their sheep, as shepherds in other
countries are supposed to do.

We know that every farm had its spinning wheel and that clothes were
made of the homespun woollens, but neither historian nor poet has ever
pictured a New England shepherd with the shepherd's pipe. Imagination
has not so far run riot.

Music was in a very elementary stage during the first hundred years. The
country was sparsely populated, and music depends on the existence of a
community. Even in 1750 the cows, according to tradition, were still
occupied, during their daily peregrinations, in laying out the streets
of the future city of Boston,--a city which was destined to be one of
the leaders in matters musical.

NOTE. _When a work is mentioned as "given" or "played" or
"presented," it means the first performance in America.
When "produced" or "production" or "premiere" is used the
first public performance anywhere is indicated._

1640. The "Bay Psalm Book" published, first American book of
sacred music. The second book printed in America.

1700. The first pipe organ to reach America from Europe was placed
in the Episcopal Church at Port Royal, Va. About 1860 it was
removed to Hancock, and later to Shepherdstown, W. Va.

1712. First practical instruction book on singing in New England,
published by John Tufts of Newbury, Mass.

1713. First pipe organ brought into New England presented to
King's Chapel, Boston, by Thomas Brattle. (Now in St. John's
Chapel, Portsmouth, N. H.)

1720. First singing societies established in New England.

1716. First mention of the importation of flageolets, hautbois and
other instruments, by Edward Enstone, of Boston.

1722. A playhouse existed near the market place, Williamsburg, Va.
The first theatre known to exist in America.

1728. A pipe organ placed in Christ Church, Philadelphia.

1731. Dec. First concert recorded in Boston, given at the rooms of
Mr. Pelham, near the Sun Tavern.

1732. April. A concert given for the benefit of Mr. Salter, at the
Council Chamber, Charleston, S. C.

1733. A pipe organ placed in Trinity Church, Newport, R. I., being
the second organ in New England.

1733. Feb. 26. First song recital recorded in America, given at
the playhouse in Queen St., Charleston, S. C.

1735. Feb. 8. First performance of ballad opera on record in
America--"Flora, or Hob in the Well"--given at the Courtroo