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was constantly interrupted, and she struggled with many bitter trials. 

 Her mind was not inactive, however, and she formed theories then that 

 later on she demonstrated to be facts. Acoustics to her became a science 

 that offered the greatest possible interest, arid she studied the in flections in 

 the cries in birds and beasts until they became a perfect language to her. 

 Falling water, the different sounds in the atmosphere, and the myriad 

 tones from the insect world, all had for her their harmonies or lacked the 

 essentials of perfect tones. She heard in nature what is shut off from ears 

 that are duller than hers, and she lived in a world upon the border of 

 which we can only stand. The human voice, according to Madame Seller's 

 view, had never yet been developed to accomplish even half of which it 

 was capable. Some of her theories were exemplified in her own case, 

 and up to the last year of her life, she could produce superb tones, that 

 rang and vibrated with wonderful power and beauty. The production of 

 such tones required constant work, but once they were acquired they 

 were well worth the labor and discouragement that attended the study. We 

 have never yet heard a pupil, who had studied with this famous woman, 

 who did not show either in the speaking or singing voice, some of the 

 remarkable qualities that she knew the voice could be made to possess. 

 One of these was richness of tone, a peculiar concentration that demanded 

 attention, and an effect of power combined with sweetness. Madame 

 Seller possessed it to a remarkable degree, and imparted it to all those who 

 had the intelligence to study with confidence in her great ability. The 

 .voice in speech was second only to the voice in song, and she laid great 

 stress upon the care that young children should have when they are be- 

 ginning to disci'iminate between sound and noise. No great singer ever 

 came directly from Madame Seller's care, because she paid most attention 

 to those qualities which tend to make a voice retain its beauty and fresh- 

 ness. When those were acquired, then the accessories were undertaken, 

 but many a pupil tired of the prepiratiou, and other masters built upon 

 her enduring foundation, reaping a glory that never could have been 

 theirs but for her conscientious work. Madame Seller was also a woman 

 who had lived all her early life among scientific men in Europe who 

 appreciated her mind and made much of her. Her life in this country 

 was one of comparative isolation. She could not understand the lack of 

 reverence and respect with which she came in contact, especially in 

 younger people, and she sought her chief happiness among her books. 

 The end came peacefully, and the bright, gifted woman fell quietly asleep. 

 Her death falls heavily upon many throughout the country, for she had 

 been a great benefactor to hundreds, who, through her instrumentality, 

 have learned the true use of the voice. It is difficult to believe that her 

 work is completed, to realize that all is over, that she is removed forever 

 from this world. As one of the many who knew her value, who appreci- 

 ated her true nature and wonderful knowledge, we pay a parting tribute 

 as friend and pupil." 



