. "By the way, I can introduce you to a friend who
has in his possession some choice Stradivaris, of various dates, and
having heads of a very marked character." His companion was on his
feet before he finished speaking, eagerly demanding where these choice
"Strads" were to be seen. The distance being but a few streets off, it
was agreed that they should start at once. On arriving at a house in
the Via Meravigli, the Italian inquired of the servant if his master
was at home. Being assured of this, the Fiddler-connoisseurs were
shown into an apartment, where they anxiously awaited the host.
Presently he entered, and the usual exchange of courtesies having been
gone through, the Italian, with the utmost gravity, inquired after the
Stradivaris, and received answer that they never were better; his
companion, who was burning to feast his eyes on them, begged that he
might have the pleasure of seeing them. The host, flattered by the
interest taken in his "Strads" by his visitor, acquiesced, left the
room, and brought in his collection, which, if not unique, was in
every way original. It consisted of five _Stradivaris_--three boys and
two girls. Unable longer to restrain his laughter, the Italian broke
forth into one of those hearty peals which terminate only when the
risible faculties are completely exhausted. Signor Stradivari, the
happy parent of the collection just ushered into the room, regarded
his visitor with astonishment, in which he was joined by the specimens
of various dates. Ultimately the countenance of Signor Stradivari
began to assume anything but a pleased appearance, as he had failed to
comprehend what there was about his cherished ones to excite such
ungovernable mirth. When the joke was explained, it is needless to say
that the wit's friend, the connoisseur, suffered some disappointment,
but soon heartily joined in the laugh raised at his expense. Signor
Stradivari and his family were not long kept behind the curtain, and
soon added their laugh to that of the rest of the company.

PLEASURES OF IMAGINATION.

A lady belonging to Covent Garden Theatre, who had never heard
Paganini, requested leave to be present at one of the rehearsals of
his concerts. It happened that Paganini did not bring his Violin with
him, but borrowed one from a member of the orchestra, and, instead of
playing, made a kind of _pizzicato obbligato_. After the rehearsal was
finished, the lady addressed Mr. Cooke: "Oh, dear, Mr. Cooke,