Initial commit of ebook 78370 filesHEADmain

27 files changed, 7988 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/78370-0.txt b/78370-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fc23cc3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,3050 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78370 ***
+
+
+
+
+  Arranged and Printed
+  by the
+  Germantown Independent-Gazette
+  Germantown, Pa.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Oak Tree and Rabbit Lane]
+
+
+
+
+  GERMANTOWN
+  _OLD AND NEW_
+
+  Its Rare
+  and Notable
+  Plants
+
+  [Illustration]
+
+  _1904_
+
+  _BY EDWIN C. JELLETT_
+
+
+
+
+  _To
+  CLARA HELEN BAUMANN
+  a native of Germantown whose
+  ancestors beautified it in the
+  past as their successor honors
+  and enriches it in the present._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+_PREFACE_
+
+
+This outline sketch of our “rare and notable plants” was prepared at
+the direction of “The Germantown Horticultural Society” and was read
+at its public meeting of May 9, 1904,--the same later appearing in the
+columns of the “Germantown Independent-Gazette.”
+
+At the time of writing, there was no thought of publishing the paper,
+it being hurriedly assembled outside the time required for daily
+positive duties within the limits of one week,--and was intended only
+for a simple address.
+
+This will partly explain, if it does not excuse obvious defects, and
+since I have been urged by several members of the Society named to
+present the paper in print, I have concluded to send it forth with all
+its faults from the same types by which it first appeared, asking only
+that the circumstances be remembered, for no one, I feel confident, is
+able to satisfactorily present the plants of Germantown in an article
+so brief,--or more definitely,--I am not able to do so. To the original
+paper I have added an index, which I hope may not be found superfluous.
+
+For the illustrations which grace our pages, I am indebted to S.
+Mendelsohn Meehan,--who suggested this paper,--and to Horace F.
+McCann--who printed it. The faces which familiarly greet us I have
+added to dignify our work, for past and present they represent the
+“stuff” which built our town,--preserved it,--and now keep it,--forever
+famous. Last, but not least, I feel sure we all are pleased with the
+appearance of our book, and to Erwin W. Moyer, whose skill and good
+taste reared upon a sub-stratum apparently hopelessly unpromising a
+structure so creditable, I wish to record my heartiest thanks.
+
+                                                                E. C. J.
+
+
+
+
+_ILLUSTRATIONS_
+
+
+_FRONTISPIECE_
+
+  Oak tree on Rabbit Lane, near County Line Road. Photograph by Charles
+  Edward Pancoast.
+
+_PAGE 23_
+
+  The “Morris-Littell” House, at southeast corner of Main and High
+  streets. The rear part of this house I believe to have once been the
+  residence of Dr. Christopher Witt.--(E. C. J.) Photo by J. H. Russ.
+
+_PAGE 30_
+
+  George Redles. A remarkable botanist, whose knowledge of our native
+  and cultivated plants is unsurpassed, and whose modesty is equal to
+  his acquirements. Photograph by Mrs. George Redles.
+
+_PAGE 33_
+
+  Wakefield, a notable historic mansion, whose surrounding grounds
+  exhibit many of our finest plants. Etching by Joseph Pennell. Penna.
+  Magazine.
+
+_PAGE 44_
+
+  Naglee Houses. Original houses, exhibiting to the present the stone
+  dwellings of the early settlement. Photograph of “The Philadelphia
+  Times.”
+
+_PAGE 48_
+
+  Weeping Elms. Beautiful specimens shading the entrance to Meehans’
+  nurseries. Cut from “Meehans’ Monthly.”
+
+_PAGE 51_
+
+  Louis Clapier Baumann, in his day the leading Florist of Germantown,
+  and the first “wholesale grower of cut flowers” for the Philadelphia
+  markets. Photograph copy by E. C. J.
+
+_PAGE 57_
+
+  Hemlock Glen of the “Monks,” situated on the Wissahickon, above
+  Kitchen’s Lane. Photograph by E. C. J. From “Meehans’ Monthly.”
+
+_PAGE 64_
+
+  Charles J. Wister, who preserves the traditions of “Grumblethorpe,”
+  and following in the footsteps of an illustrious line, is honored and
+  beloved wherever known. Photograph by Samuel R. Gray.
+
+_PAGE 72_
+
+  Elliston P. Morris, the owner of the “Deshler-Morris” mansion
+  which President Washington occupied, and the possessor also of
+  one of the finest gardens in Germantown. Print of “The Germantown
+  Independent-Gazette.”
+
+_PAGE 74_
+
+  R. Robinson Scott, an eminent Germantown horticulturist, and the
+  discoverer of the famous fern known as “Scott’s Spleenwort.”
+  Photograph copy by E. C. J. Print of “Fern-Bulletin.”
+
+_PAGE 78_
+
+  Thomas Nuttall, a noted naturalist, lecturer and explorer. An
+  exceedingly rare spleenwort keeps before us his name. From “Botanists
+  of Philadelphia,” by John W. Harshberger, Ph. D.
+
+_PAGE 79_
+
+  “Wyck,” a marvel of quaintness and exquisite beauty. The oldest
+  house and garden in Germantown, and the richest in intellectual
+  associations. Photograph by Gilbert Hindermyer. From “Home and
+  Garden.”
+
+_PAGE 83_
+
+  Johnson Homestead, at northwest corner of Main street and Washington
+  lane, a house renowned in local history, whose garden is its equal in
+  absorbing interest. Print of “The Germantown Independent-Gazette.”
+
+_PAGE 88_
+
+  Cliveden, the centre of the Germantown battle ground, and the home of
+  many beautiful plants. Print of “The Germantown Independent-Gazette.”
