Page:The study of living languages (IA studyoflivinglan00cott).pdf/11

most the greatest possible resistance to the carriages and by degrees was converted into mud, but never afforded any thing approaching to a clean, hard surface. The road menders were quite satisfied because they were doing something, but if asked, why they did what produced an effect exactly the opposite to that which was desired, they of course could not have given a reason. Road-making has since been thoroughly investigated and though men have not yet perhaps found out the best way of doing it, they have now a real reason for what they do, and consequently a prodigious improvement in roads has been produced.

It is high time that such a change should take place in reference to this subject now before us, and any attempt at an examination of it, with a view to a really sound system of study should be accepted.

The thoughts contained in the following paper are the results of such a consideration of the subject as could be given to it in the midst of duties of another land during a period of more than thirty years.

Circumstances have not allowed of the writer following up the study of any language, to any extent, having repeatedly moved, from where one language was spoken to where another was used, and his time being too much occupied with pressing business; nor has he had an opportunity of commencing the study of a language with such materials as he here recommends ready prepared to his hands.

In the course of this long period however he has had an opportunity of trying his plans partially in several languages both on himself and others, and thus of correcting in some measure his first ideas and forming something like a digested system in his own mind; and he must state that as to the leading points in the system here proposed, he has quite satisfied himself.

He has taken every opportunity of obtaining aid from others, both by reading works of teachers of languages in Europe, and also by trying to discuss the question with those who were studying and had studied such kind of living languages. From the former he has received some help, though often merely by being taught what to avoid; but from the latter he received no assistance, simply because in general they had no distinct ideas