its interest.

Many persons imagine that Mother Goose is a myth,--that no such
person ever existed. This is a mistake. MOTHER GOOSE was not
only a veritable personage, but was born and resided many years in
Boston, where many of her descendants may now be found. The last
that bore this ancient paternal cognomen died about the year 1807,
and was buried in the Old Granary Burying Ground, where probably lie
the remains of the whole blood, if we may judge from the numerous
grave-stones which mark their resting place. The family originated in
England, but at what time they came to this country is unknown,--but
probably about the year 1656. This was the "Wealthy family of
Goose" which is immortalized by Mr. Bowditch in his book of Suffolk
Names, who at the same time has immortalized himself. They were
landholders in Boston, so early as 1660. Nearly half the space
between West and Winter streets, on Washington street, and extending
westerly towards Tremont street, 275 feet belonged to this family,
as did also a large tract of land on Essex, Rowe, and Bedford
streets, upon which now stand two churches and a large number of
dwelling houses. SO MUCH FOR MOTHER GOOSE. Now for her melodies.

It is well known to antiquarians that more than TWO hundred years
ago there was a small book in circulation in London bearing the
name of "Rhymes for the nursery; or Lulla-Byes for Children," which
contained MANY OF THE IDENTICAL PIECES which have been handed down
to us and now from part of the "Mother Goose's Melodies" of the
present day. It contained also other pieces much more silly, if
possible, and some that the AMERICAN types of the present day would
refuse to give off an impression. The "cuts" or illustrations
thereof were of the coarsest description.