in the learned
world--a universal language. Wherever this science of music is
cultivated, nothing more will be necessary than a knowledge of its
alphabet, which, being almost the same everywhere, will amount to a
universal medium of communication. A man may thus--with his Violin
under his arm, a piece of resin, and a few bundles of catgut--fiddle
his way through the world, and never be at a loss to make himself
understood.--I am, &c.,

"DEMI-SEMIQUAVER."

SPOHR AND HIS GUARNERI.

"Shortly before my leaving Brunswick I had a case made worthy of the
splendid Violin I had brought from Russia, viz., a very elegant one;
and in order to protect this from injury, I had packed it up in my
trunk, between my linen and clothes. I therefore took care that this,
which contained my whole estate, should be carefully fastened behind
the carriage with cords. But, notwithstanding, I thought it necessary
to look out frequently, particularly as the driver told me several
trunks had been cut down from behind carriages. As the carriage had no
window at the back, this continual looking out was a very troublesome
business, and I was therefore very glad when, towards evening, we
arrived between the gardens of Gottingen, and I had convinced myself
for the last time that the trunk was still in its place. Delighted
that I had brought it so far in safety, I remarked to my
fellow-traveller: 'My first care shall now be to procure a good strong
chain and padlock, for the better security of the trunk.'

"In this manner we arrived at the town gate, just as they were
lighting the lamps. The carriage drew up before the guard-house. While
Beneke gave our names to the sergeant, I anxiously asked one of the
soldiers who stood round the carriage, 'Is the trunk still secured?'
'There is no trunk there,' was the reply. With one bound I was out of
the carriage, and rushed out through the gate with a drawn
hunting-knife. Had I with more reflection listened awhile, I might
perhaps have been fortunate enough to hear and overtake the thieves
running off by some side-path. But in my blind rage I had far overshot
the place where I had last seen the trunk, and only discovered my
over-haste when I found myself in the open field. Inconsolable for my
loss, I turned back. While my fellow-traveller looked for the inn, I
hastened to the police-office and requested that an immediate search
might be made in the garden houses outside the gate. To my
astonishment and vex