. Two chapters are given to précis-writing, and two more to style and prosody.— Along with this manual a pupil may very profitably study Narratives from Gibbon's "Decline and Pall of the Roman Empire," Selected and Edited by J. H. Fowler, M.A. (Macmillan and Co., la.) The "narratives " are four in number, "Aurelian and Zenobia," " Julian," " Alaric," and " Attila," Some notes are added, and there are questions intended to promote a thoughtful way of reading.—From Messrs. Rivington we have received First French Course, by A. R. Florian, M.A. (2s. 6d.) It is noteworthy that the author, opposing a tendency now very common, declares that he makes grammar the centre of his course of instruction. This was the old way of teaching, and there is much to be said for it. After all, we are trying to educate the boy, not teaching him how he may become an efficient courier.—Also French Composition Book, by T. Victor Massard (same publishers, 2s. 6d.), a carefully prepared manual which should be found very helpful.—An entertaining reading-book is to be found in Tony et sa Sceur en France, by Joseph Duhamel, (J. M. Dent and Sons, 2s. 6d. net). Of course it is always doubtful whether the boy or girl is amused even by the most entertaining incidents and dialogue ;. but it is no small matter if the teacher is amused; he is bound to teach with more spirit.
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