* * * * *
Minor Notes.
_Cremona Violins._--As many of your readers are no doubt curious about the
prices given, in former times, for musical instruments, I transcribe an
order of the time of Charles II. for the purchase of two Cremona violins.
"[_Audit Office Enrolments_, vi. 359.]
"These are to pray and require you to pay, or cause to be paid, to John
Bannester, one of his Ma^{ties} Musicians in Ordinary, the some of fourty
pounds for two Cremona Violins by him bought and delivered for his Ma^{ts}
Service, as may appeare by the Bill annexed, and also tenn pounds for
stringes for two yeares ending June 24, 1662. And this shall be your
warrant. Given under my hand, this 24th day of October, 1662, in the
fourteenth year of his Majesty's reign.
"E. MANCHESTER.
"To S^r Edward Griffin, Kn^t,
Treasurer of his Ma^{ties} Chamber."