In these six changes ’tis observable, that the two first notes, which were 1 2, made the first change of the six; but they may as well be rung by
| 123 | |
| beginning with the two last notes, which are 2, 3 thus—— | 132 |
| Next the two first notes, which are 1 3, thus, | 312 |
| The two last | 321 |
| The two first | 231 |
| The two last | 213 |
| The two first | 123 |
The six changes can be rung no more than these two ways here set down.
The Six changes are sometimes rung by observing a hunt therein, which is very improper, since every note has a like course. Yet I confess in demonstrating the methods on twelve, I did there admit a Hunt into the six changes; but that was only for demonstration sake.
The compleat peals of plain changes, from three to all greater numbers whatsoever, as the Twenty four changes on four, the Sixscore on five, the Seven hundred and twenty on six, &c. are prickt and rung by one method; all the notes having a hunting-motion, except only three in each peal, which three do make the six changes in the same manner as they are before prickt. So that the Six changes on three may be term’d the basis or foundation of the compleat peals on all greater numbers.
Every Hunting note in each peal has a certain number of notes assigned, through which ’tis always to hunt. The term hunt is given to a note in respect of the manner of its motion, which I will shew in this example. First, the notes of four bells are supposed to strike round in this order, 1234. The Treble shall be the Hunt, and the other three assigned or appointed for it to hunt through. Now whereas the Treble-note leads, it must move through its assigned number to strike behind them: and whereas every change must be made betwixt two notes that strike next each other, as I have shewed before in the 4th Observation; therefore the hunting-note is confin’d to move gradually through the rest by making a change with each note that strikes next to it; and accordingly it must first move into the 2d place, next into the 3d place, and lastly into the 4th. So that ’tis to make a change with every note that lies behind it; first with the 2d note, next with the 3d, and lastly with the 4th.
| 1234 | |
| The first change is thus | 2134 |
| The second thus | 2314 |
| The third thus | 2341 |
The hunting note has here moved through its assigned number; for whereas at first it did lead, now it strikes behind them. Wherein ’tis observable, that it made up changes all the way; which of necessity it must do, because every note with which it was to make a change, lay behind it: and because it made up changes, therefore ’tis said to have hunted up. The hunting-note shall now move through its assigned number again, to lead as at first. Therefore first it must move into the 3d place, then into the second place, and lastly into the first place, which is called the Treble’s place; in which motion it must make a change with each note that strikes next before it: first with the 4th note, next with the 3d, then with the 2d.
| The first change thus | 2314 |
| The second thus | 2134 |
| The third thus | 1234 |
’Tis observable, that here the Treble made down-changes all the way, which of necessity it must do, because every note with which it was to make a change, lay before it: and because it made down-changes, therefore it is said to have hunted down. This is the manner of the motion of the hunting notes in all peals of plain changes; for they hunt up and down through their assigned number, as the 1 here has done. This example is plain and full to instruct the Learner in the hunting of any bell, therefore he ought to peruse it diligently, that he may understand the true scope and meaning of it; and as a help he may apply himself to practice by taking a Treble, and attempt to hunt it up and down as this Example directs; which he may the more readily do, if he understand the 5th Observation before set down, which guides him to make a change in ringing. So that partly by reading and well considering of what I have here wrote, and partly by practice, he may in a short time become perfect in the hunting motion of any note; which when he rightly apprehends, he will then presently be capable of understanding the following methods; and therefore I shall be the more brief in my directions to them.