CHAPTER XIII.
ON MUSICAL TALENT.
A large and varied experience is required for a correct estimate of musical talent in the young.

Do not be deceived by the early evidences of talent; for instance, interest in melodies, correct feeling for time, an instinct for accenting the important notes, inclination for some peculiar though often perverted style of performance, quick apprehension, a natural aptitude for playing, a nice hearing, animation, rapid progress, docility, superficial gayety; even if all or a part of these traits are observable in early youth, they must not excite too sanguine hopes.

I have often met with such phenomena, and have been called upon to educate such little piano prodigies.

They advanced quite rapidly, and understood every thing readily, if I did not make too much demand upon their wavering attention.

I dreamed of the extraordinary surprises that these marvellous youths would create at twelve or fourteen years of age; but the fulfilment of my ideal I saw only in my mind's eye, for just then the improvement came to a sudden stand-still,--a fatal moment, when the teacher is perplexed to know what to do next.