ij %j^ \^ X 1-^

^^/

**'%^msi,'*,'^^=^

m¥'%k:i

4* i

Ex LiBRIS

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2011 with funding from

LYRASIS IVIembers and Sloan Foundation

http://www.archive.org/details/historyofpennsylOOboyd

The publication of this History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society had been anticipated with the keenest interest by James Boyd, the Society's twentieth President.

It was he who worked indefatigably on its preparation, and with devoted, loving care, wrote and compiled the story contained in these pages.

Mr. Boyd's sudden death on Decem- ber second, nineteen hundred and twenty-nine, prevented his seeing the completed book, but all the final proofs passed through his hands.

This volume will serve as a permanent

memorial to Mr. Boyd's loyal

devotion to the interests

of the Society.

HORACE BINNEY

{First President) 1828; 1 836- 1 84 1

A HISTORY

OF

THE PENNSYLVANIA

HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETY

1827-1927

BY

JAMES BOYD

(20TH president)

PHILADELPHIA

PRINTED FOR THE SOCIETY

1929

■-' >v' '^'- '

"I must mention for a high place in recreation the plea- sure of gardening, if you are fond of it. Bacon says, 'God Almighty first planted a garden, and indeed it is the purest of human pleasures.' It is one of those pleasures which fol- low the law of increasing and not of diminishing returns. The more you develop it, the more absorbing is the interest of it. There is no season of the year at which the interest ceases and no time of life, so long as sight remains, at which we are too old to enjoy it."

— ^\^iscouNT Grey of Fallodon, K.G. (From an address delivered at the Harvard Union, December 8, ipip.)

COPYRIGHT, 1929 BY THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

/J(j(^^

EDWARD STERN Be COMPANY. INC.

PRINTERS AND ENGRAVERS

ILLUSTRATIONS IN AQUATONE

PHILADELPHIA

TT^SFACe

A history of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society has evidently been desired for many years according to various resolutions which have been passed from time to time and entered upon the Society's minute books.

In March 1861, a committee consisting of William Saunders, William L. Schaffer and J. E. Mitchell reported to the president and members of the Society as follows :

"In pursuing their investigations into the early history of the Society, your Committee have been highly interested in tracing its rise and rapid progress of usefulness and success. During the first eight or ten years of its existence the records are rather meagre, but it is due to our late secretary, Mr. James, to mention his name in connection with the fact that for the past twenty years the minutes of the Society contain a vast amount of horticultural information, such as the introduction of new plants, vegetables and fruits, which, if collated, and presented in a detailed and comprehensive form, would be of much value to those members who are not familiar with its early history, as well as forming a useful reference for the future management of the Society."

In November 1877, there is an entry in the minutes stating that: "The Committee on Publication reported progress on the historical sketch of the Society and will have it ready to present at the next stated meeting." No further reference to this historical sketch is made in the minutes at any time, but in July 1895, "A Brief History" of the Society was published in pamphlet form. It was prepared for deposit in the copper box placed in the corner-stone of the third Horticultural Hall. It was, however, extremely superficial and contained no facts of horticultural importance.

In April 1897, a resolution was adopted authorizing the appointment of a committee to compile a history of the Society "from its organization up to the present day." There is no record, however, in the minutes that such a committee was ever appointed and no evidence of any accomplishment.

In March 1920, the Executive Council instructed the Secre- tary (David Rust) to prepare a history of the Society "to follow on from date of the history now in print, up to date." This undoubtedly referred to the brief and superficial history pub- lished in 1895. These instructions to the secretary were apparently overlooked or forgotten.

At a meeting of the Executive Council on April 19, 1922, it was suggested that a History of the Society covering the first century of its existence should be compiled and published, and after some discussion it was voted that the Secretary (David Rust) should collect the important facts from the minutes of the Society and submit same to the Library Committee for con- sideration. A small appropriation was made to cover these expenses, and at the end of four years (1926) the Secretary submitted the matter he had assembled to the Chairman of the Library Committee (Mrs. Horatio Gates Lloyd). After careful consideration it was decided that instead of revising what had already been compiled it would be better to make a more complete collection and include the celebration of the Society's Centennial which was to be observed in 1927.

Nothing further was done until January 1, 1928, when the President (James Boyd) reminded the Council that no provision had been made in the budget for that year to cover the publica- tion of the history. No action was taken, however, until October 1928, when the President offered to undertake the work provided the Council would authorize him to employ clerical assistance in order to compile the data. The Council accepted the President's offer and appropriated a sum to cover the cost of compilation.

In November 1928, another resolution was passed in regard to financing the history and at that time, the President seriously started the work of preparing the material and getting it into shape for publication.

The writer was fortunate in securing the services of Miss Edith Dornbirer, a graduate of Ohio State College and the

School of Horticulture for Women at Ambler, Pa, Miss Dorn- birer was particularly interested in all information relating to both floriculture and pomology and she undertook her work with much enthusiasm. The writer wishes also to acknowl- edge the able assistance of Miss Fannie A. Root, assistant to the secretary of the Society, for her cheerful and untiring cooperation in securing biographical information and extraneous horticultural data.

The writer also wishes to extend the thanks of the Society and himself to Mrs. Edward M. Cheston for the interesting article on typical gardens and to those members who wrote the descriptions of characteristic gardens shown in the Appendix: Mrs. Benjamin Bullock, Mr. and Mrs. James Bush-Brown, the Misses Cloud, Mr. Thomas W. Sears and Mr. Markley Stevenson.

The information contained herein has been obtained from the minutes of the Society and from various contemporaneous publications. Sufficient material was collected to fill at least two volumes of the size of the present edition, and it was extremely difficult to determine what was to be omitted. It was also difficult to obtain portraits of past officers of the Society, but after diligent search in various quarters, the chain of presidents was completed and several portraits of the treasurers and secretaries secured.

The History of the Society is preceded by an introductory section covering horticultural events in and around Pennsylvania previous to 1827. The History itself is divided into seven periods of unequal length. Each period covers a certain phase or condition, as, for instance — the formation and establishment of the Society, the great interest in pomology, the introduction of new plants, the period of decline or lack of interest due to various causes, the period of strong commercial influence and the corresponding lack of interest by amateurs, the period when amateurs greatly predominated and commercial interests held a secondary place. The preface to each period gives a concise review of the events of that time, and necessarily expresses somewhat the opinions of the author; but the chronology which follows is transferred from the minutes and various publications almost word for word.

Obsolete words and quaint expressions have been printed just as they were in the minutes. Where quotations are made from current publications, spelling and style are copied as closely as possible. Under these circumstances, it is believed that no apology is necessary for any errors that may be noticed in spelling or grammatical construction. In copying from the minutes names of plants have been changed when necessary to conform with Standardized Plant Names published in 1923.

In the biographies which are found in the Appendix, many facts were obtained from the National Cyclopaedia of American Biography ^ The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, German- town, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, and Pennsylvania — A History.

It is quite possible that events have been omitted which, in the judgment of some members, should have been included, but it was necessary to sift the matter thoroughly in order to keep the publication within reasonable limits. In the revision and sifting, the writer was assisted by a Committee selected from the members of the Society, composed as follows: Mrs. F. VonA. Cabeen, Jr., Mrs. Edward M. Cheston, Mrs. Horatio Gates Lloyd, Samuel N. Baxter, John H. Dodds, J. S. Goldhaber, David Rust, William J. Serrill, John Williams and John C. Wister. The members of this Committee gave careful considera- tion to the matters in which they were particularly interested and finally determined what should be included and excluded.

The author feels that the work might have been entrusted to more competent and experienced hands, but he has endeavored to be entirely fair and impartial in all of his comments and criticisms.

James Boyd. Philadelphia September 1st, 1929.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introductory Period Horticultural conditions and events 1681-1827 in Pennsylvania previous to the for- {146 years) mation of The Pennsylvania Horticul- tural Society Pages 1 to 33.

First Period Covering the founding of the Society. 1827-1835 Exhibitions small but frequent. Great {g years) interest in new plants Pages 34 to 70.

Second Period In which the Society becomes thor- 1826-1855 oughly organized and attains a na-

{20 years) tional reputation. Minutes missing

1837 to 1842 Pages 71 to 143.

Third Period During the first part of this period the 1856-1865 Society flourishes, making considerable {10 years) investments and holding large exhibi- tions of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Later the Society declines in activities and membership on account of the Civil War Pages 144 to 189.

Fourth Period Society recovers from effects of Civil

1866-1878 War. During this period there is

(/J years) great interest in fruit culture. First

HorticulturalHallcompletedFebruary,

1867 Pages 190 to 223.

Fifth Period First Horticultural Hall destroyed by 1 879-1889 fire, 1881; second Horticultural Hall {11 years) completed January, 1882. Temporary increase in horticultural interest on account of popularity of chrysanthe- mum, but serious decline commences in 1887 Pages 224 to 254.

Sixth Period Period of great depression. Commer- 1890-1920 cial and professional interests entirely (jo years) in control of the Society. Library utterly neglected. Second Horticul- tural Hall destroyed by fire in 1893. Third Horticultural Hall completed, 1896, sold, 1917 Pages 255 to 302.

Seventh Period Society changes completely to amateur

192/-1927 organization — over 90% of member-

(7 years) ship being amateur. Renewed interest.

Membership greatly increased. Library

put in excellent condition Pages 303 to 347.

Appendix Lists of officers and council members with years of service; honorary mem- bers; life members, past and present; charter with supplements; original eighty members of Society; medals and special awards; Horticultural Hall; meeting places of the Society; lectures delivered before the Society; biogra- phies of officers; centennial celebra- bration; financial report; descriptions of gardens Pages 348 to 487.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FRONTING PAGE

BiNNEY, Horace {First President) 1828; 1836-1841 Frontispiece

Bartram, John {Horticulturdist) 1699-1777 9

Franklin Institute 39

Collins, Zaccheus {Second President) 1829 41

Philosophical Hall 47

Ingersoll, Joseph R. {Third President) 1830-1831 49

Vaux, George VII {Fourth President) 1832-1835 59

Masonic Hall 63

The Diploma 77

Cope, Caleb {Fifth President) 1842-1851 79

Patterson, General Robert {Sixth President) 1852-1858 125

Baldwin, Matthias W. {Seventh President) 1859-1862 159

Mitchell, Joseph E. {Eighth President) 1863-1864; 1885-1887 171

Rogers, Fairman {Ninth President) 1864 175

King, D. Rodney {Tenth President) 1865-1867 177

Horticultural Hall {First) 201

Horticultural Hall {Interior) 201

Schaffer, William L. {Eleventh President) 1868-1884 205

Horticultural Hall {Second) 233

Horticultural Hall {Interior) 233

Price, Isaac C. {Twelfth President) 1888-1889 251

Lady's Admission Ticket 254

Childs, George W. {Thirteenth President) 1890-1894 263

Clark, Clarence H. {Fourteenth President) 1895-1898 271

Horticultural Hall {Third) 273

Rhodes, James M. {Fif tee-nth President) 1899-1901 279

Paul, James W., Jr. {Sixteenth President) 1902-1908 283

Newbold, Clement B. {Seventeenth President) 1909-1913 287

Bodine, Samuel T, {Eighteenth President) 1914 293

KuHN, C. Hartman {Nineteenth President) 1915-1918 295

Boyd, James {Twentieth President) 1919- 307

Centenary Medal 369

Schaffer Memorial Medal 369

xii

. List of Illustrations

FRONTING PAGE

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Standard Medal 371

Robert C. Wright Rose Medal 371

Garden Club Medal 371

ScHAFFER, Miss Elizabeth {Benefactress) 1808-1897 373

BuiST, Robert {Treasurer) 1858-1862 397

Meehan, Thomas {Corresponding Secretary) 1865-1866; 1868-1888 397

Harrison, A. W. {Secretary) 1861-1886; {Treasurer) 1874-1886 397

Dreer, Henry A. {Treasurer) 1862-1873 397

Dreer, William F. {Treasurer) 1887-1888; 1898-1899 399

Pennock, Samuel S. {Treasurer) 1924- 399

Rust, David {Secretary) 1896-1927 399

Keith, Sidney W. {Treasurer) 1900-1923 399

Centennlal Anniversary Dinner 405

HISTORY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD 1681-1827

It seems proper to preface the history of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for the first hundred years of its existence with an outline of the principal horticultural conditions and events in Pennsylvania previous to the formation of the Society. Therefore, the following introductory pages are intended to chronicle briefly such events during the 146 years between the colonization of the Province by William Penn in 1681, and the organization of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in Philadelphia in 1827.

In 1681, William Penn drew up plans for the administration of the Colony which he proposed to establish that same year in America. The lands for the purpose had been received by Penn by royal grant from King Charles II of England, in lieu of money that was due to his father. Sir William Penn. Certain of Penn's friends, who were to accompany the first colonists to the Province, were appointed by him to carry out his plans; and one of the instructions he gave them was that every house should be put in the middle of the breadth of the lot, so as to leave "ground on each side for gardens or orchards or fields, that it may be a green country town, which will never be burnt, and always be wholesome."^ This provision of the founder proved to be an auspicious beginning for the development of horticul- ture in Pennsylvania.

The natural condition of the country upon William Penn's arrival in 1682 is described by him in a letter to the Free Society of Traders, under date of "the 16th of 8th mo., 1683." Extracts from this letter are quoted as follows:

"The natural produce of the country, of vegetables, is trees, fruits, plants, flowers. The trees of most note, are the black walnut, cedar, cypress, chestnut, poplar, gum-wood, hickory, sassafras, ash, beech, and oak of divers sorts, as red, white and black; Spanish, chestnut, and swamp, the most durable of all. Of all which there is plenty for the use of man.

* Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, Vol. 3, p. 32.

2 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

"The fruits, that I find in the woods, are the white and black mul- berry, chestnut, walnut, plums, strawberries, cranberries, whortle- berries, and grapes of divers sorts. There are also very good peaches, and in great quantities; not an Indian plantation without them; but whether naturally here at first, I know not. However one may have them by bushels for little; they make a pleasant drink; and I think, not inferior to any peach you have in England, except the true Newing- ton. It is disputable with me, whether it be best to fall to fining the fruits of the country, especially the grape, by the care and skill of art, or send for foreign stems and sets, already good and approved. It seems most reasonable to believe, that not only a thing groweth best, where it naturally grows, but will hardly be equalled by another species of the same kind, that doth not naturally grow there. But, to solve the doubt, I intend, if God give me life, to try both, and hope the conse- quence will be as good wine as any of the European countries, of the same latitude, do yield.

"The artificial produce of the country is wheat, barley, oats, rye, peas, beans, squashes, pumpkins, water-melons, musk-melons, and all herbs and roots, that our gardens in England usually bring forth.

"There are divers plants, that not only the Indians tell us, but we have had occasion to prove, by swellings, burnings, cuts, etc., that they are of great virtue, suddenly curing the patient; and, for smell, I have observed several, especially one, the wild myrtle; the others I know not what to call, but are most fragrant.

"The woods are adorned with lovely flowers, for colour, greatness, figure and variety. I have seen the gardens of London best stored with that sort of beauty, but think they may be improved by our woods; I have sent a few to a person of quality this year, for a trial. This much of the country. "^

One of the principal events in the colonization of Pennsylvania, Penn's treaty with the Indians, is of horticultural as well as historical interest. According to tradition, this treaty was made in 1683 in the shade of a mighty elm tree, thereafter called the "Treaty Elm." This tree, of most impressive grandeur, was situated at Shackamaxon, on the Delaware River, near what is now Girard Avenue in the section of Philadelphia called Kensington.

It was apparently the expectation of William Penn and many of the early Colonists of Pennsylvania to make this a flourishing grape and wine country, and we learn that "before Penn's arrival the numerous grapevines everywhere climbing the

^ Watson s Annals oj Philadelphia, Vol. 1, pp. 45, 46, and 47.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 3

branches of our forest trees gave some sanction to the idea that this may have been the ancient Wineland so mysteriously spoken of by the Norwegian writers. Ahnost all the navigators, on their several discoveries, stated their hopes, from the abun- dance of grapevines, with exultation. "^ Penn, writing to the Society of Free Traders in 1683, says:

"Here are grapes of divers sorts. The great red grape, now ripe, (in August) called by ignorance the fox grape, because of the rich relish it hath with unskilful palates, is in itself an extraordinary grape, and by art, doubtless, may be cultivated to an excellent wine — if not so sweet, yet little inferior to the Frontignac, as it is not much unlike in taste, ruddiness set aside, which in such things, as well as mankind, differs the case much. There is a kind of muscadel, and a little black grape, like the cluster grape of England, not yet so ripe as the other, but they tell me, when ripe, sweeter; and that they only want skilful vignerons to make good use of them."

He adds:

"I intend to venture on it with my Frenchman this season, who shows some knowledge in these things."

He thought it best not to rely entirely on the native grapes, however, and concludes by saying:

"Finally, I would advise you to send for some thousands of plants out of France, with some able vignerons."

He and others were led to the belief that since the country had such an abundance of native grapes, that vineyards could be established which would yield a handsome profit. When George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends, travelled through the wilderness, he mentioned his annoyance at the numerous entangling grapevines.

Francis D. Pastorius, who came to Pennsylvania with the first German emigrants in 1683, and later became a close friend of William Penn, and the founder of Germantown, noticed the abundance of grapevines when he was traversing the original site of Philadelphia.

In 1685, William Penn wrote of his vineyard that he hadn't derived any profit from it and that he might be out of pocket. In 1686, he wrote to his steward, James Harrison:

"All the vines formerly sent and in the vessels (now), are intended for Andrew (Dore) at the Schuylkill, for the vineyard. I could have been glad of a taste last year, as I hear he made some."

^ Watson s Annals, Vol. 2, p. 430.

4 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

1685 In another letter he says:

"If wine can be made by Andrew Dore, at the vineyard, it will be worth to the province thousands by the year — there will be hundreds of vineyards, if it takes. I understand he produced ripe grapes by the 28th of 5 mo., from shoots of fifteen or sixteen months, planting. Many French are disheartened by the Carolinas (for vines,) as not hot enough!"

At the same time, Pastorius was experimenting in his vineyard in Germantown.* *

^ Watson's Annals, Vol. 2, pp. 430 and 431.

* From the following quotation from Scharf and Westcott's History of Phila- delphia, it is evident that neither Pastorius' vineyard nor William Penn's, fulfilled the high hopes of their owners. "After the second visit of Penn we hear no more of the vineyard. The name, however, was retained by the tract, a part of Springettsbury, for more than a century afterward, and it is to be found upon Melish's map of 1816. In July 1718, William Penn granted to Jonathan Dickinson ten hundred and eighty-four acres and one hundred perches of land, part of the manor of Springettsbury. It was the old Vineyard estate, and extended along the Schuylkill River, immediately north of Fairmount, some distance, including therein what was then called 'Old Vineyard Hill,' and afterward when owned by Robert Morris, 'The Hills,' and under Henry Pratt 'Lemon Hill,' now a portion of Fairmount Park. The tract stretched over to the line afterward opened as the King's or Wissahickon or Ridge road, com- mencing on the latter at Coates Street, and running on the southwest side of the road beyond Turner's Lane. Girard College is on a portion of this property, and it took in the whole of Francisville. The Vineyard House was upon an inclosure commencing about Coates Street and running some distance along the Ridge road. This property was bought by Dickinson for twelve hundred pounds."— Vol. 3, p. 2282.

More than a century after the attempts of the early colonists to produce successful vineyards, there was a similar effort made by a group of Philadelphians who called themselves the "Company for the Improvement of the Vine," and Scharf and Westcott's History of Philadelphia describes this later project as follows:

"Early in this year (1802) the 'Company for the Improvement of the Vine,' long talked of by enthusiastic horticulturists, was fully organized. They laid out a vineyard near Legaux's farm, at Spring Mill, and employed Peter Legaux to tend it. Dr. Benjamin Say was president; Isaac W. Morris, treasurer; Jared Ingersoll, John Vaughan, Dr. James Mease, Frederick Heiss, and Elisha Fisher, managers. At that time the following vineyards were in the city: MontmoUin's vineyard, on the Ridge Road, four miles from Philadelphia, having one thousand plants; Peter Kuhn's vineyard, about a mile from MontmoUin's, with Lisbon, Malaga, and Madeira grapes; Dr. James Mease chose an excellent situation in the centre of the ground-plan of Philadelphia, on the line of Cherry Alley, and had three thousand plants; Paul Labrousse's vineyard was about a mile from Philadelphia, by way of South Second Street, between Second and Third Streets, near Mr. Crousillat's tavern; Crousillat's was four miles from Philadelphia, on the banks of the Schuylkill. He had fifteen hundred plants. North of it was Dance's vineyard; south of Crousillat's was Thunn's, with many young plants;

Stephen Girard's, also near Thunn's, had only forty or fifty plants."

Vol.1, p. 511.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 5

On October 24, 1685, Pastorius, with William Penn's ap- proval, laid out and planned Germantown, or Germanopolis as it was sometimes called. Pastorius was a botanist and the following extracts from his writings show his interest in horticul- tural matters:

"On October 24, 1685, (1683) I, Francis Daniel Pastorius, with the good will of the governor, laid out another new city, of the name of Germantown, or Germanpolis, at a distance of two hours' walk, from Philadelphia, where there are a good black fertile soil and many fresh wholesome springs of water, many oak, walnut, and chestnut trees, and also good pastorage for cattle. The first settlement consisted of only twelve families of forty-one persons, the greater part High- German mechanics and weavers, because I had ascertained that linen cloth would be indispensable.

"1 made the main street of this city sixty feet wide, and the side streets forty; the space or ground flat for each house and garden was as much as three acres of land, but for my own dwelling twice as much. Before this I had also built a little house in Philadelphia, thirty feet long and fifteen wide. Because of the scarcity of glass, the windows were of oiled paper. Over the house-door I had written: Parva Domus, sed arnica Bonis, procul este projani. (A small house but friendly to the good: depart ye profane.)

"Whereas our Governor, when he visited me, burst into laughter and encouraged me to keep on building.

"I have also acquired for my High-German Company fifteen thousand acres of land in one piece, on condition that within a year, they shall actually place thirty households thereon

"It would therefore be a very good thing if the European associates should at once send more persons over here for the common advantage of the Company, for only the day before yesterday the governor said to me that the zeal of the High-Germans in building pleased him very much, and that he preferred them to the English and would grant them special privileges."^

In a communication to some of his shipmates, he commem- orates their arrival in 1683, by the following remarks:

"Then Philadelphia consisted of three or four little cottages;* all the residue being only woods, underwoods, timber and trees, among which I several times have lost myself in travelling no farther than from the

^ Pennsylvania History Told By Contemporaries, Martin & Schenk, p. 19; Francis Daniel Pastorius — Circumstantial Geographical Description of Pennsyl- vania. (Frankfort, 1700) Pamphlet.

* These cottages were those of the Swedes who had settled in the Province prior to Penn's arrival.

