also, that in tuning several strings each higher than the
preceding, and not each according to the first, we invariably
err towards raising the pitch. ¹ Nevertheless Ellis's his-
torically arranged tables of comparison of different pitches
show a certain fluctuation both upwards and downwards.
For my part I venture to say that in consequence of the
constant training and selecting of good voices, in course
of time high tenors and sopranos as well as deep basses and
altos are more frequently found; at any rate the demands
of modern composers have become much greater, and the
number of both male and female singers incomparably so.
The number of choral societies and theatres will corrobo-
rate this; what is not required of these to-day, and what
has not been overcome in course of the past fifty years!
So it appears to me that progress and development in this
particular line are in every way remarkable. It is with
the vocal organs as with those of hearing; there has been
practically no change in historic times at any rate, although
to-day we may perhaps be better able to realise their
capabilities than heretofore.

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