However, I do think that ED chose the poems for Higginson on the basis of what they were not, rather than what they were. It praises Nature, is vivid in imagery, and contains an element of her childlike persona, all of which Emily may have judged would appeal to a would-be publisher of a woman's poems in the 19th Century. I believe she knew its merit and feigned some false modesty in her letter. Which was perfectly appropriate for a person in the position of newcomer. What she didn't know was whether the person she chose to see her work would discern its merit.
Editors have their blind spots.
Publishers don't always detect genius. As it was, Higginson had his drawbacks, but he tried very hard to understand. He could have been dismissive, but he wasn't. Although the changes he made in her poems were indefensible and earned him posterity's justifiable criticism, he made an effort to reach her, as well as offering friendship, and for this she was grateful. My own favourite image from the poem is 'The Steeples swam in Amethyst'.