PREFACE.

SOME explanation of the circumstances under which THE YORK READER has been prepared seems needful, to account for the large proportion of oratorical and poetical extracts which it contains, and the comparatively small number of prose passages of a narrative or descriptive kind.

The present is, in fact, only a small portion of a work which the compilers were on the point of sending to press, when they learned that a very similar collection, prepared by William Pollard, was actually in the Publishers' hands, and was likely speedily to appear under the title of the "Ackworth Reading Book." They consequently abandoned the intention of publishing an independent volume; but, as the poetical department of William Pollard's book appeared to them somewhat meagre and insufficient for the purpose of a reading book for senior classes, they determined to select from the materials they had accumulated what might fitly serve as a supplement to the Ackworth collection.

The compilers also trust, that from the smaller size and lower price of the "York Reader," it may find acceptance in some schools where William Pollard's more copious selection may not

be in use; believing that it will be found to present as much of varied exercise in reading, and as little that could reasonably be deemed objectionable, as most other works of the same description.

It must not, however, be assumed that in admitting any passage into such a selection as the present, the compilers intend to endorse the opinions of the writer, or to hold up to admiration the passions and sentiments expressed by the various personages introduced as speaking, either in the oratorical pieces or in the dialogues. All that has been attempted is, to provide a useful book for practice in reading, without anything calculated to vitiate the taste, or sully the imagination of the young. The judicious teacher will know how to avail himself of the opportunities presented by the reading lessons for inculcating sound. views of moral and religious truth, by his comments on passages which appear to him defective in either of these respects.

In conclusion, the compilers desire to express their sincere thanks to the authors and publishers of copyright works, who have courteously consented to allow extracts from those works to appear in the present volume.

York, 1866.