Partially true. I think that (not to steal from Twain's unique genius) Twain also adopted somewhat of a "tradition" of Southwest tall tales. The exaggeration of wild tales was not unique to Twain. _Life on the Mississippi_,"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" and "Baker's BlueJay Yarn" are classic Southwestern tall tales in part, with similarities to Josh Billings, and a few others. I think Mr. Gerald has in a way pointed out a similarity.