Steve,

Thanks again. I hope somebody will derive some interest from my chronology. And there will be howlers and gaps that I cannot see because I am too close to it all.

I am happy to hear about these, it is part of the reason for sharing ideas. I have learned a great deal from the mudcat debates. It is a brilliant site.

I am conscious of not having the ref for the Mackenzie St James Hospital song from Pictu Novia Scotia, and of not knowing much about any context of collection for that tune.

The various tunes are a whole different matter, and not one much discussed in detail! Ironhead's version was almost a revelation to me; to hear an African American voice at that time singing in that style. It reminds me of another lively and fascinating set of folkloric disagreements, in fact, but this is not the place for those.

Thanks again and thanks to all for sharing.
Karen