I
have nothing to say, but some have assumed that the writer
was speaking out of pure theory, in real ignorance of
Wagner's works. I wish to set that class of critics right.

I have spent a great many seasons in Germany, and have heard
Wagner's works under a great variety of circumstances, and
have heard them also in several other countries. I have also
had the opportunity of getting behind the scenes in a way
that falls to the lot of few, so I think I am entitled to
speak with rather more than the usual authority.

My convictions as expressed in the foregoing chapter have in
the interval rather strengthened than weakened. I am firmly
convinced that it would be in the interests of art, the
singer, and the auditor alike, either to shorten these
operas, or to produce them in some way which will relieve
the continuous strain. It must not be forgotten, either,
that the poor overworked and greatly underpaid orchestral
player often suffers severely in his nervous system from
long continued Wagner playing.

CHAPTER XIX.

FURTHER TREATMENT OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HYGIENE.

_Stammering_ and _stuttering_ are allied but not identical defects.
They require special treatment, the earlier the better. Much can be
done by the exercise of a little patience and kind consideration, to
make the subject of these infirmities feel at ease, and so manifest
the defects as little as possible. It is, of course, as a general
rule, very unwise to take any notice whatever of such imperfections,
as they are thereby made worse. As a rule, they are best treated
practically by those who have made this branch a specialty.

Those who have been badly taught, or who have overworked the vocal
organs and, in consequence, may have broken down, are among the most
discouraging if they be not the very worst cases that come under the
treatment of the physician or vocal teacher. If the throat be out of
order, a specialist should be consulted. He will likely enjoin
complete rest of the vocal organs, and his advice should be implicitly
followed. But usually the time comes when some sort of vocal exercises
may be resumed. When this is the case, the choice of a teacher becomes
of the utmost importance, more so than in ordinary cases, for further
injudicious treatment may lead to the utter ruin of the voice.
Assuming that medical treatment is no longer or not at all