Just want to say how much I appreciate the sharing of knowledge and perspectives from many people with knowledge of the music, history and lore here (of which I ain't one,) and to Jane, for starting the thread.    AKA Why I Love Mudcat

It has led me to do some light research and reading on-line about puritanism, the English Separatist movement, The Great Awakening, history and origins of elves, fairies, brownies, leprechauns, ogres, hobgoblins, James I, James Child, waves and patterns of migration to the America's from Europe in general and the British Isles in particular, Cromwell, James I, the Salem Witch Trials, the history of Baptists, the Enlightenment and the Age of Reason - not to mention a chance to listen to some recordings from the Max Hunter collection, some Child Ballads and the history of Christian mysticism.

Nary a thing about calculus, however.

Not a bad way at all to spend a quiet Friday night.

Janie