Jim,

Is seen in Barbry Allen, as sung by James B. Cornett, on Mountain Music of Kentucky, 1959:

It was [in] the Saint Martins time
And the green buds they were swelling,
And Young Johnny Green of the West country
Fell in love with Barbry Allen

The use of Martinmas (Christmas) has nothing to do with logic (singers may not be worried about if the leaves should have fallen- obviously green leaves do not usually fall- they turn colors first- see Child A also), and I didn't think it came from print, although at some point it might have.

I am interested in Charlie Somers' version because it has the "gifts stanzas". Listen here:

http://www.itma.ie/inishowen/song/barbro_allen_charlie_somers

I am interested in the Irish tradition, that includes the gifts stanzas.

It also has the rose-briar ending. Steve, you did post Madden Collection 5095 above, with the Rose-Briar ending, which may be the earliest print version with that ending.

Richie