From the Preface. THE purpose of all language books is plainly to teach the correct use of words, sentences, and paragraphs as a means in oral and written expression. With a common purpose, the chief difference must lie in the plan, the subject matter and the treatment used to accomplish this end. This may justify a brief statement of the motif or scheme of this language book. It is believed first of all that language in itself is a legitimate subject of study, that experience in the use of language must form the basis of the work in formal Grammar. For this reason the lessons of this book are confined strictly to language work, leaving the discussion of formal grammar to the second book of the series. A child should acquire a certain power in the use of language and in self expression before being asked to study and analyze the sentence which is the unit of formal grammar. Each lesson teaches a definite language point, as indicated in its title. The recognition of the relation of each lesson to the purpose and scheme of the book will make the teacher's work more definite and more effective. The language work of this book is on a thought basis, as is the grammar work of the higher book.