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LATIN PROSE

W. H. Whiting

Because Latin is so important a branch of study, the more important to-day becausc Greek is no longer among the requirements for admission at many colleges, it ought to be taught thoroughly. It is generally admitted that Latin can not be taught well unless Latin Prose Composition is constantly employed as a means to that end.

The colleges, too, have made Latin writing a separate branch of Latin study, whether wisely or well remains to be seen, and they demand that the secondary schools meet their requirements in this subject as in all others. This demand can be met only by honest work.

Dishonest work is discreditable in any sphere, manual or intellectual, but most of all in educational, for the consequences are far more vital. College teachers have often preferred the charge against the preparatory schools that the foundation work is poor and discreditable. In a recent number of the Educational Review, Prof. Houghton of Bowdoin College in an article "On the Teaching of Latin," says, "Nine pupils out of ten are what the first year makes of them. Too often they turn out helpless and hopeless because through their own or their teacher's fault the foundation work has never been thoroughly done." How fatal the results of dishonest work here!

The subject of Latin Prose Composition, too, is sadly neglected in our schools, to judge from the results shown at the college examinations. We need to be reformed right here. We have heen too indifferent to the value of Latin Prose Composition as an effective means of learning Latin Grammar. Latin Grammar we must have, to meet college requirements and to appreciate properly the Latin writers. It is easy to get along in some way or other without the Grammar. Much drudgery is saved by cutting it out. But, drudgery must be endured. Everywhere we turn we find that Nature makes drudgery a necessary condition for successful accomplishment. It is needless to say that, to teach Latin writing effectively, the teacher must be effective, forcible and constantly growing more proficient.

The pupil quickly reflects the indolence or activity of the teacher. To be effective, Latin Prose Composition must be taught constantly, daily thronghout the course. Principles of syntax and forms must be constantly repeated. Repetition is, as we all admit, the sine qua non of successful teaching. Attention to this subject, instead of neglect, honesty in work, instead of a half-hearted service, and daily exercises will contribnte largely to effective teaching of Latin writing.

It is no longer an excuse to say, "We did not consider the subject important." We know that it is of great importance and that thorough, honest work in Latin can not be done without Latin Prose Composition. To neglect the subject any longer lays us open to the charge of dishonesty or inefficiency.