604. If an individual or class read or sing when sitting, let the position represented by fig. 109 be adopted, and not the one represented by fig. 110; for the erect position in sitting conduces to the free and effective action of the respiratory and vocal organs, and is as important as the erect attitude in standing. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 604. What position should be adopted when a person reads or sings when sitting? Why? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 605. _The muscles of the neck should not be compressed._ If the muscles of the neck and larynx are compressed by a high cravat, or other close dressing, not only will the free and energetic movements of these parts be impeded, but the tones will be feeble and ineffective. Therefore the dress of the neck, particularly of public speakers and singers, should be loose and thin. For a warm dress upon the neck, when the vocal organs are in action, will induce too great a flow of blood to these parts, which will be attended by subsequent debility. [Illustration: Fig. 109.] _Observations._ 1st. The loss of voice, (_lar-yn-gi´tis_,) which is prevalent among public speakers, may be ascribed in part to the injudicious dressing of the neck, and improper position in standing. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 605. How should public speakers dress their necks? Why? What is a common cause of the loss of voice? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 2d. When individuals have been addressing an audience in a warm room, or engaged in singing, they should avoid all impressions of a cold atmosphere, unless adequately protected by an extra garment. [Illustration: Fig. 110.] 606. _The condition of the air modifies speaking and singing._ As pure air is more elastic and resonant than impure, and as easy, melodious speaking or singing requires atmospheric elasticity, so school-rooms and singing-halls should be well ventilated, if we would be entertained with soft intonations in reading, or sonorous singing. _Observation._ The imperfect ventilation of churches and vestries is another cause of laryngitis among clergymen. This affection is almost unknown among those who speak in very open rooms, where stoves are not used. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Give 2d. observation. 606. Why does easy and melodious speaking require pure air? What is another cause laryngitis among clergymen? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 607. _The condition of the nasal passages and throat modifies the voice._ The enunciation of words is rendered more or less distinct, in proportion as the jaws are separated in speaking, and the fauces and nasal passages are free from obstruction. For these reasons, the scholar should be taught to open the mouth adequately when reading, speaking, or singing, that the sounds formed in the larynx and modified in the fauces may have an unobstructed egress.