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 E-MAIL: [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] [log in to unmask] ______________________________________________________________________________