I may add, in passing, that they are quite distinct from the Italian bootblacks and newsboys who are to be found in Chatham Street and the vicinity of the City Hall Park.

These last are the children of resident Italians of the poorer class, and are much better off than the musicians.

It is from their ranks that the Italian school, before referred to, draws its pupils.
If the story of "Phil the Fiddler," in revealing for the first time to the American public the hardships and ill treatment of these wandering musicians shall excite an active sympathy in their behalf, the author will feel abundantly repaid for his labors.
NEW YORK, APRIL 2, 1872.
CONTENTS CHAPTER I.

PHIL THE FIDDLER II.

PHIL AND HIS PROTECTOR III.