of the construction or arrangement, must be separated by some point.

SPECIAL RULES. What is the rule for placing the comma before and after clauses and phrases?

Rule I. When a clause or phrase is introduced into a sentence without a conjunction, particularly if an inversion occurs, so that it does not occupy its natural position, a comma should be placed before and after it; or, if such clause stands at the commencement of a sentence, a comma should be placed after it.

The principal clauses and phrases that fall under this rule are as follows:

I. A relative clause; as, "Ellen, who was up early, finished her lessons." But if the relative clause restricts the antecedent, or the connection between the two is very close, there is no comma before the relative; as, "Those who are good, are happy."

II. A participial clause when it does not qualify the object of a verb; as, "The Captain, seeing his danger, avoided it."

III. An adverbial clause; as, "By the time we reached shelter, we were completely wet."

IV. A vocative clause; as, "Here I am, my beloved son." V. The phrases, in short, in truth, on the contrary, &c.; also, the words, besides, moreover, namely, nay, firstly, secondly, &c. The conjunctions also and however, which should not commence a sentence, have a comma before and after them; as, "Your cousin, in short, has become a lovely woman." "James, however, is here."

What is the rule that relates to the subject of a verb?

Rule II. When the subject of a verb consists of

a number of words, a comma should be placed after it; as, "Close and undivided attention to any object, insures success.'

What is the rule that relates to the omission of words?

Rule III. When, to avoid repetition, a verb, or a conjunction that connects words of the same part of speech, is omitted, a comma should be put in its place to denote the omission; as, "Conversation makes a ready man; writing, an exact man." In the last clause the verb makes is omitted, and a comma is put in its place. "Solomon was a wise, prudent, and powerful monarch." The conjunction and is omitted between wise and prudent, and a comma is put in its place.

What is the rule that relates to certain conjunctions?

Rule IV. A comma should be placed before and, or, if, but, and that, when they connect short clauses; and before and, or, and nor, when they connect the last two of a series of words that are of the same part of speech; as, "You must come with me, or I will go with you." "Neither Ellen, Sarah, nor Jane was there."

What is the rule that relates to nouns in apposition?

Rule V. When a clause of more than two words occurs, containing a noun in apposition with some preceding noun, a comma should be placed before and after the clause; as, "Columbus, the discoverer of America, was born in Genoa."

What is the rule that relates to words used in pairs?

Rule VI. Words used in pairs take a comma after each pair; as, "Poverty and distress, desolation and ruin, are the consequences of civil war."

EXERCISE.

Copy the following sentences, and insert commas in the proper places. The rule under which the examples are given, will direct you; refer to it, if you do not remember it.

Examples under Rule I. The Romans who conquer ed the world could not conquer themselves. Those who fled were killed. Philip whose wife you have seen has gone to Albany. We saw a man walking on the rails. A man while imprudently walking on the rails was run over by the cars. Where we stood we could not hear a word. Wait a moment my friend. Vice is alluring, and has many votaries; virtue on the contrary has but few.

Under Rule II. That this man has basely deceived those who have trusted him cannot be doubted. A long life of good works and sincere repentance can hardly atone for such misdeeds. The author of these profound and learned philosophical essays was a poor blacksmith. Under Rule III. Diligence is the mother of success; laziness of failure. The wife was a tall lean cadaverous personage; the husband was a fine good-looking sturdy fellow. Men women and children stare cry out and run.

Under Rule IV. No one will respect you if you are dishonest. Stephen saw his cousin coming and ran to meet her. My horse is not handsome but he trots well. He will be here on Wednesday Thursday or Friday. Be virtuous that you may be esteemed by your companions.

Under Rule V. Bunyan the author of "The Pilgrim's Progress" was a tinker. Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles wrote many epistles. I have been in Ireland ill

fated country. Cicero the orator is one of the most distinguished of the ancient Romans.

Under Rule VI. Industry and virtue idleness and vice go hand in hand. Summer and winter seed-time and harvest are the gifts of an all-wise Providence. Painting and sculpture poetry and music will always have enthusiastic admirers.

LESSON XXVI.

COPY the following extract, inserting the punctuation points that have been described:

THE SWAN.

Swans in a wild state are found in the eastern part of Europe but they are most abundant in Siberia and the countries that surround the Caspian Sea Under ordinary circumstances they are perfectly harmless but when driven to act on the defensive have proved themselves formidable enemies. They have great strength in their wings an old swan using these as his weapons has been known to break a man's leg with a single stroke When their young are in danger they do not hesitate to engage with large animals and not unfrequently come off victorious from the struggle A female swan was once seen to attack and drown a fox which was swimming towards her nest for the purpose of feeding upon her young

When sailing on the water which is its favorite element the swan is a beautiful bird and its motions are graceful when seen on land however it presents a very different appearance its gait being awkward and all its movements exceedingly clumsy

It has been said by some authors that the swan which

during its life never sings a note sends forth when it is dying a most beautiful strain This is no doubt a mere fable at all events we have not sufficient evidence to establish it as a fact

Swans were formerly held in such esteem in England that by an act of Edward IV no one but the king's son was permitted to keep a swan unless he had an income of five marks a year By a subsequent act those who took their eggs were punished by imprisonment for a year and a day and fined according to the king's pleasure At the present day swans are little valued for the delicacy of their flesh though many are still preserved for their beauty

LESSON XXVII.

DASH, PARENTHESES, BRACKETS.

MAKE a dash.

For what is the dash used?

The dash is used,

I. To denote that a sentence is unfinished; as, "I cannot believe that he

II. To denote a sudden transition either in the form of a sentence, or in the sentiment expressed; as, "It was a sight-that child in the agony of death-that would have moved a heart of stone."

"He had no malice in his mind

No ruffles on his shirt."

Make parentheses. Make brackets.

For what are parentheses and brackets used?

Parentheses and brackets are used to inclose words and clauses, that are not connected in con