use of their hands; let them endeavour to strengthen their constitutions, naturally so weak and delicate; let exercise of the body relieve the exercise of the mind.

All children cannot derive equal benefit from general gymnastics; in cases of deviation, the exercises we have described may not be suitable; when the constitution is not in a normal state, orthopedic or medical gymnastics must be employed for children of a nervous temperament, and precocious intellect. General or special gymnastics may be recommended to counteract the effects of premature mental development; the body should be exercised, and the mind left in repose. Let the muscles be strengthened, in order to diminish the effects of nervous excitement.

To children of lymphatic constitutions, gymnastics gradually applied, may give strength and solidity to the tissues; the glands will be less swollen, the blood and lymphatic fluids more active in their circulation, cease to stagnate in the vessels, and may thus combat the predisposition to scrofula, to glandular swellings, and green sickness. In some children the brain appears in a state of stupor; it would be vain to attempt to convey to their feeble minds correct notions on any subject; they are scarcely alive to surrounding impressions, and seem lost to what is passing. It is under these sad circum

stances, that well directed gymnastics may soothe the sorrows of afflicted parents; and that the mind may be developed by previously subjecting the body to gymnastic exercises, suited to the state of the patient; activity and precision must be combined, both will be found wanting; the perceptions are dormant, they must be brought into action; it is through the medium of external objects, it is by motion the requisite activity will be communicated to the dormant senses, and that they will attain that quickness of perception nature seemed originally to have denied.

Where are the gymnastic, fencing, drilling, or dancing masters, who have ever considered exercise in this scientific point of view? Gymnastics have been employed with success in the treatment of the insane; why, therefore, should it not be equally so in the treatment of idiotcy, particularly when children are young; and that during growth, their physical education is directed in a philosophical and rational manner?

There is no state in which young people more imperiously require gymnastic exercises, than when from excess of indulgence and sedentary habits, they have become nervous, irritable, hypochondriac, and affected by the slightest motion. When girls pass sleepless nights, are in a continual state of excitement, or appear unhappy without cause, and give way to low spirits, the good effects of gymnastics will be most forcible.

Gymnastic exercises should always be taken. either two hours before, or two hours after meals; digestion should not be interrupted, neither should children feel hungry when they begin their exercises. The body must not be confined by tight lacing; it is better to practice without stays; the dresses must be loose and wide.

Morning is the time best suited to gymnastics, the limbs seem to require exertion after the repose of the night; but under all circumstances, and at all times, gymnastic exercises should be discontinued as soon as they induce fatigue; if they cause perspiration, children must not sit still, but walk up and down till the circulation becomes slower.

It is undoubtedly very beneficial to take exercise in the open air, but this is not always feasible, as the temperature is so variable; we, therefore, prefer an in-door gymnasium, for regularity is most essential to the attainment of the object in view, whether this object be merely the improvement of the figure, the cure of deviations, or the still higher object of relieving the mind.

When children begin gymnastic exercises, the arms have scarcely sufficient strength to support the body, and it is an effort to remain suspended by the hands for merely a few seconds; the muscles of the arms, the shoulders, and chest are extended, and a general lassitude ensues; if notwithstanding this feeling, the exercises are

continued, children may not be well for a day or two: these exercises should, therefore, be practised gradually. The hands being delicate, also require to be habituated by degrees to the necessary exertion, or they become blistered. The first exercises induce perspiration, the appetite is increased, and the digestive functions more easily fulfilled.

Some children suffer no inconvenience from gymnastic exercises, others are sick, have palpitations, and vertigo; it is the province of the physician to say in what manner each individual should be treated under these circumstances; as a general rule, we can only repeat, that all fatigue must be most carefully avoided.

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XXVIII.

On Voice, Speaking, and Singing.

AMONG the Grecians, gymnastics and music, were considered as the foundation of education. Music," said Plato, "is comprised of every description of speech, whether in prose or verse, which may tend to form the mind;" and gymnastics comprise all the exercises that can serve to improve the body.

"It is surprising," said Plutarch, “how advantageous is singing, not only to health, but also to the maintenance of general strength, not of gladiators, but of the strength of the principal viscera of the body, whence depends the state of the health." What we have now to examine is the influence of voice, considered as a gymnastic exercise in speaking and singing. A few words on the organ of the voice are here necessary.

During infancy the organ of voice being in an imperfect state, and unable to support the efforts of exercise, we have purposely spoken of the gymnastics of the muscles of the body; we have now to treat of the gymastics of the larynx and lungs.