+The _Superlative Degree_ expresses the greatest or the least degree of the
quality+.
+RULE.--Adjectives are regularly compared by adding _er_ to the positive to
form the comparative, and _est_ to the positive to form the superlative+.
RULES FOR SPELLING.
+RULE I.--Final e is dropped before a suffix beginning with a vowel; as+,
_fine, finer; love, loving._
+Exceptions.+--The _e_ is retained (1) after _c_ and _g_ when the suffix
begins with _a_ or _o_; as, _peaceable, changeable;_ (2) after _o;_ as,
_hoeing;_ and (3) when it is needed to preserve the identity of the word;
as, _singeing, dyeing._
+RULE II.---Y after a consonant becomes _i_ before a suffix net beginning
with _i;_ as,+ _witty, wittier; dry, dried._
Exceptions.---Y does not change before 's, nor in forming the plural of
proper nouns; as, _lady's,_ the _Marys,_ the _Henrys._
+RULE III.--In monosyllables and words accented on the last syllable, a
final consonant after a single vowel doubles before a suffix beginning with
a vowel; as+, _hot, hotter; begin, beginning._
Exceptions.--_X, k,_ and _v_ are never doubled, and _gas_ has _gases_ in
the plural.
Adjectives of more than two syllables are generally compared by prefixing
_more_ and _most._ This method is often used with adjectives of two
syllables and sometimes with those of one.
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