PREFACE. 



The Literary and Scientific Class Book, by the Rev. John 

 Platts of Doncaster, England, was published in the begin- 

 ning of the year 182L "The grand object aimed at," he 

 says in his Preface, " is, that while the pupil reads his daily 

 lesson, he shall not only learn to pronounce words, but shall 

 also treasure up a valuable stock of ideas, to enlarge his 

 mind, to interest his heart, and to prepare him for his future 

 scenes on the theatre of life." 



The plan and leading title of the above-mentioned publi- 

 cation have been adopted in the present work, and many of 

 the lessons have been retained either in full, or in an abridged 

 and altered form. The notes, appendix, and engravings, 

 have been added ; and such materials have been selected 

 from other sources as were judged best adapted to improve 

 the hearts and enlarge the minds of youth in this country. 

 Most of the lessons have been selected with a particular 

 reference to the instructio?i which they contain on important 

 branches of knowledge. Although the work is designed 

 for the higher classes, yet it is believed that all young per- 

 sons, who are able to read with facility, and are acquainted 

 with the rudiments of arithmetic and geography, may use it 

 with advantage. 



The names of authors are given in many instances, but, in 

 general, the quotations have been so much altered, or the 

 same lesson taken from so many different sources, that it 

 could not be done with convenience. The works consulted 

 or from which extracts have been made, are noticed in the 

 Appendix. A list of select books has been furnished for th« 

 use of those who wish to make further attainments. 



