and mythical allusions should be steadily cultivated. Without doubt much of the reading accepted in the public schools is seriously deficient in these particulars. The art of good reading can be cultivated by judicious training and the school should spare no pains to realize this result.

To discriminating teachers it will be apparent that this book is not the usual school reader. On the contrary it differs widely from this in the cultural value of the selections, in the classification and arrangement of material, in the variety of interest to which it appeals, and in the abundance of classic literature from British and American authors which it contains. It aims to furnish the best in poetry and prose to be found in the literature of the English-speaking race and to furnish it in abundance. If these familiar old selections, long accepted as among the best in literature, shall be the means of cultivating in pupils a taste for good reading, and at the same time shall have that refining influence on character which good literature always has, then the book will have fulfilled its purpose.

Grateful acknowledgment is made to those teachers who have given valuable suggestions and help in the compilation of this book.

September, 1910.

THE AUTHORS.

PART I

PATRIOTISM, STORIES,

POEMS OF NATURE AND DUTY

"It is better to inspire the heart with a noble sentiment than to teach the mind a truth of science."

EDWARD BROOKS.

PART I

PATRIOTISM, STORIES,
POEMS OF NATURE AND COURAGE

THE FLAG

ARTHUR MACY

Arthur Macy (1842-1904) was born at Nantucket, Mass. He served in the Civil War, was wounded at Gettysburg three times, and was there taken prisoner. As a soldier he learned what it means to march with the flag in front of him. It is not surprising, therefore, that his poem, "The Flag," is full of stirring patriotism.