Our observations upon the general characteristics of the instrument, and the comparative analysis of its distinctive features, are based upon a professional experience of more than fifty years, engrafted upon family traditions in the craft dating from the middle of the last century. Our own views are supplemented by the published testimony of several authorities whose opinions cannot fail to command respect wherever the name of Stradivari is known.
Finally we would express our obligations to Mr. Robert Harrison for the time and thought which he has devoted to the collation of materials for the memoir, and to his congenial task of editing the whole work.
W. E. HILL & SONS.
New Bond Street,
March, 1891.
The block on the cover represents the Arms of the town of Cremona.
TO A STRADIVARI VIOLIN.
O precious treasury of sounds exquisite,