Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 October 1874 — How to Make an Eolian Harp. [ARTICLE]

How to Make an Eolian Harp.

An instrument of the kind about to be described seems to be of very ancient origin, but was introduced during the last century. The harp produces a very pleasing melodious sound, especially in the open air, and -is not difficult to construct. A long, narrow box, the length of a window, or the position in which it is to be placed, is the first requisite : it must be made of thin deal, four inches deep and five nr width: At the extremities of the top glue two pieces of oak about half an inch high and a quarter of an inch thick for bridges to which the strings are to be fixed": writliin the box at each end glue two pieces of beechwood about an inch square and the width of the box. Into one bridge fix seven pegs, such as are used for piano strings; into the other bridge fasten the same number of small brass pins; and to these pins end of the strings,Jmade of small cat-gut, and twist the other end of the strings around the pegs; then tune them in unison. Place over the top of the strings a thin board supported by four pegs ana about three inches from the sounding-board, to procure a free passage for the wind. The harp should be exposed to the wind at a partly-opened window; to increase the draught of air the door, or an opposite window in the room, should be open. The strings in a current of air sound in union; and with the increasing or decreasing; force of the current the melody changes into pleasing; soft, low sounds and diatonic scales, which unite and occasionally form very delightful musical tones. If the harp can be placed in a suitable position so as to receive a sufficient draught of air, in a grotto, or romantically-situated arbor, or hidden in 9ome shady nook near a waterfall, the effect of its sweet sounds is very charming —CasselTs Household Guide. WhV are ladies thieves? Because they steal gentlemen’s hearts and hook ekch other’s dresses. 1 J 7.