GROUP V.-traveler, traveller, &c.

In the inflections of the following words, the last consonant is often doubled, contrary to the general tendency of the language, as illustrated by numerous examples under Rule I. 5, p. 58.

The anomaly in this group is mostly limited to verbs ending in 7, the great preponderance of usage being inaccordance with the rule and examples given on page 58, i.e., that the final consonant is not doubled when the last syllable is not accented.

By analogy there would be equally good reasons for writing prefference, limitted, gardenner, &c., as traveller, worshipping, &c.

The reason for this departure from analogy is perhaps that 7 being a weak letter, there is a disposition to double it, where no other letter would be doubled; the same remark may apply to biassing; but for worshipping, there is no excuse except the observation of Johnson-" Many words have been altered by accident, or depraved by ignorance."

Excellent, marvellous, libellous, tranquillity, as well as the hesitation between smallness, smalness, &c., further illustrate the tendency to double the 7 contrary to analogy.

In the following list the words are spelt with e or i indifferently; the most approved mode is given first.

Webster proposed many other modifications of the present spelling, with a view of reducing the anomalies of our orthography, and bringing the spelling more in harmony with analogy and pronunciation.

The following are the principal changes proposed by Webster:-

Present spelling.

mould, moult, &c.

staunch, launch, &c.

defence, pretence, &c. group, croup, &c. plough, woe

axe, ton

Spelling proposed by Webster.

mold, molt, &c.
stanch, lanch, &c.
defense, pretense, &c.

groop, croop
plow, wo
ax, tun

With singular inconsistency, however, contrary to the general tendency of the language, Webster recommends willful, skillful, &c. Dr. Latham goes far beyond Webster in his proposed modifications of English spelling; while others say "Reform it altogether."* However desirable these changes may be theoretically, and however great the practical advantages that would flow from a well-considered scheme of improved orthography, which would command general approval, it is the business of the teacher to teach the current orthography in the most effective manner, and, in regard to proposed changes, to follow the advice of Pope:

"In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold,

Alike fantastic if too new or old;

Be not the first by whom the new is tried,
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside."

* The necessity for a systematic Spelling Reform has often been advocated in the past; of late years the question has been brought prominently before the public by the labors of Messrs. Pitman and Ellis, who propose to re-model the orthography, by supplying the deficiencies and regulating the anomalies of the alphabet. Dr. Latham has declared himself favorable to the change; and in his lectures on the Science of Language, Professor Max Muller speaks favorably of the movement. Whether a radical change in English spelling will, sooner or later, be adopted, is, of course, a matter of opinion. If the objections on the grounds of etymology could be overcome, the educational advantages would be incalculable. Teachers, however, will do well to acquaint themselves with the arguments on both sides of this important question. One thing, at least, is certain in reference to the proposed change the opponents have found it a more convenient and easy task to ridicule the efforts of the reformers, than to answer their arguments.

GENERAL REMARKS.

The following general rules may be taken as a pretty safe guide in spelling:

I. When the spelling of a word is decisively fixed by usage, this must be followed however opposed to analogy, pronunciation, etymology, or any other principle.

II. Of two modes of spelling a word supported by respectable authority, analogy should decide, and this almost invariably favors the shorter mode, because the tendency of the language is towards uniformity and brevity.

III. When there is no analogy to guide, the spelling should be determined by etymology, where that can be ascertained.

Thus ecstasy, apostasy, from the Greek oraσiç are preferred to ecstacy and apostacy; negotiate from otium, to negociate; diocese as a nearer approach to oikog than diocess.

IV. The tendency to brevity suggests ribon, wagon, which are supported by the analogy of bigot, topic, fagot, manor, in preference to the longer forms.

V. Analogy inclines to connection, complection, inflection, reflection, which are becoming common; connexion, complexion, inflexion, reflexion, are going out of use. x, like z, is not a favorite letter with printers. Chemist is becoming general in preference to chymist, on account of the aversion to y in the middle of a word.

FINIS.