A careful examination of Maps is a sure and at the same time the most convenient method of acquiring a knowledge of Geography. With a view of furnishing to young classes an economical means of commencing a course of geographical study, this work has been prepared; and it is believed that a thorough acquaintance with its contents will impart such general ideas, as will prepare them to enter upon a more minute investigation of the subject, when they shall have arrived at a proper age.

The use of this work will also obviate the necessity which has heretofore existed, of furnishing such classes with larger volumes, the greater part of which is useless to them, till the book is literally worn out; and although it is adapted to young students, it will be found that the Atlas exercises are equally proper for more advanced pupils.

The study of this work should commence with recitations of short lessons previously explained by the instructer; and after the pupils are well versed in the elements, the study of the maps should be commenced. Embodied with the questions on the maps will be occasionally found questions in italic, referring to the elements. These are intended as a review, and the pupils should be made to understand, that through the whole of the maps, the instructer will require a similar review of the Geography. This course cannot fail to be interesting and advantageous.

The elements of Astronomy are annexed to the work; and it is left to the discretion of the instructer to determine the proper time to introduce this pleasing study to his pupils.

BOSTON, AUGUST, 1830.

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SIXTH (STEREOTYPE) EDITION.

The universal approbation and liberal patronage bestowed upon the former editions of the Boston School Atlas, have induced the publishers to make in this edition numerous improvements. The maps have all been re-engraved on steel, and in pursuance of hints from several instructers, a concise compendium of descriptive Geography has been added, while at the same time the text of the preceding edition has not been so altered as to cause confusion in the use of the two editions in the same class. Many engravings calculated to instruct, rather than merely to amuse, have been interspersed, to render the book more attractive and useful to pupils. The work, in addition to being stereotyped, has been kept as much as possible free from subjects liable to changes, in order that it may be a permanent Geography, which may hereafter be used without the inconvenience of variations in different reprints.

THE INDUCTIVE SYSTEM has deservedly become the most popular method of imparting instruction to the youthful mind, and may be used with as much advantage in the study of Geography as of any other science. To compile treatises of Geography on this plan, with the necessary arrangement of the maps adapted to every place, would multiply them indefinitely. The Inductive System, however, can be used with advantage in the study of this book by pursuing the following course. Let the Instructer describe to the pupils the town in which they reside, and require them to become familiar with its boundaries, rivers, ponds, hills, &c. After this is accomplished, the map of the State should be laid before them, and the situation of the town should be pointed out, and they should be told what a State is, and what towns are nearest them, &c. This plan can be carried to any extent the instructer may think necessary to enable his pupils to acquire a correct knowledge of their own State; and, if necessary, he should write for them additional questions of a local nature, beside those contained in the work. If the town be not on the map, it should be inserted with a pen on all the maps used in the class. After the pupils shall have acquired a correct idea of their own State, they may be taught respecting the adjoining States, countries, &c. and the plan may be pursued as successfully as if they possessed an Atlas with maps arranged in particular reference to their own place of residence.

BOSTON, JUNE 17, 1833.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by Lincoln and Edmands, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
BOSTON SCHOOL ATLAS.

From R. G. Parker, Author of “Progressive Exercises in English Composition,” and other popular works.

I have examined a copy of the Boston School Atlas, and have no hesitation in recommending it as the best introduction to the study of Geography that I have seen. The compiler has displayed much judgment in what he has omitted, as well as what he has selected; and has thereby presented to the public a neat manual of the elements of the science, unencumbered with useless matter and uninteresting detail. The mechanical execution of the work is neat and creditable, and I doubt not that its merits will shortly introduce it to general use.

Respectfully yours,
R. G. PARKER.

From E. Bailey, Principal of the Young Ladies’ High School, Boston.

I was so well pleased with the plan and execution of the Boston School Atlas, that I introduced it into my school, soon after the first edition was published. I regard it as the best work for beginners in the study of Geography which has yet fallen under my observation; as such I would recommend it to the notice of parents and teachers.

Very respectfully,
E. BAILEY.

From the Preceptors of Leicester Academy.

Among the great variety of school-books which have recently been published, few are in our opinion more valuable than the Boston School Atlas. As an introduction to the study of Geography, it is preferable to any work of the kind with which we are acquainted.

JOHN RICHARDSON,
ALBERT SPOONER.

From the Principal of New Ipswich (N. H.) Academy.

I have with much pleasure examined the copy of the Boston School Atlas, which you politely sent to me. I think it admirably well calculated to excite in the young mind a love of the study of Geography, and to convey correct ideas of the rudiments of that science. I shall be happy to recommend it wherever I have opportunity. It is, in my opinion, the very thing that is needed in our primary schools.

Respectfully yours,
ROBERT A. COFFIN.

From Mr. Emerson, formerly a Teacher in Boston.

I have examined the Boston School Atlas, and I assure you, I am highly pleased with it. It appears to me to contain exactly what it should, to render it an easy and adequate introduction to the study of Geography.

Yours, respectfully,
F. EMERSON.

From Rev. Benj. F. Farnsworth, Principal of the New Hampton Literary and Theological Seminary.

I have long lamented the deficiency of school-books in the elementary parts of education. A good introduction to the study of Geography has been much needed. The Boston School Atlas, recently published by you, appears well; and I think it should be preferred to most other works of the same class. I know of none that could be used with equal advantage in its place. I hope you may succeed in making School Committees and Teachers acquainted with this Introduction to an interesting and important study of our primary schools; as I doubt not that, in this case, it may obtain a very desirable patronage.

Yours, respectfully,
BENJ. F. FARNSWORTH.

From the United States Literary Advertiser, Boston.

This is one of the most beautiful elementary works of the kind, which has yet come within the range of our observation. The Maps are elegantly executed, and finely colored—and the whole work is got up in a style that cannot fail to insure its general introduction into our schools, as a most valuable standard book.

From the Principal of one of the High Schools in Portland.

I have examined the Boston School Atlas, Elements of Geography, &c., and think it admirably adapted to beginners in the study of the several subjects treated on. It is what is wanted in all books for learners,—simple, philosophical, and practical. I hope it will be used extensively.

Yours respectfully,
JAS. FURBISH.

From Mr. Emerson, Author of the Spelling and Reading Books.

I have perused your Boston School Atlas with much satisfaction. It seems to me to be what has been needed as an introduction to the study of Geography, and admirably adapted to that purpose.

Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
B. D. EMERSON.

From Rev. Dr. Perry, of E. Bradford.

I received, some months since, the Boston School Atlas, and having given it a trial among my children, I am free to say, that I think it very happily adapted to the wants and conveniences of beginners in Geography, and hope it may get into extensive use.

Respectfully,
GARDNER B. PERRY.