666

"name.

daughter, Selina, to cultivate the sound in "the same way, and I never takes a servant "into my house, who has not an S in her I have one, called Sukey, another, "called Sophy, my dog Smolensko, and my "cat Frisk. I have taught my little daugh"ter, Selina, to repeat a small lesson, where "the S, is sounded, and you can't think how "sweet it sounds, when she says it after me; "and tells Sophy to go to Sukey, and fetch "the scissors from the sideboard to cut "Smolensko's tail.'"

So easily is this imperfection removed, that it would be a disgrace to the most confirmed lisper, if he required more than a very few lessons to enable him completely to overcome it. The removal of this, is not doubtful, or, uncertain; it depends exclusively on the knowledge, and practice of a fixed principle in the elements of vocal sounds. In my Tables of the Formation, and for the Slow-practice of the Consonants*, I have simplified the subject so

*See Practical Instructions.

much, that it is almost impossible to misunderstand it.

Many persons, give a very perverted enunciation of the letters, L, M, and N; thereby producing what is vulgarly called "Speaking through the Nose." This defect, where there is no organic imperfection, is removed by fixing these consonants in their proper seat, and keeping the lips, and teeth in the proper position for commencing, and vocalizing groups of words.

There are other imperfections, which vitiate articulation: such as the guttural sound of R, commonly designated "The Northumbrian Burr;"-and the substitution of N, for the hard sound of C (K); as nome, for come, and nareless for careless. All this marred, and imperfect utterance, may find a remedy in the dili

gent study, and practice of the elements of our language.

To the question then-Are there any SURE means, by which, Stammering, may be permanently overcome? I answer, there are; and these means, are fixed, and invariable in the principles of vocal sounds: means, simple in their nature, but, certain in their result; not liable to the casualties, that overset the theories of idle speculators, or, the more daring, and reckless randomry of mercenary quacks.

I have said, that the means of cure, are simple: in their nature they are so; but, reducing them to practice, is a matter of great delicacy, though seldom of much difficulty. The process, cannot well be explained by words, though it admits of ample illustration from practical examples, which the pupil, can imitate. In the early stages, much, depends

upon the position of the body; in placing the pupil so, that an easy state for respiration, may be obtained. Much also, depends upon the modulation of the voice, as well as the management of the breath.

With regard to the formation of the Consonants, on the accuracy of which, the whole system, hangs, I have reduced this exercise to a simple, practical scale, by attending to which, the most formidable difficulties in speech, may be surmounted.

There is only one circumstance, which can protract the cure, or, render the full success of my system difficult; that is, when no relief, is sought until the period of middle age. Then, if of a very sensitive nature, painful associations, may fill the mind, and affect the nerves of the Stammerer, with all the influence of a malignant spell. But, even in this, the worst view of the case, he will be enabled, by setting a watch upon his lips, to overcome his insidious enemy.

A gentleman's servant, was put under my

care about twelve months ago. The Impediment, soon gave way, and he was able to read, and speak with ordinary fluency. Still, in his vocation, announcing the names of visitors, he was subject to occasional difficulty. He was generally in livery; but, one day, it chanced, that he was in his own clothes, when announcing names, and the feeling of independence, caused by his change of dress, emboldened him to give out, without hesitation, the most difficult cognomens-and some of them, were hard enough, for, his master, is a Scotchman, and was visited by M'Gillvrays, Auchterlonys, Auchtermuchtys, and hosts of Macs of almost unpronouncible length. Whenever this person, was in any fear of Stammering, he doffed his livery; and, when buttoned in his own broad-cloth, he was quite invulnerable to all attacks. He can now overcome the obstruction in any dress.

Youth, is certainly the best season for getting completely rid of Stammering; not but that the organs, are pliant enough in after