gone over by the tuner at short intervals in order to keep it in fit
condition to be used.

The idea with which we desire to impress the student by the foregoing
remarks is, that while the piano is a superior instrument, and the art
of tuning the piano is a much deeper study from the general tuner's
standpoint than that of doing the various things the tuner is called
to do on the organ, he should not consider the reed organ of minor
importance, or slight the organ when called upon to put it in order.
The fact is, persons having organs in their homes cherish them as much
as others do their pianos, and there is no reason why they should not
have as good service.

It will be impossible to give anything more than general instruction
in organ work, as the difference in construction is so pronounced.
Pianos are built practically on the same plan, and when the
construction of one is learned, the tuner will find little difficulty
in others of the same type; but it seems that every organ manufacturer
has his own hobbies as to the best means of securing results; however,
the general principles are the same, and, like many operations coming
under the hand of the tuner, all that is necessary is to examine,
reason, and use good mechanical judgment.

CLEANING.

Organs need cleaning about once a year, or oftener if they are kept
and used in dusty places. The bellows are suction or exhaustion
bellows, and they draw the air in at the top of the organ through the
reeds and discharge it below. The effect of this is that if any dust
is floating in the air it is drawn in about the action and reeds,
where it settles and clogs the working parts, stopping the vibration
of the reeds entirely.

The front board or key strip is usually held in place by a screw at
each end, but sometimes by slides entering the holes in the side of
the case, which may be disconnected by wooden buttons at each end,
which are pulled toward the center. The back of all organs may be
entered by removing the board at the back of the case, held in place
by screws or buttons. Close all the stops, then take your dust blower,
if you have one, or a cloth, and remove all the dirt possible in this
way. Lift the muffler boards worked by the right knee-swell, take a
brush and clean thoroughly next to the reeds which will be exposed
when the muffler boards are raised.

If any dirt is left here it will be drawn into the reeds the instant
the organ is played. In bad cases