6 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

water side to the house. What my thoughts were of such a renowned city (I not long before having seen London, Paris, Amsterdam, Gandt, etc.,) is needless to rehearse unto you here. But what I think now of the same, I dare ingenuously say, viz., that God has made of a desert an enclosed garden, and the plantations about it, a fruitful field. "^

Writing of the climate, Pastorius said:

"The air is pure and serene, the summer is longer and warmer than it is in Germany, and we are cultivating many kinds of fruits and vegetables, and our labors meet with rich reward."^*

A description of the vegetation during the first years of the Colony is found in "Gabriel Thomas's Account of Philadelphia and the Provinces to the year 1696."^ Gabriel Thomas came from England in the year 1681, in the ship John and Sarah, of 1696 London, commanded by Henry Smith, and resided in Pennsyl- vania about fifteen years. His account was v^^ritten in 1697, and dedicated "to the most noble and excellent Governour, Friend William Penn;" and the following paragraphs are quoted from this record:

"There are also several sorts of wild fruits, as excellent grapes, which, upon frequent experience, have produced choice wine, being daily cultivated by skilful vinerons; they will, in a short space of time, have good liquor of their own, and some to supply their neighbours, to their great advantage; as these wines are more pure, so much more wholesome; the brewing trade of sophisticating and adulterating of wines, as in England, Holland (especially) and in some other places, not being known there yet, nor in all probability will it in many years, through a natural probity so fixed and implanted in the inhabitants, and (I hope) like to continue. Wallnuts, chestnuts, filberts, hickery-nuts, hurtle- berries, mulberries, rasberries, strawberries, cramberries, plumbs and many other wild fruits, in great plenty, which are common and free for any to gather.

^ Watson s Annals, Vol. 1, p. 518.

" Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill, by Rev. S. F. Hotchkin, M.A. p. 257.

* It is interesting to compare Pastorius' observations with those of Dr. Benjamin Rush, who, about a century later, remarked of the climate of Philadelphia,

"That it had the humidity of Great Britain in Spring, the heat of Africa in Summer, the temperature of Italy in June, the sky of Egypt in Autumn, the snows of Norway, and ice of Holland during Winter, the tempests to a certain degree of the VVest Indies in each season, and the variable winds of Great Britain in every month." (Brissot de Warville's Travels in the United States.)

* Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, Vol. 1, p. 69.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 7

"The common planting fruit trees, are apples, of which much excellent cyder is made, and sold commonly for between ten and fifteen shillings per barrel. Pears, peaches, etc. of which they distil a liquor much like the taste of rumm, or brandy, which they yearly make in great quantities; there are quinces, cherries, gooseberries, currants, squashes, pumpkins, watermellons, musk-mellons, and other fruits in great numbers. There are also many curious and excellent physical wild herbs, roots, and drugs, of great virtue, which makes the Indians, by a right application of them as able doctors and surgeons as any in Europe."

The following account by Gabriel Thomas was part of a report of conditions in Pennsylvania written by him in 1689:

"The Corn Harvest is ended before the middle of July and most years they have commonly between Twenty and Thirty Bushels of Wheat for every one they Sow. Their Ground is harrowed with Wooden Tyned Harrows, twice over in a place is sufficient; twice mending of their Plow-Irons in a Year's time will serve. Their Horses commonly go without being Shod; two Men may clear between Twenty and Thirty Acres of Land in one year, fit for the Plough, in which oxen are chiefly us'd, though Horses are not wanting, and of these Good and well- Shap'd. A cart or a Wain may go through the middle of the Woods between the Trees without getting any great damage, and of such land in a convenient place, the Purchase will Cost between Ten and Fifteen Pounds for a Hundred Acres. Here is much Meadow Ground. Poor People both Men and Women, will get three times more Wages for their labours in this Country than they can earn either in England or Wales.

"What is inhabited of this County is divided into Six Counties, though there is not the Twentieth Part of it yet Peopled by the Christians.

"Their sorts of Grain are. Wheat, Rye, Pease, Oats, Barley, Buck- wheat, Rice, Indian-Corn, Indian Pease and Beans, with great quanti- ties of Hemp and Flax, as also several sorts of eating Roots, as Turnips, Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips, &c., all which are produced Yearly in greater quantities than in England, those Roots being much larger, and altogether as sweet, if not more delicious; Cucumbers, Coshaws, Artichokes with many others; most sorts of Saladings, besides what grows naturally wild in the Country, and that in great plenty also, as Mustard Rue, Sage, Mint, Tanzy, Wormwood, Penny-royal, Purslain and most of the Herbs and Roots found in the Gardens of England. There are several Husband Men, who sow Yearly between Seventy and Eighty Acres of Wheat each, besides Barley, Gates, Rye, Pease, Beans and other Grain. They have commonly Two Harvests in the Year; First of English Wheat; and next of Buck (or French) Wheat."

8 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

The earliest Pennsylvania colonist to become distinguished as a botanist was James Logan. He came from England to America in 1699, in company with William Penn. He was very active in his younger days as a public servant in his adopted state, and was throughout his life distinguished for his learning and worth. In 1701 he was appointed Secretary of the Province of Pennsylvania and Clerk of the Council. Afterwards he held the offices of Commissioner of Property, Chief Justice, and President of the Council. He was a valued counsellor of William Penn, In later life he retired from public affairs and spent his time among his books and in corresponding with learned men in different parts of Europe.^ In 1739, his essay in Latin, entitled 1730 Experimenta et Meletemata de Flantarum generations , was pub- lished at Leyden, in Holland. In 1747 it was republished in London, with an English translation by Dr. Fothergill. The experiments and observations detailed in this essay illustrated the Linnaean doctrine of the sexes of plants, and demonstrated Logan's ability in the field of philosophical research. His experiments were performed upon Indian corn. His observations upon the Pollen grains, their figure, function, etc., were very remarkable for that day.'^" His estate was called "Stenton," and was located about four miles from Philadelphia. It was admir- ably managed, and was remarkable for its grand old avenue of hemlock spruce. The mansion was built in 1731.^^ *

James Logan was followed by the most distinguished botanist of his period in the new world — John Bartram.

On March 23, 1699, John Bartram was born near Darby (just outside of Philadelphia), Pa. John Bartram's grandfather, also John Bartram, had come to Pennsylvania from England in 1682 and settled near Darby, in what is now Delaware County. Three sons accompanied him to the colonies, but two of them, John and Isaac, died unmarried. William Bartram, the third son, was married to Elizabeth Hunt, (both belonging to the Society of Friends), in 1696, and John Bartram was their oldest son.

* Darlington s Memorials — p. 307.

10 Ibid. p. 21.

" Downing s Landscape Gardening, Fifth edition, p. 59.

* The building has been preserved and the place is now in the care of the Colonial Dames. The garden has been replanted along original lines. It is located at Courtland and 18th Streets.

JOHN BARTRAM {Horticulturist) 1 699-1 777

FROM A PHOTOGRAPH OF PORTRAIT

PAINTED BY CHARLES WILLSON PEALE AND OWNED

BY MRS. HORATIO GATES LLOYD

Introductory Period 1681-1827 9

As he grew up in a newly-settled colony where the educational advantages were not to be compared with those of the old continent, it was impossible for John Bartram to gain a great amount of school-learning or literature. However, he acquired most of the education that could be had in country schools, and whenever an opportunity offered, studied such of the Latin and Greek grammars and classics as his circumstances enabled him to purchase. Also, he always sought the society of the most learned and virtuous men.

He had an early leaning to the study of physics and surgery, and even acquired so much knowledge as to be very useful; and in many cases, was able to give relief to his poor neighbors who were unable to apply for medicines and assistance to physicians in Philadelphia. The theory has been advanced that, as most of his medicines were derived from the vegetable kingdom, this circumstance might have excited in him a desire for the study of Botany.^^

From another source, we learn that John Bartram spoke of his first passion for the study of botany as excited by his con- templating a simple daisy, as he rested from his ploughing under a tree. Then it was he first "thought it much his shame to have been so long the means of destroying many flowers and plants without ever stopping to consider their nature and uses." This thought was often revived, and at last inspired real efforts to study their character, both from observation and reading.

Although he was bred a farmer and through that means supported his family, he also was deeply interested in the study and contemplation of nature and the culture of philosophy. While engaged in ploughing his fields and mowing his meadows, he pursued his philosophical observations.

He was, perhaps, the first Anglo-American to establish a botanic garden, and for that purpose he purchased, at sheriff's sale, a place on the west bank of the Schuylkill River not far from where it flows into the Delaware, and in the year 1728 started his collection of domestic and exotic plants. He built a house of stone, hewn with his own hands, and laid out a garden of six or seven acres. He employed much of his time in travelling through the provinces during the autumn when he was least

'2 Darlington's Memorials, p. 38.

10 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

needed at home, in an endeavor to collect curious plants and 1740 trees, and was so ardent in his purpose that he surmounted very difficult obstacles. He communicated his discoveries to Europe and other parts of the world through correspondence with scientists and horticulturists, and was anxious to share his collections. He was fortunate in the friendship of many cele- brated personages of America at that time, among them being Dr. B. Franklin, Dr. Colden, and James Logan, and these men helped him to establish a correspondence with the eminent men of science abroad. ^^

He was a member of the Royal Horticultural Societies of London and Stockholm, and his correspondents included Collinson, Fothergill, Gronovius, Linnaeus, Sir Hans Sloane. and many others. He sent them trees, shrubs and plants, and it is said that thousands of the finest trees that grace the parks of Europe today were reared from seeds sent from Bartram's Garden. In February 1759, Peter Collinson wrote to John Bartram as follows, in reference to a shipment of plants which he had just received:

"We were sadly disappointed, being in hopes of seeing some grafts

of the true Newton Pippin; but there was none. Pray remember

1759 another year; for what comes from you are delicious fruit if our sun

will ripen them to such perfection. Our friend Benjamin had a fine

parcel of the apples come over this year, which I shared."

The Benjamin referred to is Benjamin Franklin, and the Newton Pippin originated on the estate of Gershom Moore, in Newtown, Long Island, near the close of the seventeenth cen- tury. It is said that the original tree died about 1805, after surviving more than a hundred years. ^^ The following quota- tion is from a letter from Michael Collinson (only son of Peter ColHnson) to Bartram, dated February, 25, 1773:

"Your American apples have been an admirable substitute, this

season, many of our merchants having imported great quantities of

1773 them. They are, notwithstanding, too expensive for common eating,

being sold for two pence, three pence, and even four pence an apple.

" Watson's Annals, Vol. 1, pp. 548, 549, and 550. '* Darlington s Memorials, Darlington, p. 218.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 1 1

But their flavour is much superior to anything we can pretend to, and I even think superior to the apples of Italy." ^^ *

One of the best known trees in John Bartram's Garden was the original Petre pear tree, planted near the house, which was grown from seed sent from England by Lady Petre, as that of a fine butter pear.^^ Another famous tree he planted was the fine Cypress {Taxiodium distichum) which, we learn, grew to be twenty feet in circumference and one hundred and twenty-five feet high.^^ In his garden, probably flourished a greater variety of our indigenous trees than could be found in any place of the same size in the country; for he travelled over nearly all the United States then known, from Lake Ontario in the north, to the source of the San Juan in Florida. He explored difficult mountains and almost inaccessible swamps; and from all of his trips brought home trees, plants, and seeds for his Garden.^®

A path, planted during John Bartram's lifetime by his son, was called the "Dark Walk," and contained different species of Oak trees. Among them were some splendid specimens of the ^uercus, macrocarpa, olivariformis, alba, rubra and herter- ophylla. The last named was produced from an acorn of Bartram's planting, and was called by Michaux "Bartram's Oak." The original tree grew in a meadow not far from the garden, but was cut down by mistake. However, two trees, raised from its acorns, flourished many years later near the oak walk. They seem to have lost the distinctive characteristic of the Bartram Oak, but differed from the ^uercus phellos, which bore out the theory entertained by Dr. Gray — that the ^uercus herterophylla is a hybrid. ^^

There were four species of the Magnolia, collected in the south, which grew to be "magnificent trees, and also Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Halesias, and many other shrubs. At the northeast

^^ Darlington s Memorials^ pp. 454 and 455.

* Much of John Bartram's correspondence can be found in Memorials of Bartram and Marshall by Darlington. Dr. William Darlington of West Chester, Pa., in 1849, published this work, which consists of biographical sketches of John Bartram and Humphry Marshall, notices of their botanical contemporaries, and their correspondence, carefully edited.

1^ Downing's Horticulturist — Vol. 5, p. 253.

" Ibid. Vol. 10, p. 371,

18 Ibid. Vol. 5, p. 253.

13 Ibid. Vol. 5, p. 253.

12 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

angle of the house grew the Paliurus australis* or Christ's thorn, named from the legend that the crown placed by the Jews on Christ's neck was made of this plant. At the foot of the garden, at the water's edge of the Schuylkill River, John Bartram placed a cider-mill, on rock hewn out by his own hands. The press was erected on a flat stone nearby, and the leverage attached to a tree.^'^

It is said that Bartram undoubtedly made the first experi- ments in hybridization that were ever made in America, and it is interesting to note that in a letter addressed to Col. W. Byrd of Virginia, in 1739, he wrote as follows:

"I have this spring made several microscopical observations upon the male and female parts in vegetables, to oblige some ingenious botanists in Leyden, who requested that favour of me, which I hope I have performed to their satisfaction, and as a mechanical demonstration of the certainty of this hypothesis, of the different sex, in all plants that have come under my notice

"I have made several successful experiments, of joining several species of the same genus, whereby I have obtained curious mixed colours in flowers, never known before; but this requires an accurate observation and judgment to know the precise time

"I hope by these practical observations to open a gate into a very large field of experimental knowledge, which, if judiciously improved, may be a considerable addition to the beauty of the florist's garden. "^i

John Bartram died September 22, 1777, shortly after the battle of Brandywine; and it was thought his life was shortened by his fear that the British, in their retreat, might destroy his garden which he had labored over for more than fifty years. Such was not the case, however, for during the time the British occupied Philadelphia, his place was protected by an order from Lord Howe, and was used as quarters for some of the British

* Following paragraph is quoted from letter written by Samuel N. Baxter, Landscape Gardener, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, under date of July 1, 1929. "I do not know of the species 'australis' referred to. Baily and Standardized Plant Names give the common name of Christ-thorn to Paliurus spina-christi. Furthermore, the plant at the northeast angle of the house, and which has been there as far back as I can remember, is Zizyphus or Jujube, and although of the same family as Paliurus, Bailey would seem to indicate that the latter is the plant from which the Crown of Thorns was made and plants of which were imported this past Spring and planted in Bartram's Garden, there being no other plants available in this country to the best of my knowledge and belief."

2" Downing s Horticulturist, Vol. 5, pp. 254 and 255.

" Darlington s Memorials, p. 315.

Introductory Period 16S 1-1 S27 13

officers of high rank and thus was preserved — although many- neighboring places suffered disastrously.

When Washington held the office of President and while Congress was in session at Philadelphia, Bartram's Garden was a favorite resort of Washington's. "Under an Aesculus pavia, (Ohio buck-eye), around which once twined in luxuriance a Tecoma, or trumpet creeper, is the spot where the Father of His Country used often to sit. Retiring from the bustle of the camp, or the debates of Congress, he here held counsel with his friends. Perhaps many a secret march and sudden surprise were deter- mined upon amid these sylvan shades; while around the warlike bank hung the floral emblem of their calling — the scarlet trumpet flower — even in this quiet retreat, recalling to the soldier's mind the clang of martial music with the battle-field's ensanguined hue."^-

After John Bartram's death, the place passed into the posses- sion of his two sons, John and William, both of whom were botanists. John Bartram's work was continued by them — particularly by William who had helped his father in his work at Bartram's Garden and had accompanied him on some of his travels. In 1773, at the request of Dr. Fothergill of London "to search the Floridas, and the western parts of Carolina and Georgia, for the discovery of rare and useful productions of nature, chiefly in the vegetable kingdom," William Bartram sailed for Charleston, South Carolina, and spent the ensuing five years observing the horticulture of the European settlers and of the Indians, and collecting specimens of rare plants and trees, both for his own garden and to send abroad. ^^

Francois Andre Michaux, the French botanist, resided in the old house in 1807, and spent much time in studying the collection of trees and shrubs. Alexander Wilson, the ornithologist, also lived at Bartram's Garden for some time, and it was through W^illiam Bartram's encouragement and help that he was able to publish his work on American birds. In it, he often speaks of the garden where he wrote his book.^'

After the death in 1812 of John Bartram, the younger, (son of John Bartram who founded the garden), the place was

''■'^ Downing s Horticulturist, Vol. 5, p. 254.

^^ The Travels of William Bartram.

"^^ Downing s Horticulturist, Vol. 5, p. 254.

14 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

occupied by his daughter Ann, who had married Col. Carr; and William Bartram lived at the garden with them until his death in 1823.^^ Col. Carr used the garden as a nursery and established an extensive and profitable business. He was a frequent exhibitor at the shows of The Pennsylvania Horticul- tural Society. Through a series of misfortunes, however, he was obliged to sell the garden in 1850, and at that time it passed into the hands of Andrew M. Eastwick, who owned and occupied the adjoining property as his home. Mr. Eastwick purchased additional acres from other Bartram heirs. When he first obtained the property, he consulted Robert Buist, Senior, in regard to employing a satisfactory gardener, and Mr. Buist recommended Thomas Meehan, who had lately arrived from Scotland. Thomas Meehan was in Mr. Eastwick's employ for a few years and afterwards in the employ of Caleb Cope for many years.

Mr. Eastwick maintained the property in a fine state of cultivation under Thomas Meehan's care, and, like Col. Carr, was a frequent exhibitor at The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's shows. When Mr. Eastwick died on February 9, 1879, it was necessary to sell this property in order to settle his estate, and Thomas Meehan, who had been elected to Philadel- phia Councils in 1882, succeeded in having an ordinance passed to place eleven acres of the property on the City Plan. This included the old house and adjoining buildings. The City, however, did not take possession of the property until 1891, on account of some litigation between the Trustees of the Eastwick Estate and the City of Philadelphia. Later on the City pur- chased eighteen acres in addition to the eleven they had acquired originally. All of this was mainly through the efforts of Thomas Meehan, who realized the importance and the value of the property as a horticultural monument.

Andrew M. Eastwick Jr. (now living) recalls that there were 117 lilac bushes on the place at the time the ordinance was passed, but by the time actual possession was taken, all of these lilac bushes had disappeared and a number of other plants had been stolen or destroyed by the public who apparently thought that the property belonged to the City.

^* Bartram' s Garden, by Elizabeth O. Abbot, p. 14.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 15

"Tlie great gale of September, 1875, and some fifteen years of neglect have had their effect among the trees, but many planted by the bota- nist's own hands, yet remain."-"

"It should be a source of gratification to all cultivators of science, that this relic of the beginnings of botany in America is now assured of preservation. "-'^

The second botanical garden to be established in Pennsylvania was that of Humphry Marshall, a cousin of John Bartram. He was born October 10, 1722, and died November 5, 1808. His garden was located at West Bradford, Chester County, Pennsyl- vania, and was established in 1773. Marshall collected the most interesting trees of this country and native herbaceous plants, and also curious exotics, many of which survived for many years. Like John Bartram, he built his house with his own hands. He corresponded and exchanged with European culti- vators, and much of his correspondence has been preserved and can be found in Darlington's Memorials of Bartram and Marshall. In the latter part of the year 1785, Humphry Marshall published his Arbustim Americanum^ a description of the forest trees and shrubs native to the United States. This work is believed to be the first strictly American treatise on American plants, written by an American and printed in this country. It was produced under many discouraging circum- stances, and Marshall deserved the greatest credit for his accomplishment."^ In 1785, he was elected an honorary member of "the Philadelphia Society for promoting Agriculture," and February of the next year he sent the Society an essay on the importance of botanical knowledge to the cultivators of the soil.*

In 1748, nightshade and privet were mentioned as growing wild in Pennsylvania by Professor Kalm, a visitor from Sweden. He deemed the squash an indigenous plant used by the Indians before the Europeans came, and likewise a kind of cultivated pea. He was surprised to see the cultivated lands of Pennsyl- vania abounding with purslane, a vegetable which needed a

26 The Gardeners' Chronicle, London, England, Apr. 16, 1892— Vol. 11, p. 498.

" The Popular Science Monthly, Apr. 1892.

-^ Darlington s Memorials, pp. 22 and 23.

* "On the outskirts of West Chester, known as Marshallton, about twenty-five miles from Philadelphia, is the old homestead and arboretum of Humphrey Marshall, the first American author on trees, who published, in 1785, a list of trees of the United States." Article by Samuel N. Baxter, published in Garden Club of America Bulletin, March 1929.

16 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

gardener's care in Sweden. He mentioned that he saw asparagus growing wild on uncultivated sandy hills. Mistletoe was said to grow upon the sweet gum, oak, and lime trees.

During the early part of the nineteenth century, Bernhard M'Mahon had a seed store on the east side of Second Street, below Market, Philadelphia. Mr. M'Mahon gained considerable reputation through the publishing of his book The American Gardener s Calendar^ and in the preface of the eleventh edition of this book (published in 1857), we find the following extracts about Bernhard M'Mahon and his store:

"Many must still be alive who recollect its bulk window, ornamented with tulip-glasses, a large pumpkin, and a basket or two of bulbous roots; behind the counter officiated Mrs. M'Mahon, with some con- siderable Irish accent, but a most amiable and excellent disposition, and withal an able saleswoman. Mr. M'Mahon was also much in the store, putting up seeds for transmission to all parts of this country and Europe, writing his book, or attending to his correspondence, and in one corner was a shelf containing a few botanical or gardening books, for which there was then a very small demand; another contained the few garden implements, such as knives and trimming scissors; a barrel of peas, and a bag of seedling potatoes, an onion receptacle, a few chairs, and the room partly lined with drawers containing seeds, constituted the apparent stock in trade of what was one of the greatest seed stores then known in the Union, and where was transacted a considerable business for that day. Such a store would naturally attract the botanist as well as the gardener, and it was the frequent lounge of both classes, who ever found in the proprietors ready listeners as well as conversers; in the latter particular they were rather remarkable, and here you would see Nuttall, Baldwin, Darlington, and other scientific men, who sought information or were ready to impart it. Mr. M'Mahon was esteemed by these, and in several botanical works his knowledge is spoken of with great respect and consideration."

Dr. William H. Darlington in the sam^e article, wrote of Mr. M'Mahon as follows:

"He gave the first decisive impulse to scientific horticulture in our State; and to him we are mainly indebted, among other favors, for the successful culture and dissemination of the interesting novelties collected by Lewis and Clarke, in their journey to the Pacific. When, in 1818, Mr. Nuttall published his Genera oj North American Plants, he named a beautiful shrub 'in memory of the late Mr. Bernhard M'Mahon, whose ardent attachment to Botany, and successful intro- duction of useful and ornamental Horticulture into the United States,

Introductory Period 1681-1827 17

lay claim to public esteem:' and although the genus has been reduced by later botanists to a section of Berberis, it is generally known by — and I trust will long retain — the popular name of Mahonia."

In the early days of the colony many Philadelphia gardens gained recognition for their beauty, and among them was that at "Clarke's Hall."

