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tions of the first principles of fractions, percentage and the like 

 as they are scattered through four or five volumes, each suc- 

 cessive series setting forth the same subjects only with greater 

 fullness and complication. In many schools arithmetic is thus 

 made a subject of study for eight or nine years, when three 

 or four years ought to give the pupil the mastery of the essen- 

 tials, including rapid mental combinations. He should learn 

 the multiplication table early and thoroughly, and acquire great 

 rapidity in all practical processes. 



By the condensation or omission of too extended serial books 

 in geography, grammar and arithmetic, and in the latter study 

 mastering thoroughly only the practical portions and postpon- 

 ing the intricacieSsof compound proportion, permutation and 

 the like, that not one in a thousand ever uses in the practical 

 business of life, more time can be gained for reading, spelling, 

 writing, the study and use of our own language, composition, 

 at least in letter writing, and elementary lessons in the practical 

 sciences, natural history, political economy, and the history of 

 our own country. 



