time to give you any information in my power
respecting the late Signor Dragonetti, having known him well from 1796
to his death.

"His celebrated Gasparo da Salo instrument, or Contra-Basso, was left
by his will to the Fabbricieri (or churchwardens) for the time being
of the Church of St. Mark's, at Venice, to be played upon only on
festivals and grand occasions. I was present on one of such festivals,
which lasted three days, in July, 1852. I then saw the Basso, which
was played on in Orchestra No. 1, there having been two bands for
which music had been composed expressly.

"In April, 1875, being again in Venice, I inquired from the Verger of
St. Mark's if Dragonetti's _Violone_ was in the church, and I could
see it. The reply was in the affirmative, but as the Fabbricieri had
the care of the instrument, under lock and key, it would be necessary
to see them and get their consent for its production. As this would
cause me some little trouble, I left Venice without carrying out my
intention.

"Dragonetti by his will left me his Amati Double-Bass, which is now in
this house, and I believe the only one of that make in England, and
consequently highly prized by

"Yours truly,
"SAMUEL APPLEBY.

"Mr. Hart."

THE BETTS STRADIVARI.

The Bibliophile tells us of Caxton, Aldine, and Baskerville editions
having been exposed for sale by itinerant booksellers, men who in
opening their umbrellas opened their shops. Collectors of pictures,
china, and Fiddles, have each their wondrous tales to tell of bygone
bargains, which are but the echoes of that of the Bibliophile. It is
doubtful, however, were we to search throughout the curiosities of art
sales, whether we should discover such a bargain as Mr. Betts secured,
when he purchased the magnificent Stradivari which bears his name, for
twenty shillings. About half a century since, this instrument was
taken to the shop of Messrs. Betts, the well-known English
Violin-makers in the old Royal Exchange, and disposed of for the
trivial sum above-mentioned. Doubtless its owner believed he was
selling a brand-new copy, instead of a "Stradivari" made in 1704, in a
state of perfection. Frequently importuned to sell the instrument, Mr.
Betts persistently declined, though it is recorded in Sandys and
Foster's work on the Violin, that five hundred guineas were tendered
more than once, which in those days must have been a tempting offer
indeed! Under the will of Mr. Betts it passed to hi