the walls of the cells is a delicate network of small bloodvessels called capillaries. Here purification of the blood takes place, the blood giving up waste matter, and in return receiving oxygen from the air.

RESPIRATION

Respiration consists of two acts,-inspiration and expira

tion.

INSPIRATION

In inspiration the principal active forces are the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. The secondary forces are the abdominal muscles.

The diaphragm is the transverse muscle that separates the thorax from the abdomen.

These

It consists of two parts, the larger one arising from the ensiform cartilage of the sternum, and the ends of the lower ribs on either side. fibres converge, and unite in a central tendon. The inferior muscle springs from the vertebræ of the loins by two processes attached to the lumbar vertebræ. These fibres also converge, and ultimately unite with the central tendon, forming one muscle. When relaxed, the diaphragm curves upward. When its fibres contract, the diaphragm is pulled down, or flattened somewhat. In moving down, it presses upon the muscles of the abdomen, causing the abdomen to protrude.

The intercostal muscles are the muscles of the chest that directly or indirectly connect the upper ten pairs of ribs

with the sternum. These muscles elevate the ribs and The movement of the diaphragm and chest mus

sternum.

cles thus increases the

capacity of the chest. The air already in the chest expands to fill the larger space. When expanded, it exerts less pressure than before, and the denser air outside rushes in. It presses on the inside of the elastic lung cells, expands the lungs, and they fill the larger chest cavity.

Inspiration requires effort because of the resistance of the muscles and organs of the abdomen.

EXPIRATION.

At the close of inspiration there is a rebound of the elastic walls of the air-cells of the lungs. As these cells contract, the air is forced upward through the bronchial tubes toward the larynx; the diaphragm relaxes and presses upward, the clavicle and sternum lower slightly, and the ribs are drawn downward and inward by the intercostal muscles. In this way the chest cavity decreases in size and air is forced from the lungs.

Breathing should be entirely through the nose. In the lower part of the nares (the cavities just back of the nostrils) are tiny capillaries that heat the air as it passes through. The hairs in the nostrils and the mucus of the nasal cavities catch the particles of dust in the air breathed and thus prevent the entrance of impurities into the lungs.

Correct breathing depends largely upon dress and habit. The clothing about the waist should be loose enough to allow perfect freedom of movement of the ribs. During

inspiration, the ribs should press outward like the staves of a barrel. The clothing about the throat should be loose enough to give room for the action of the trachea and larynx.

If the habit of deep breathing be formed, it will promote the health of the body and improve the quality of the voice.

DIVISION II

BREATHING EXERCISES

1. Upper chest breathing.

Take the weight on the balls of both feet.

fingers lightly on either side of the sternum.

Touch the Inhale slowly

and gently through the nostrils. Breathing should not be audible. Hold the breath during eight counts, then exhale. Repeat.

2. Middle chest breathing.

Place the palms of the hands at the sides against the ribs, with the fingers pointing directly front. Inhale quickly through the nostrils, letting the ribs push outward like the staves of a barrel. Hold the breath during eight counts, then repeat.

3. Lower chest breathing.

Place the thumbs on either side of the spine, a little above the belt line. Inhale very slowly and deeply through Hold the breath during sixteen counts. Repeat.

the nostrils.

hale quickly.
4. Apex breathing.

Ex

Inhale quickly and deeply through the nostrils. Hold the breath during sixteen counts. While holding the breath, move both arms up in front of the body, over and down back of the body twice. Exhale quickly. Repeat.

PART III

VOCAL CULTURE

This

THE development of the singing voice and the speaking voice depends first of all upon control of the breath. is gained by systematic practice of breathing exercises and vocal exercises. The first step in importance in vocalization is the placing of the tone so that the overtones of the vocal cords shall be re-enforced. This is accomplished by the co-operation of the mind. The one who would place tone forward must think the tone forward during every vocal exercise. The tone thus directed will resound in the nares and sinuses.

The mind and the vocal organs are so related that when the mind forms an ideal tone the voice approximates the ideal. Every student of vocal culture should think the tone he is about to give before he gives it, and as he gives it.

DIVISION I

PHYSIOLOGY OF THE VOCAL ORGANS

The organs of the voice are the larynx and the cavities of resonance.

CARTILAGES OF THE LARYNX

The larynx is an expansion of the trachea. It consists of several cartilages and muscles.