We have long been of opinion that our national music----though as yet insufficiently appreciated---is a treasure, in the possession of which we should be justly proud; and that there are few labourers in the service of Ireland to whom we should feel more grateful, than to those who have devoted their talents and their time to its preservation. Believing, as we do, that the ancient melodies of a country afford us one of the most unerring criterions by which we can judge of the natural temperament and characteristic feelings of its people, we think it an object of the highest importance that as many examples of such strains as can be found in every country where they exist, should be collected by persons competent to the task, and be given to the public in a permanent form. Viewed in this way, the melodies of a country are of more value than they have been usually esteemed. But they are equally deserving of regard on other accounts. The native melodies of different ancient nations, when brought together for purposes of analysis and comparison, not only illustrate the peculiar traits of national character belonging to each nation, but also, like a comparison of languages, physiological characteristics, and manners and customs, materially assist the historical investigator in his efforts to trace the common origin of nations and the unwritten

history of the great human families of the old world.

But though the comparison of the languages, manners, customs, and physiognomic characteristics of the nations of Europe with those of the East, has, within the present century, been carefully instituted by men of the highest judgment, learning, and honesty of purpose, in various parts of Europe, and has led to results more interesting and valuable than could possibly have been anticipated, much still remains for inquiry; and a comparison of the ancient music of the different nations has as yet been neglected, and indeed perhaps never thought of: nor is it strange that it should be so. Until the traditional melodies of each country have been carefully collected and put within the reach of investiga tors, nothing that would tend to satisfactory or important results can be well attempted; for it is not from a few selected and isolated examples of melody of any country chosen merely for their beauty that any general conclusions could be hazarded with safety. The traditional peasant music of the various countries should, therefore, be first carefully collected, and be given to the world, as a whole; for selected specimens, however beautiful in themselves, may be of the least value to the historical antiquary, as being, perhaps, the results of modern musical improvement; and the anti

Vol. XVII.

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