VIII TO THE READER. succession, may do so by referring to the Table of Authors which has been chronologically arranged for that purpose. As regards the title of the book, some apology should perhaps be offered for its exceeding homeliness. But the taste for high-sounding titles has passed away; and the changes have been rung so long and so often upon "Gems," "Beauties," "Wreaths," "Caskets," and the like, that it is believed the old, plain, familiar nursery-name by which we have all designated the "poetry-books" of our childhood will find more favour, and call up pleasanter associations, than a more fanciful or elaborate title. AMELIA B. EDWARDS. Westbury on Trym, Gloucestershire, 1878. |