brain, the brain acts upon the nerves, the nerves act upon the muscles, and the muscles upon the bones; and only after this process are we able to undertake an act."

Here, again, we come upon something which will be still more distasteful to the class of persons we have referred to, viz. : That their brains and nerves must also be employed whilst singing and speaking. Perhaps, in the end, this curious writer will require that the brain and nerves should also be educated! Of course; for the first task is to educate our brain through mental exercises, because only a brain educated and imaginative, well exercised in thinking, and that, too, in quick and decisive thinking, will be able to act upon the nerves and muscles. Only after continued practice shall we be able to bring into operation such muscles as should be employed.

To strengthen the muscles, and with them the entire body, and make them obedient to our will, we must practice systematically. Gymnastics are,

of all bodily exercises, the best qualified for this purpose, because very nearly all the movements of the human body are embraced in them; but we must observe very closely the following rules, if we do not want to receive more harm than good through these exercises.

SECTION 2

DIRECTIONS FOR PRACTICE.

1. The most suitable time for practice is shortly before breakfast, dinner or supper. The best time is in the morning before breakfast. After exercise, a pause of half, or at least a quarter of an hour must ensue before eating, as digestion cannot be well carried on in an excited state of the muscles. No exercise must be taken upon a full stomach.

2. Success results only from perseverance. If the desired end is to be reached, practice must be carried on with great regularity.

3. Before beginning, all oppressive clothing must be removed; neck, chest and abdomen must be free from pressure. Women must remove every sort of corset.

4. If, during practice, a decided rush of blood to the head is remarked, or a quickened pulsation of the heart with rapid breathing, the exercise must be carried on very circumspectly and moderately, with long pauses; that is, between every two exercises there must be a normal action of the lungs.

5. During exercise, the breath must not be held in. On the contrary, draw the air slowly, and in deep draughts, into the lungs, and expel it just as slowly, not forgetting to contract the abdominal muscles.

A right action of the lungs is indispensable for the preservation of man, since upon this depend the soundness of the lungs, the proper circulation of the blood, and the health of the whole body.

The pauses between the exercises are, therefore, used for deep breathing, which is practiced by inhaling the air slowly, and in as great quantities as possible, and expelling it just as slowly.

Diseases of all sorts result, in great measure, from defective breathing, as very many, and hysterical persons in particular, breathe only with the upper half of the lungs, thus injuring the lower half through lack of expansion. This frequently leads to consumption in youth, and to asthma in old age.

6. The movements must be slow, but decided and energetic.

It is well in exercising to observe a certain measure, with counts either loud or silent, which may cease as perfection is acquired by practice.

In the beginning make an exercise five to eight times; after a few days, ten to fifteen times; after three or four weeks, twenty to thirty times. Never repeat an exercise oftener.

Above all, guard against entire fatigue of the muscles. As soon as an undue sense of weariness comes on, the exercise must be stopped or deferred until it is over. Be content with small results at first. Strength and ease will come with practice.

That disagreeable tension of the muscles which ensues at first, need not cause alarm in regard to the health, and induce one to abandon gymnastic practice Injury results only from senseless over-excitation of the muscles. A gradual progress in exercise should be observed; a safe and steady passage from easy to difficult things.

7. Exercise must be carried on in pure air. If within doors, the place should be thoroughly ventilated by opening doors and windows before the practice begins. It must not be prosecuted in jerks and starts. Women should be exceedingly careful in this regard.

The double organs (arms, shoulders and hips) should be exercised right and left alternately.

Particular attention should be given to the perfecting of the respiratory muscles (chest and abdominal), and one should be particularly cautious not to over-exert them. Always allow a certain lapse of time for rest before beginning to exercise anew, and bear in mind that only a slow and gradual exercise, continued for a long time, and interrupted only by the proper rest, will enable us to achieve our aim.

SECTION 3

EXERCISES FOR THE MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION AND OF THE NECK.

The person exercising must stand perfectly erect, with straightened knees, the heels close together, the toes turned slightly outward so that the feet shall form the sides of a right angle, the chest thrown outward (not excessively), the shoulders thrown back, and the hands hanging loosely

FIG. I.

at the side or set akimbo. should begin all his exercises. Position (Fig. 1).

From this position he
We call it the Base

I.

HEAD AND NECK EXERCISES.

1. Turning the Head to the Right and Left (6, 8, 10 times).* The head is turned slowly to the right without lowering it, as far as the muscles of the neck allow (Fig. II). Remaining some time in this position greatly

FIG. II.

The

strengthens the muscles of the throat and neck. same practice is then observed by turning the head to the left, while the body remains in its base position, and the shoulder-muscles are motionless.

The object of this practice is to give freedom to the muscles of the neck. This is very necessary, for in gesture it constantly occurs, notably in persons of high rank, that a slight turn of the head to one side or the other, without the least movement of the body, is of great significance. When, through inflexibility of the muscles of the neck, arising from want of exercise, the whole body turns with it, as we often observe in persons without gymnastic training, or when singers cannot turn their heads during singing without causing the tone to cease suddenly,-the effect is bad.

2. Bowing of the Head Forward, Backward, or to the Right and Left (6, 8, 10).

The head is bowed in a fourfold way, the trunk remaining erect, without stretching the neck-muscles too powerfully.

* The figures in parentheses after each exercise indicate the number of times the exercise is to be repeated; the first number to govern the pupil in the beginning of his practice, the second number after two weeks, the third number after eight weeks. The last number is then retained.