provide a system as nearly perfect as might be; and therefore no part of the discipline for reading and recitation could have been correctly omitted: besides, as there must be some beginning, where could we commence more properly than at the true and rational foundation?

ARTICULATION.

A good articulation has ever been regarded as the first requisite in delivery; without which, indeed, all other attainments in this art are of little importance. It consists in the distinct utterance of words and the elements of which they are composed; and in making such a distinction between syllables, that the ear may easily perceive to which syllable each letter or element belongs. "In just articulation," says Austin in his Chironomia," the words are not to be hurried over; nor precipitated syllable over syllable; nor as it were melted together into a mass of confusion. They should be neither abridged, nor prolonged; nor swallowed, nor forced; they should not be trailed, nor drawled, nor let to slip out carelessly, so as to drop unfinished. They are to be delivered out from the lips as beautiful coins newly issued from the mint, deeply and accurately impressed, perfectly finished, neatly struck by the proper organs, distinct, in due time, and of due weight." To acquire a distinct enunciation, and to overcome whatever obstacles habit may have thrown in the way of it, requires great effort. It was for this end alone that the young Athenian orator repaired to the sea shore and spoke amidst the noise of dashing waves.

Indistinct articulation may arise from various causes. A physical defect in the vocal organs may produce a stammering hesitancy in speech. A sluggish action of the mind may cause a dull, imperfect utterance; while excess of sensibility or vivacity may produce a hasty, indistinct utterance. But the principal causes of all the faults arising from a bad articulation, are the difficulty of uttering the consonant sounds; the tendency of the mind to slide over unaccented vowels; the numerous prefix and affix syllables with which our language abounds; and the influence of accent when thrown back in a word so far as to be followed by several syllables. To these may be added the immediate succession of similar sounds of difficult utterance, and the effect of early habit in distorting the organs of speech.

As the human voice is susceptible of an almost unlimited degree of cultivation, most of the difficulties and faults preventing a clear enunciation may be overcome by a proper exercise of the vocal organs upon the elements of speech, and the various combinations of them which produce sounds most difficult of utterance.

With a view, therefore, to remedy the faults above enumerated, to acquire a deliberate and distinct utterance, to strengthen the voice, to soften and improve its tones, and finally to obtain a perfect management of it; let the following rules and exercises be carefully attended to.

Rule 1.-Pronounce the following words with as much compass and explosive force of the voice as possible; and prolong the consonant sounds at the beginning and end

of the words, so as to render them distinct

and audible at a considerable distance:

Rule 2.-Pronounce the following words clearly and distinctly, by giving to each syllable its proper and full share in the word. Deliver the syllables slowly at first, and increase in rapidity progressively; taking care not to connect them by a humming or drawling sound. Utter not more than one word in a breath; and let there be an interval of silence after each:

Rule 3.-Avoid pronouncing v for w; and

w for v. For this purpose, read the following words distinctly:

For the like purpose, let these sentences be often repeated:

A versifier wants a very wonderful variety of words. Wander wherever you would, worthy and valued women were viewed walking, and visiting the various works.

Rule 4.-Take care to sound the aspirates h, and wh. For this purpose, read the following words, distinctly:

Up the high hill he heaves a huge round stone.

Hail, ye high ministers of heaven! how happy are we in hearing these your heavenly tidings,

How I hate, how I abhor such hell hounds!