Written primarily for the use of those to whom music is essentially a pastime, it is hoped that this little work, though far from claiming to be a textbook, may be of some service, even to others who have adopted music as a serious study. It was the author's aim to write in a style midway between the bare statement of facts on the one hand and over elaboration of detail on the other. Contents: birth of harmony; alliance of harmony and counterpoint; early technical practice; dawn of modern harmony; melodic ornamentation; chord ornamentation. Illustrated.