The Lyre: the invention, or rather discovery, of this instrument is ascribed by them to their most celebrated deities. It is supposed to have originated from the discovery of a dead tortoise, the flesh of which had dried and wasted, so that nothing was left within the shell but sinews and cartilages: these, tightened and contracted, on account of their dryness, were rendered sonorous. Some one, Mercury or Apollo, they affirm, in walking along, happening to strike his foot against the tortoise, was greatly pleased with the sound it produced: thus was suggested to him the first idea of a lyre, which he afterwards constructed in the form of a tortoise, and strung with the dried sinews of dead animals. The stringed instruments already described were made to give out musical sounds, by causing a vibratory motion in their strings by means of the fingers. _Sinew_, a tendon; that which unites a muscle to a bone. _Cartilage_, a gristly, smooth, solid substance, softer than bone. _Vibratory_, shaking. Who was Mercury? The heathen god of eloquence, letters, &c., and the messenger of the other gods. Who was Apollo? The god of music, poetry, medicine, and the fine arts. [Illustration: PICKING COTTON.] [Illustration: GATHERING TEA.] What is a Tortoise? A well-known animal, with a thick shelly covering, belonging to the order of reptiles; there are two species, the sea and the land tortoise; the first named is called a turtle, and affords delicious food; land tortoises live to a very great age. It is only one sort which furnishes the beautiful shell so much prized. Tortoises are found in many parts of the world. The turtles on the Brazilian shore are said to be so large as to be enough to dine fourscore men: and in the Indian sea, the shells serve the natives for boats. Of what are the strings of the Lyre, &c., composed? Sometimes of either brass or silver wire, &c., but most commonly of catgut. What is Catgut? The intestines of sheep or lambs, dried or twisted, either singly or several together. Catgut is also used by watch-makers, cutlers, and other artificers, in their different trades. Great quantities are imported from France and Italy. Are there no other kind of Instruments besides those already described?