Ranz-des-vaches

(rŏngz-dā-väsh'). [Fr., the ranks or rows of the cows, the name being given from the fact that the cattle, when answering the musical call of their keeper, move toward him in a row, preceded by those wearing bells.] A simple melody of the Swiss mountaineers, commonly played on a long trumpet called the Alpine horn.

☞ This melody, when heard by Swiss soldiers away from home, is said to create, in a remarkable degree, nostalgia, or home-sickness; and, hence, its performance, by military bands of regiments containing such soldiers, is not allowed.