Northumbrian smallpipes

Under the Stuarts, the Northumbrian bagpipes became distinctive of their class, as was also the case of the Lowland bagpipe.

It is here well to observe that the scale of the Highland, Lowland, and Northumbrian pipes is the same, and the only real difference between the two latter forms is in size, the Northumbrian being the smaller.

Of course, the Highland pipe is blown by the mouth, whereas the Lowland and Northumbrian pipes are inflated by bellows, but I shall deal with the subject in a succeeding chapter.

Under King James II, several dramatic writers allude to the bagpipe as the prevalent instrument for the masses, and it is certain that at rustic gatherings the piper still held sway.

In a tragic comedy entitled The Royal Voyage, acted in 1690, a piper is introduced in one of the scenes.

During twenty-five years this fine pipe band has continued to add to the enjoyment of the Glasgow citizens by their performances in the parks and the sinews of war are supplied by two annual concerts.

CHAPTER XXII.

LOWLAND AND NORTHUMBRIAN PIPES Much misconception has existed in regard to the Lowland Bagpipe as distinct from the Highland, Some writers allege that the two instruments are totally distinct and that the lowland bagpipe is rather of an inferior class.