The two key-boards were used for variety of tone. The lower key-board, the _jacks_ of which acted upon two sets of strings in unison, and one set an octave higher, was the louder in tone; the upper key-board, acting on one set of strings only, was the softer. But the lower key-board could be made to act upon one set of strings only, by means of stops drawn out by the hand of the performer. In touching the keys, a distinctive quality of tone may still be recognised, particularly in the higher notes, a reedy but soft and delicate _timbre_ testifying to the former beauty of the instrument. It may be assumed as certain that the keys are not of Handel’s time. We do not know when the present key-boards were put, or by whom, but the style of the white and black keys is undoubtedly modern. Neither can it be doubted that there were originally keys in keeping with the fashion of the harpsichord, which we may suppose to have been worn out, to account for the substitution of those existing. The case of deal, black japanned, the brass hinges, the ornamentation, and the mottoes are original. Inside the top is inscribed:―― _Sic transit Gloria Mundi_; on the flap or folding of the top―― _Musica Donum Dei_; and on the slip of wood above the upper keys―― _Andreas Ruckers me fecit, Antwerpiæ, 1651_. There is a date on the sounding-board “1651,” and in the ornamental sound-hole are the initials “A. R.” Among the flowers represented on the sounding-board may be seen a concert of monkeys, one beating time, another playing the viol da gamba, etc. A third motto existed until about fifteen years ago――_Acta Virum Probant_. This was rubbed off by a workman engaged in mending the lock-board (upon which this motto was), which had been split. As a musical instrument, this harpsichord has lived its life. It is not now capable of being tuned, and any attempt to improve the accord of it might prove disastrous by the sounding-board giving way altogether. It is, therefore, of consequence to the preservation of the woodwork that tuning should not be attempted. JOHN BROADWOOD & SONS. Letter to the Rev. G. Coxe, Twyford, Rector of St. Michael’s, Winchester:―― MY DEAR SIR,――Will you oblige me by certifying (if I am correct) the following:――