This place was built for William Clarke, and was situated at Third and Chestnut Streets. In the year 1704, James Logan rented and occupied the Clarke Hall premises, as a suitable residence for William Penn, Jr., Governor Evans, Judge Mom- pesson and himself. For some years the place was occupied by some of the earliest Governors, and next came into the hands of Andrew Hamilton, the Attorney General. Afterwards, Israel Pemberton obtained the estate, and the place was known as "Pemberton's House and Gardens." At the time of the Revolu- tion, it was considered one of the finest places in the city. There was a low fence along the garden on the Third Street front, which gave a full view of the garden walks and shrubbery that was enjoyed by the persons passing the place. The garden was on an incline and had three or four terraces. Captain Graydon, in his Memoirs^ says of the grounds:

"They were laid out in the old style of uniformity, with walks and alleys nodding to their brothers— decorated with a number of ever- greens, carefully clipped into pyramidal and conical forms. The amenity of this view usually detained him a few minutes to contemplate the scene."*

Another estate famous for its garden in the early 1700's was "Fairhill," owned by Isaac Norris. In 1713, a patent was issued to Isaac Norris confirming the title of various pieces of property bought by him, amounting to 834 acres. The part between Germantown Road and Frankford Road, containing 530 acres, was called "Fairhill" from the name of the meeting adjoining, and the other portion was called "Sepviva." On the "Fairhill" property Isaac Norris built a large square mansion, in 1717, and resided there. The gardens were laid out according to the formal English style, and plants and trees were brought from

* After Mr. Pemberton died, Secretary Hamilton obtained the mansion for the offices of the Treasury of the United States, and it was so used until 1800. Soon after that, it was sold and taken down. — Watson s Annals, Vol. 1, pp. 374 and 375.

18 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

great distances."^ Francis D. Pastorius, who in addition to being a botanist was also a poet and a scholar, gave the credit for the beauty of the garden to Isaac Norris' wife, and commented upon her and her sisters (daughters of Governor Thomas Lloyd) as follows:

"I write an article respecting the treating of gardening, flowers and trees, knowing that you are lovers of gardens, — the one keeping the finest (at Fairhill) I hitherto have seen in the whole country, filled with abundance of rarities, physical and metaphysical, — the other a pretty little garden much like mine own, producing chiefly cordial, stomachic and culinary herbs. "^'^

Of his own garden, Pastorius wrote the following lines:

" What wonder you then

That F. D. P. likewise here many hours spends. And, having no money, on usury lends To's garden and orchard and vineyard such times. Wherein he helps nature and nature his rhymes Because they produce him both victuals and drink. Both med'cine and nosegays, both paper and ink."^^

The taste which was evident at "Fairhill" very probably inspired the beautiful grounds of Isaac Norris' town place which was located at Fifth and Chestnut Streets. The garden there was large and highly cultivated, and we learn that, "The whole front was formerly a garden fence, shaded by a long line of remarkably big catalpa trees, and down Fifth Street by trees of the yellow willow class, being the first ever planted in Phila- delphia— and the whole the product of a wicker-basket found sprouting in Dock creek, taken out and planted in Mr. Norris' garden at the request of Dr. Franklin." The house was occupied by British officers when the British Army held Philadelphia during the Revolution, and Admiral Howe and other British officers were daily visitors in the garden.^- Later on in the Revolutionary War, "Fairhill" was burnt by the British.

Clement Plumstead, alderman, etc., had a finely cultivated garden which stood at the north-west corner of Front and Union Streets. In January, 1729, an article appeared in the Gazette which stated that:

29 Watson s Annals, Vol. 3, p. 399. 3° Ibid. Vol. 1, p. 493. " Ibid. Vol. 1, p. 493. ^•"Ibid.VoL l,p. 408.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 19

"Some vile miscreants one night this week got into the fine gardens of Clement Plumstead, and cut down many of the fine trees thei-e."^*

There were many country seats in the vicinity of Philadelphia, even in those early days^ and Watson s Armah gives the following facts about some of the more prominent:^*

"Wharton Mansion," in Southwark, was a beautiful country house in its day. It was a large mansion, with extensive lawns and fine trees. On account of its superiority, it was chosen by the British officers of Howe's Army for the celebration of the Meschianza.

"Treveskin" was the seat of Governor Gordon, on the Passyunk Road about a mile and a half below South Street. Later it became the property of Israel Pemberton, and descended to the family of his daughter (Mrs. Pleasants).

About 1750, there were handsome gardens and greenhouses attached to the properties of Charles Norris, Israel Pemberton, William Logan, James Hamilton, and others, in and around Philadelphia.^-*

In 1777, John Jackson, a friend and neighbor of John Mar- shall's, started a collection of plants at his residence at London- grove, Pennsylvania, which his son, William Jackson preserved. The garden was still in good condition seventy-five years after its establishment.^^

Judge Kensey had a country seat out South Street near the Schuylkill River which was considered an unusually beautiful place. The house was surrounded by big cedars. At the time it was built it was the only good house between the city and Gray's Ferry. Later there was a similar country seat on the other side of the road, which was the property of Israel Pember- ton, and afterwards owned by Mrs. Marshall.

"Wilton" was the name of a place owned by Joseph Turner. It was situated in the lower part of the city, in what was called the Neck, and had the reputation of being the finest country seat of its day. Distinguished strangers were entertained there. A great deal of care was given to the ornamentation of the place,

33 Watson s Annals, Vol. 1, p. 494. 2" Ibid. Vol. 2, pp. 477 and 478. 35 Ibid. Vol. 3, p. 400.

3^ Darlington's Memorials, p. 22.

20 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

and the garden was well cultivated. The grounds had clumps and avenues of trees, and statues of fine marble (sold from a Spanish prize) were arranged on the lawns and avenues. Later some of them were removed to Chew House in Germantown. During the Revolution, the statues served as targets for the British sharpshooters, and the whole place was much abused. ^^

"Mount Pleasant" was an estate on the Schuylkill River owned by Captain John Macpherson before the Revolutionary War. In 1777 this place was bought by Benedict Arnold, who 1777 was then in command at Philadelphia and who had made considerable money by illicit trade with the British at New York. When his treason was discovered, the property was confiscated, subject to the life-estate of his wife, formerly Peggy Shippen.^* *

"Carpenter's Mansion" was originally noted for its gardens. It was built as the residence of Joshua Carpenter, who was a brother of Samuel Carpenter. Doctor Graeme, who died in 1772 and was a distinguished physician, resided in this house. Governor Thomas occupied the place from 1738 to 1747, and at that time the fruit trees and garden shrubbery attracted visitors from town who walked out Chestnut Street to see them. There were cherry trees fronting Chestnut Street and the Governor's wife won the hearts of the small boys who used to gaze with longing eyes at the fruit, by inviting them to help themselves to the cherries. On May Day, bouquets and nosegays were given to young ladies, and as the grounds extended from Sixth to Seventh Street, and from Chestnut Street back to the next street, the gardens were ample for such purposes, t

^ Watson's Annals, Vol. 2, p. 478.

38 Ibid. Vol. 3, p. 494.

* "Mount Pleasant" passed through various hands and In 1868 was purchased by the Park Commission and became a part of Fairmount Park. It is located in the East Park.

■j" A letter from John Ross, who owned the premises in 1761, agreed to sell them for £3000 to John Smith, who afterwards occupied them. In the letter, Mr. Ross stated that "he sells it because his wife deems it too remote for his family to live in!" and adds that, if he sells it, "he must then look out another airy place to build on; and how to succeed therein, he knows not!" Colonel John Dickinson afterward acquired the property, and in 1774 made a new front. The next owner was General Philomon Dickinson. During the Revolution it became a

Introductory Period 1681-1827 21

hospital for the sick infantry of the Virginia and Pennsylvania line, who died in hundreds of the camp fever. After this it was fitted up as a mansion for Chevalier de Luzerne, who, as the Ambassador of France, gave a splendid night entertainment of fireworks, etc., in honour of the birth of the Dauphin of France. The gardens were illuminated for the occasion, and the guests who were assembled under an illuminated arcade of ornamental scenery, were viewed by a crowd of persons outside the grounds. In 1779, Monsieur Gerard, the French Ambas- sador, occupied the house, and entertained there on a magnificent scale. In later years, the ground increased in value and lots were sold off — one of them being the site of a theatre. However, the mansion, with its courtyard upon Chestnut Street, continued to be a most desirable residence and was in the possession of Judge Tilghman up to the time of its sale to the Arcade Company in 1826.39

There were a few country estates along the Ridge Road, which extended back to the Schuylkill River. Among them were Francis' place and Peale Hall. They were set on fire by the British during the Revolution, as were Norrls' place at Fairhill and Charles Thomson's at Sommerville.'*''

On High Street, above Ninth, there was a small "Mead- house," which was known for its enormously large buttonwood trees.

"Cherry Garden" down on Society Hill (all the section south of Pine Street) was famous in its day as a place of recreation. It had large grounds, facing on Front Street opposite Shippen Street, occupied half the square and extended down to the river. There was a small one-story house where refreshments were sold. In 1756, it was advertised for sale as the property of Harrison. When it was at its height it was said to have had "an abundance of every shrubbery and greenhouse plant."

In 1746 "Conyngham's Garden," owned by Redman Conyng- ham, was considered particularly beautiful. It had stone steps descending into Dock Creek. There were also other lovely sloping gardens which extended from Front Street houses down to Dock Creek, and could be enjoyed by persons passing along the western side of Dock Street.^^

In 1783-4, the yard of the State House was improved and adorned at the instigation of Mr. Vaughan, who came from

39 Watson's Annals, Vol. 1, pp. 376 and 377. " Ibid. Vol. 2, p. 480. ^1 Ibid. Vol. 1, p. 494.

22 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

England to reside in Philadelphia with his son, John Vaughan. The State House building was begun in the year 1729 and finished in 1734, but the grounds had never been beautified.

2783 Mr. Vaughan accomplished this work in a very pleasing manner, and the trees and shrubbery which he had planted were numerous and of many varieties. When the yard was thus improved, it was enjoyed as a pleasant promenade and place of general resort. Garden chairs and settees were arranged on the grounds, and for a while the place was greatly enjoyed by the better element of the city. It was something unique to have such a public place at the disposal of the citizens, but later on it became the haunt of loungers and an undesirable class of persons and ran into disesteem among the better part of society .^^ *

In Philadelphia, the first commercial venture in seed growing in the United States was undertaken. In the spring of 1784, David Landreth, who had come from England to this country in 1781, commenced the growing of seeds in and near Philadel- phia, and was the first to enter upon that business in this country. He first occupied a tract of land between what is now Market and Arch Street, and 12th and 15th, and also grew seeds on a tract at 22nd and Federal Streets. For many years

1784 the nursery enterprise was carried on in connection with the seed business. The earliest collection of camellias and rhododen- drons in America was made by David Landreth, and his collection of valuable plants and fruits, both native and foreign, v/as among the most extensive of the time. The older trees now standing in Independence Square, Philadelphia, were grown in the Landreth Nursery. To the Landreths, the city of Philadel- phia is largely indebted for the early development of its horticul- tural taste.t

For several years the Landreths were the only florists to introduce vegetables, fruits, and flowers to the citizens of Philadelphia. They labored under difficulties as they had to

<2 Watson's Annals, Vol. 1, p. 397.

* In later years, the splendid elms planted by Mr. Vaughan were infested by caterpillars (an accidental foreign importation) which were so destructive that the trees were cut down, after attaining to a great size. Dr. James Mease, about 1840, was active in having trees planted before the State House and also at the public squares.

t In about 1828, the Landreth establishment was moved to Bristol, Pa. (Data obtained from S. Phillips Landreth, secretary of the D. Landreth Seed Company.)

Introductory Period 1681-1827 23

make all their sales from a small stall, by the side of the old Court House. Later, other gardeners, florists and seedsmen took up this work as the desire for rare products increased. Toma- toes, ochra and artichokes were first demanded by the French emigrants, and there was little sale for them to others. After- wards, cauliflower, head lettuce, egg plant, oyster plant, cantaloupes, rhubarb, and sweet corn were introduced. The seed of the cantaloupe was brought to this country from Tripoli, and water-melons, it is said, were first ofi^ered for sale in the Philadelphia market by Joseph Cooper, who got the seed from Georgia and had difficulty to naturalize it.''^ There were only a few fox and other poor grapes, and only one sort of small strawberries. There were a few varieties of pears, peaches, apricots and apples, and the small blue plum.^'*

Before the Revolution the chief trees seen in the streets of Philadelphia were buttonwoods and willows. Several of these were cut down for fuel by the British during their occupation of Philadelphia and such as remained were attacked by an act ot the Corporation "to guard against fire and stagnant air." To counteract this remedy for "stagnant air," Francis Hopkinson, a poet and satirical humorist of that time, composed a "Speech of the standing members of the Assembly against the act," which saved some of the trees. In William Penn's time, there also had been talk of cutting ofi^ trees to purify the air.^^

"In many places, the most delightful rural beauties, formed by arboreous clumps, were utterly effaced by 'clearings and burnings.' Even solitary trees of sublime grandeur were not spared from the then prevalent opinion, that dense foliage and shades would conduce to fevers. So general was the havoc in process of time, that none remained of all the crowded forest, save a cluster of black walnut trees, which, till of late years stood opposite the State house on Chestnut Street, and guided the stranger to that once venerable edifice."''^ *

During the Revolutionary War, agriculture and horticulture naturally made little progress, but in the years directly following its close, interest in these subjects received a fresh impetus,

« Watson's Annals, Vol. 1, p. 103. ** Ibid. Vol. 1, p. 223. *^ Ibid. Vol. 1., p. 222. " Ibid. Vol. 1, p. 39.

* The last of these, which stood in front of J. Ridgway's office, was cut down in 1818.

24 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

and George Washington set an example that proved an Inspira- tion to many of his countrymen."'^

One of the manifestations of the renewed interest was that steps were taken soon after the close of the war to form groups to promote agriculture. Among these organizations was "The Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture," instituted in 1785 1785. Twenty-three gentlemen joined at the first meeting, which was held in the tavern of Patrick Boyne, on Front Street, on the 11th day of February. The names of the founders follow, and it will be noted that they were all prominent citizens of Philadelphia and vicinity at that time.

George Morgan Dr. George Logan

Henry Hill Robert Morris

Samuel Powell James Wilson

Benjamin Rush Samuel Vaughan

Richard Wells John Nixon

Richard Peters Dr. Adam Kuhn

George Clymer John Boardley

Phil Dickinson John Cadwalader

Edward Shippen Thomas Willing

Samuel Meredith Trench Thomas

Dr. John Jones Charles Thompson Lambert Cadwalader

Philadelphia was a fitting place to organize the first agricul- tural society; It was the largest and most wealthy city — surrounded by a country then of wonderful fertility and its people had always taken much Interest in rural affairs. It was noted also as the residence of a large number of distinguished botanists, collectors of new trees, shrubs and plants — all writers on the flora of the new world — among these were John Bartram, Peter Kalm, Adam Kuhn, Humphrey Marshall, John Jackson and F. Andre Michaux — who later on, in 1819, published his North American Sylva. Before the year was out they had elected General Washington an honorary member, and many others, a list of gentlemen more distinguished as soldiers and statesmen than as farmers, elected not so much to compliment these gentlemen, as to dignify the society by influential connections.^^

" Downing' s Horticulturist, Vol. 2, p. 237.

^ Extracts from "An Historical Paper" read by Burnet Landreth before the Society 3, 19, 1895.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 25

Brissot de Warville, a Frenchman who visited this country- after the Revolution, attended one of the meetings of this Society and in his New Travels in the United States of America under date of September 2, 1788, describes the proceedings as follows:

"I was present at a meeting of the Agricultural Society. It is not of long standing but is numerous and possesses a considerable fund. The subject of this meeting was an important one. The papillon, or worm, called The Hessian Fly, had, for several years, ravaged the wheat in many parts of the United States. The King of England, fearing that this insect might pass into his island, had just prohibited the importa- tion of American Wheat. The Supreme Executive Council of Pennsyl- vania, in order to counteract the effects of this prohibition, by gaining information on the subject, applied to the Society of Agriculture; they desired to know if this insect attacked the grain, and whether it was possible to prevent its ravages.

"Many farmers present at this meeting, from their own experience, and that of their neighbours and correspondents, declared that the insect deposited its eggs, not in the ear but in the stalk; so that they were well convinced that, on threshing the wheat, there could be nothing to fear that the eggs would mix with the grain, and consequently they could not be communicated with the grain."

Brissot de Warville in his Travels also described, under date of September 6, 1788, his visit to the estate of General Miflin, which was about five miles out of town, by the Falls of Schuyl- kill. He said the General's house enjoyed a most romantic prospect, and noted on the route to the estate, that the British (during the Revolution) had destroyed all the trees and left the country bare. At Springmill, eight miles up the Schuylkill, Warville visited the home of a Frenchman, whom he calls M. L., and said of the place:

"From the two gardens, formed like an amphitheatre, you enjoy a fine prospect. The gardens are well cultivated and contain a great quantity of beehives. The farm consists of 250 acres, the greater part in wood, the rest in wheat, Indian corn, buckwheat and meadow. He showed me about an acre of meadow, from which he already had taken this year eight tons of hay."^^

An estate that had considerable reputation for its horticultural beauties during the latter part of the eighteenth century was

^^ Brissot de Warville's New Travels in the United States of America. Vol. 1, p. 291.

26 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

"Belmont," the seat of Judge Richard Peters. In 1786, this property was transferred from William Peters and his wife to 1786 their son, Richard Peters, and it became well known as the resort of the most eminent men of the time, who gathered there to enjoy the witty remarks of their host and to admire

"his excellent farming and the many novel improvements he intro- duced. In the garden were two trees planted by Washington and LaFayette; many valuable and rare plants also adorned it."^"

Judge Peters was a scientific agriculturist and his place was famous both for its well planned pleasure grounds and for its farm.

"Long and stately avenues, with vistas terminated by obelisks, a garden adorned with marble vases, busts and statues, and pleasure grounds filled with the rarest trees and shrubs were conspicuous features here. Among them is the chestnut planted by Washington, which produces the largest and finest fruit; very large hollies; and a curious old box-tree much higher than the mansion near which it stands. But the most striking feature now is the still remaining grand old avenue of hemlocks (Abies canadensis). Many of these trees, which were planted loo years ago, are now venerable specimens, ninety feet high, whose huge trunks and wide spread branches are in many cases densely wreathed and draped with masses of English Ivy, forming the most picturesque sylvan objects we ever beheld."'^ *

The estates called "Bushhill" and "Springettsberry" were parts of the manor of Springettsberry, owned by the Penn family and named for William Penn's first wife. James Logan, Penn's counsellor, early saw that the manor would probably increase in value and was unwilling to have the Penn family part with any of the land; but it became necessary for them to sell portions. Jonathan Dickinson bought a part, and a part was given to Andrew Hamilton for professional services as legal counsellor to the Penn family. ^^

"Bushhill" was the part given to /Andrew Hamilton in 1726 and 1729 by the Proprietaries for legal services done them. Afterwards he bought a portion of Springettsbury, and a patent for the whole tract of 153 acres was issued to him in 1734. It

'" Watson s Annals. Vol. 3, p. 494.

" A. J. Downing in Downing's Landscape Gardening, pp. 42 and 43.

* This estate is now included in the Fairmount Park system of Philadelphia.

»2 Watson s Annals, Vol. 2, pp. 479 and 480.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 27

included the land north of Vine Street to Coates Street and from Twelfth to Nineteenth Street.^^ It was near "Springettsberry" and was located on an elevation, commanding a splendid view of the city. It was kept up in a superior way, and was known as a distinguished country seat. The house was built by Andrew Hamilton in 1740. In the rear were avenues of cedars, and in front was a beautiful green lawn which sloped down to Vine Street.54 *

Andrew Hamilton also owned "The Woodlands," which became the seat of the Hamilton family. It was situated on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, a few miles from Philadelphia, and had been obtained by him from Stephen Jackson in 1735. His son, Andrew, added to the original three hundred acres and erected a mansion, naming his estate "The Woodlands." Andrew's son, William, who inherited the place, built the present mansion about the time of the Revolution. He cultivated the art of ornamental gardening. He never married, and "The Woodlands" descended to his nephew, also a William Hamilton. ^^ The first collection of exotic plants of any importance in the United States was made by the second William Hamilton, and during a tour in Europe he collected many curious varieties. Among trees that he brought home with him was the Lombardy Poplar {Populus dilatata, Ait.), which he introduced about the year 1784.^*5 t

By 1800, his collection included all the fine species procurable in Europe and the West Indies. The distinguished botanist, Pursh, was in charge of the garden at "The Woodlands" and here made his first collection of American plants. He was the author of the ^^Flora Americce S eptentrionalis "'"''

" Watson's Annals, Vol. 3, p. 493.

"•^ Ibid. Vol. 2, p. 479.

* Much of the property was later sold for valuable building lots by the family. In 1793, the residence and out-houses were used as a yellow fever hospital, and afterwards it was used by Mr. M'Cauley as a "carpet manufactory."

** Watson s Annals, Vol. 3, p. 493.

*^ Darlington s Memorials, p. 577.

t William Bingham was the first to plant Poplar trees in Philadelphia. He set them out closely in long lines around his place in the city, and as they were easily propagated and grew rapidly, many of them were soon growing along the streets. Later they were infested with a large worm, called the "Poplar worm," whose bite was supposed to be poisonous. {Watson s Annals, Vol. 1, p. 223.)

" Darlington s Memorials, p. 25.

28 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

A. J. Downing, a well known writer on horticultural subjects in the middle of the last century, wrote of this estate in 1855:

"Woodlands, the seat of the Hamilton family, near Philadelphia, was, so long ago as 1805, highly celebrated for its gardening beauties. The refined taste and the wealth of its accomplished owner were freely lavished in its improvement and embellishment; and at a time when the introduction of rare exotics was attended with a vast deal of risk and trouble, the extensive greenhouses and orangeries of this seat contained all the richest treasures of the exotic flora, and among other excellent gardeners employed, was the distinguished botanist Pursh, whose enthusiastic taste in his favorite science was promoted and aided by Mr. Hamilton. The extensive pleasure grounds were judiciously planted, singly and in groups, with a great variety of the finest species of trees. The attention of the visitor to this place is now arrested by two very large specimens of that curious tree, the Japanese Ginkgo {Salisbu7-id), 60 to 70 feet high, perhaps the finest in Europe or America; by the noble magnolias, and the rich park-like appearance of some of the plantations of the finest native and foreign oaks. There can be no question that it was, for a long time, the most tasteful and beautiful residence in America. "^^ *

"Springettsberry," the estate originally occupied by the Penn family, was cultivated in the manner of gentlemen's places in those days. It was laid out, supposedly, for Thomas Penn, a son of William Penn, about the year 1736 to 1739, and had a fine commanding site, a little southwest of "Bushhill." It had groves of cedars and rows of catalpa trees. For many years after the Penn family ceased to live at the place, they continued to have it cared for. James Alexander, Penn's gardener, occupied the premises, and an old colored servant, Virgil Warder, and his wife looked after the place. It was said Virgil and his wife were granted an annuity by the Penns until their deaths about 1782. Before the Revolution, the young people of the City visited "Springettsberry" in May time to gather flowers and talk to Virgil. In 1777, he had an American aloe blooming there, which had been nursed in the greenhouses and was a great curiosity. He exhibited it to visitors and collected quite a harvest there- from. The garden had evergreens made into arbors, and clipped

^ Downing s Landscape Gardening, p. 42.

