THE following letters are almost exclusively on musical subjects, and they relate more particularly to the department of church-music, or to the service of song in religious worship. There are many persons in different parts of our country, who are deeply interested in the subject of music, who are beginning to appreciate its value, and who are engaged in the cause of musical education, and especially in efforts for the improvement of church-music; this is abundantly proved by the rapid spread of music in common schools, by the steadily growing demand for good instructors both in the vocal and instrumental departments, by the higher qualifications which from year to year are required in those who are sought for and employed as teachers, and by the constantly-increasing number of associations and gatherings for musical purposes, as elementary classes, singing societies, choirs and musical

conventions.