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84 CHI NESE MUSIC. CONCLUSION. The question is often asked-Why does not Chinese music leave a better impression on the ears and minds of foreigners? l\fost naturally because it has not been made for foreigners. But from a theoretical point of view we may say that it is because:- 10. The intervals of the Chinese scale not being tempered, some of the notes sound to foreign ears utterly false and discordant. 2 °. The instruments not being constructed with the rigorous precision which charac– terises our European instruments, there is no exact justness of intonation, and the Chinese must content themselves with an cl, peu pres. 3°. The melodies being always in unison, always in the same key, always equally loud and unchangeable in movement, they cannot fail to appear wearisome and monotonous in comparison with our complicated melodies. 4 °. Chinese melodies are n·ever definitely ipajor nor minor; they are constantly floating between the two, and the natural result is that they lack the vigour, the majesty, the sprightliness, the animation of our maj or mode; the plaintive sadness, the tender lamentations of our minor mode; and the charming effects resulting from the alternation of the two modes. It is incontestable that C'hinese music compares unfavourably with European music. From om point of view it certainly rLppears monotonous, even noisy-disagreeable, if you please ; but what matters this if the Chinese themselves are satisfied with it ? And that they are satisfied, that they like it, that it is a necessity for them, is fully proved by the constant use of music in their ceremonies and festivities; . by t~e numerous bands parading the streets and offering their services; by the strict attentwn with which they listen to the ballad singers,– now exhibiting emotion at an affecting picture of suffering, now bursting into hearty laughter when the subject is of an amusing kind; an~ finally, by the large variety of instruments which, although often played without taste or feeling, are nevertheless remarkable for their beautiful simplicity of form, and their extreme cheapness: According to the Chinese themselves, music proceeds £mm the heart of man; it is the expresswn of the feelings of the hea1t.