* William Hamilton died in 1813. Later "The Woodlands" passed into the possession of Henry A. Dreer, who conducted a nursery on these grounds from 1839 to 1850 when 'The Woodlands" was converted into a cemetery, for which purpose it is still used.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 29

in formal shapes. There was a great deal of shade on the place, and gravel paths wandered through the grounds. ^^ *

Part of the Springettsberry farm, consisting of eighty acres, was purchased by Robert Morris from Tench Francis in 1770. This portion was called "The Hills," and was Morris's favorite resort from business cares.

In 1799, "The Hills" was sold by the sheriff, in two parcels. The southern portion was bought by Henry Pratt, who improved the place very much and kept it in beautiful condition. Admit- tance was gained only by tickets, and many persons visited the place to see the improvements and enjoy the grounds. Mr. Pratt tore down the Morris house and built another one, although later in life he did not reside there. However, he visited it occasionally, and kept up the gardens, conservatories and grounds in the best manner. He was a very successful shipping-merchant, and died in 1838 at the age of seventy-six.^"

From 1820 to 1825, these grounds were one of the most beautiful show-gardens of Pennsylvania, and did much to form and improve the taste of Mr. Pratt's fellow citizens, as well as to inspire them with a desire to possess gardens of their own. The gardens contained long shaded walks, cool grottoes, foun- tains and a superb range of greenhouses. Mr. Pratt's example fostered a demand for beautiful and rare native and exotic plants, and in response to that demand many commercial gardens were established. Prominent among them were the gardens of Messrs. Carr, Landreth, Buist, McArran and Sherwood. ^^ f

69 Watson s Annals, Vol. 2, p. 479.

* "A greenhouse was erected at 'Springettsbury' in the former part of the eighteenth century by Margaret Freame, youngest daughter of William Penn, who accompanied her brother, one of the Proprietors, on his visit to the Province, and who at that time built one of the wings of an intended mansion where he proposed to reside, and laid out a garden in the taste which then prevailed in England, of clipped hedges, arbors, and wildernesses, which flourished beauti- fully till the time of the Revolutionary War, when the house was accidentally destroyed by fire." (JVatsons Annals, Vol. 3, p. 400.)

«" Watson's Annals, Vol. 3, pp. 261 and 262.

" Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture, Vol. 3, p. 4.

t After Mr. Pratt's death in 1838, "Lemon Hill" was bought by the Bank of the United States, for two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. After its failure, all property sank in value and it was finally sold in 1844 to the city for seventy-five thousand dollars. There were at this time fifty-two acres, and the city bought it to prevent any nuisances being created which would spoil the water. "Lemon Hill" was formally opened as Fairmount Park by ordinance of December 28, 1855. {Watson s Annals, Vol. 3, p. 262.)

30 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Native potatoes were held in low esteem until about 1770. The earliest potatoes were very small and bright yellow in color, and were called kidney potatoes. They were similar to the potatoes later discovered in South America. In about 1770, a larger variety was introduced. They were called the "Bilboa" in New England, and the use of them was supposed to be injurious to health — a lover of Bilboas was said to die in five years !^^ In Pennsylvania, they were called Spanish potatoes and were sharp to the taste and had a pungent odor. A better sort was occasionally sent from Liverpool. Tench Francis was the first Pennsylvanian to improve the imported stock by frequent cultivation.

Benjamin Franklin introduced broom corn into this country. He happened to see an imported corn whisk and while examining it as a novelty, noticed that a grain was still attached to the stalk. He planted it and it grew and later became abundant.

The first weeping willows were introduced into Philadelphia by Governor John Penn for his garden on South Third Street.

The Seckel pear was cultivated first by Lawrence Seckel on his place in the Neck, about five miles from Philadelphia. The original tree had been on the place from the time of his father, but the excellence of the fruit was unknown until Lawrence Seckel happened to eat some of the ripe pears. After that he gave several to his friends and they became well known. It was not known how the tree came on the place, and the question came up as to whether the grounds might not have been a Dutch or Swedish plantation of early days.

The daisy was once deemed a flower, until it multiplied and came to be regarded as an annoying weed.^^

The garden flowers were confined to lilacs, roses, snow balls,

lilies, pinks, and some varieties of tulips. The Jerusalem cherry

was a plant much admired. The small flowerbed was the rule

in most family gardens, and sunflowers, hollyhocks, and other

annuals were used for a greater display. Morning glories and

the gourd vine were used for shade; the grape vine was rarely

thought of for this purpose. Almost all gardens were utilitarian,

and the idea of planting them to give enjoyment to the beholder

was slow to be adopted.

« Watson's Annals, Vol. 2, p. 486. « Ibid. Vol. 2, pp. 487, 488.

Introductory Period 1681-1827 3 1

"Even the first adventurers in this matter of decidedly excellent taste, were themselves allured into such embellishment of their grounds, by being captivated, in seeing them first cultivated in the gardens of the professional gardeners. We are certainly much indebted to them for their steady persistence in an uphill work, until the design succeeded, and to their profit too."*^^

About 1800, Joshua and Samuel Pierce, brothers, who lived in East Marlborough, Pennsylvania, began to improve and beautify their grounds by careful planning. '^^* We quote the foUovi'ing account of a trip made to the farm of the Pierce Brothers in 1850, fifty years after the establishment of the Pierce place:

"Joshua Pierce was in the field when we arrived. He is an active man of about eighty, and still cultivates the ground; he accompanied us through his park, which he laid out and planted with the assistance of his brother. For an hour we wandered amid magnificent pines and firs, whose noble stems shot up to nearly a hundred feet, — the ground dry and smooth beneath the impervious branches, through whose dark green canopy was shed a 'dim religious light,' as in the virgin forests of our northern states, where I have stood and heard with awe the wind sounding through the tops of the pines like the tide of the restless ocean.

"Standing in this sylvan spot, with a long double colonnade of trees from ten to fifteen feet in circumference on either side, it was strange to hear Mr. Pierce say that he had cradled wheat on this field, but that as it was poor soil he planted it with peach trees, when, after being troubled for twelve years by boys' stealing fruit, he thought he would plant something that they could not steal, and began to form this arboretum in 1798; so that at the end of half a century it is probably the finest artificial park in the country. The soil was favorable to the growth of the trees, as Mr, Pierce informed us that he had often compared his trees with some of the same species in the squares of Philadelphia, and found they had made a more rapid growth upward, by from one to two feet annually. At one time he stocked the place with deer; but the boys hunted them so that he was obliged to give

them up Here each tree is in itself perfect, and variety

enhances the beauty of each. 'The dark Norway pine,' with its branches sweeping to the ground, brings up visions of the cold snows of the north, of exile, suffering and death. The Cypress and Yew, though

" Watsons Annals, Vol. 1, pp. 223 and 224. *^ Darlington's Memorials, p. 22,

* The Pierce place is now included in Mr. Pierre S, du Pont's estate, "Long- wood," near Kennett Square, Pa.

32 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

consecrated by the ancients to the dead, look light and airy beside it. It is indeed a mournful tree. Awestruck beneath these funeral trees we stood; but as we wandered on, the glowing sunlight reflected from the broad leaves of the lofty Magnolia and Chestnut, brought with it feelings of joy and gladness. As far as we could see between the gray boles, wherever the sunshine penetrated, were young plantations springing up. The most beautiful objects in the grounds, were two fir trees, which rose about thirty feet without branching, and above were of a perfect conical shape. Around the trunks of these, ivy had been trained, forming an inverted cone of brilliant green, in the numerous flowers of which a swarm of bees were revelling.

"All this sylvan scenery, which I have described, was the work of two brothers — farmers, who tilled the soil for their support, and who have for many years enjoyed the fruits of their labors; and yet they did not begin until nearly thirty years of age. Who would not be proud to leave behind him such memorials to keep his memory fresh P"^^

Several public gardens flourished during the early eighteen

hundreds. One of the most prominent of these, Fouquet's

Garden, was at the height of its popularity between 1800 and

1800 1818. This Garden was between Tenth and Eleventh, and Arch

and Race Streets.

McArran's Garden was located on a lot of ground which ran from Filbert to Arch, and from what is now Seventeenth Street to what is now Eighteenth Street. John McArran was presum- ably a Scotchman; he was known as a botanical gardener and seedsman as early as 1821. It was to his science and taste that "Lemon Hill" was most indebted for its decoration. McArran's Garden covered four acres, and was well-planted with shade trees and rare plants, and had a number of summer-houses, greenhouses, etc.

1812 In 1812, the Councils of Philadelphia authorized the purchase of five acres of land in Fairmount, on the east bank of the Schuylkill River, as a site on which to erect pumping machines and reservoirs to increase the city's water supply — little knowing that this purchase was destined to be the first of a series which was to result forty-three years later (1855) in the formation of the famous Fairmount Park. This plot of ground was known as "Morris Hill," and was acquired at a purchase price of $16,666., on June 28, 1812. Several years later, the Councils ^^ Downing s Horticulturist, Vol. 5, p. 252.

Introductory Period 1 681-1827 33

saw that there was an opportunity for laying out and cultivating 1827 the grounds surrounding the water-works, as a place of recreation for the public, and the Fairmount gardens, opened in 1825, became the show place of the city. There were steps and platforms leading up to the summit of Morris Hill, upon which were placed resting-places in the shape of arbors, from which extensive views of the surrounding country could be obtained. The reservoirs were at the top of the hill, and shade trees were planted on the terraces which sloped away from the summit. Additions to the original five acres were made from time to time, until in 1828 the reservation contained twenty-four acres, which had cost the city one hundred and sixteen thousand, eight hundred and thirty-four dollars. The property included the ground from Biddle Street up to Fairmount Avenue, and from the Schuylkill River to what later became Twenty-fifth Street."

As the close of the Revolutionary War was followed by increased development along horticultural lines, likewise the return to peaceful pursuits after the War of 1812, was marked by a decided renewal of interest in horticulture and the forma- tion of groups to promote its improvement.

^' History of Philadelphia, by J. Thomas Scharf and Thompson Westcott, Vol. 3, pp. 1852, 1853, and 1854.

FIRST PERIOD

1827—1835

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was organized at a meet- ing held on November 24, 1827. The Society had as officers: a president, four vice-presidents, a treasurer, a corresponding and a recording secretary. Horace Binney was the first president and served until November 1828. The other presidents during this period were: Zaccheus Collins, Joseph R. Ingersoll, and George Vaux. The latter took a great interest in the affairs of the Society and seldom failed to preside at its meetings. During the first three or four years of the Society's existence Dr. James Mease presided at many of the meetings in the absence of the president.

The Society started vv-ith a membership of fifty-three v/ho paid their dues, and by January 1835, 369 people had been elected and six resignations had been received. The first honorary mem- ber was William Cox, of Burlington, N. J., who was elected in November 1828. The largest number of names placed in nomina- tion during that period was at the July meeting in 1829, when sixty-five names were proposed. Among those nominated were Mrs. Henry C. Carey, Mrs. Sarah H. Astley, and Sarah Emlen Cresson. These were the first womien to join the Society. Six- teen honorary members were elected during these years.

At this time, the annual dues were $5.00 and life membership, $50.00. Honorary contributing mei-nbers paid $100.00. In 1828, the treasurer reported a balance in the treasury of $230.50. Dur- ing this period, there were no treasurer's reports recorded in the minutes, but frequent mention is made of bills presented and ordered to be paid. In 1830, there was a balance on hand of $967.30. The first record of any investment occurs in the minutes of 1830, when eight shares of the stock of the Bank of North America were purchased at 1093^. The amount invested was $878.19, and the certificates were drawn in the name of the trea- surer in trust for the Society. An amendment to the By-Laws, creating a Committee of Finance, was passed in November 1833; and at the December meeting, the treasurer reported a balance of $1,429,45, not including the Bank of North America stock.

In January 1828, an amendment was made to the By-Laws, creating a Council or Acting Committee, reading as follows:

34

First Period 1827-1835 35

"A Council shall be annually elected of twelve members, com- posed one-third of practical gardeners, a part of whose duty it shall be to take charge of the garden when established." As this garden never was established, this portion of the Council's duty was never performed. The following were members of the first Council: George Pepper, Nicholas Biddle, Thomas Biddle, Robert Patterson, Daniel B. Smith, Moses Brown, Marmaduke C. Cope, Thomas Astley, David Landreth, Jr., Thomas Hibbert, Thomas Landreth, and Joshua Longstreth. In 1829 the number of members was increased from twelve to twenty, and in 1831 to twenty-four.

The Society had no permanent meeting-place and moved three times in 1829. They met for the longest period in Phoenix Hall, which was situated on Zane Street (now Filbert). The purchase of a building or a hall was frequently discussed. Several resolu- tions in regard to purchasing or building a hall were passed as early as 1831.

Monthly meetings were generally well attended and the mem- bers apparently quite enthusiastic. Occasionally there would be a meeting without a quorum and although no business was transacted, yet informal discussion and exchange of ideas and experiences made the meetings interesting to all who attended.

The first mention of anything in the nature of a library is found in the minutes of October 1828, when David Landreth, Jr. was authorized "to import for this Society a copy of Louden s Garden- ing Magazine from the commencement of the work to the present time and request that it be continued." Acquisitions of magazines and books were mentioned from time to time and in December 1833, a committee was appointed to consider measures for increas- ing the Library; and on February 10, 1834, an amendment to the By-Laws was passed providing for an annual appropriation of $250.00 to procure works on horticulture, botany, agriculture and native history, and providing for the appointment of a com- mittee to procure such works and to aid and advise the librarian in the management of the Library.

It was the custom at these early meetings for members to exhibit any particularly beautiful or unusual flowers, plants or fruits which they had grown and at the meeting on November 3rd, 1828, it was recorded that "upwards of forty specimens of beautiful plants and flowers, fifteen varieties of pears and apples.

36 A History of The Pennsjlvania Horticultural Society

American grape wine and some fine cauliflower and broccoli" were exhibited. Letters were frequently received describing mat- ters of horticultural importance. Machinery and other inven- tions of interest to the horticulturist were displayed and explained. Wine was frequently received for test and comment. Cuttings, grafts and seeds came from all parts of the country and also from abroad. These were received and distributed to the members who were to propagate them and report results. The Society was apparently in close touch with European societies, and cor- respondence was much more frequent than at the present time. Prizes were offered to truck-gardeners for the greatest quantity of kale, Brussels sprouts, thousand-headed cabbage, etc., that should be brought to the Philadelphia market in one year. Occa- sionally, members would apply to the Society for assistance in procuring a gardener.

The first public exhibition was held in Masonic Hall, Chestnut Street, in June 1829, and was well attended. As far as known, this was the first flower show of any size or consequence that was held in America. This became an annual afi^air, held in May or June, until 1832, when it was decided to hold the exhi- bition In September In order that the fruit display might be more interesting.

At first the exhibitions were quite informal but soon committees were chosen to examine all articles on display and to report to the Society at the stated meetings, and premiums were offered each year. The first list of premiums is given in Volume 1, p. SS, in the minutes of the meeting held in January 1830. The pre- miums consisted of small cash prizes and lithograph drawings. Permission was also given to hold a sale of articles that had been exhibited at the close of the meetings.

At this period there was great interest In plants of tropical or semi-tropical origin, and many introductions were made — par- ticularly by Thomas Hibbert, C. & D. Landreth, Alexander Parker, Robert Buist and John McArann. There could be no doubt that the camellia stood closest to the hearts of flower- lovers in those days, and that second in importance was the rose; while dahlias were produced in almost as great number as they are today. Following Is a list of the plants and flowers most fre- quently exhibited:

First Period 1827-1835 37

Flowering Potted Plants: Amaryllis, cyclamens, geraniums, primulas, cinerarias, begonias, fuchsias, euphorbias, agapanthus, melastomas, lantanas, calceolarias, heliotropes.

Cut Flowers: Roses, (Bourbon, tea, multiflora, sweetbrier, Bengal, climber, noisette, banksia), carnations, schizanthus, daisies, chrysanthemums.

Garden Perennials and Biemiials: Campanulas, geums, hem- erocallis, antirrhinums, phlox, coreopsis, papavers, saponarias, peonies, chrysanthemums, hollyhocks, anemones, ericas.

Garden Annuals: Salvias, phlox, coreopsis, verbenas, zinnias.

Shrubs and Vines: Rhododendrons, azaleas, lonicera, clematis, hydrangeas, hibiscus, spirea, cydonias, plumbagos.

Bulbs and Tubers: Lilium longiflora, hyacinths, tulips, al- stromerias, cannas, oxalis, colchicums, dahlias, ornithogalums.

Greenhouse Show Plants and Miscellaneous: Daturas, acacias, correas, erythrinas, hoyas, cacti, crassula, ficus, eutaxia, ardisias, ruellias.

A review of the minutes shows that foreign grapes were far more popular than native varieties. Of the former. Black Ham- burg and Muscat of Alexandria were the favored varieties, while Catawba and Isabella were popular as native grapes. Of pears during this period, the Seckel, a native of Pennsylvania, has alone retained its popularity to the present time, although the Winter Beurre, the Doyenne, the Bergamot and Petre were most frequently exhibited.

Of apples, not one of the varieties of that period is of com- mercial importance today, although in old home orchards may yet be found some of the famous apples of 1840, such as Chester- field, Spitzenberg, Winter Sweet, Pearmain, Golden Pippin, Maiden's Blush and Summer W^illing.

The gage plum was produced in every color that plums could be expected to assume— green, red, yellow and blue. The Mogul or White Egg is a variety still grown.

The peaches exhibited were usually seedlings, and shown be- cause the grower found in them some particular merit.

Apparently little change has taken place in our taste in veg- etables during the past century. Sea Kale alone stands out as

38 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

a vegetable that has lost its popularity, and this is probably due to our great fondness for asparagus, which although grown a century ago, was considered almost a luxury. Tomatoes were still referred to as "love apples." This reminds us that only recently has this vegetable been classed as an edible. In those days, it was consumed sparingly and in many cases with timidity. Sweet Corn received little mention, but our other garden veg- etables ranked in popularity much as they do today. Broccoli seems rather more important, and cardoon, and terragon were fairly common. Spinach appears as spinage, and cantaloupes were nutmeg melons. Borecole was introduced in 1830.

Among the frequent exhibitors during this period were the following: Ashton Barlow, J. J. Borie, Robert Buist, Col. Robert Carr, William Chalmers, Charles Chauncey, George M. Coates, Josiah Coates, A. D'Arras, Dryburgh & Sherwood, Jacob Engel- man, George Esher, John Evans, Anthony Felton, W. W. Fisher, S. C. Ford, William Graham, Thomas Hibbert, Hibbert & Buist, Charles Kaighn, Charles Kenworthy, David Landreth, Jr., Joshua Longstreth, John McArann, Daniel McAvoy, Peter Mackenzie, Edwin M. Mather, Daniel Maupay, Dr. James Mease, James E. Miflin, Richard Hill Morris, Henry Nixon, Alexander Parker, George Pepper, Henry Pratt, Samuel Rhoads, Jr., Thomas C. Rockhill, A. S. Roberts, John Sherwood, James B. Smith, Robert Vaux, and Jacob Wain.

CHRONOLOGY

1827-1835

November 1827. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was organized at a meeting held in the Hall of the Franklin Insti- tute, on Seventh Street below Market, Philadelphia, on the 24th. This meeting assembled in response to an advertisement which had been inserted in the daily papers, and which read as follows :

"Philadelphia, Tuesday, November 2oth, 1827. "Those persons desirous to form a Horticultural Society are requested to meet at the Franklin Institute, South Seventh Street, on Saturday next, at 12 o'clock precisely."

1

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE, South Seventh Street, Philadelphia

TJ^E P

MEETING PLACE OF

JE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER. 1827; JULY I836 MARCH 1837

First Period 1827-1835 39

' James Mease N, Chapman George Pepper John Vaughan Signed j Reuben Haines

Joseph Hopkinson Charles Chauncey Horace Binney William Davidson Matthew Carey

At this first meeting, Matthew Carey, was called to the chair, and Dr. James Mease was appointed secretary. "After some time spent in deliberating upon the subject, it was: Resolved, That it is expedient to establish a Horticultural Society in the City of Philadelphia for the promotion of this interesting and highly influential branch of Science, and that a constitution be formed for that purpose. Whereupon the following gentlemen were appointed to draft a constitution, and when prepared, to call a meeting for the purpose of considering the same." The Com- mittee was composed of Dr. James Mease, Thomas Hibbert, William Meredith, Alexander Parker and Moses Brown.

December 1827. The Society met at the Franklin Institute on the 14th. Matthew Carey was called to the chair, and Dr. James Mease was appointed secretary. "Dr Mease, on behalf of the Committee, reported the draft of a constitution — which being read and each article considered separately, was discussed at some length, after which it was adopted with some amendments."

It was decided to make the annual dues 35.00, and the number of vice-presidents was fixed at four. It was also voted that: "Every person contributing and paying into the hands of the Treasurer the sum of ?50.00 shall be a Life Member," and that "Every person contributing and paying into the hands of the Treasure!* the sum of One Hundred Dollars may be elected, agreeably to the rules, an Honorary Member. They shall be styled Honorary Contributing Members. All members shall be of good moral character."

'January 1828. Apparently there were no meetings of the Society during the first five months of 1828, but in the May number

40 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

of The Register of Pennsylvania* (May 31, 1828) the following announcement appeared:

"We invite the attention of the public to the following address and Constitution of this Society which has lately been established in this city and which promises to be very useful."

"Philadelphia, May lo, 1828. "Sir: We submit to your consideration the enclosed Constitution of 'The Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania,' to which we respectfully request your support.

"Should any doubts arise as to the necessity or advantages of such an Association, they must be dispelled by an excursion around our city, and a view of the retreats of our wealthy citizens.

"The appearance of a great majority of them fully proves that the innocent and delightful enjoyment of Horticulture has experienced that degree of attention from very few of our citizens, to which it is fairly entitled from a rational, liberal and thriving community. The contrast between the few gardens In which Horticulture is properly attended to, and the greater part of the Gardens in our vicinity, is strong and strik- ing. The former exhibit views refreshing to the eye and to the mind, which are sought for in vain in the others. The present undertaking is calculated to remove this deficiency; to inspire a taste for one of the most rational and pleasing amusements of man; and to facilitate the means of cultivating that taste. Such objects can scarcely call in vain for the patronage of liberal and refined citizens, particularly when the contri- bution necessary for the purpose is so small, as in the present case. The proprietors of gardens are in a peculiar manner called upon to protect the attempt, from motives of private interest as well as public spirit.

Horace Binney Joseph Hopkinson

James Mease Charles Chauncey

George Pepper William Davidson

Matthew Carey N. Chapman."

(Following the above, appeared the 23 Articles of the original Con- stitution— and then the names of the officers of the Society.)

June 1828. At a meeting held on the 2nd at 173 (o. n.) Chestnut Street, it was voted to adopt the amendment proposed Decem- ber 21, 1827, providing for the appointment of a Council of twelve members.

*The Register 0/ Pennsylvania; edited by Samuel Hazard, Vol. 1, p. 344.

ZACCHEUS COLLINS

{Second President) 1829

First Period 1 827-1 835 41

July 1828. The treasurer, Mr. Davidson, reported that fifty- three members had paid their annual dues, and that $230.50 had been deposited in the Philadelphia Bank to his credit.

