the curtain of the palate, and then aspirating the vowel ů.

When this element is doubled, as in fickle (pronounced fikkl) the first k is mute.

P is formed by closing the lips, and then aspirating the vowel ů.

When this element is doubled, as in happy, the first P is mute.

S is a hissing sound, and, like z in zone, is formed with the tip of the tongue pressed gently against the gums of the upper incisory teeth. It is nearly the same as z in zone aspirated.

SH is formed with the tongue in the same position as is z in azure. SH is nearly the same sound as z in

azure, aspirated.

T is formed by pressing the tip of the tongue against the gums of the upper incisory teeth, and then aspirating the vowel ů.*

When T is doubled, as in attempt, the first T is mute.

TH, as in thin, like th in then, is formed with the tip of the tongue pressed against the upper incisory teeth. It is nearly the same sound as the subvowel TH aspirated.

WH is the inceptive part of the vowel û aspirated in a particular way. The sound which is produced, in the formation of this element, is nearly the same as hů, whispered. WH requires the same posture of the mouth that the vowel ů requires.

That hu and wh are n t identical, may be proved by pronouncing, alternately, the wo ds hoom and whoom, and observing the contrast between them.

* Although of no practical importance, it may not be uninteresting to the philosophic reader to know that the second constituent of the subvowels B, D, G, and of the aspirates, K, P, T, is formed by aspirating the vowel ů only when these elements are uttered singly, when they are final, and when they are followed by a consonant. When they are followed by a vowel, their second constituent is formed by aspirating that vowel. This may be rendered obvious by pronouncing forcibly, and deliberately, the words, Bay, Day, Gay, and Kay, Pay, Tay, or any other words, in which B, D, G, and K, P, T are followed by vowels.

organs

CHAPTER V.

THE POSTURES OF THE MOUTH.

AN accurate knowledge of the positions which the of articulation should assume in the formation of the several elements of vocal language, is very important to those who would speak with ease and elegance. To aid the reader still further in the acquisition of this knowledge, he is furnished with the various postures of the mouth, required in uttering the elements energetically, and singly.

The elements are grouped according to the posture in which the mouth should be when they are formed. It will be seen that the Diphthongs and Triphthongs have each two postures of the mouth one at the commencement, the other at the termination of the sound. These postures are, of course, more or less modified, when the elements are uttered in their various combinations, and with different degrees of force.

The pupil should exercise his organs of speech, in the most forcible manner, three times a week, and, if possible, even every day, on all the elements. The vow

els should be exploded from the throat, both interrogatively and affirmatively, in every range of pitch within the compass of the voice, and with every possible degree of force.

The vowels are exploded in the following manner: make a full inspiration, close the glottis, and contract the muscles of expiration so as to condense the air in the lungs, then utter the element with a sudden and forcible emission of the breath. The sounds thus produced may be denominated vocal thunder; the effect upon an audience is electrical.

This exercise strengthens the vocal organs, and enables the speaker to be heard at a great distance, with very little effort, or expenditure of breath. It is also beneficial to health.

CHAPTER VI.

DEFECTIVE ARTICULATION.

ARTICULATION is defective when one or more ele ments of a word are omitted, or imperfectly formed; or when one element is substituted for another.

Defective articulation is exceedingly common: perhaps there is not one individual in ten thousand whose articulation is perfect. This arises from the neglect of a proper gymnastic training of the organs of speech in childhood. As soon as children are capable of imitating sounds, they should be taught the elements of vocal language; and, to facilitate their acquisition of this knowledge, they should be made to exercise before a mirror, so as to compare the movements of their own lips with those of the lips of their instructor. By pursuing this course, a good foundation will be laid for a perfect and graceful articulation.

In that part of this work which consists of EXERCISES IN READING AND DECLAMATION, all, or nearly all, the letters representing sounds liable to be omitted, or imperfectly articulated, are italicised. Hence it is not necessary to furnish examples, and treat of the subject minutely, in this place. There are, however, some instances of defective articulation, which are not pointed out by the italic letters these are so important that they deserve special notice. I allude to those cases in which one element is substituted for another. The remainder of this chapter will be devoted to their consideration.

Children are apt to substitute the sound of d for that of g in gay; and the sound of t for that of k, or c in cat. Thus, for gay, they say day; for cake, tate, &c.

To enable the pupil to correct these faults, I explain to him the manner in which the sounds of g and k are