The importance of words cannot be over-estimated. Knowledge can be imparted and received only by the medium of words, correctly used and properly understood. The basis of a good education must be laid with words, well chosen, properly arranged, and firmly implanted in the mind. From the richness of the English Language, which gives many words to the same meaning, and many and diverse meanings to the same word, the proper _use_ of a word cannot be deduced from its _meaning_. How, then, is the knowledge of the use of words to be imparted to children? Either by the teacher, or by conversation and reading. By the latter method the knowledge acquired is limited in extent; and as it is entirely dependent on the power of observation, the impressions received are faint and ill-defined, and the conclusions arrived at, frequently incorrect. The practice of Arithmetic might possibly be left to such teaching, inasmuch as Arithmetic is an exact science based on fixed principles, from which correct _reasoning_ must deduce correct _results_. But no reasoning can show to the child who has learned "_Deduce, to draw_," that he must not say, "I tried _to deduce_ the horse from the stable;" or, "_Deciduous, falling_." "The boy, _deciduous_ from the window, was killed." The importance and difficulty of the work demands that it shall not be left to the uncertainties of home teaching. The labor involved forbids that this essential part of education shall be imposed on the parent. Like Arithmetic, or any other department of knowledge, it should be performed by the teacher, in the time specially set apart for mental training. The plan adopted in the MODEL WORD-BOOK SERIES is not new. All good Dictionaries illustrate the meaning by a Model. To quote from a _good author_, a sentence containing the word, as proof of its correct use, is the only authority allowed. A simple trial of the work either by requiring the child to form sentences similar to those given, or by memorizing the sentences as models for future use, will convince any one of the following advantages to be derived from the Model Word-Book Series: 1. Saving of Time. 2. Increased Knowledge of Words. 3. Ease to Teacher and Scholar. 4. A Knowledge of the Correct Use of Words. * * * * * THE YOUNG STUDENT'S COMPANION; or, Elementary Lessons and Exercises in Translating from English into French. By M. A. Longstreth, Principal of a Seminary for Young Ladies, Philadelphia. Price by mail, postpaid, $1.00. Per dozen, by express, $9.00.