December 1828. Mr. David Landreth, Jr. read an interesting communication upon the gradual diminution of that valuable tree, the Live Oak, and the feasibility and importance of propagating trees under the particular care of the National Governmnet.

April 1829. Dr. Mease addressed the Society and particularly the practical members, on the cultivation of the vegetable Sea Kale — "Although a standing dish in season at all tables in Eng- land it is not known as an esculent in Pennsylvania, but has been partially cultivated in Massachusetts and Connecticut and by many preferred to Asparagus; it is highly deserving of the uni- versal culture — and further particularly observed. The late Mr. Curtis of London, well known as an excellent botanist and gardener, wrote a pamphlet on the Sea Kale, which may be had at Mrs. M'Mahon's Seed Store, South 2nd Street. Directions for its culture are also given in M'Mahon's Gardener., in the Philadelphia edition of Brewster's Edinburgh Encyclopaedia., Article Horticulture; and in the 5th volume of Memoirs by the Philadelphia Society for promoting Agriculture. This last paper is by the Rev. Dr. Miller of Princeton, New Jersey. No more difficulty attends the cultivation of this plant than Asparagus; and it lasts many more years than this last-named plant. Messrs. Landreth and Mrs. M'Mahon cultivate Sea Kale for the seed." Dr. Mease offered the following Resolution: ''''Resolved^ That a premium of ten dollars, or a gold medal of that value be awarded to the person who shall bring to the Philadelphia market in the year 1831, the greatest quantity, (not less than 12 bunches of one pound each) and best quality of Sea Kale properly bleached, the Secretary of the Society to be informed when the first parcel is offered for sale. Application for the premium to be made not later than the first Monday in July 1831."

At the same meeting, various interesting products were brought forward, among which the following deserve special notice: "Mr. D'Arras exhibited a Mespilus japonica, with its beautiful yel- low plums perfectly ripe — the plant when in flower was shown in November last; a shaddock grown by himself 18 inches in circumference. Mr. McArann, Cassia suavealens in flower. This

42 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

plant is a native of New South Wales year 1803, and was first cultivated by the late William Hamilton, Esq., at The Wood- lands. The Messrs. Landreth showed several magnificent Camellia japonicas . Two bottles of white currant wine, sent them by John Prince, Esq., of Jamaica Plains, near Boston, for the Society, in order to show that the opinion given in the report of the Society's meeting held in November last, viz: that cur- rant wine does not improve by age, is not correct. The impres- sion that this description of wine does not improve beyond the third or fourth year very generally obtained. Mr. Prince cul- tivates the white currant extensively for wine. The species of currant as mentioned in a former report is so far preferable, that it ought to be substituted for the red, which is commonly used for making wine in the United States. The Society is duly sensible of Mr. Prince's attention, but candour requires it to be said, that his wine was thought to be slightly acid, and not equal to some specimens exhibited at the meeting of the Society in November last. On motion of Mr. Wain, the Society unan- imously present their thanks to Mr. Prince for his attention and the wine he has so politely presented to them."

May 1829. "The Messrs. Landreth brought forward: Azalea indica; two specimens. The flower of the one, large and single, of a fair scarlet; the other, producing clusters of compound flowers, the colour light purple, assuming a darker shade by candle light. This azalea is a native of China. Another species now in bloom at Mr. Hibbert's (Thirteenth Street near Lom- bard), by whom it was introduced. Paeonia moutan, v. rosea (Chinese tree paeonia) . Of this a beautiful specimen was exhibited, having on it a number of buds and full blown flowers; this plant withstands unprotected, and would form a valuable acquisition to our city gardens. Messrs. Landreth have twelve varieties of superb begonias in their collection, all hardy. A specimen of a beauti- ful indigo in fullbloom — also Eupatorium elegagans, Amaryllis johnsoni large crimson flowers with light coloured longitudinal stripes; this species is considered one of the most splendid of the amaryllis tribe; — also. Rhododendron arboreum {fulgida)\ this is thought to be one of the most magnificent plants yet introduced into this country. The flowers, as in all rhododendrons, are formed in clusters at the extremity of its branches. Those on this plant were about the size of those of Rhododendron maximum — colour

First Period 1827-1835 43

most brilliant crimson. This plant flowered two years since with Messrs. Landreth, and was supposed to have been the first flower- ing in this country; — it is a native of the mountains of Nepaul, in Indostan (Hindustan) and it is hoped may prove hardy enough to stand in the open air, in which case its value will be much enhanced to those who do not possess greenhouses."

June 1829. The first exhibition of the Society, open to the public, was held at the Masonic Hall, on Chestnut Street. The follow- ing account appeared in the Philadelphia National Gazette^ and was republished in the American Farmer under date of July 31, 1829.

"The first semi-annual 'Exhibition of fruits, flowers, and plants,' of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, took place at the Masonic Hall (Chestnut street) on the 6th day of June, 1829.

"The establishment of this Society has been too recent to present an exhibition of productions of its own. In placing before the public a rich display of individual taste, skill and liberality, the Society designed to offer the most agreeable inducements to the cultivation of horticultural science, and the most convincing proof of the success which will attend a cordial and combined effort in the cause. The climate and soil of Phil- adelphia are adapted to a great variety of vegetable products. The habits of the community are congenial to the pure and primitive employ- ment which consists in the cultivation of them. Sufficient experiment has been made to give zest and relish to the pursuit, and to afford a certainty during its progress and in its result, of a rich return in health and innocent enjoyment. The advantages of our position are scarcely to be surpassed. They combine a prolific soil, abundant and salubrious waters, fertile meadows and extensive pastures; and they produce fruits and flowers of peculiar excellence and countless variety. Our country has been recently pronounced in a foreign journal to be 'rich beyond all others in stores of botanical wealth.'* These uncommon gifts of nature emphatically require and deserve the fostering care of art. Pri- vate and individual enterprize has advanced them to an extent equally creditable to the parties and beneficial to the public. But it is far short of what may be expected from united exertions, in which numbers may contribute their respective shares of knowledge and experience to the general stock; and each shall strive in generous emulation to excel his brethren in the warmth of his zeal, and the merit of the productions which nature shall have yielded to his hand. To inspire this zeal, to multiply the sources of information and bring them within reach, and to afford the means of obtaining the most effectual mutual assistance in

*The (London) Gardener s Magazine for 1828, p. 52.

44 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

the prosecution of the same interesting object, the Horticultural Society of Pennsylvania has been formed.

"If gardening be an art (and who can doubt it that sees the improve- ment of which almost every plant is susceptible?) it must derive advan- tage from study and experience. The society now established proposes to collect principles of instruction from every region, and specimens of the fertility of the earth from every zone, to introduce among ourselves the native productions of distant countries, and to adopt them as our own; to explore the inmost recesses of nature; to bring to light and use- fulness, her concealed treasures; to try their fitness for particular soils; to multiply the rarer plants, and to substitute those of higher merit for such as accident may have brought into general use. In immediate prospect, the society cherish the hope of possessing a garden in which they may unite and cultivate the productions of every section of the globe. There the farmer will behold the assembled variety of grains and grasses— and the gardener the widely extended family of fruits and flowers. The physician will gather new gifts for his Materia Medica, and even the chemist will delight in a living laboratory. There instruc- tions will be afforded to the inquiring; gratification to the curious; refresh- ment to the feeble and delicate; amusement to the gay; and pure and healthful exercise and recreation to all.

"The recent exhibition collected together for a single day the fragrant and smiling offspring of the earth, in their richest odours and their gaudiest hues, — and then restored them to the possession of their public- spirited and generous proprietors. It afforded, however, a short and limited representation of what is hoped for in the continuing and extended charms of a Botanical Garden.

"They who witnessed this exhibition, — and where was the beauty, and the fashion, and the taste, and the science, that did not regale itself amidst the brilliant display? — enjoyed the opportunity of comparing together a greater variety of plants than has at any time before been assembled among us in a single view. They have been able to judge of the effect of particular cultivation, and to decide on its merits compared with that pursued elsewhere. They can point out deficiencies which may be supplied, and suggest peculiar and striking excellencies, that they may be cherished and diffused.

"It would be difficult to enumerate the objects that decorated the hall with a charm surpassing the effect of the most consummate art. However beautiful and delicious in themselves, description would be languid, and a repetition of their thousand names would be but tedious and unsatisfactory. The visitor was alike impressed with the vivid and variegated hues which everywhere delighted and refreshed the eye; and with the multitude of fresh and fragrant odours which were wafted upon

First Period 1827-1835 45

every breeze. Nor was any perfume predominant; but each was melted into such sweet union with the rest, as to form a combined fragrance not less delicious than its own.

"Among the foremost candidates for admiration, it would be inhos- pitable not to notice some of those which have journeyed far to become inhabitants themselves, and to multiply their successive generations in a country distant from their own. Those that are omitted are scarcely less deserving of attention and praise.

"The Aster muscosa would have diffused a musky scent as powerful as that which is imparted by the animal of Tonquin or Thibet, had it not been tempered with a combination of perfumes, with the pungent fragrance of the Orange and the Lemon, and the delicate sweetness of countless roses of various colors.

"Great varieties of the Magnolia appeared in all their splendor; espe- cially the macrophylla of the south, with its flowers four feet in cir- cumference, and leaves proportionably large.

"There were also Pelargoniums (geraniums) of immense variety, splendid in foliage and flower.

"Paeonias from China, rare and of delightful fragrance; and multi- tudes of bouquets formed of the most uncommon and beautiful flowers.

"Carnations were displayed of various colours; some of these, pre- sented by Dr. Miller, were near twelve inches in circumference.

"Lilium longiflora, from seed presented to one of the contributors by the London Horticultural Society.

"The Double White Pomegranate.

"The rare and beautiful Ruellia persisifolia.

"The magnificent and curious Strelitzia reginae, queen of flowers, from the Cape of Good Hope.

"The new Euphorbia, with bright scarlet bracteas, or floral leaves, presented to the Bartram collection by Mr. Poinsett, United States Minister to Mexico.

"Curiosity was also gratified with a close and minute examination of several of the trees and plants from whose prolific branches some of the greatest luxuries are derived.

"The Green and the Bohea Tea, from China.

"The Coffee Tree of Arabia, bending under the pressure of its berries, in their various advances towards maturity, from the green to the red- dish hue.

"Sugar Cane from the West Indies.

"Ficus elastica, or India rubber tree (the Caoutchouc of commerce) with its splendid foliage.

46 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

"Oleo europea, producing the olive fruit,

"Splendid specimens of the Sago Palm.

"Piper nigrum, or Black Pepper of the East Indies.

"Carolinea princeps, or Cream Nut Tree, from Guinea.

"Testudinaria elephantipes, or Hottentot bread, supposed to be upwards of one hundred years old.

"In a word, the spacious hall was redolent with sweets, and sparkling with beauty; wherever the attention was directed, a rich fragrance courted its continuance, while some new object perpetually invited it to wander from shrub to shrub — from flower to flower,

"Nor were the humble productions of our own country unworthily represented by specimens of the finest strawberries, indigenous potato, and other esculent vegetables.

"This brilliant exhibition owes its merit to the individual patronage and contributions of gentlemen amateurs and professional cultivators.

"Of the former were George Pepper, Esq. ; Dr. Miller; Peter A. Browne, Esq.; Henry Pratt, Esq.; Joshua Longstreth, Esq.; Mr. Pierpoint; Samuel Wetherill, Esq.

"Of the latter, Robert Carr, Esq.; Mr. D'Arras; Mr. Parker; Messrs. D. and C. Landreth; Thomas Hibbert; Mr. M'Arann; Daniel Maupay."

August 1829. Dr. Mease offered resolutions that gold medals of the value of ten dollars or the same amount in cash should be presented in 1830 to the person raising and bringing to market the greatest quantities of Brussels sprouts and thousand headed cabbage. He also made the following motion: "Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare articles on the subject con- nected with horticulture, rural and domestic economy, to be annexed to an almanac to be published under the patronage of the Society, and that the said committee be authorized to engage a person to publish the same upon the best terms they can, it being understood, that the Society is to be at no expense on the occasion."

December 1829. The following resolution was offered by Jacob Wain: "Resolved., That the Standing Committee be requested to enquire into the expedience of offering premiums for the pro- duction of fine flowers, fruits and vegetables."

At the same meeting, on motion of Mr. Brown, it was: "Resolved, That this Society will gratefully accept the services of Mr. Wain and Mr, Pepper if they will proceed to Harrisburg and use their personal exertions to obtain a charter,"

First Period 1827-1835 47

March 1830. Mr, Landreth presented six varieties of the camellia and some big scarlet and red turnip radishes. Mr. Hibbert exhib- ited two varieties of the camellia. 1. "Wiltbankiana;" with a fine graceful, perfect white, and very large flower; the first that had bloomed in Philadelphia. 2. "Myrtifolia;" with a handsome pink flower, as compact in form as the double white.

April 1830. At a stated meeting of the Society held in the Hall under the Athenaeum, a Committee which had been appointed to find more suitable quarters for the Society reported in favor of Phoenix Hall, in Zane Street. Their report was accepted, and the same Committee was authorized to make preparations for meeting there in the future. This change was made because the Hall under the Athenaeum was found to be too damp; but as Phoenix Hall was engaged for the first Monday of each month, the Society, on motion of Mr. Parker, agreed to hold its next meeting at Mrs. Mercier's, on Third Street, opposite the Mansion House.

At this meeting, "Mr. Parker exhibited Anemone nemorosa — four seedling cyclamens — stock gilly flowers, red and white striped, double and single, purple and white — geraniums, three varieties — double primulas — cut flowers — laurustinus, a variety. Messrs. D. & C. Landreth exhibited twelve varieties of the Camellia japonica; among them were four seedlings, three of which were double ones, red and crimson. The Messrs. Landreth now pos- sess six fine varieties of this superb plant that have originated with them. They also exhibited cineraria — Acacia verticillata and glaucescens, leptospermum from New Holland — Sparmannia africana — hyacinths, some of which have bells five inches in circumference — a branch of the Magnolia conspicua from a splendid specimen, nearly 20 feet in height, now in bloom at their nurseries. The flowers are pure white, about the size of M. pwr- /)«r^<2, and delicately scented. It is perfectly hardy. The specimen above alluded to is estimated to have upwards of five hundred flowers on it. Jacob Engleman presented some borecole, a new article to the Philadelphia market."

May 1830. Mr. Parker exhibited two hundred varieties of tulips, and fifty varieties of daisies. A premium was awarded to David Allen of Burlington, New Jersey, for the best early cucumbers.

48 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

The following account of the second Exhibition of the Society appeared in the Philadelphia National Gazette^ and was repub- lished in the Americayt Farmer under date of June 11, 1830.

"The second splendid exhibition of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was held on the 25th and 26th of May. It was successful in every point. The visitors were numerous and highly respectable; and entire unanimity prevailed with regard to the magnificence of the col- lection of plants and flowers, the felicity of the arrangement, the taste, and liberality of the contributors and managers, and the general beauty and usefulness of such a spectacle.

"The names of the liberal contributors of plants, flowers, fruit or esculent vegetables, to this exhibition, are Messrs. M'Arann, D'Arras, Smith, Parker, Hibbert, Pierpont, Pepper, Chauncey, Clapier, Carr, D. & C. Landreth, Maupay, Longstreth, Pratt.

"We cite the following articles of the collection merely as a specimen of what was most useful, rare, or recherche.

"Dragon's-blood tree; date palm; arrowroot; tea; coff"ee, in flower and fruit; cinnamon; pepper; banana; sugar-cane; Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax) affords the strongest vegetable fibre known; mahog- any; mango, ficus elastica (affords the gum elastic, and is remarkable for the beauty of its foliage); the cork tree; olive; species of eucalyptus, melaleuca, leptospermum, metrosideros, banksia from New Holland; numerous species of aloe, crassula, mesembryanthemum; the casuarina of the South Sea islands; calceolarias and the gloxinia from the Andes; the strelitsia, phylicas, ericas, and the singular testudinaria, from the Cape of Good Hope; a greatvariety of cacti, among which those recently sent from Mexico, by Mr. Poinsett, are very interesting. Plants of our own country conspicuous — yuccas, Magnolia macrophylla, chamserops palmetto and hystrix, azaleas, stewartia, dionaea, &c. styrax. Among tropical plants the beautiful Pandanus odoratissimus, justicias, Pothos lanceolatus, Melastoma trinerva, Carolinea princeps, Correa alba, Cookia punctata, Ixoracoccinea, Lauruspersea, Marantazebrina,Myrtustomen- tosa and pimento, begonias, hedychium, thunbergia, Ficus vestita and benghalensis, pavetta, mimosas, &c.

"The Pennsylvania Florticultural Society, has, on this occasion, accom- plished not only the end of making known the treasures, taste and lib- erality which exist in this city and its vicinity, in their department, but that of an accession of colleagues anxious to minister directly to their laudable purposes. Indeed, we know not how men of adequate means could resist the temptation of becoming associates, when they saw so brilliant an earnest of the manifold good to be achieved. The friends or patrons of pure morals and refined feeling do not all, perhaps, heed the degree in which merits of the kind would be promoted by the diffusion

JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL

( Third President) 1 830- 1 83 1

First Period 1 827-1 835 49

of a taste for botany, and generally by a wide-spread fondness for the pursuits and objects of horticulture. In contributing in any mode to those effects, we should regard ourselves as acting in the identical and proper direction of aid emulously lent to Bible, tract, education, or other societies of religious benevolence. We therefore wish, on every ground, that the motto of the Pennsylvania institution may truly be — Florescet quotidie magis, or in other words of Cicero, Gratia, auctoritate, beneficiis in urbe floret.

"We should not forget to add to this rapid and imperfect notice of the exhibition that, though thousands of persons visited it and remained more or less time in the Hall, and the crowd was great in the evening, no one of the articles, — not a stem nor a floweret, — suffered the least Injury from any hand or any attrition. This circumstance is only one of a number of examples, which we could cite, of the spirit and habit of order which mark the population of Philadelphia."

'June 1830. Daniel Kochersperger was awarded a premium of $3.00 for the largest and finest strawberries exhibited to the Society that season, and the treasurer was requested to pay him the said premium or, at his option, to present to him a gold medal of that value, and also 75c, the market price of two quarts of strawberries.

Several communications were received on the subject of the insects which destroy fruit trees, and Dr. Mease offered a resolu- tion that a Committee be appointed and that means be taken to solicit subscriptions to aid the fund for the proposed premium to be awarded to the person who shall discover a remedy to pro- tect fruit trees against destructive insects. The committee appointed was composed of Dr. Mease, Mr. Wain and Mr. Pepper.

Note: — The following article appeared in the October 8th, 1830, number of the ''''American Farmer" Vol. 12, p. 236.

"Representations from various quarters have been made to The Penn- sylvania Horticultural Society, of the extensive and increasing ravages of insects upon the fruits of our country, particularly the Plum, Peach, Apricot, Nectarine and Morello Cherry. These insects attack and destroy the fruit before it attains to maturity; and in many places, great numbers of fruit trees of this description, only stand to disappoint the hopes of the cultivator, and to render his care and labour entirely useless. This Society, being fully sensible of the great importance of these delicious fruits, not only to the comfort, but to the health of the people, and particularly to the inhabitants of large and populous cities;

50 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

and being impressed with a belief, that if means can be devised to destroy these insects, fruits, which are now so scarce, as to be attainable only by the affluent, will be so abundant, that all classes, of the community may enjoy them; have thought that they could not perform a more useful or acceptable service to their fellow citizens, than to seek, in the most efficacious manner, for the best means of destroying these foes to our health and enjoyment. This service, in the opinion of the Society, will be best performed, by offering such suitable reward for the discovery of an antidote to the evil, as will stimulate ingenuity, industry, vigilance, and attention to the best exertions. To do this effectually, it is requisite to ask the assistance of their fellow citizens, in uniting with the Society, to raise the necessary funds, that a suitable premium may be offered for this important discovery,

"The Society therefore respectfully suggest, that all persons, who are willing to promote this interesting national object, should subscribe such sums as they think proper, upon the pledge of this association, that the funds so raised shall be faithfully applied, and that no payment will be made except for such a discovery, as in the judgment of the Society, will afford a complete and effectual remedy for the evil. It is proposed that the subscriptions to be made shall be in sums not less than one dol- lar; and that two thousand dollars be raised for this object.

"By order of the Society.

"J. R. Ingersoll, President.

"(Subscriptions received by the Editor of the American Farmer ^i'^

Mr. Wain moved that the Secretary should receive for his services $100 per annum. (This resolution was seconded, and adopted at the next meeting.)

Mr. Wain also made a motion that a committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of having a diploma prepared for honorary members. Jacob Wain, David Landreth, Jr., and Joseph R. Ingersoll were appointed members of this committee.

On motion of Col. Carr, the Committee on Nurseries was requested to visit the different gardens in the vicinity of the city and make a particular report to the Society as to the actual state and condition of same.

At this meeting, Thomas Hibbert exhibited the "splendid Alstroemeria pelegrina of Peru and Eccremocarpus scaber, a beau- tiful creeper, supposed to be hardy, grown from seed, and the first time it has flowered here; a Greville rose and bunches of the flowers of various colours, certainly a most magnificent rose."

First Period 1827-1835 51

August 1830. Alexander Parker exhibited 25 varieties of plums, among them: green, red, yellow and blue gage and the mogul or white egg. He also showed the Helianthus multiflorus and Rud- beckia hirta.

September 1830. The Society had at this time under consideration the purchase of McMahon's Garden, and at a special meeting held on the 25th, the committee that had examined McMahon's place, reported, "that in their opinion, it is not adapted to the purposes of the Society, and therefore do not recommend the purchase." Their report was accepted.

A special meeting of the Society was held on the 22nd for the exhibition of fruits, flowers, etc., and following is an account of the occasion, quoted from the American Farmer, of October 1, 1830, (Vol. 12, p. 230):

"The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society held a special meeting on Wednesday evening, 22nd ult., at the Washington Hall, for the purpose of exhibiting to the members and their friends the Fruits of the season, the growth of our city and vicinity. The notice was short, but the col- lection brought to the room was extensive, and gave great satisfaction.

"Charles Chauncey, Esq., sent several Lemons, of a very large size and fine flavor, raised by himself; Pound Pears, very large Apples, and the beautiful Lady Apples (pomme d'api).

"The collection of Peaches was truly grand. Mr. Bates of Camden, New Jersey, the well known extensive and successful cultivator of fruit, sent a quantity of his fine white free-stone Peaches (seedling) in high order, tender and luscious; and Rodman's Cling. Heath Peaches, from Mr. George Pepper. —©6^ for preserving, by Mr. M'Arann. Several other parcels from different persons, not known. Mr. Fred. Fox of Kensington, and Mr. Jacob Pierce, of Philadelphia, sent parcels of their seedling free-stone Peaches, which were much and deservedly admired. The last were raised in the garden of the Friend's School, south Fourth Street.

