Of the whole method of parsing, it should be understood, that it is to be a critical exercise in utterance, as well as an evidence of previous study,--an exhibition of the learner's attainments in the practice, as well as in the theory, of grammar; and that, in any tolerable performance of this exercise, there must be an exact adherence to the truth of facts, as they occur in the example, and to the forms of expression, which are prescribed as models, in the book.

For parsing is, in no degree, a work of invention; but wholly an exercise, an exertion of skill.

It is, indeed, an exercise for all the powers of the mind, except the inventive faculty.

Perception, judgement, reasoning, memory, and method, are indispensable to the performance.

Nothing is to be guessed at, or devised, or uttered at random.