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volume is the result of nearly forty years' loving study of the Flute and everything connected with it. In addition to the knowledge acquired by many years of orchestral and chamber music playing, hundreds of volumes have been consulted in the Bibliothéque Nationale of Paris, the British Museum, the Bodleian, Dublin University, and other Public Libraries.

Whilst availing myself freely of the labours of my predecessors in the same field, I have verified their statements as far as possible. I desire to thank the various flautists, European and American, who have supplied me with much valuable information.

In conclusion, I pray my readers to excuse any slips I may have inadvertently made; wishing them (in the words of old Quarles) "as much pleasure in the reading as I had in the writing."

H. MACAULAY FITZGIBBON.