"Pears. — Doyenne Gris, from Mr. Maupay. The favorite Seckel Pear, from Mr. M'Arann, Mr. Pepper, and from several others. The Petre Pear,* by Mr. Carr: the seed of the original tree bearing this delightful

*The following description of the Petre Pear by Robert Carr, the proprietor of Bartram's Botanic Garden, who married a granddaughter of John Bartram was published in the Gardener s Magazine October 1832, vol. 8, p. 587.

"Petre Pear. — A middle-sized tree; branches smooth and brown; leaves on long slender petioles. Narrow leaves, oblong lanceolate, base acute, and acu- minate, hardly crenate, entire at the base, about 2 inches long, very smooth,

{Continued on bottom of page £2)

52 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

fruit was sent to the late John Bartram by the eighth Lord Petre, who died in 1742; the tree still lives in a thrifty state, and the fruit preserves the high character it has hitherto obtained. Mr. Carr also sent a pleasant tasting seedling Pear,

"Col. Robert Carr also exhibited four varieties of Filberts — Dutch, Spanish, English and American."

November 1830. The annual meeting vv^as held on the 8th at Phoenix Hall, in Zane Street. The treasurer reported the balance in his hands amounted to $967.30.

December 1830. On motion of Mr. Cope, the Council was re- quested to try to obtain a charter for the Society from the Legis- lature then in session.

Mr. Parker exhibited Red Russian and White Giant celery, and Hibbert & Buist exhibited ruellia.

February 1831. At a meeting held on the 14th, Mr. Cope stated that the report of the Committee on Nurseries and Gardens was published in the Register of Pennsylvania February 12th. This magazine was edited by Samuel Hazard, who was the first Corresponding Secretary of the Society. (See pages 424-445 for report in full).

April 1831. The following article concerning the activities of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee was published in the April 22nd

midrib yellow. Fruit clustered two or three; peduncle curved, brown, half an inch. Pear oboval, truncate at both ends, 3 or 4 inches long, swelled at top. Skin thin, greenish yellow, with small pale spots. Inside white, soft, juicy, melting, like a butter pear; delicious flavour, peculiar, very slightly musky, and vinous.

"The tree which produces the above exquisite fruit was raised from a seed, received In a letter from Lord Petre of England, about the year 1735, and planted by Mr. Bartram near one end of the dwelling-house, at the edge of a gravel walk, where It has never received any manure or rich earth. The roots extend to the walls of the house. The tree has never been subject to blight, and has not once failed to bear In the last thirty years; some seasons producing 10 to 12 bushels of fine handsome fruit, which Is in good eating from the middle of September to Christmas. The fruit is always worth from three dollars to five dollars a bushel. The stem of the tree is about 14 Inches In diameter and 25 feet high. It Is in the most perfect health, although near a century old, and has probably borne near 500 bushels of pears. Mr. Bartram informed me that the tree was about twenty years old before It produced fruit, and narrowly escaped being cut dov/n as barren."

John Bartram referred to the tree as follows, in a letter he wrote to Peter Colllnson, under date of October 23, 1763, published In Darlington's Memorials p. 255: "The Pear raised from her (Lady Petre's) seed hath borne a number of the finest relished fruit. I think a better is not in the world."

First Period 1827-1835 53

number of the American Farmer (Vol. 13, p. 45), with a state- ment that it was from Paulson's American Daily Advertiser:

"The Fruit Committee of the Horticultural Society in addition to their report on strawberries made in June last, beg leave to state that they have examined during the summer and autumn such specimens as were submitted to their inspection and lament to say, that although some fine fruit has been exhibited, yet it has not been in quality, size, or flavor equal to the expectation they had formed when the list of pre- miums was published. Nor can they conceal their mortification that more emulation has not been produced among cultivators for the prizes offered by the Society. They are willing, however, to attribute it to the want of knowing generally that such premiums existed, and hope the course now pursued by the society will bring forth during another year a greater variety, and more competition.

"The committee would further state, that at their late exhibition of fruits, in October last, Mr. Bates, of Camden, New Jersey, sent a large quantity of a very superior late seedling free-stone peach, of his own raising. Several high flavored water and nutmeg melons, and a bushel of uncommonly large sweet potatoes; and although not exactly embraced within their duties, yet the committee believe they cannot recommend a measure more likely to further the views of the Society, than to award a medal to this gentleman as one of the most successful cultivators of fruits and vegetables in the neighbourhood of our city. With these observations they report that,

"David Allen, of Burlington, N. J., is entitled to the premium of three dollars, or a silver medal of that value, for two quarts of the finest gooseberries. ^^,

"To Mr, Lawrence, of Penn Township, the premium of five dollars, or a medal of that value, for one dozen of the best and largest magnum bonum plums.

"To Mr. W. Cartleband, the premium of five dollars, or a good medal of that value, for the best late butter pears.

"To J. S. Wain, of Philadelphia, a premium of five dollars, or a gold medal of that value, for the finest grapes; and a gold medal of the value of five dollars be presented to Mr. Bates, of Camden, New Jersey, for his superior late (seedling) free-stone peach, his high flavoured nutmeg and watermelon and large sweet potatoes. Robert Carr ]

Thomas Landreth I Committee David S. Brown | on Fruits." Thomas Hale j

"The committee on vegetables report the following premiums for the best vegetables exhibited to the society last year, viz: —

54 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

"To the gardener of H. Pratt, Esq., for the earliest and best cauli- flowers, a premium of ten dollars.

"To J. Engleman, for the best early potatoes, a premium of three dollars; for the best early cabbage a premium of two dollars; for the best tomatoes a premium of two dollars; for the best melongena (egg plant) a premium of two dollars; for the best celery a premium of two dollars.

"To D. D. Maupay, for the best early peas, a premium of two dollars; for the best artichokes a premium of two dollars; for the best cardoons a premium of three dollars.

Samuel B. Davis " Thomas Astley I Committee on D. Maupay [ Vegetables."

A. D'Arras J

May 1831. In accordance with recommendations embodied in report submitted by Jacob S. Wain, a resolution was adopted appointing a committee of ten members to raise funds, "to pur- chase a proper site and form a horticultural establishment, with ornamental grounds, for promoting the objects of this society." The committee was composed of: George Pepper, Moses Brown, George Vaux, Jacob S. Wain, Edward Coleman, J. B. Smith, David Landreth, Samuel Breck, Thomas Astley, and Thomas Hibbert.

"Fifty varieties of tulips and twelve bunches oiCrambemaritima were exhibited by Mr. Parker; thirty very beautiful varieties of double tulips and fifteen of the ranunculus, also very fine, by Mr. Maupay; and specimens of the Magnolia -purpurea and auriculata, Rhododendron nudiflorum ?ind ponticum, Loniceratartarica^ Spirea hypericifolia, and Magnolia acuminata^ by Mr. Landreth.

"Mr. Hibbert exhibited the yellow Banksia rose; the first that has flowered in this vicinity; the foliage and shape of the flowers are the same as in the common Banksia, and it differs from other yellow roses in its bright golden and exceedingly handsome flowers ; those exhibited had been fully expanded for two weeks; — the Boursault rose, also the first that has flowered in the vicinity. It is a very handsome climber of quick growth, and bears abun- dance of flowers, which differ from those of other climbing roses now common, in being very large and of a rich deep colour; though not as double as some, this deficiency is made up with a fine fragrance."

First Period 1 827-1 835 55

Third Annual Exhibition — June 1 and 2, 1831

The American Farmer^ Baltimore, Md., Friday, June 10, 1831

"This most splendid exhibition took place in Philadelphia on Wednes- day and Thursday, ist and 2nd of June, at the Masonic Hall in Chestnut Street, and was one of the most rich and beautiful collections of rare plants and flowers ever seen in the United States. For five or six weeks previous there had been no rain in the vicinity, and in other respects the weather had been most unfavorable for the growth of vegetables, it having been very dry and occasionally cold till within the last week, when it became excessively hot, the thermometer ranging in the after- noon of the last day of the exhibition at 98^ degrees in the shade. Under these circumstances, it will surprise no one to be informed that the display of culinary vegetables was very limited. Yet there were a few excellent things, such as cauliflowers 30 inches in circumference, fine strawberries, globe artichokes, cherries, sea-kale, rhubarb, cab- bages, cucumbers of full size and fine beets, onions, turnips, a very large head of Malta lettuce, gooseberries and potatoes. There was also a bunch of rye not yet in flower eight feet in height. Another thing operated unfavorably on the exhibition of vegetables. There appears to be little disposition on the part of vegetable gardeners to exhibit their produce, as was easily discovered from the small number and quality of contribu- tions of that class compared with the supplies in the common market. This is an evil which will be gradually overcome, for the beneficial effects of such exhibitions on the interests of gardeners as well as the citizens at large will soon be made apparent to the most incredulous.

"This display of exotic and indigenous ornamental plants and flowers was rich and splendidT^esides the more common trees, such as orange, lemon, lime, oleander, and pomegranate, of which there were numerous varieties and splendid specimens, there were hundreds of the more rare, curious and beautiful. Ifwe name but few it is because of the impossibility of taking note in detail of such an immense collection, and therefore memoranda of the most prominent objects only were taken; but if we were to give the names of even these, we fear the catalogue would tire many of our readers, and we shall only select the following: Aucuba japonica, Andromeda coriacea. Acacia floribunda. Daily Rose, Dodo- naea viscosa. Datura arborea, Daphne, Eucalyptus salisafolia, Mag- nolia fuscata, Eugenia myrtilfolia, Olea europea (the olive tree), Olea buxifolia, Ficus elastica (gum elastic tree), several from 8 to 15 feet high, Meloleuca diosmifolia, Cactus octangular, (about 10 feet high, four stems 5 to 8 inches diameter, a most magnificent plant), Laurus camphora (camphor tree). Rhododendron ponticum, Pistacia tere- binthus, Mangifera indica (mango tree), Cupressus australis, Coffea arabica (coffee tree, several 5 to 8 feet high, and full of berries), Hib-

56 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

bertia volubilis, Arbutus uneda (strawberry tree), Magnolia grandi- flora, Ilex variegata (several beautiful specimens), Metrosideros saligna, Carolina princeps (cream nut tree), Maranta zebrina (a beautiful parlor plant), Pitcairnia, numerous Cactus, sent home by Mr. Poinsett from Mexico, and unnamed. Cactus Spiciousus, Calathea zibrina, Zamia horrida, Cactus melocactus (numerous and curious), Cycas revoluta (Sago palm, several, and probably the largest in this country), Phormium tenax (New Zealand flax), Crassula tuberculosa, Sarracenia puppurea, Pothos lanceolata. Cactus philanthoides, Bromelia, (Pine Apple plant), Laurus, Persea (alligator pear). Euphorbia quadrangu- laris. Clematis florida. Azalea coccinea, Saccharum officinarum (sugar- cane) Yucca aloifolia, Gardenia florida (Cape Jasmine), Green tea plant, Dracsena ferrea (dragon tree), Eugenia jambos (rose apple), Yucca gloriosa, Fuchsia coccinea, Geranium grandiflorum (8 feet high and spreading several feet in width), Agapanthus umbellatus, Melas- toma trinerva (curious), Kennedia bimaculata, Aster moschatus, Piper nigrum (Black pepper tree), Aster argophyllus, Taxus sinensis (Chi- nese yew), Quercus suber (cork tree), Melianthus major (lo feet) Begonia argyrostigma. Salvia tricolor (three colored sage), Ficus vastita, Chamaerops palmeto (cabbage tree of South Carolina), Strelizia pumila, Begonia macrophylla, Westringea rosmarinformis, Ardisia solanacea, Laurus, Cassia (cinnamon tree), Mamea amer- icana, West India Apricot tree, Nandina domestica, Myrtus tomentosa, Callicoma serratifolia, Pandanus utilis (screw pine). Fan palm, Cym- bidium sinensis, Ardisia crenulata (4 feet high), Aspidium exaltatum, Ficus nitida, Thea bohea (Bohea tea tree), Phoenix dactyliferea (date tree), Zamia fulgens, Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot plant), Myrtus pimenta (Allspice tree), Passaflora alata (a splendid Passion flower), Japan evergreen honeysuckle, Metrosidorus semperflorens. Cactus per- eskia (Barbadoes gooseberry), Musa coccinea (Banana plant), semper- vivum arboreum, tree house leek, Crassula falcata, seedling Cactus, Cactus Braxiliensis, Fig marigold, Cactus mamilaris with forty shoots, Musa sapientum (Banana, another variety). Lychnis grandiflora, car- nations, Sarracenia, Phlox, splendid Chinese Pasonies, Foxglove, Amaryllis johnsoni, and a seedling from the purpurea and a Brazilian amaryllis.

"Of cut flowers the display was brilliant beyond conception, but it is impossible to give anything like a list of them. The Roses, Pinks, Can- terbury Bells, Phloxes, Azalea (one splendid new native variety) Stocks, and a thousand and one others, comprising the beauty and fragrance of Flora's dominions, were dispersed among the plants and shrubbery in tasteful order, and contributed largely to the splendor of the scene. Besides all these, numerous singing birds were perched among the shrub- bery in cages, and enlivened by their joyous notes the imposing spectacle.

First Period 1 827-1 835 SI

There were also a beautiful cabinet of shells and minerals, a cage con- taining the great American eagle, a couple of large horned owls, numerous preparations of other birds very naturally perched upon the shrubbery, and a beehive with a glass top and sides with the bees at their work in full view.

"We know that we do injustice to the exhibition by this imperfect sketch, but an apology will be found in the very limited opportunity afforded for taking notes in such a crowded assemblage. There were numerous objects worthy of especial notice of which it was imposible to take memoranda.

"The shrubs, plants and flowers were tastefully arranged along the sides and ends of the immense hall, and on central and wing stands. At each wing there was a semi-circular stand studded with beautiful shrubbery and flowers, and crowned with a most magnificent Sago palm. The central circular stand was also crowned with a splendid Aloe. Midway of each side there were beautiful arches, clothed with rich climbing plants, and forming recesses for fruit and vegetables. On the visitor's entrance, he was struck with astonishment at the brilliancy of the scene, the intensity of the odours, and the magic music of the numer- ous canaries. Indeed Moore's enchantress could not have wished for a better place, nor a greater profusion of materials for the weaving of Nourmahal's wreath; and on the last night she would have exclaimed: 'Tis the hour That scatters spell on herb and flower, And garlands might be gathered now, That, twin'd around the sleeper's brow, Wouldjnake him dream of such delights. Such miracles and dazzling sights. As genii of the Sun behold, At evening, from their tents ol gold.'

"The visitors were numerous, and often crowded the hall to excess, notwithstanding the extreme heat. Old and young, the gay and sedate, came by hundreds to partake of this feast of flowers. — 'And all was free and wandering.

And all exclaim'd to all they met. That never did the summer bring So gay a feast of roses yet.'

"The acknowledgments of the Editor of the Farmer are due to the committee of the Horticultural Society for their polite attentions to him during his visit, and for the facilities they afforded him in viewing the hall. To Col. Robert Carr and the Messrs. Landreth he was espe- cially indebted for their friendly attentions. Col. Carr very politely conducted him through the several public gardens in the city, and to

58 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Falrmount water-works, and the old Bartram Botanic Garden at King- sessing, of which he is the proprietor. At this garden we had the plea- sure of viewing those objects which have been the subjects of admira- tion to thousands of visitors; and we are constrained to confess, that the reality exceeded all our anticipations. The monuments that remain there of the genius of Bartram, require a more able pen than we can command for their delineation. Suffice it to say, that the stone work of the ancient mansion, the old cider mill, and the ponderous water basin, all the work of his hand, will not escape the notice and admiration of any who may have the good fortune to pay this relic of a former age a visit. We have much to say of the many things that fell under our notice in our hurried visit to Philadelphia, but must defer it to some future occasion. Suffice it now to remark, that visitors to that city will lose much if they neglect to visit the Fairmount water-works, one of the most magnificent monuments of a city's wisdom that this country can boast of. Nor should they neglect the new marine hospital, the new mint, the Washington square, and several others; above all, let them wend their way to Kingsessing, to the Bartram Botanic Garden, and by no means neglect to pay a passing tribute of respect to the lit- tle stone school-house just at the left hand as they pass the Kingsessing post-office, in which Wilson the Ornithologist laid the foundation of his future fame, while he taught 'the young idea how to shoot.' The very birds, as they flit among the tall oaks that overshadow the little edifice, chirp delightful music to his memory. It is hoped and believed that this grove is a sanctuary to the whole feathered race, and that here, at least, the 'murderous tube' dare not enter."

July 1831. Messrs. Hibbert & Buist exhibited the Rosa micro- phylla, a singularly curious and beautiful rose, differing from all others in growth, shape and colour of foliage: a succession of buds resembling those of the Moss is produced from the extremity of the young branches, which, when expanded, form fine large double and richly coloured flowers. From its great variation, it will make a prominent appearance in the flower-garden. It grows fast and is not liable to injury from insects.

August 1831. Messrs. Hibbert & Buist staged everflowering roses. They also exhibited, a branch of the Clematis flammula in full flower — then little known. At an adjourned meeting Thomas Hibbert exhibited ruellia, Hemerocallis japonica and a species of ficus from South America. G. M. Coates presented three remark- ably fine watermelons grown in Camden, New Jersey.

September 1831. The anniversary meeting of the Society was held on the 5th at the Hall of the Franklin Institute. Mr. McArann

GEORGE VAUX, VII

{Fourth President) 1832-1835

First Period 1827-1835 59

presented branches of the lagerstroemia and verbena, and a ripe fig, seven and one-half inches in circumference, from a tree bearing over two hundred similar ones. Mr. Wain presented five varieties of grapes; — the Muscat, blanc et rouge, Savignon, Black Damascus, and a seedling from the Syrian. Professor Coxe exhibited a seedling peach, brought from the island of Juan Fer- nandez, (a superior free-stone). Mr. Parker presented several varieties of apples, peaches, and pears, and a basket of Schenck pears was received from James E. Miflin of Wrightsville, Penn- sylvania, and distributed among the members.

January 1832. The Committee on a die reported: "That an appropriate lithographic drawing can be obtained for a price not exceeding ninety dollars, executed in handsome style, from which several hundred impressions can be taken, and that the artist will be willing to submit a design for the approval of the Society, without charge; as the issuing of gold and silver Medals (as was first anticipated) is not within the means of the Society, your Committee recommend the substitution above named to be handsomely framed and a copy presented to each successful competitor accompanying the amount in money of the premium awarded." The Committee was directed to act upon the plan as outlined above.

February 1832. Messrs. Hibbert & Buist exhibited the double white and double red camellia in flower. Also, a flowering speci- men of the amaryllis.

On the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of Washington, there was a parade in Philadelphia in which upv/ards of twenty thousand persons took part in the procession and more than one hundred thousand persons stood in the streets as spectators — according to newspaper estimates at that time. "The Horticul- tural Society pleased all eyes with a beautiful display of flowers."!

March 1832. Mr. Pepper exhibited bletia, in full flower. "Ficus bras si, a new species and the handsomest of the genus; the leaves very large, of a beautiful shining green with white nerves," was exhibited by Hibbert & Buist. The specimen was grown from seed in 1830. Mr. D'Arras exhibited a fine seedling camellia. A magnificent specimen of the Rhododendron arboreum was shown

^History oj Philadelphia 1609-1884 J.Thomas Scharf and Thompson Westcott. Vol. 1— p. 633.

60 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

by J. B. Smith. The true Kennedya coccinea^ a neat climbing plant with bright scarlet papilionacceous flowers, diosma and amaryllis, all lately imported, were exhibited by Messrs. Hib- bert & Buist.

May 1832. "Messrs. Hibbert & Buist exhibited a specimen of the Rhododendron catawbiense, bearing two fine heads of large light purple flowers, spotted with brown, Geum coccineum, a scarlet flowering species, ornamented and pretty hardy. Erythrina crista-galli, Cockscomb coral plant, bearing upwards of 250 flowers and flower buds. It is supposed that this plant will prove hardy; if so, it will be an important accession as an ornamental plant, for its flowers are of extraordinary beauty and are pro- duced throughout the summer. The Bourbon Rose, a hardy climbing variety, with large flowers, similar in size and colour to those of the Provence Rose. The plant was eight feet in height, covered with flowers, and made a fine appearance."

At an adjourned meeting held on the 28th, the Committee on a room reported in favor of the one in which the Society was then assembled (121 Chestnut Street) and stated that they had made preliminary arrangements to rent it for one year, at the rate of two hundred dollars. The Society approved their report.

June 1822. A communication was read from William McMurtrie, from the United States ship Concord, at Syracuse, "accompany- ing a package of seeds and a box of grape cuttings, the latter selected with great care by an English amateur, as comprising all the varieties of value on the island. The seeds were directed to be distributed but the cuttings had unfortunately perished." On motion the thanks of the Society were directed to be pre- sented to Mr. McMurtrie.

Col. Carr stated at this meeting that he had received from the Horticultural Society of London, grafts and cuttings of all the fruits — apples, pears, peaches, plums and gooseberries — figured in the Pomological Magazine.

Messrs. Hibbert & Buist presented branches of the Madura (Osage Orange) in flower, both male and female. The male plant, hitherto unknown to cultivators, has been discovered on the grounds of the late Mr. McMahon, which have recently fallen into their possession.

First Period 1827-1835 61

July 1832. Mr. J. Coates exhibited a specimen of the Canada Thistle {Cnicus arvensis) which has made its appearance in several localities in this vicinity, and recommended that measures be adopted for its extirpation. Hibbert & Buist exhibited Verbena melindres.

August 1832. Mr. Parker exhibited several varieties of plums, apples, and pears; J. B, Smith, Antirrhinum majuSy bicolor — an amaryllis received from the Cape of Good Hope under the name of yf. longifolia. The specimen had no leaves; the stem was about 18 inches in length, and bore an umbel of six fully expanded flowers and six buds. The flowers had a delightful fragrance, resembling that of the Volkameria (Clerodendron).

A communication was received through John Vaughan accom- panying six roots of the Colchicum autumnale, which plant has been used very successfully in the treatment of gout by Sir Henry Halford, President of the Royal College of Physicians in London. John B. Smith exhibited Crinum longiflorium.

September 1832. Alexander Parker exhibited Lagerstroemia indica, Volkameria japo7tica, Achania malvaviscus, Fuchsia gra- cilis, Bignonia grandiflora, Ixora coccinea, Asclepias curassavica. Salvia splendens, Heliotropium corymbosum {H, grandiflora^, Mimulus moschatuSy Cyclamen europeum.

The anniversary meeting of the Society was held on the 3rd in the Hall at 121 Chestnut Street.

J. B. Smith presented the following plants in flower: Amaryllis, Ardisia, Begonia capensis. Hydrangea hortensis. Hibiscus rosa- sinensis, Jasminum sambac, Lantana camara, Staphylea, Phlomis, Aristolochia labiosa, different varieties of pears, green gages, plums, nectarines, and two dozen large citrons. Mr, Chauncey presented a number of very superior figs.

Mr. Maupay exhibited a singular variety of the melongena (egg plant), much resembling the tomato in form and color, drum head cabbage, and the fruit of the Cydonia japonica (flowering quince). Mr. Longstreth exhibited Amaryllis purpurea, and Hemerocallis japonica. Alexander Parker exhibited Lagerstroe- mia indie a.

October 1832. The Corresponding Secretary was instructed to cause a report on the exhibition to be prepared and published.

