FOLK LORE. _We have received several letters, begging us to open our
columns to the reception of articles and notes on our fast-fading_ FOLK
LORE, _and reminding us what good service_ The Athenæum _did when it
consented to receive communications of that interesting subject. We
acknowledge with gratitude--for the point is one very interesting to
us--the readiness with which_ The Athenæum _listened to the suggestions
of a Correspondent, and what benefits resulted to that interesting
branch of Archæological study, when that influential journal consented
to devote a portion of its valuable space to the reception of such
notices. We at once, therefore, accede to the suggestions of our
Correspondent; and, following the example of our widely circulated
contemporary, take this opportunity of assuring our now numerous readers
that any contributions illustrative of_ The Folk Lore of England, _the
Manners, Customs, Observances, Superstitions, Ballads, Proverbs, &c. of
the Olden Time, will always find welcome admission to our pages. We
think, too, we may venture to promise that such communications shall be
illustrated, when they admit of it, from the writings of the continental
antiquaries_.
J.D.A. _is informed that we purpose so arranging_ "NOTES AND QUERIES"
_as to form two volumes in the course of the year; each volume to be
accompanied by a_ VERY COPIOUS INDEX.
EMDEE _will see that we have at once so far availed ourselves of his
suggestion as to make_ REPLIES _a distinct department of our paper. The
other change he suggests requires consideration; which it shall
certainly have_.
_We are unavoidably compelled to postpone until our next Number, Mr.
Hickson's further communication on_ Marlowe and the Old Taming of a
Shrew.
T.S.N. _will find much curious information on the subject of his inquiry
in some of the later volumes of_ The Gentleman's Magazine; _and we will
take an early opportunity of furnishing him with information upon the
point_.
_We are compelled, by want of space, to omit our usual acknowledgment
of_ COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.
_We are again compelled to omit many Notes, Queries, and Answers to
Queries which are in type, as well as Answers to Correspondents_.
* * * * * {224}