A good position in which to acquire this mode of inspiration, is to lie down at full length on the back, the head as low as the body, and begin to inhale slowly (the clothes must be quite loose), then you will find the parts below the ribs expand like a pair of bellows. Another way. Sit on a chair—it must not be low and easy—with your hands folded behind it and breathe leisurely; or, stand perfectly upright, put your hands behind you, and draw in the air gently but deeply, retaining it for ten seconds or more, then let it go as slowly as possible.
Do not try to take too deep a breath at first, or you will find you cannot retain it. Your power will gradually increase.
Practise, without singing, sometimes in one of these positions, sometimes in another, twice or thrice a day, but not for many minutes at a time. It will strengthen the lungs and organs of digestion. You will now have found how important it is for the clothing to be loose, I hope.
It is well to close the mouth when one wishes to take breath. Especially at long rests the singer should do so, as it prevents the throat and vocal chords from getting dry. If they do become so the voice loses sweetness.
Remember a good tone does not depend on the great volume of air ejected: indeed, too much breath expended will make it uncertain. Flat singing is now and then the result of this forcing. The air must be given out gradually, not jerked out.
Avoid coughing; it is an injurious habit easily got into; if you feel an inclination to do so before beginning to sing, check it if possible, and instead quietly swallow.
Let me advise you not to eat nuts or similar dry things before singing, and here is another hint. Do not sit in a low chair with the feet perched up on a stool after meals, as the digestive faculties cannot act well in such a position. With an impaired digestion the voice may become affected.
Never talk in the open air if the weather is cold and damp, nor when travelling, nor at any time, if it can be avoided, where there is much noise.
Many persons wrap up the throat excessively. One of my pupils came once with no less than two silk handkerchiefs under a fur-lined cloak, besides wearing a boa. A silk scarf is enough even for the winter; fur is not healthy to wear unless it is in the form of a loose mantle.
It is a good plan on getting up each morning to bathe the neck with cold water, afterwards drying well, using plenty of friction, also to gargle the throat with cold water.