layed in Germany as early as the
beginning of the 16th century. After this epoch it was in use for
quite a long period, but gradually fell into oblivion until the
beginning of the present century. It was toward 1830 that the
celebrated Russian Gussikow undertook a grand artistic voyage through
Europe, and gained a certain renown and received many honors due
to his truly original productions. Gussikow possessed a remarkable
_technique_ that permitted the musical instrument which he brought
into fashion to be appreciated for all its worth.

[Illustration: FIG. 1.--METHOD OF PLAYING UPON THE XYLOPHONE.]

As the name, "instrument of wood and straw," indicates, the xylophone
(which Fig. 1 shows the mode of using) consists of small pieces of
wood of varying length, and narrow or wide according to the tone that
it is desired to get from them. These pieces of wood are connected
with each other by cords so as to form a triangular figure (Fig. 2)
that may be managed without fear of displacing the parts. The whole is
laid upon bands of straw designed to bring out the sounds and render
them stronger and purer. The sounds are produced by striking the
pieces of wood with a couple of small hammers. They are short and
jerky, and, as they cannot be prolonged, nothing but pieces possessing
a quick rhythm can be executed upon the instrument. Dances, marches,
variations, etc., are played upon it by preference, and with the best
effect.

[Illustration: FIG. 2.--PLAN VIEW OF THE XYLOPHONE.]

The popularity of this instrument is making rapid progress, and it
is beginning to be played in orchestras in France [as it has been in
America for many years]. A method of using it has just been published,
as well as pieces of music adapted to it, with piano, violin,
orchestra, etc., accompaniment.

* * * * *

ELECTROTYPING.

This eminently useful application of the art of electrotyping
originated with Volta, Cruickshank, and Wollaston about 1800 or 1801.
In 1838, Spencer, of London, made casts of coins, and cast in intaglio
from the matrices thus formed; in the same year Jacobi, of Dorpat, in
Russia, made casts by electro deposit, which caused him to be put in
charge of the work of gilding the dome of St. Isaac at St. Petersburg.

Electrotyping for the purposes of printing originated with Mr. Joseph
A. Adams, a wood-engraver of New York, who made casts (1839-41) from
wood-cuts, some engravings being prin