426
ticular and specific tune; but, in general, those that workedcures were of a very brisk and sprightly nature.
National airs, by occasioning reminiscences, have frequentlya powerful effect on uncultivated minds : thus we are inform-ed that the celebrated Swiss tune, called the Ranz des Vaches,was forbidden by the French government to be played to theSwiss troops under pain of death, as it immediately drew tearsfrom their eyes, and occasioned them to desert, or die of whatwas called la maladie du pais, from their ardent desire to returnto their native country—and there can be no doubt that theintroduction of martial music previous to action, has a strongtendency to excite emulation and military enthusiasm.