Malta.
_National Methods of Applauding._--Clapping with the hands is going out of
use in the United States, and stamping with the feet is taking its place.
When Mr. Combe was lecturing on phrenology at the Museum building in
Philadelphia twelve or thirteen years ago, he and his auditors were much
annoyed by the _pedal_ applause of a company in the room above, who were
listening to the concerts of a negro band. Complaint was made to the
authorities of the Museum Society; but the answer was, that nothing could
be done, as stamping of the feet was "the national method of applauding."
The crying of "hear him! hear him!" during the delivery of a speech, is not
in use in the United States, as an English gentleman discovered who settled
here a few years ago. He attended a meeting of the members of the church to
which he had attached himself, and hearing something said that pleased him,
he cried out "hear him! hear him!" Upon which the sexton came over to him,
and told him that, unless he kept himself quiet, he would be under the
necessity of turning him out of church.