The tune entitled "Phiddlin' Phil" was first published in mid-19th century American collections; since then it has spawned an entire "family" of closely related tunes, including such "old-time" standards as "Dubuque" and "Possum Up a Gum Stump." The distinctive version played on PEI was once widespread throughout the Island but was rarely played by the time these recordings were made. Notation for the version played here by George MacPhee is in The Fiddle Music of Prince Edward Island, under the title "Fiddlin' Phil."