I think Jack Cady is right about the funereal habits of Americans having
an influence.  One casebook on _Huckleberry Finn_, called _The Art of
Huckleberry Finn_ included selections from _The Sentimental Song Book_
which are more than a gentle reminder of Botts.

A custom which used to be followed upon a death was the printing and
handing out of small cards which contained a short inspirtational or
sentimental poem.  It was an extra expense, of course; but I have been to
one or two funerals in the last decade here in Baltimore where the custom
was still observed.  I can see that poems like Emmaline's would have
great popularity at such occasions.

______________________________________________________________________________
                                DAVID TOMLINSON
                               English Department
                               U. S. Naval Academy
                             Annapolis, MD 21402-5044
Phone:  (410) 293-6236                                  FAX: (410) 293-3225

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