"On the 17th of June (1673), they saw on their right the broad meadows, bounded in the distance by rugged hills, where now stands the town of Prairie du Chien. Before them, a wild and rapid current coursed athwart their way, by the foot of lofty heights wrapped thick in forests. They had found what they sought, and 'with a joy,' writes Marquette, which I cannot express,' they steered forth their canoes on the eddies of the Mississippi."-PARKMAN. OF THE UNITED STATES TO WHICH ARE ADDED THE DECLARATION OF PREFACE THIS work is designed, as its title indicates, for elementary classes. The narrative is brief and simple. Expressions not easily intelligible by pupils of a grade sufficiently advanced to commence the study of history have been carefully avoided; but, at the same time, no attempt has been made to lower the style to the grade of a book for the nursery. All the important facts in the history of our country have been included in the text. Additional statements, referring to certain matters of detail-interesting incidents, anecdotes, biographical sketches, etc. are supplied by notes. These, when read in connection with the text, cannot fail to make the study of the history more entertaining to the young pupil, and will aid in durably impressing upon his memory the main facts of the history. The arrangement is adapted to the topical method of recitation—the best for history, since this branch of study should, as far as possible, be made the means of training the pupil so that he may acquire the habit of full, ready, and accurate expression. Hence, verbatim repetition should be discouraged, and the general topical headings at the commencement of the paragraphs used as much as possible at first, the questions at the foot of the page being employed, 887314 |