they can be snuffled in the anterior by directing the vibrations to the lower parts and edges of the anterior nostrils. The more all kind of nasality however, is avoided, the more clear, sonorous, and satisfactory to the ear the voice will become.

When the elements can be sounded, subject to the directions above given, let the attempt be made to sound words in this voice. As soon as single words can be uttered, of a pure orotund character, let attempts be made to sound sentences, and by degrees this voice will be heard upon successive syllables. At first, it will be monotonous, but practice will enable the student to vary his pitch with the orotund, as easily as with the natural voice.

Now, though we do not recommend attempts to use this voice in speaking or reading, until long practice has placed it at entire command, yet we can assure the student, that the elementary exercises here enjoined, will improve his natural voice. Their direct tendency is to impart depth, tone, strength, fulness, and smoothness. We ought here to insert a restricting clause, and say that this voice is not the voice employed in common and familiar subjects. It is more especially, the appropriate symbol of the dignified parts of epic and tragic poetry, and the more solemn portions of the scriptures. But a person cannot have an impressive delivery in public speaking, without the depth, force, and clearness of tone, which the practice necessary to attain the orotund, is the most effective method of acquiring. Some persons have a natural orotund. Those who have not, may certainly acquire it, except in some rare instances.

Loud vociferation.

Frequent exercise of the voice, in declaiming aloud, with the utmost degree of force, of which it is susceptible, is another sure mean of improving it. Persons in general, have no adequate notion of the degree to which the voice may be improved, by the daily habit of loud vociferation. As soon as this strong action of the voice can be employed without hoarseness, it ought to be maintained for a considerable length of time, at once, (say half an hour,) and if the exercise is united with a perfect observation of measure, it will be beneficial, rather than injurious to health, and especially if prosecuted in the open air. There is a grave fulness of quality in all voices thus habitually exercised, which is at once grateful to the ear, and adequate to the purposes of public speaking. No person should attempt to address large public assemblies, whose voice has not been submitted to the gymnastic training here recommended, for some time. I have known a voice got up in a fortnight, by this practice, from comparative feebleness, into a well marked strength and fulness.

Explosion, both of the vowels and consonants, as described, under the head of articulation, with the utmost degree of rending force and abruptness, should accompany the above mentioned exercises.

Compass of the voice as to pitch.

Let the following sentence be begun with great loudness, in a very low pitch, and let the voice gradually rise, till it attains to its highest note, then let it descend again gradually, to the point at which it set out, terminate with its lowest note, maintaining great force throughout.

Though you untie the winds, and let them fight
Against the churches, though the yesty waves
Confound and swallow navigation up;

Though bladed corn be lodged, and trees blown down;
Though castles topple on their warden's heads,

And nature's germins tumble altogether,

Even till destruction sicken ?-Answer me.

By this practice, a command over the scale will be obtained.

Let sentences be selected requiring a low pitch. Solemn sentences are of this description. These are to be read with sustained force, in a very low pitch, with a view of strengthening the voice upon a low note. A high note is, in itself, more audible than a low one; hence the voice is naturally inclined to rise as it increases in force; on this account, it must be kept down while its volume is increased in these exercises. The following sentence will serve the purpose we have in view.

"And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water." Rev. c. 14, v. 6, 7.

Other sentences should be read as loudly as possible, at the pitch of a person's common conversation; and others again, at a much higher pitch; and the reading at these respective points of compass, should be steadily continued for a considerable time, as an exercise. This

exercise will produce fulness and clearness of note, throughout the voice's compass.

Rapidity in reading.

It will be found that the practice of reading with great rapidity and loudness, will increase the strength of the voice. It will enable a person to sound the elements with great distinctness, and to vary them with force and precision. We ought to observe, however, that the rapidity of the utterance should never be so great, as to prevent the exact sounding of every element, usually heard in the words. Rapid reading is also an excellent preparative for the proper management of parentheses, and parts of a passionate character, requiring a quick pronunciation. But it is of especial use in giving unerring precision, force, and distinctness, to the organs of speech in ordinary utterance, which are points of the utmost importance to a public speaker.

Let these exercises be steadily pursued, say for a single hour a day, for a few weeks only, and there are very few persons who will have to complain of want of force, loudness, compass, or good quality of voice, or of a feeble and confused enunciation.

We conclude, by observing, that the practice here enjoined, must be followed by all who entertain any reasonable hope of speaking with power in public, to large assemblies. The choice lies between previous industry of preparation, or the anguish of disappointment when the trial comes.

RECITATION FIFTEENTH.

OF THE APPLICATION OF THE VOCAL ELEMENTS, IN EXPRESSING EMOTION.

Loudness.

THIS is appropriate to sentiments of great energy and earnestness, astonishment, exultation, rage, anger, joy, and others.

Feebleness is appropriate to humility, sorrow, penitence, shame, apathy, and other sentiments allied to depression of mind.

The intermediate degrees of force, belong to didactic subjects, from which passion is for the most part, excluded to simple reading, to philosophical, critical, and professional lectures, etc.

Increased rate of voice.

A moderately quick rate of voice, is appropriate to all cheerful subjects, and such as approach the character of ordinary conversation. A quicker time is required in parentheses, and in sections of discourse, which interrupt the main current of thought;-also in the emotions of anger, joy, mirth, and all the more animating passions.

Slowness of voice, or slow time, on the contrary, is appropriate to all grave, solemn, dignified, and pathetic subjects.