From these it would be easy to compile a set of fairly good rules.

Each of these rules, however, has exceptions, in some cases quite numerous.

To remember these rules with their exceptions would be a considerable mental task and to apply them would be cumbrous and time consuming.

The effort would probably resolve itself into an actual learning of the words which present difficulties.

The best way to become a good speller is to form the habit of careful reading, observing the form of every word as it passes before the eye and so unconsciously fixing it in the memory.