11^6 



The Cornell Reading-Courses 



When called on to say something at a public meeting, take ten full 

 breaths and go ahead. That was John B. Cough's remedy for stage 

 fright. We learn to speak by speaking, -not by dreading the necessary 

 effort and putting it off. 



The music on the program is of too much importance not to receive 

 special attention. The town and city furnish concerts given by artists, 

 which custom helps to establish a high standard of music. The amount 



Fig. 53. — The good cheer of a meeting where men and children are not left out 



of professional music that is heard in rural communities is necessarily 

 limited. Music, however, is a means of expression fully as fitting among 

 pastoral as among urban scenes. The birds sing among trees and by 

 meadow brooks; their song is sweeter there than in a cage. Doubtless 

 many of our artist singers would enjoy listening oftener to the thrush, 

 the skylark, and the rippling brook. Why should not those who are 

 brought up in the country pay especial attention to their musical tal- 

 ents? 



The selection of music is important. On every counter of a music 

 store may be found " ragtime " and flippant sentimental songs, but it is 

 also possible to find " Annie Laurie," " Auld Lang Syne," " Robin Adair," 