62 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

The report was published In the National Gazette. It was repub- lished in the American Farmer in the issue of December 7th, 1832, (vol. 14, p. 309) and is as follows:

"The committee charged with the arrangement of the fourth annual exhibition of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, cannot close their labours, without making some record of the truly animating display on that occasion; and though, from the profusion of interesting objects exhibited, and the numerous contributors, their report must necessarily be circumscribed, it is hoped that it may serve as some memento of those choice productions, and the patriotic zeal of the individuals to whose efforts the society is so much indebted. If, by inadvertance the merits of any should be overlooked, it is hoped that the burden which devolved on the committee may be deemed a sufficient excuse.

"The annual exhibitions of the society have heretofore been held in the vernal season, when the variety of flowers is great, when only many rare exotics are in bloom, and the earliest kinds of vegetables are in perfection. Fruits, however, are less abundant at that time, than at a more advanced period. To create variety and afford opportunity for the display of the many fine fruits our city and the surrounding country so prodigally yield throughout the autumn, the society decided on hold- ing its exhibition for the present year in September; and although the season proved generally unfavorable, both for the quantity and quality of the fruit, the result was highly gratifying, and on no similar occasion has the same interest been excited.

"The exhibition was held at the Masonic Hall, commencing on the 26th of September, and continuing throughout the 27th and 28th, and on the evenings of those days, when the rooms were brilliantly illumi- nated. The committee are happy in being able to state, that the amateurs who aided with the produce of their grounds, were much more numerous than heretofore; and that the number of visitors was far greater than on any previous occasion — a cheering evidence of the increasing plea- sure our exhibitions afford.

"The arrangement was at once chaste and novel, and the approving exclamations of the fair visitors evinced the good taste of Mr. J. B. Smith, to whose direction that portion of our duties was especially intrusted. To attempt a minute description were a task not easy of accomplishment; we must be content to speak in general terms.

"Among the large number of foreign plants were many choice specimens of the rarest species now in this country. Indeed every portion of the globe seemed to have been rendered tributary to this fairy scene. It is related of a Hindoo who visited the botanic garden of Liverpool, when amidst the vast assemblage of exotic plants that ornament those grounds and add lustre to the British nation, his eye rested on the palm of his

First Period 1 827-1 835 63

native land, under whose foliage the sportive hours of his childhood had been spent, he ran to clasp it while tears flowed down his cheeks — over- come by the associations of his earlier years. Had the native of the Isles, or the shores of the Pacific, the Brahmin of India, the negro of the wilds of Africa, in short an inhabitant of any portion of the globe, however remote, been present at our vegetable festival, he would have found something to remind him of his far distant home, — so numerous were the variety and the sources from which they had originated. Among the plants present, which from their uses are popularly known, we may enumerate, the tea, the coffee, the sago, the Indian rubber, the mango, the olive, the banana, the rose apple (Eugenia), the indigo, the Japanese medlar, the fragrant olive, which scents the finer teas, the pine apple, the bread-fruit, the date, the sugar cane, the camphor tree, the black pepper, the cinnamon, the New Zealand flax, the agave, the cochineal cactus, the plantain, the cream nut, the oil bearing camellia of China, the cocoa-nut, the pomegranate, the Guave, the pistachia tree, the cajeput, the tumeric. Others of far greater variety were present, but we must forbear a recital here, referring the scientific and curious to the detailed specification hereto annexed.

"The collection of fruits was interesting both as regards variety and quality. Of peaches, several new seedlings of value were brought for- ward; of pears many worthy of individual notice, but we can here only refer to the 'Doyenne gris,' whose superior excellence especially demands to be recorded; of grapes, there was a fine display, both native and for- eign. Also, apples, quinces, lemon, of unusual size, etc. In esculent vegetables, too, the exhibition was rich. The specimens of most varieties were truly worthy of distinction and attracted much attention. Indeed, in every department there was much to merit the strongest approbation and special notice.

"The daily increasing attention to the art of gardening, and to botan- ical science, evinced by the community since the formation of the Hor- ticultural Society, is a pleasing augury of what combined and continued efforts may hereafter effect. Already a fondness for flowers and floral studies seems to be fast assuming the ground heretofore held by more volatile pursuits. It is gratifying to see the public taste concentrating on a subject not only so pleasing in every particular, but abounding in much to elevate the mind and induce the most happy reflections — for who, when dwelling on the minutest portion of nature's works, but insensibly and pleasingly reverts to the great author of its existence — who, when his attention is directed to the simplest petal in the great floral family, but feels his intellect elevated and enlarged, and with- drawn from the cold calculations of every day existence. Flowers are the emblems of innocence and peace — and it has been somewhere said,

64 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

their presence in the garden or the window, is indicative of a quiet home and happy family.

"Although much has been done by our association, more remains to be accomplished. So far as the yearly and monthly exhibitions of the society could aid in giving an impetus to horticultural zeal, they have been highly successful — but much greater advantages may be anticipated if the original design of an experimental garden shall be carried into effect. There we could at all times resort, and have before us a living, imperish- able witness of the advantages of the art. A practical and pleasing illustration of the benefits of our exertions would then be constantly in sight, a reward for past efforts and a stimulus to future exertions. And why, may it be asked, should Philadelphia lack such an institution ? If taste, wealth, and professional zeal be requisite, where, in the union, shall more be looked for? Let us then hope for its accomplishment, and hoping, act with energy, and it may be speedily possessed.

"In Europe, horticultural and botanical institutions abound. In Great Britain, even provincial towns are ornamented by them often to a considerable extent, and rich in vegetable treasures called from every clime. And shall it longer be said that Philadelphia city, which claims to take the lead in all that is elegant and refined: the Athens of a vast empire, is destitute of an institution so eminently intellectual?

"As a complete list of the plants is too extensive for insertion here, we shall specify only some of the more interesting either from the beauty of the specimens, or their rarity.

"Ficus bengalensis, populifolia, and religiosa; Mespilus japonica; Dillenia speciosa; Laurus camphora; Plectranthus punctatus; Ptero- spermum acerifolium; Cookia punctata; and Plumeria alba, by A. D'Arras.

"Piper nigrum; Cactus heptagonus; Casuarina torulosa; Cactus trin- gularis; Ficus costata; Cycas revoluta; Maranta zebrina; Ficus elastica; Cactus cochinnellifer, by J. M'Arann.

"Baccharis angustifolia; Hedychium spicatum and coronarium; Plectranthus fruiticosus; Maranta bicolor; Melaleuca pubescens; Ixora coccinea, by A. Parker.

"Melastoma nervosa; Virgilia capensis; Bletia tankervilliae, Ficus australis; Latania borbonica; Erythrina crista-galli; Euphorbia hetero- phylla; Rhododendron arboreum; Mangifera indica; Musa paradisiaca; Dillenia speciosa; Ficus bengalensis; Illicium floridanum; Pandanus odoratissimus; Laurus cinnamomum; Gloxinia arborea, by G. Pepper.

"Carolina princeps; Corypha; Cupressus australis, Cookia punc- tata; Cactus melocactus; Camellia oleifera; Cocos nucifera; Cestrum nocturnum; Ficus vestita, nitida, and an undescribed species; Hedy-

First Period 1827-1835 65

sarum pictum; Indigofera fragrans; Kaempferia rotunda; Myrtus uni- florus; Artocarpus incisa; Phoenix dactylifera; Piper nigrum, Pandanus odoratissimus, and Zamia horrida, by J. B. Smith.

"Musa coccinea; Zamia pungens; Serissa foetida, the Japan box- thorn; Pandanus odoratissimus; Pistacia terebinthus; the yellow tea rose, Cycas revoluta; Astrapaea wallichi; Melaleuca cajeputi; Maur- andia barclayana, by R. Carr.

"Hakea suaveolens; Mangifera indica; Pinus longitolia; Curcuma longa; Olea fragrans; Ovieda verticillata; Chamaerops hystrix, in truit; sugar cane, by H. Pratt.

"Acacia longifolia; Melastoma nepalensis; Cactus truncatus; Gloxinia speciosa and arborea; musa paradisaca, by Mr. Gutgsell.

"Rhapis flabelliformis; Epacris grandiflora; Erica caffra; Empetrum truncatum; Banksia speciosa; Eugenia australis, in fruit; with a variety of fine roses and dahlias, by Hibbert & Buist.

"Cactus arboreus. Acacia angustifolia, agapanthus umbellatus; Westringia rosmariniformis, by Mr. Keyser.

"Cacalia speciosa, and several remarkable species of aloe, by R. Pierpont.

"Beautiful specimens of Citri, laden with fruit, and numerous rare exotics, of which no detailed list has been furnished, by D. & C. Landreth.

"A fine display of dahlias, bouquets and many other valuable con- tributions of plants, by D. Maupay, Dr. Gibson, John H. Cresson, P. K. Gorgas.Miss Rebecca Lawrence, William Cushing and J.Crumback

FRUITS

"Pears. — 'Belle et Bonne,' a fine French variety, by Mrs. Parmentier of New York. Gray doyenne, above alluded to; it is one of the beurre or butter pears, by D. Maupay.

"Petre pear, by R. Carr. Fall christian, by J. J. Borie. Seckel pears, remarkably fine, by several contributors. Vertelongue panache, a singularly striped French pear, from the place of the late Stephen Girard, by Mr. Barney. Several other excellent varieties, by J. B. Smith, J. Copia, S. Gratz, and A. Parker.

"Peaches. — Three new seedling free stones, by Mr. Bates of Camden, N. J. Fox's and Eastburn's favourite, both seedlings, by John Evans. Lemon cling and Rodman cling, by John M. Kaighn, of New Jersey. Clings, remarkably fine, by Isaac Reeves, of Red Bank, N, J., and by G. Dixon. A beautiful exhibit of peaches and grapes was presented by Mrs. H. C. Carey.

66 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

"Grapes. — Elsinborough, from the first offspring of the original vine at Elsinborough, New Jersey; it was gratifying to observe the improve- ment which has taken place in this interesting variety from cultivation. Cultivated specimens from Burlington were presented by A. Quicksall, Walter Wilson, and S. R. Wetherill; those from the latter gentleman were from two vines, one bearing one hundred bunches, and the other two hundred. Red Catawba, our best native pulpy grape, and blue Isabella, both from a vineyard containing more than three thousand vines, the greater part then loaded with fruit, nearly ripe, by E. H. Bonsai, of Germantown. White sweet water, from a vine bearing more than four hundred bunches; from the garden of J. Longstreth. Chasselas and Savingnon, in great perfection, from the garden of J. Bonaparte, at Bordentown. Four bunches of the Hampton Court grape, one of which weighed eighteen ounces; by Hibbert & Buist. Lawton Isabella, by W. W. Fisher. Malaga and black Hamburg, very superior, by Mr. Vansickle. Chasselas, a bunch weighing one pound, one and one-half ounces, by Rowland Jones, of Burlington. Hansteretto and other Hun- garian, by Mr. Laws. Numerous others, of superior excellence, were contributed by R. Carr, David Allen, of Burlington, Joseph Price, J. Evans, A. B. Engstrom, T, Stewardson, J. S. Wain, S. J. Robbins, and D. & C. Landreth.

"Quinces. — \ small and beautiful variety, by Wm. Raster. Large and fine by H. Pratt; and also by \. D'Arras and J. B, Smith.

"Apples. — Several varieties by A. Parker and John Evans.

"Lemons. — Noticed above as very superior, by C. Chauncey and S. R. Wetherill.

"Citrons. — St. Helena, remarkably large and fine, by H. Pratt.

"Figs. — White and very superior, by Joshua Longstreth. Other varie- ties, by John Evans and A. Parker.

"Melons. — Red Romana muskmelon, remarkable for the red colour of the flesh, lately introduced by H. Pratt.

VEGETABLES

"Turnip-rooted cabbage and artichokes, by J. B. Smith.

"Dutch turnips, possessing a very delicate skin, and mangel wurzel, both fine, by Henry Chorley.

"Summer blood beet; Malaga squash, a new article; prickly cucum- ber, for pickling, in fine order; early peas, the autumnal crop, a new variety of radish, shaped like the long red, but pure white, decidedly superior in quality, by R. Scott.

First Period 1827-1835 67

"Royal cabbage lettuce; early peas, the autumnal crop; white solid celery; dark claret and Italian turnip beets; early horn, and long orange carrots; curled endive; all in fine condition, by J. Engelman.

"Egg-plants, very large and fine; curled broccoli; orange carrots; parsnips, from the garden of S. Gratz.

"Squashes; Giraumon d'Athene, fine for the table while quite young; and also for pies when ripe; giraumon turban, ornamental and edible; the seed of both imported from France, by E. Harris, of Moorestown, N.J.

"Egg-plants, a new variety, singularly resembling the tomato in shape and appearance, by D. Maupay.

"Drum-head cabbage; red Portugal beet; white Portugal beet, onions; salmon brown turnip and black winter radishes, by Ashton Barton.

"Indian corn, very tall and fine; ruta baga sown on the i6th of August, and of fine size for its age, mangel wurzel, by J. Kenworthy,

"Cocoa-nut squash, an admirable vegetable, in perfection throughout the winter, by D. & C. Landreth.

"Other valuable contributions of vegetables were received from D. Allen, of Burlington, Adam Price, of Burlington; John Evans, and from the Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb.

"Leaves of the Morus multicaulis, or Chinese many-stalked mulberry the best sort for worms, with cocoons, by Mrs. Parmentier, of New York.

"Leaves of the white Italian mulberry, esteemed next to the above for worms, by J. Evans, who cultivates it extensively.

"Several bottles of superior Champagne cider were presented by Joseph Johns, and two bottles of elder wine by Mrs. Hoare.

"For paintings of fruits and flowers, and for several other objects, not all embraced in the views of the society, but which contributed largely to ornament the room, the committee are indebted to A. B. Engstrom, J. M'Arann, John Robbins, A. Parker, H. M. ZollikofFer, Mrs. Parkinson, and George Reynolds.

"Published by order of the society,

C. Pickering, Rec. Sec'y.'^

March 1833. Alexander Parker exhibited Acacia linearis.

April 1833. William Graham exhibited "a beautiful specimen of the Pceonia arborea, bearing six fully expanded flowers."

June 1833. The Committee on Vegetables handed in a report: "Congratulating the Society on the evident increase of interest among the vegetable gardeners and others, in the cultivation of the various esculents with which our market is so well supplied.

68 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

This was manifested by the large quantities and great variety of fine vegetables which had been submitted to their inspection; and they believe that none of them would suffer by a comparison with the productions of any other district or State in the Union."

July 1833 to July 1836. The meetings of the society were held in the room under the Athaeneum, in Philosophical Hall at 5th and Chestnut Streets.

August 1833. Alexander Parker exhibited cut fiowers among them — Phlox panticulata^ Coreopsis lanceolata, grandiflora, and tinctoria.

November 1833. A fine specimen of the Amaryllis aulica was exhibited from the garden of Mr. George Pepper, Also fruit of the banana from the garden of Mr. Henry Pratt. Mr. William Chalmers presented several specimens of Cardoon, one of them weighing twenty-seven pounds. "The finest it is believed, as a lot, that has ever been seen in this country,"

December 1833. Philip Ricketts presented specimens of the Win- ter Beurre pear and offered to supply grafts to any members desiring them.

January 1834. The Committee appointed to take into considera- tion the propriety of adopting measures for the increase of the Library handed in the following report: "That they have con- sidered the subject and recommend that the sum of $250. be annually appropriated to procure such works as may, in the dis- cretion of a committee to be appointed for the purpose, be judged suitable."

February 1834. William Chalmers exhibited Magnolia yulan.

March 1834. Alexander Parker displayed Pittosporum undu- latum. John McArann presented Eriobotrya japonica in fruit.

April 1834. "Messrs. D. & C. Landreth exhibited the finest seedling Camellia we have yet seen ; it is of the shape of the Double White, but of a pink color."

May 1834. William Chalmers displayed Melaleuca decussata.

June 1834. Alexander Parker displayed Clematis Jlorida Jlore- pleno^ Papaver somniferum and rhoeas.

First Period 1 827-1 835 69

July 1834. Robert Buist exhibited "the Fuchsia glohosa^ entirely new, and presented for the first time; it takes its name from the globular buds being like half ripe Cherries, and it is a beautiful and profuse flowering species." Alexander Parker displayed Saponaria officinalis.

August 1834. Thomas Allen, gardener to Mr. Gratz, presented a gigantic specimen of the Amaranthus cruentus. Robert Buist displayed Rosa noisettia superba and Rosa nivea.

October 1834. Robert Buist presented Mimulus youngeana (M. smithi). Dr. Burroughs presented seeds of the "Male Pampelo," a variety of shaddock from Manilla, considered a very superior fruit — also some Prangos seed from the mountains of Thibet, received direct from the Botanic Garden of Calcutta.

January 1835. John McArann presented Viburnum tinus. Auguste D 'Arras displayed Plumbago coccinea.

March 1835. Peter Mackenzie displayed Mimulus variegatus.

April 1835. The Library Committee reported as follows:

"The Library is yet so very small as hardly to warrant the expense inseparable from the weekly or frequent attendance of the Librarian. Under these circumstances, the Committee would recommend that the Hall be opened at early candle-light on the day of each monthly meeting when it shall be the duty of one member of the Library Committee to attend. It is also recom- mended to exact from each member an obligation, before he shall be entitled to the use of the Library."

Dryburg & Sherwood presented Primula cortusioides and Coronilla glauca.

May 1835. Mrs. A. D. Bache presented a very beautiful specimen of the Mississippi Lily, Pancratium. Dryburg & Sherwood presented Agapanthus umbellatus and Iris chinensis.

August 1835. "An honorary premium of $5.00 was awarded to Mr. John K. Helmuth of this city for some seedling Nectarines which were placed on the table — they were the finest which have hitherto been brought before the Society."

September 1835. Robert Buist presented monthly Cabbage Rose, "a rare and exceedingly beautiful variety."

70 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

The Editors and Proprietors of the City Newspapers were duly elected members. On motion, it was resolved that the annual contribution be not required of them.

October 1835. B. M. Ogden presented a bill amounting to $18.08 for expenses incurred in the transportation and exhibition of dahlia flowers at the New York Show, which flowers were deposited in the name and to the credit of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Bill ordered to be paid.

Among the flowers shown at the meetings during the first ten years of the Society's existence, were the following: Amaryllis, asters, acacia, ardisia, arbutus, begonias, bletia, campanulas, chrysanthemums, carnations, camellias, cyclamen, cinerarias, calceolarias, cacti, daisies, dahlias, fuchsias, geraniums, roses, tulips, verbena and zinnias. Among the exhibitors, we find that the following names appeared most frequently: Robert Buist, Josiah Coates, Charles Chauncey, William Chalmers, A. D'Arras, George Esher, Jacob Engleman, Anthony Felton, William Gra- ham, Thomas Hibbert, Charles Kaighn, Charles Kenworthy, David Landreth, Jr., Joshua Longstreth, John McArann, Daniel Maupay, James E. Miflin, Daniel McAvoy, Alexander Parker, George Pepper, Henry Pratt, Samuel Rhoads, Jr., James B. Smith, John B. Smith, John Sherwood, Robert Vaux, Jacob Wain, Col. Robert Carr and Dr. James Mease. Also, the firms of Dryburgh & Sherwood, and Hibbert & Buist.

SECOND PERIOD

1836-1855

Horace Binney served his second term as president of the Society during the first four years of this period. He was followed by Caleb Cope who held office for ten years. To his ability as a leader, his enthusiasm for gardening, and his spirit of generosity is due much of the success of this period. During the last six years of the period General Robert Patterson, a soldier with an ardent love of growing things, was president.

Caleb Cope paid high tribute to Thomas P. James, recording secretary (1840-1859) and to John Thomas who was treasurer

during this entire period (1835-1858).

It is, of course, largely due to this Secretary's labor that we have the detailed, accurate and interesting record of this period showing the development of the Society from a small and rather unimportant body to one of national reputation, and a leading authority in horticultural circles in this country.

In September 1849 a motion was passed to publish all the proceedings of the Society.

The "Acting Committee," as the Council was usually called, was apparently never an executive body during this period and held no regular meetings. It was expected that its chief duty would be the care of the botanic garden, but this project never materialized. Aside from promoting interest in the Society the Council seems to have been quite inactive and was discontinued about 1840.

In 1844 the membership was about 800. In 1853, 133 new members were added in six months. In 1838, Henry A. Dreer, destined to become one of the leading seedsmen of America, joined the Society. In 1850, Thomas James proposed the name of one of the most brilliant horticulturists of his time, Thomas Meehan.

Most of the meetings were held in the Philadelphia Museum on Chestnut Street. Monthly exhibitions had become the most important feature of the meetings. Most of the burdensome details of the business meetings were cared for by an elaborate committee system. There was a committee of finance and of

71

72 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

publication, a library committee, committees on fruit, vegetables, establishing premiums, establishing names of fruits, and dis- tribution of seeds; a committee for awarding premiums on plants and flowers, one to superintend exhibitions and on entomology, horticultural chemistry, and botany.

There was a distinct efibrt evident to make the Society a sci- entific body. A committee on new plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables was created, professorships of horticultural chemistry, botany, and entomology were established, delegates were ex- changed with other horticultural bodies in this country, and close contact was kept with similar organizations abroad.

The Society was making investigations of plant diseases and pests. Pear blight and plum curculio and the control of insect pests by parasites were some of the problems studied.

The Society also showed a distinct interest in municipal prob- lems of a horticultural nature. In 1 849 a committee was appointed to recommend to City Council the eradication of objectionable trees in our public squares and the planting of desirable ones and to interest the Council in the establishment of an arboretum- One year a survey was made of the area under glass in private places about Philadelphia.

The establishment of a horticultural garden, one of the pri- mary objects in the foundation of the Society, was still its favorite project. In 1843 a committee was appointed to consider the sub- ject and report on its feasibility. Lemon Hill Estate was the site under consideration at this time. It was suggested that the Society co-operate with the Zoological Society in this project, but no agreement was reached. In 1851 we find the president, Caleb Cope, lamenting the fact that the annual expenses of the Society had so far encroached upon its receipts as to have made the pro- curement of a botanic garden an almost unattainable object.

Except for a period of several years, about 1850, the Society prospered financially. The amount of investments in 1854 aggre- gated 313,200.00 as compared to $4,880.00 at the beginning of the period. All of the money was invested in mortgages except one certificate of the City of Philadelphia for ?1000.00,

Treasurers' reports were submitted semi-annually and were audited by the Committee of Finance. The first record of a trea-

Second Period 1836-1855 73

surer 's report is found in the minutes of January 1851. Annual dues were reduced to $3.00; life membership to $25.00.

In April 1835 the Society passed a resolution that the Library be opened at early candle light on the day of each monthly meet- ing and also on the evening of the first Monday of each month, one member of the Library Committee to be in attendance. Each member of the Society was permitted to carry one volume with him at the hour of closing to be returned at the hour of opening on the following library day.

In 1842 it was recorded that the Library contained 450 vol- umes. $300.00 was appropriated at that time for the extension of the Library. A librarian was engaged at a salary of $50.00 a year. In 1850 the Library had increased to 850 volumes and was reported the following year as the largest and most extensive of its kind in the country.

