----Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.--BOSWELL, _Life of Johnson_. That history repeats itself is fairly and fully exemplified by the reproduction of "THE CATNACH PRESS," the _first_ edition of which was published in 1869, and "GUARANTEED ONLY TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY COPIES PRINTED."--Namely: 175 on fine, and 75 on extra-thick paper. _Each copy numbered._ The outer and descriptive title set forth that the work contained:-- "A COLLECTION of Books and Wood-cuts of James Catnach, late of Seven Dials, Printer, consisting of Twenty Books of the Cock Robin-Class, from, 'This is the House that Jack Built,' to 'Old Mother Hubbard,' (printed with great care) _specialite_ at THE CATNACH PRESS, from the old plates and woodcuts, prior to their final destruction, to which is added a selection of Catnachian wood-cuts, many by Bewick, and many of the most anti-Bewickian character it is possible to conceive." The announcement of the publication of the work was first made known through the medium of the metropolitan press, some few days prior to the copies being delivered by the book-binders, and so great was the demand of the London and American trade, that every copy was disposed of on the day of issue. The work is now eagerly sought after by book collectors who indulge in literary rarities. While engaged in collecting information for "The Catnach Press," and interviewing the producers of ballads, broadsides and chap-books, we met with a vast assemblage of street-papers and of a very varied character, which we proposed to publish in quarto form under the title of "The Curiosities of Street Literature," and when in London in 1869, still seeking for information on the subject, met by mere chance in the Strand with the street ballad singer of our youth, one Samuel Milnes, who used between the years of 1835 and 1842 to visit Fetter Lane every Thursday with the newest and most popular ballad of the day. We so often met with him at other times and places in and about London in after years that a peculiar kind of a friendly feeling grew up towards him in preference to all other street ballad singers of the time, so much so that at our meetings--and friendly greetings, we invariably purchased the ballad he was singing, or, gave him a few halfpence as a fee for having detained him from his calling--or shall we say bawling, for to tell the truth, Samuel Milnes was but a very indifferent vocalist. Time rolled on--"still on it creeps, each little moment at another's heels"--and we continued to meet our old ballad singer either in London or Brighton. The meeting with him on this particular occasion was most opportune for we wanted him. First we obtained from him "Wait for the Turn of the Tide," and "Call her back and kiss her," then the following information:--