d them in order, according to my idea of
their merit. When I had selected the six most valuable ones, I played
upon them alternately in order to discover the best of the half-dozen.
Perceiving that the doctor cast upon one instrument glances especially
tender whenever I played upon it, I gladly afforded the good old man
pleasure by declaring it to be the best Violin. When I took my hat to
leave, the old gentleman, with a kind smile, slipped a five-pound note
into my hand. Astonished, I looked at it, and also at the Doctor, not
knowing at first what he meant; but suddenly it occurred to me that it
was intended as a fee for having examined his Violins. I smilingly
shook my head, laid the note on the table, pressed the Doctor's hand,
and descended the stairs. Some months later, upon the occasion of my
benefit concert, the Doctor procured a ticket, for which he sent a
ten-pound note."

THE ETTRICK SHEPHERD AND THE VIOLIN.

"But the pleasantest part of our fellowship is yet to describe. At a
certain period of the night, our entertainer (the renowned Timothy
Tickler) knew by the longing looks which I cast to a beloved corner of
the dining-room what was wanting. Then with, 'Oh, I beg your pardon,
Hogg, I was forgetting,' he would take out a small gold key that hung
by a chain of the same precious metal to a particular button-hole, and
stalk away as tall as the life, open two splendid Fiddle-cases, and
produce their contents, first the one, and then the other; but always
keeping the best to himself; I'll never forget with what elated
dignity. There was a twist of the lip, and an upward beam of the eye,
that were truly sublime. Then down we sat, side by side, and began--at
first gently, and with easy motion, like skilful grooms, keeping
ourselves up for the final heat, which was slowly but surely
approaching. At the end of every tune we took a glass, and still our
enthusiastic admiration of the Scottish tunes increased--our energies
of execution redoubled, till ultimately it became not only a complete
and well-contested race, but a trial of strength, to determine which
should drown the other. The only feeling short of ecstasy that came
across us in these enraptured moments were caused by hearing the laugh
and joke going on with our friends, as if no such thrilling strains
had been flowing. But if Tim's eye chanced to fall on them, it
instantly retreated upwards again in mild indignation. To his honour
be it mentioned, he has