HOW TO GET STRONG
An eminent authority on the physiology of the vocal organs, Dr. Lennox Browne remarks—in "Voice, Song and Speech"—that "respiratory exercises and subsequently lessons in reading, reciting, and singing, are oftentimes of the greatest use in strengthening a weak chest, and indeed it is not too much to say, in arresting consumption."
Practised as singing fortunately is in many schools; in many more it is unknown. What inestimable benefit wise training would result in this field for even a few minutes a day! Many a good voice would be found which is now unknown. And at last our children would know by heart the soul-stirring National airs—more potent cultivators of a patriotic spirit, and one that will never die, than perhaps any other one known thing. Not half rich enough in these airs yet;—not approaching Scotland for instance; we can piece-out, if need be, with the "Watch on the Rhine," and inspiring melodies, from other lands which will aid in the good work till our own supply catches up. If every child in the State had had a year of bodily education for even half an hour a day by teachers, supervised by men so fit for the work as these three; the benefit to them would be felt all their lives. Indeed it would be the saving of not a few of those lives.
A simple manual of exercises in-doors,—which they
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