DEAFNESS.
[To ran Emma or vire " firrereroa."J
Soo.—I mould supplement what "R. F." says about the dis- advantages of lip-reading as compared with the facility of the hand alphabet, by adding that the finger letters can be read in a dim light when lipreading is impossible. Moreover, few people pronounce their words distinctly, or open the teeth when speaking. The latter action is necessary if the so-called " lip "-reading is to be of use.
" Surdas " would appear, not fully to comprehend that the majority of the deaf are born so, or have lost their hearing in infancy. For them the songs of birds in spring are not even a memory. Personally, after nearly forty years of silence I can recall only the note of three birds; but this gift is indeed priceless. I have found that the partially deaf are among the most unwilling to speak to these who are worse off than themselves in being unable to hear at all. They will not readily use the hand alphabet or pencil even for the sake of others. Books might be supposed to be as great a solace to the deaf as to the blind, but I have found that deaf people usually read very little. This is a great pity, but is less surprising when it is remembered that a person born deaf has to be taught every single word in daily use. He cannot pick up language unconsciously, as is done by others. Yet the deaf should be encouraged to read all they can in youth, so as at least to be able to take an interest in subjects other than personal subjects. The other alleviations suggested by " Surdus " are restricted to the well-to-do. Even gardening is within reach of comparatively few. " Prieet in Parochia " appears to regard deafness; as being rather enviable than otherwise. True, deaf people cannot hear rude words; but they understand black looks only too well, and the impatience often shown to a request to use a pencil in reply to a necessary question. One of the kindest people I ever met was one who had been deaf for three days and then recovered. The experience made her understand the value of the gift of hearing
as nothing else could.—I am, Sir, Ac., C. M. DAVE.
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