"This book is an attempt to substitute intelligent, thoughtful work for the unmeaning drill of the old-fashioned Spelling-books. The spelling lessons, as here given, consist of words related to each other in meaning, and so arranged that even where they are not understood by the children their meaning may be easily learned. The exercises are progressive, beginning with simple thoughts and words, and passing on to more difficult ones,--thus developing the pupil's use of language as his mental powers and ideas are developed." -- From preface