1855 printing of the 1855 copyrighted text. Part of the publisher's National School Series. No information about the author is provided. Brookfield's text seeks to create a gradual curriculum of composition that begins with the cultivation of thought as well as the expression of thought. It argues style must grow with the student, rather than be something imitated from distinguished authors. It cultivates observation, uses subjects familiar to students, and offers outlines in the form of a series of questions. Other hints and suggestions are also provided. The first lesson is on composition in general, lesson two discusses description. Following these are subjects for description, beginning with objects in division one, moving to more complex objects and scenarios in division two, and then grander scenes in division three. The Schultz Archive includes the complete text; however, there are faded areas of text that make it difficult to read.