PREFACE. 



THIS Country Reader is not meant for the 

 very young children, but for the elder children 

 of our village schools children who are supposed 

 to read with ease, and who are expected to know 

 the meaning of ordinary English words. 



I have striven to use the shortest words and 

 simplest sentences at my command, and to make 

 my meaning as plain as possible. 



I should like to remind my readers that this 

 little work is a Reader and not a text-book ; 

 so, while endeavouring that it should con- 

 tain accurate modern knowledge, I have tried 



with my whole heart to make it live with 







interest. 



To arouse the observation of the children, and 

 so excite an interest in, and fondness for, the 

 varied life and work that lies around them, has 

 been my supreme object. . 



I am indebted to the following works, which I 

 have freely consulted : " Elementary Text- Book 

 for use in Irish National Schools," by Thomas 



