copying them, and cutting the blocks for the illustrations. All this he did for the Ballad Society for years without fee or reward. He was such a warm friend and devoted admirer of Joseph Knight, as will be seen in both memoirs, that I have felt it a pleasure to include the lives of these two friends in the same volume. The happy years of close companionship with our late Editor will be among my choicest memories as long as life shall last.
As Joseph Knight presided at the Dinner held in 1891 to celebrate the foundation of the first Readers' Pension, and always gratefully acknowledged the services of the proof-reader, I have thought it appropriate that any profits there may be from the sale of this book should be devoted to the Readers' Pension Fund.
I have to acknowledge the great service Mr. John Randall has rendered me by his suggestions, as well as the care with which he has compiled the Index.
JOHN COLLINS FRANCIS.
- Florence House,
- Christ church Road,
- Streatham Hill, S.W.
- Christ church Road,
- April, 1909.
