REFACE With the publication of this book, our series of readers designed for the use of graded and ungraded schools, is completed. Concerning the simplicity and careful gradation of the letter-press, a word of explanation is necessary. It is evident, even to the casual observer, that pupils terminate their school life at a much earlier age now than ever before. This is due, in part, to 1.- Better methods of instruction, which advance pupils more rapidly toward the completion of their course of study. 2. A feverish desire on the part of the young to commence their life-work. 3. The humble circumstances of many parents, who, consequently, need the assistance of their children in the every-day affairs of life, and take them from school by the time they have finished the third reader. The average age at which most pupils complete the course of study in our public schools has been |