Selections from the poetry of Drake and Halleck may be found in Stedman's _American Anthology_, pp. 36-47, and in S. & H., Vol. V. IRVING.--His _Knickerbocker's History of New York_ begins with somewhat tiresome matter, condensed from chapters which he and his brother had jointly written on a different plan. The first part may well be omitted, but _Books III., V., VI., VII._ should at least be read. Read his best two short stories, _Rip Van Winkle_ and _The Legend of Sleepy Hollow_. Lovers of Irving will also wish to read some tales from _The Alhambra_, and some of his essays: _e.g. Westminster Abbey_ and _Stratford-on-Avon_. For selections from his various works, see Carpenter, 124-134; S. & H., V., 41-62. COOPER.--One of his _Leather stocking Tales_ (p. 131), _e.g. The Last of the Mohicans_, which is deservedly the most popular, should be read. If a tale of the sea is desired, read either _The Pilot_ or _The Red Rover_. Selections may be found in Carpenter, 124-134; S. & H., V., 138-183. Bryant.--Read _Thanatopsis, To a Waterfowl, O Fairest of the Rural Maids, A Forest Hymn, The Death of the Flowers, The Evening Wind, To the Fringed Gentian_, and _The Poet_. All of these are accessible in Bryant's poetical works, and almost all may be found in Page's _The Chief American Poets_. Selections are given in Stedman's _American Anthology_; S. & H., Vol. V.; and Long's _American Poems_, 1776-1900. QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS What are some of the chief qualities in the poetry of "The Croakers"? What do these qualities indicate in the readers of contemporary New York? Do you find a genuine romantic element in Drake's _Culprit Fay_? Compare Halleck's _Marco Bozzaris_ with his lines on the death of Drake, and give reasons for your preference. Select what you consider the best three specimens of humor in Irving's _Knickerbocker's History of New York_. How is the humorous effect secured? Why does it not make us dislike the Dutch? Why is this _History_ an original work? Why have _Rip Van Winkle_ and _The Legend of Sleepy Hollow_ been such general favorites? Compare these with any of Addison's _Sir Roger de Coverley Papers_ and with any modern short story. Is Irving a romantic writer? Compare his style with Addison's and with Goldsmith's in _The Vicar of Wakefield._ Why does Cooper deserve to rank as an original American author? What is his chosen field? In what does his special power consist? Who before him made use of the Indian in literature? Can you find any point of similarity between his work and _The Legend of Sleepy Hollow_? What are the most striking points of dissimilarity? How does his use of the romantic element differ from Irving's? What blemishes have you actually noticed in Cooper?