WE wish to call particular attention to the circular recently put forth by Professor Child in reference to the collection of ballads that is in course of preparation by him, - a work which we doubt not will reflect great honor both on the author and on the College. It is of the highest importance that this edition should be complete, and to this end the co-operation of all persons interested is extremely important. In our column of Brevities we publish the directions which Mr. Child has given for the prosecution of this work. There are, doubtless, many people of Irish or Scotch birth who can repeat the ballads which have existed orally during so many years : but the number of these is on the wane. Many of the old songs are irrevocably lost; but it is not too late with diligence and care to accomplish much. Correctness, morever, is essential; and there is great demand for tact and patience. Any attempts at alteration will render a ballad utterly worthless for all critical purposes : the literary merit is not a question at issue. Note, too, that the burden or refrain should always be retained. To conclude, the enterprise calls for painstaking inquiry on the part of those who have at heart the interests of our folk-lore, and it is to be hoped that many persons will be found to prosecute the search, and that their efforts may be crowned with success. To those of our readers without the College, it is only necessary to add that these ballads, if obtained, should be forwarded to Professor FRANCIS J. CHILD, Cambridge, Mass. And any information that may be forthcoming about the origin or history of these songs will be additionally desirable.