But in view of the fact that the law of copyright is a creature of statute and is not declaratory of the common law and that it confers distinctive and limited rights, which did not exist at the common law, we are constrained to hold that it must be strictly construed and that we are not at liberty to extend its provisions, either by resort to equitable considerations or to a strained interpretation of the terms of the statute. We are therefore of the opinion that a perforated paper roll, such as is manufactured by defendant, is not a copy of complainant's staff notation, for the following reasons: It is not a copy in fact; it is not designed to be read or actually used in reading music as the original staff notation is; and the claim that it may be read, which is practically disproved by the great preponderance of evidence, even if true, would establish merely a theory or possibility of use, as distinguished from an actual use. The argument that because the roll is a notation or record of the music, it is, therefore, a copy, would apply to the disk of the phonograph or the barrel of the organ, which, it must be admitted, are not copies of the sheet music. The perforation in the rolls are not a varied form of symbols substituted for the symbols used by the author. They are mere adjuncts of a valve mechanism in a machine. In fact, the machine, or musical playing device, is the thing which appropriates the author's property and publishes it by producing the musical sounds, thus conveying the author's composition to the public. The decree is affirmed, with costs. Mr. OLIN. The second extension or modification of the present rights of the copyright proprietor as against the public are those instances mentioned yesterday by the chairman of the House committee in regard to the exceptions to the prohibition of importation. As the law stands to-day the importation into this country of a book which is copyrighted here is prohibited, and there are certain exceptions, in the first case, of certain libraries and colleges who may import not exceeding two copies in one invoice, and individuals who may import not exceeding two copies in one invoice. This bill makes a modification of the present rule.