"I am not going to treat the subject seriously," he writes, "but in my own particular, impertinent way. The question often arises--are we a musical nation? The foreigners think we are not. But where in the wide, wide world is there a country where you will hear so many organs and German bands? Where is the country, excepting ours, that can appreciate the concertina? Where, except in England, can you hear that delightful combination of harp and cornet outside a house of refreshment? The prejudice of other nations is distressing; and as for their ignorance, why, I don't suppose Italy and Germany have even heard of the ocarino and the Jew's harp." And so the sketch runs on, until, in speaking of the universal manner in which music is appreciated in England by all classes, Mr. Grossmith goes on to say: "We have made rapid strides, so have our servants. They don't know how to dust the piano, but they can play it. Everybody plays the piano, from the Peerage to the School Board. Then look how music has crept into our homes and social circles. Besides the piano, the mother and daughters play the banjo, the son plays the first fiddle, and the father the second fiddle--as usual. I know of a Lord Mayor who plays the trombone, a clergyman who plays the big drum--that's a nice unpretentious, giddy instrument!--and I know of any number of members of Parliament who blow their own trumpets!!" And so the notes go brightly on through many pages. [Illustration: THE STUDY.] [Illustration: MR. WEEDON GROSSMITH.]