136 0N THE CONSTRUCTION OF THEATRES. 



against fire. The prompter's box might certainly be im- 

 proved, so as to throw the prompter's voice more distinctly 

 upou the stage, and to prevent its be'wag heard by the 

 audience. 

 Comforts of 4. Convenience to performers. Notwithstanding the re- 



the |x-rtornn'rs ver j es of Rousseau, and the declamations of the overri^hte- 

 shouldbestu- ... . . . * °,__ 



died. ous, actors have risen in the estimation ot the public, Wc 



have seen with rational and sincere pleasure the excellent 



conduct of many female performers. I consider this reform 



as highly advantageous to morality, and it becomes a duty 



in the managers of a theatre, to accommodate the performers 



with every possible convenience, so that they may enjoy 



that English word comfort, which in all situations of life 



tends to promote independance and morality. 



It is scarcely necessary to add, that pipes to speak 



Speaking through should belaid from the green room to every apart- 



pipes. ment f tne actors. 



6. I have left the article of expense to the last, because 

 Expense. whatever essentially tends to the convenience and gratifica- 



tion of the public will always find sufficient supplies from 

 the liberality of Britain. A small addition to the price of 

 tickets would amply defray the expense, that would be in- 

 curred by any real improvements. 



If the uni ed efforts of men of science and men of prac- 

 tice were directed to this object, we might expect to see a 

 theatre superior to any on the continent, adapted both to 

 the purposes of splendid exhibition and of true comedy ; 

 where our children might be entertained with the " Forty 

 Thieves," and ourselves with " The Rivals" and" The 

 School for Scandal." 



R. L. E. 



XI. 



