CHAP. IV. 



WIND INSTRUMENTS. 



179 



reeds to vibrate is inclosed in a skin with which the mouthpieces of 

 the pipes communicate. 



This is the bagpipe, which was known to the ancient Romans by 

 the name of tibia utricularis ; it is now only met with in a few 

 remote districts of the French provinces, and in Scotland. The 

 mechanism of the instrument will be easily understood from Fig. 131. 

 A is the sheepskin used for the air-reservoir, which the musician fills 

 by blowing into the wind-tube c ; a valve inside is opened downwards 

 and allows the air to enter, but not to escape. B, E, F, are three 

 pipes, similar to flutes, or rather hautboys, open outside and furnishe 1 



PKI. 131. Bagpipes. 



Fin. l:J-2. Musette. 



at their other extremity inside, with reeds. B and F are called the 

 great and little bourdon ; they sound the octave to each other. The 

 pipes E and F are pierced with holes which allow the notes inter- 

 mediate between the fundamental notes and their harmonics to be 

 obtained. When the musician has filled the ba,gpipes, which he holds 

 between his side and left arm, he presses it with the elbow and thus 

 forces the wind to escape by the reeds, which vibrate and cause the 

 pipes to sound. By using the fingers the various notes may be 

 brought out, and harmonies as well as melodies can be produced. It 

 is possible to tune the pipes, as they are movable in their fittings, and 

 can be lengthened or shortened to a certain extent. 



