4052. The thin, small voice is the most difficult to manage, as it is liable to degenerate into shrillness; and ladies who have this kind of voice must keep strict guard over their temper, when within hearing of any one on whom they may wish to make a favorable impression; for the very idea of a shrill-voiced scold makes us place our hands to our ears.
4053. But with a sweet temper, a pretty little harmonious voice is pleasing enough. Always recollect, however, that affectation, constraint, or striving for effect, is the certain ruin of the prettiest voice in the world.
4054. Utility of Singing.—It is asserted, and we believe with some truth, that singing is a corrective of the too common tendency to pulmonic complaints.
4055. Dr. Rush, an eminent physician, observes on this subject:—The Germans are seldom afflicted with consumption; and this, I believe, is in part occasioned by the strength which their lungs acquire by exercising them in vocal music, for this constitutes an essential branch of their education.
4056. The music master of an academy has furnished a remark still more in favor of this opinion. He had known several instances of persons who were strongly disposed to consumption, who were restored to health by the exercise of their lungs in singing.