Inglis Collection of printed music > Printed music > Scots musical museum > Volumes 5-6

Ill
Preface.
r T , HE Editor now presents to the Public the Sixth Volume of the
Scots Musical Museum; which in all probability will be the last.
The6<s Volumes contain every Scotish Air and Song, which the ex-
ertions of the Editor, and those of his friends and numerous correc-
-pondents, have been able to procure during a period of sixteen years.
He is therefore inclined to think that the Scots Musical Museum now
contains almost every Scotish Song extant. However, as he wishes to
make it as complete as possible, he will spare no pains in endeavour-
-ing to procure any which may hitherto have escaped his research; and
if successful, they will be published at some future period .
Without wishing to over rate this publication, the Editor may be
permitted to observe, that it unquestionably contains the greatest Col-
lection of Scotish Vocal Music ever published, including many excel-
lent Songs written for it by BURNS; He therefore flatters himself
with the hope that the prediction of our celebrated BARD respecting
it will be verified; and that To future ages the Scots Musical Museum
"will be the Text Book and Standard of Scotish Song and Music!'*-
* See extract from BURNS S Letter in the Preface to Volume 6.
Edin* June 4*! 1 1803.
Entered in Stationers Hall.