CHAP. III.] 



STRINGED INSTRUMENTS. 



155 



the fundamental, and probably its disuse is a sign of a taste 

 vitiated by the mixed tones of modem 

 chamber instruments (harmoniums, &c.). 



Formerly its construction was very 

 simple ; but it has been greatly improved 

 in modern times. The harp is now com- 

 posed of three parts, each of which cor- 

 responds to the three unequal sides of a 

 triangle, as represented in Plate VII. The 

 box, or sounding body, is composed of eight 

 pieces of wood joined together, on which 

 rests a plate of fir pierced with a certain 

 number of sound-holes in the form of 

 roses or clover. On this plate the strings 

 are fixed by means of so many little but- 

 tons ; at their other extremity the strings are fixed, to the more or 



FIG. 107. The mandoline. 



FIG. 108. Japanese playing the gotto or " Taki Koto." 1 



less bent console, which constitutes the upper part of the triangle. 



1 To play the " Taki Koto," the performer fixes by little leather straps on the 

 tips of each of her fore-fingers a piece of almond-shaped ivory or split-almond flat 



