I have tried, though not very hard, to get some idea of what "country dance bands" of the 19C consisted of, without much success. But from odd photographs they have fiddles, 'cellos, some brass instrumenst, possibly from Army musicians and percussion. Again I have almost no hard evidence but it seems probable that some "country dance bands" were pulled together as and when they were needed.

In this situation it seems reasonable to suggest that the band "Leader" would have some tune books so that his scratch band could play together.

I know that just because "it seems reasonable to suggest " - that is no guarantee of anything.

Which takes us back to the role of tune books in the survival and transmission of tunes.

L in C#