By S. B. GOSLIN, F.M.S., etc. , AUTHOR OF THE “A B C OF MUSICAL HAND BELL RINGING,” “THE MUSICAL HAND BELL RINGER’S INSTRUCTOR,” ETC., ETC. Longfellow’s “ Wayside Inn .” SECOND EDITION. COPYRIGHT. ENTERED AT STATIONERS’ HALL. LONDON: JOHN WARNER & SONS, THE CRESCENT FOUNDRY, CRIPPLEGATE, E.C., AND M’CORQUODALE & CO., CARDINGTON STREET, HAMPSTEAD ROAD, N.W. 1881....

W hen such works as those written by the Rev. Mr. Ellacombe, and when every local bell history, or encyclopædia of any note, give full information both as to the early use, construction, and form of bells, it is needless to add another word upon such topics in such a production as this; and when, as is the case at the present time, so many good books are to be so easily obtained, on Change Ringing and Bells, with examples of the various methods or interchanging of positions, by fixed rules or co

The appreciation and successful issue of the first edition of this work is duly acknowledged by the Author, as well as the many expressions of approval from persons at home and in foreign parts. It is a source of satisfaction and gratification to know that the attempt has produced a large amount of interest, and has also been the means of producing some ringers in several of our Colonies, as well as working up a desire for and supply of other productions, such as the second edition of “Banister’

E ngland is frequently said to be known as the Ringing Isle, from the fact that wherever the stranger or foreigner turns, or stays, in this land, he is sure to meet with the well tuned bells, and well timed changes, pealing forth from our venerable church towers and steeples; whilst on the Continent of Europe, and in other parts of the world, the ear is accustomed only to the hodgepodge, jangle or clatter of several bells, either in or out of tune, no matter which, all striking as fast as possib

A t all times when it may be desired to produce a good performer upon any musical instrument, it is well that he should understand the instrument itself; for just as the driver who understands his steam engine thoroughly in its parts and details, is the man who can work it best, so is it with the ringer with his bell in the steeple or tower. It is not at all difficult to picture the scene, surroundings, and thoughts of an intended ringer, upon his first visit to the bell-tower, or ringing chambe

I t may be perplexing when consulting a variety of books, to determine what are the best plans for a beginner to adopt. And it may or should be known that bell ringing is a dangerous practice for a novice, should he commence it by himself without instruction, thought, or care. In such a case, he runs the risk of being hung by the neck, as was the case not long since, when, at a certain place in Essex, a man pulled the tenor of a ring of bells, left set for a company of ringers, without knowledge

T o ring-in rounds, it matters little which bell is taken to perform upon, as each takes its place in proper turn, whether it be first, middle, last, or any other position, which will be very well understood if the new ringer has practised, as he should do, rounds upon hand bells . Musical hand bells are the most handy for the practice of time, place, and position, and should accompany every ring of church bells anywhere and everywhere for this purpose, so much may be practised upon them in the

R inging the Changes is a phrase often used by the general public in every-day life, and especially by some who wish to appear witty or clever, but to whom, as a rule, if a question be put as to its meaning, or proper application, it is seen in a moment that such knowledge is either too great or too small for them—in fact, that they know nothing at all about it. The lack of this special knowledge is easily traced to its origin; for how many schoolboys ever have a sum or exercise in the rule of p