hand; and yet pupils pass through our schools by the thousand, without
having their attention definitely called to this important subject; and
only an honest desire to aid in improving this state of affairs, has
led to the preparation of these pages.

The plan of the book is simple in the extreme. It consists of
thirty-nine chapters,--one for each week of the school year;--to eachof
which has been prefixed five memory gems; one for each school day.
Especial care has been taken to use only such language as will be
perfectly intelligible to the pupils for whom it is intended.

The largest possible use has been made of anecdote and incident, so as
to quicken the interest and hold the attention to the end. These
anecdotes have been selected from every available quarter, and no claim
of originality is made concerning them or their use.

Into each of those chapters which have to do directly with the
development of the natural faculties, or the moral powers, a "special
illustration" has been introduced; this being clearly marked off by the
insertion of its title in bold-faced type. To these special
illustrations a brief bibliography has been added, in order that a
fuller study of the character presented may be readily pursued where
deemed desirable. It is hoped that these special illustrations will not
only serve to increase the general interest; but that, by thus bringing
the pupil into direct contact with these greater minds, ambitions and
aspirations may be aroused which shall prove helpful in the later life.

A careful presentation of each separate theme by the teacher, will not
only increase the interest in the work of the schoolroom; but, by
developing a higher type of citizenship, will be a real service to our