The first edition of this work was printed at the close of the year 1841, with a view only to a limited circulation among the members of the Percy Society; but a demand for it, somewhat unusual when it is considered that its appearance was never advertised to the public, has occasioned the present edition, in which it is believed considerable improvements as well as additions will be found.<br><br>It has been the Editor's principal object to form as genuine a collection of the old vernacular rhymes of the English nursery as he possibly could, without admitting any very modem compositions, at least none belonging to the present century.