XLIV. DIALOGUES AND CONCERT-READINGS. X. IN WANT OF A PLACE XX. THE KING and the Miller of MansFIELD Dodsley. G. W. Curtis . 58 Vinet 123 "Deem it not trifling while I recommend What posture suits: to stand and sit by turns, your leaves As nature prompts, is best; but o'er ARMSTRONG. PHYSICAL AND VOCAL TRAINING. I. POSITION AND CARRIAGE OF THE BODY. IN N reading aloud, the bodily attitude is the first thing that requires attention. When a pupil stands up to read, we may judge beforehand what will be the character of his performance by the position assumed. The timid posture, with bent spine and contracted chest, will be accompanied by a feeble drawl; and the awkward, indifferent attitude will precede a hard, unsympathetic tone of voice, or mumbling utterance; while from one who takes an attitude of dignity and self-respect we may look for that honest and earnest effort which insures progress and improvement. The pupil should therefore secure a good position as a habit whenever he is using his voice. All the muscles used in producing voice must act with ease and elasticity; and this comes from the right kind of practice or exercise. No one will do his best who, through laziness, negligence, or ignorance, allows the vocal machinery to become enfeebled and ineffective. In fact, the influence of physical conditions extends even to the mental and moral habit. We shall therefore have more vivacious, intelligent, and expressive reading where proper care is taken with regard to the management of the body. A few moments at every session should be devoted to drill in the physical and vocal exercises. They are not all required in any one lesson, but a judicious use of them at proper intervals will greatly improve the carriage of the body, expand the chest, and give freedom to the voice. The drill should always be carried on in a cheerful and |