Caleb Cope and George Pepper were enthusiastic orchid col- lectors during this period while John B. Smith and Richard Fet- ters showed a distinct partiality to cacti, and Peter McKenzie had a fine collection of acacias. Gerhard Schmitz was the leading dahlia exhibitor. He produced hundreds of lovely seedlings, per- haps the one receiving greatest admiration being the one which was named in honor of the Society's president, Caleb Cope.

Of the many ardent collectors of new plants during this period, Robert Buist stands out as the one making the most accessions. To him we are indebted for the first exhibition before the Society of Plumbago larpentae, Dielytra {Dicentra) spectabilis^ Pentas carnea, Gesneria zebrina^ Campanula latiloba (C. grandis), and numerous cinerarias, azaleas, and camellias; the Florentine grape and the Hobart-town potato.

To Peter Mackenzie goes the honor of introducing Rosa dev- oniensis, undoubtedly one of the most important acquisitions of the Society. Caleb Cope is responsible for the introduction of that lovely orchid, Phalaenopsis amabilis, and also for Calanthe veratrifolia. While serving his country in various parts of the world. General Robert Patterson found time to study the flora in his surroundings and often sent seeds and plants to the Society for distribution among its members.

Among the plants most commonly on display during this period

74 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

were: ardisias, euphorbias, ficus, acacias, hydrangeas, hoyas. oxalis, fuchsias, heliotropes, hibiscus, aristolochias, abutilons, aloes, achimenes, bouvardias, ericas, jasminums, plumbagos, azaleas and calceolarias.

Fruits and vegetables were quite as prominent as ornamental plants at the exhibitions. Hundreds of new varieties of grapes, apples, pears and peaches were exhibited each year. Foreign fruits were introduced in ever increasing numbers. There was also great enthusiasm over the culture and development of the small fruits.

Because there were no rules governing fruit nomenclature in this country confusion was constantly arising in naming and identifying varieties. It was to eliminate this confusion and to establish rules governing new varieties that the committee on establishing names of new fruits presented "The Rules of Amer- ican Pomology" to the Society in 1847. It was hoped that these rules would be adopted by horticultural societies throughout the country.

Medals displaced the lithographic drawings which were offered as awards at exhibitions during the first period. Dies for striking medals were presented by Caleb Cope.

The committee for establishing premiums presented a schedule of awards for the ensuing year and established rules regulating all exhibitions. The following is a typical year's schedule:

January and February — camellias, primula sinensis.

March — pears, apples, mushrooms, azaleas, rhododendrons.

April — roses (Bengal, tea, noisette, bourbon), hyacinths, pansies, pelargoniums, auriculas, sea-kale, cauliflower, cucum- bers, rhubarb.

May — roses (hybrid perpetuals, American seedlings and as in April), pelargoniums, tulips, American seedling camellias, cucumbers, rhubarb, potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, peas.

June — grapes, strawberries, cherries, turnips, artichokes.

July — carnations, lilies, grapes, apricots, plums, cauliflower, figs, currants, gooseberries, raspberries.

August — peaches, pears, plums, grapes, nectarines.

Second Period 1836-1855 IS

September — the autumnal exhibition.

October — pears, apples.

November — chrysanthemums, celery, brocolli, Brussels sprouts.

December — pears, apples, potted plants, baskets, bouquets, cut-flowers, displays of fruits, displays of vegetables.

Many of the exhibitions were held in the Philadelphia Museum. They were done on an elaborate scale and were very popular. The twenty-third annual exhibition stands out as the most mag- nificent up to that time for it was then that Caleb Cope (Thomas Meehan, gardener) staged his famous exhibition of Victoria regia, the first to be successfully grown in America and conceded to have been more magnificent than any specimen ever grown in England, the country from which the seed was obtained.

Some of America's greatest pomologists were frequent con- tributors to the Society's exhibitions: Marshall P. Wilder of Boston, the Downing brothers of Newburgh, and Dr. W. D. Brinckle. Among commercial people exhibiting at this time were Ellwanger & Barry of Rochester, N. Y., Thomas Hancock of Burlington, N. J., and Parsons & Co., of Flushing, L. I.

Among the frequent exhibitors during this period were: Plants and Flowers: M. W. Baldwin, Isaac B. Baxter, Robert Buist, George W. Carpenter, Col. Robert Carr, William Carvill, gar- dener at Haverford College, Chalmers & McDonald, Caleb Cope, John Dick, Henry A. Dreer, Andrew Dryberg, James Dundas, Andrew M. Eastwick, B. A. Fahnestock, Richard Fetters of Camden, N. J., James D. Fulton, Thomas Hancock, Harry Ingersoll, Robert Kilvington, D. Rodney King, J. Francis Knorr, John Lambert, Landreth & Fulton, Peter Mackenzie, Samuel Maupay, Alexander Parker, General Robert Patterson, George Pepper, Peter Raabe, Ritchie & Dick, Dr. James Rush, Gerhard Schmitz, John Sherwind, and Mrs. John B. Smith.

Fruits: I. B. Baxter, Horace Binney, John R. Brinckle, Robert Buist, George W. Carpenter, Col. Robert Carr, Cincinnati Horticultural Society, Caleb Cope, George B. Deacon of Burlington, N. J., A. J. Downing of Newburgh, N. Y., Ellwanger & Barry of Rochester, N. Y., Thomas Hancock of Burlington, N. J., J. H. Hayes of Newark, N. J., William Johns, Robert Kilvington, Joshua Longstreth, Thomas McEuen, Samuel Maupay, General Robert Patterson, George Pepper, John Per- kins of Moorestown, N. J., Peter Raabe, John Rutter of West Chester, Pa., John Sherwood, Mrs. John B. Smith, James H. Satterthwait,

76 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Marshall P. Wilder of Boston, Mass., and Judge Wilkins of Camden,

N.J.

Vegetables: Isaac B. Baxter, Robert Buist, Samuel Cooper, Caleb Cope, Andrew M. Eastwick, Jacob Engleman, John C. Engelman, Albinus L. Felton, Anthony Felton, Miss Gratz, J. R. Latimer of Wil- mington, Del., M. E. Mitchell, John Riley, "gardener at the Insane Hospital."

CHRONOLOGY

1836—1855

At the meeting held on February 15, 1836, Horace Binney, was elected president of the Society. Charles Pickering continued to serve as recording secretary and John Thomas acted as the very efficient treasurer, having been elected in September 1835. He filled this office for twenty-two years.

During the year 1836, the Society held its meetings in the Hall under the Athaeneum and in the Franklin Institute. President Binney often presided, but George Pepper, P. K. Gorgas, J. S. Wain, Joseph Price, Isaac Myer, C. Roberts and J. T. Mather presided at meetings when the president was absent.

April 1836. David Landreth offered a resolution that a commit- tee of three should be appointed to ascertain what information exists in relation to the culture of the sugar beet and its manufac- ture into sugar.

At the same meeting the President of the Society was author- ized to procure in Europe a plate for the certificate for member- ship, and also one for honorary membership, and the sum of 3300 was appropriated for this object, and a committee of three ap- pointed to confer with the President.

On the following page is shown an illustration of the Diploma engraved in copper plate which Mr. Binney secured in Europe and which has been used by the Society ever since.

Second Period 1836-1855

77

			'■ *^— ^J^r^XsL '	i^M^^S^.
	^	i	'^td^MRvH^^^S^^I^^		Ii
'j£ia	•i	n		^	1^-
sM	■ ■'■7J	i VC	■DnUrf ^ ^ffitK	^^	M»i4aife..
^Sa'^	ii" i	)'■	Mwi ^wB^	-■k^
.If-	$ f*	%		J
	^	\		m	^'-'9-%
^^^0^	-- ^
fip	1
^5^|F,j^;y'-^

THE DIPLOMA

Represents Pomona, sitting in a graceful posture, her right hand resting on the shield of the arms of Pennsylvania at her side, and her left hold- ing a gardener's pruning knife. On the right of the Nymph, in the fore- ground, is a basket of flowers and two boys in pleasing attitudes, one of them watering a tulip from an urn, and the other plucking a rose from a bush. A lily of the valley, waterlilies and leaves in the basin of a classical fountain, a palm tree, and other shrubbery are represented in the background, on the same side. On the left are two boys in different attitudes from the others, but of equal beauty, one bearing on his head and presenting to Pomona a basket of fruits, a pineapple, plums, peaches, pears, and melons, and the other kneeling on one knee and cutting off a bunch of grapes from a trellis. In the foreground on the same side are fruits of various kinds lying on the ground. The Nymph is sitting under an arbour, on one part of which are represented grape leaves and grapes clustering in great profusion, and on the other a convolvulus and other twining plants.

In mythology Pomona is represented as sitting on a large basket full of fruit holding in her left hand a number of apples, and in the right a nosegay of flowers.

The artist has observed this representation as far as was consistent with the object of the Society, and has diffused the emblems over such a space, as to give the work the character of a beautiful picture.

78 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

May 1836. Dryburg & Sherwood exhibited a collection of roses. Among them were Perpetual White, Lee's Crimson Perpetual, D'Angier's Perpetual, and Grand Perpetual. This is the first record of perpetual roses being exhibited.

July 1836. Daniel McGrevy, gardener to H. C. Carey, presented three full-grown specimens of the sugar beet; the first that have been brought before the Society, or that have been produced in this vicinity, that we are aware of.

August 1836. Alexander Parker presented Eugenia myrtifoliay Scilla maritima, Swainsonia galegifolia.

January 1837. William Chalmers exhibited Passiflora edulis.

February 1837. The Committee on Premiums made their report and included among their premiums was one offering 3500, for preventing the blight in pear trees. At the same meeting, Mr. Mackenzie exhibited a splendid specimen of the Poinsettia pul- cherrima*, the bracts spreading 20 inches in diameter and exceed- ingly numerous. A premium of $2.00 was awarded to Peter Mackenzie, gardener to Henry Pratt, for the first Mango exhibited before the Society.

NOTE

As far as known the Society continued to function for the next four and one-half years very much as it had during the previous five years but, unfortunately, no record of its activities exists today. It is believed that the minutes of the various meetings that occurred between September 1837 and March 1842 were destroyed in one of the several fires that the Society has expe- rienced at different times.

Monthly meetings continued to be held in the Lower Saloon of the Philadelphia Museum and small exhibitions of flowers, fruits and vegetables were made at these meetings.

April 1842. Peter Mackenzie (gardener to Henry Pratt), exhibited the new Rosa devoniensis.

June 1842. "The Committee on New Plants, etc. report that they, by an invitation from John Sherwood this day examined

*This is Euphorbia pulcherriuma, now known as E. Poinsettia — called E. Poinsettiana by Buist and Poinsettia pulcherrima by Graham. — Bailey I. 1169'27.

CALEB COPE

{Fifth Pres ident) 1 8 4 2- 1 8 5 1

Second Period 1 836-1 855 19

at Mr. Pepper's greenhouse, a fine specimen of the Doryanthes excelsa^ or as its name purports, the Spear Flower, a native of New Holland.

"This plant was imported by its proprietor in 1828, and is an offset of the specimen which flowered at Edinburgh in 1825.

"It is of the Amaryllideae genera, and has numerous long, narrow, sword shaped radical leaves, and a Scape or stem arising from their centre to the height of ten feet, having close, acute, sheathing leaves, and crowned with a head of fascicles of scarlet flowers.

"Mr. Sherwood states that he has grown it in heath mould, commonly called peat earth, and shifted or repotted it every spring before com- mencing to grow, he has generally kept it during the summer in an exhausted hot bed, shading it from the hot sun, but exposing it at night for the purpose of receiving the dew; when it became too large for the hot bed he introduced it into a pit under glass shading as before, when in this moist atmosphere it grew luxuriantly — -during the last winter he kept it in the hot-house. The flower stem commenced its growth about the first of December last, making its greatest growth in mid- winter, and began to bloom about the first of June.

"Mr. Sherwood is entitled to great credit for the skill and patience with which he has cultivated and reared this rare and beautiful plant. It is the first specimen imported into the United States and the first that has flowered."

Robert Buist exhibited hilium japonicum sp. nov. from Japan and submitted the following description: Stem terete about three feet in height; leaves linear — lanceolate, three feet five inches long, and about half an inch broad, scattered; flowers self colored, of a bright orange, four inches in diameter, erect; blooms in June and July; propagated by offsets or scales in a soil of rich sandy loam; hardy, if covered with dry leaves or litter in winter. Intro- duced into the United States in 1841 and has not been figured.

At the meeting held June 21, the Room Committee reported:

"The Hall formerly occupied by the Society under the Athenaeum has not been rented. It is placed in charge of a special committee from whom it is hoped a favourable report may soon be received.

"Although it is extremely desirable that the Society shall be relieved of the rent of this room, it is a cause of congratulation that a removal has been effected, it having been ascertained that many members would have retired from the Society, if more adequate accommodations had not been obtained.

80 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

"The splendid Hall in which the Society is located in the Museum building affords ample space for its numerous and constantly increas- ing members and by judicious management the Horticultural Society may be rendered the most attractive institution in this city.

"The addition of lady members is particularly desirable. This will give a tone and character to the Society, will operate as a check to intem- perate discussion, and preserve us from that party spirit which too fre- quently works the downfall of the most popular institutions.

"Our enterprising gardeners and florists furnish us at every monthly meeting with a rich display of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. We cannot but express our admiration of their unwearied efforts, and we tender our sincere wishes that they may be rewarded by an increasing demand for the beautiful and useful objects which they cultivate.

"The Fountain which discharges more than 4000 gallons of water per hour has been obtained at the rent of ^25.00 per annum, being ^2o.co for the present year, or fifty cents per hour, and its pleasing and salutary effects have been appreciated both by members and visitors. At the annual Exhibition it will be particularly valuable not only as an object attractive in itself but as offering facilities for watering the plants and preserving them in health and vigour.

"The accommodations for the library and meeting of committees in the room at the south west angle of the Hall are such as to afford entire satisfaction. Access to the Library alone is worth more than the annual subscription of ^3.00 for membership, and the Library Committee deserve the thanks of the Society for their judicious selection of books, many of them containing engravings of the highest order.

"The Committee conclude with the expression of their belief that The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is destined to exercise a salutary influence, by the diffusion of a taste for the interesting objects of the vegetable kingdom, and by the cultivation of those social feelings which tend to purify the mind, and incite to elevated pursuits of intellect."

August 1842. The Library Committee states:

"That since the last annual report, the Library had been increased by the addition of eighty volumes, making it now to contain 450 volumes. To the funds for the purchase of books I8.25 have been added by fines imposed upon members for the detention of books."

Robert Buist exhibited Vitis vinifera var. Muscat blanc hatif which was described as follows:

"A new variety between the Muscat and Sweet Water sorts possessing the combined qualities of these very choice grapes, the fruit is large and round, of a yellowish white color, and in flavor rich and agreeable, the bunches are of a goodly size. It is a strong grower, a profuse bearer, and

Second Period 1836-1855 81

very early and will prove very permanent and productive in a rich, gravelly soil. This grape was introduced by the contributor from Long- jumeau near Paris in 1840 and will prove an acquisition to our collec- tion. He is ignorant of its having been figured or described in any work."

Report by the Recording Secretary of the Objects Shown,

With Remarks, at the Fourteenth Exhibition

(Sept. 21, 1842)

"The lower Saloon of the Philadelphia Museum now in the occupancy of the Society, proved a most admirable Hall for the purpose of the recent autumnal display. The accommodations far exceeded those possessed by the Society upon any similar occasion, with the exception of the Eleventh Exhibition which was held in the grand Saloon imme- diately above. And the facility of ingress and egress for the larger objects (which was duly appreciated by the Committee of arrangement) was an important advantage and resulted so satisfactorily that not the slight- est injury was sustained by any of the numerous contributions which were so kindly and so liberally furnished for the occasion.

"The visitor upon entering the Hall was struck with the grand and picturesque display which presented itself to his view, in the towering and in the more humble exotic and indigenous products intermingled at various points with those extensive floral designs of arches, grottos, temples, pyramids, vases and festoons; combining the handiwork of nature and art. When as he passed inward the tranquilizing sounds of the fountain, which in its successive cascades seemed to pour out liba- tions to the surrounding groups, fell upon his ear, he felt the grateful influences from its unremitted flow experienced equally by the animate and inanimate crowd, which graced and filled the apartment to its ut- most capacity.

"To give some idea of the extent of the Saloon it may be remarked that it contains an area embraced by a line of enclosures, in length 156 feet and in breadth sixty-five feet, with an altitude of twenty-three feet, having a double range of twenty beautiful columns extending the whole length of the building, sixteen feet from the north and south walls, and graced in the centre with a classical fountain in height ten feet sup- ported by Dolphins and surrounded by an octagonal basin fifteen feet in diameter — and at the eastern extremity an orchestral stage between the columns eight feet in height.

"The arrangement of the tables for the display of the objects of the exhibition may be concisely stated. A range running the whole length of the saloon three feet in height by three feet in width lined the north- ern and southern walls, another forming a double range on each side

82 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

of the saloon nine feet in breadth embracing the columns ran parallel, leaving a passage of nine feet between them with spaces opposite the fountain for passages; that portion of this table facing the walls was constructed with three elevations to the height of six feet. Through the centre of the saloon extended oval and circular tables — the one east of the fountain was of a large oval form fifteen feet in length by ten feet in breadth — the three on the west were circular ten feet in diameter every one of which had a covering of green cloth.

"The various objects of attraction which composed the exhibition were arranged in the following order — on the tables along the northern wall were displayed the abundant culinary vegetables, interspersed at intervals with large specimens of greenhouse plants, a pyramid of flowers, and bouquets. Upon the parallel elevated table other choice specimens of vegetables, water and nutmeg melons and upon the topmost eleva- tion the fine display of honey in glass hives. In the interval between these tables opposite the fountain stood the Bee Palace and Triumphal Arch which was so much admired. Upon the level inner range of the above mentioned table were shown fine specimens of plants, of which were the mahogany tree, acacias, orange and lemon trees, New Zealand flax, guava, mango, sugar cane, tea and coffee trees with many others yielding products of commerce. And opposite the extreme eastern end was the unique original model of a grotto, and by its side the floral chandelier stand and next in order the rose-covered urn, the casket of indigenous plans on a pedestal, and the large antique vase enveloped with flowers likewise standing on a pedestal, all arranged in front of the orchestral stage. Upon the stage were some of the largest specimens of palms, gum elastic, orange, lemon, coffee, and other trees presenting in the distance the effect of an Asiatic scenery; from the ceiling above the stage hung in drapery form a pair of the splendid festoons, and on the opposite wall in the western side of the saloon was suspended over the entrance and exit doors the other tasteful pair of festoons with fine effect.

"The extensive oval table contained in the centre a fine large specimen of palm surrounded with other plants lessening in height to the circum- ference, thus presenting a miniature mountain of floral and verdant beauty; between this table and the fountain stood the large and hand- some Urn which received so many encomiums — within the basin of the fountain were Arums and aquatic plants, and around its edge, basket and other bouquets. In the interval for a passage south of the fountain between the other range embracing the columns was the erect device, the horizontal plan of which was the plot for a flower garden, and on the west stood the tall Steeple design; the three circular tables contained numerous interesting plants — the screw pine, several palms, jasmines, acacias, banksias, eardrops, cinnamon, cassia, olives, sagos, cocoas, teas.

Second Period 1 836-1 855 83

Chile pine, and ardisias, with innumerable others. Between two of these circular tables was the light, airy, Chinese temple design. At the western end of the Saloon between and about the doors of entrance and exit were more of the large specimens of plants, of which might be noticed the Uraria speciosa, a tall stately banana-like plant, a fruitful pome- granate, flowering lagerstroemias or crape myrtles, a fine banana, royal bay, a large specimen of Littaea (Agave) geminiflora, commonly but incorrectly called Bonapartea juncea, dwarf pomegranate, palms and a specimen of the live oak.

"Upon the inner southern range embracing the columns were displayed the very numerous specimens of that grotesque yet interesting order, the Cactacae with other succulent plants. To many this table was an object of much interest, containing as it did species of nearly all of the general of the Cactaceae many of the Euphorbiacea, the Hemerocallea, Crassulacea and a few of the Asclepiadea. To casual observers, although but few of the specimens were in bloom still, the display possessed inter- est from the curiously diversified forms and singular appearances pre- sented. Of the Cacteae there might be observed the leafy Pereskie: — the flat jointed forms of the Opuntia, a scaly leaved Lepismium, the articulated Hariota (Hatiora) of which some were attenuated and pendulous; the truncated forms of the Epiphylla; — and the slender and erect, and the flexible and creeping, the many angled and flat Cerei; — the spheroidal and depressed forms of the Echmonyetauthi; — the ovate and hedgehog-like appearance of the Echinocacti; — the columnar and the globular shape of the Mammillariae; — the ribbed, melon and Turk's cap, form of the Melocacti; — the grey headed and venerable appearance of the Pilocerei; and the bristly and spiny clothing of nearly the whole order. To which add the indescribably odd appearance produced by the mode of ingrafting the various species upon each other. Of the Euphor- biaceae many were as curiously formed and singular as the preceding. Of the Hemerocallea there were the spotted, accuminated and partridge- breasted Aloes, the fan-shaped Rhipidodendron, and marbled and pearl Gasteria, with some species of the Crassulacea and Asclepiadeae. On the eastern extremity of this table was a specimen of the Oncidium Papilio, the flower of which has a striking resemblance to a guady but- terfly and commanded the attention of every visitor; opposite stood that always attractive and remarkable plant the Nepenthes distillatoria or pitcher plant in healthy condition and of increased size.

"And now, the visitor upon turning around the easternmost extremity of the above mentioned table had a full view of the most tempting and fascinating portion of the whole exhibition in the display of Pomona's most delicious gifts arranged on the elevated table in a most inviting manner, which contained some of the finest fruits of the vine, the peach, the pear, the plum, the apple and quince trees, intermingled with Flora's

84 A History of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

choicest gems. On the tables along the south wall were seen other fruits embracing a fine show of peaches and apples; and stands containing splendid dahlias, fragrant roses and verbenas, interspersed at various points with fine large specimens of plants. In the southwest angle of the saloon was erected a temple with a spire, in altitude about fifteen feet, beautifully embellished.

"The fine cone bouquets, beautiful baskets and vases, were arranged in various positions, some on the fruit tables and others on those con- taining plants. The smaller bouquets, vases, glasses and dishes so taste- fully arranged by the ladies, who cheerfully volunteered their services were interspersed with much discrimination throughout the exhibition, adding exceedingly to the display, and without which the effect would have been tame and unfinished.

"The practical horticulturist, who by his skill and habits of industry has made the pursuit he has chosen at once the means of support and a source of happiness to himself and family, rejoices that whilst his own pecuniary wants are supplied by the success of his efforts, his fellowman has been improved and society benefitted — well may he exult and well may the amateur and well-wisher of the cause exult at the achievements of his profession.

"Although the present is a period of extraordinary depression, when many of our once wealthy citizens are reduced to poverty or at least to a scanty subsistence, and many of the industrial class find no employ- ment whatever, while there is scarcely a single stranger sojourning in the city, yet the exhibition has been most liberally patronized, the receipts exceeding generally the anticipations of the society."

October 1842. The Committee