+
+_PAGE 90_
+
+  Upsala, celebrated for its stately beauty, and its possessions of
+  rare and unique plants. Photograph by J. H. Russ.
+
+_PAGE 94_
+
+  Joseph Meehan, a noted botanist and horticulturist, whose writings
+  form an integral part of our best floricultural magazines. Print of
+  “Floral Exchange.”
+
+_PAGE 100_
+
+  Prof. Thomas Meehan, a noted scientist, educator and writer, the
+  author of the greatest books upon our native flora, and the nestor of
+  American Horticulture. Print of “Meehans’ Monthly.”
+
+
+
+
+_GERMANTOWN_
+
+_RARE AND NOTABLE PLANTS_
+
+
+In the presentation and consideration of our home plants of special
+interest, it should be kept in mind that nearly all, if not quite all,
+were transplanted to the positions they now occupy, and that there is
+here no disposition to compare or contrast with other plants of greater
+age, of more historic worth, our rare and notable plants of “nature”
+and cultivation.
+
+Our purpose is rather to show that, with our town’s increase in girth
+and years, we have had a like advance in intelligence and culture, and
+that our old mansions, gardens and those who keep them have earned for
+Germantown the title,--“the most beautiful suburb in America.”
+
+We have no yew trees 3000 years old, no oak trees of 2000 years’
+growth, no “Burnham beeches,” nor have we other plants of great age
+equal to those of older countries and especially England, but such as
+we have we shall in outline endeavor to present, and direct attention
+to the fact that they have merited and received the attention of
+visitors, who have had opportunity for observation abroad. About ten
+years ago, George Nicholson, curator of the Royal Botanical Gardens of
+Kew, London, was the guest of Prof. Thomas Meehan, and spent some time
+here. After leaving he said:
+
+“Germantown is a place which every foreigner interested in American
+trees should visit, as the people of this suburb of Philadelphia one
+hundred years ago were especially interested in the introduction and
+cultivation of rare trees, and the first cultivated specimens of
+several American trees were originally planted here, and may still be
+seen. The roads of Germantown are shaded with beautiful rows of native
+trees, and behind them stretch the green lawns of innumerable villas.”
+
+John Walter, editor of the London Times, while here expressed similar
+views, and many other visitors and writers who passed through
+Germantown have left us a record of their “impressions.”
+
+To name all our worthy plants were a hopeless task, and one which I
+shall not attempt. Our efforts shall be rather to trace the thread of
+development, and by examples of past and present conspicuous plants to
+illustrate its growth. To do this properly we should go back to the
+settlement of the town itself, know the causes which gave it birth,
+understand the character of its founders and their pursuits--its growth
+material and intellectual, before we may be able to meet its merits
+with an equal appreciation.
+
+Alway while walking along our Main street I am reminded of the popular,
+well-known thoroughfare of Oxford, England, which it strangely
+suggests, and I sometimes wonder if it was not this ancient street, and
+not the central highway of Philadelphia, which to our own principal
+thoroughfare 150 years ago gave us High street, a name by which it was
+long known. Be this as it may, our Main street in a very striking way
+resembles its more widely known namesake abroad, a highway Hawthorne
+described as “the noblest street in England,” and to which “Wordsworth
+devoted a sonnet to the stream-like windings of that glorious street.”
+
+As I follow our “avenues” pleasing course, I am further reminded of
+old Edinburgh’s hallowed hill, and as I picture its steep ascent,
+its numerous historic buildings, its atmosphere of antiquity, I see
+Sir Walter Scott from his carriage strenuously discoursing upon its
+wealth of interests to the delight of his guests and his own apparent
+satisfaction, for to him Edinburgh was home, and to so entertain
+his friends was “very heaven,” and as I look into the future, I see
+our own “cannongate” of not one whit less historic value, by one as
+illustrious, made as widely, and as permanently known.
+
+In olden time it was the custom to approach Germantown only by the
+“Great Road,” for indeed for a period there was no other way. The
+original survey map of Germantown, dated October 24, 1683, now in the
+possession of Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker, is void of side roads or
+lanes, but this defect immediately after the settlement was remedied,
+maps following showing lanes to mills, and later maps showing other
+roads connecting Germantown with important near-by pikes east and west.
+After Rittenhouse Mill road, and Roberts’ Mill road, one of the most
+important of later roads was Bensell’s or School House lane connecting
+our Main street with Ridge road, a favorite route with travelers when
+the quagmires and quicksands of “3-Mile Run” proved troublesome.
+
+In a letter dated March 7, 1684, which Francis Daniel Pastorius wrote
+his parents, he gave them this information: “As relating to our newly
+laid out town Germanopolis or Germantown, it is situated on a deep and
+very fertile soil, and is blessed with an abundance of fine springs
+and fountains of fresh water. The main street is 60 feet wide, and the
+cross streets 40 feet in width. Each family has a plot of ground for
+yard and garden 3 acres in size. 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 labor meets with rich reward.”
+
+The ground of which Pastorius wrote was not the immigrants’ first
+choice, but after a difference with William Penn was selected on
+account of its elevation, and also because it was open ground with
+only here and there groups of trees. After the survey lines were
+established farms and gardens, and of course, houses, were located on
+each side of the main road, the farm boundaries extending in parallel
+lines from the “great road” east to Bristol township line, now Stenton
+avenue, and west to the Roxborough line, now Wissahickon avenue. In
+other respects these lines, however, were never strictly drawn, and
+places on York road to the east, and Roxborough on the west, were
+nearly always referred to as “Germantown.”
+
+The Main street farm lots began a few feet north of “Lower Burying
+Ground,” now Hood’s Cemetery, and were plotted northward in divisions
+of “half lots” of 115½ feet front each, or “whole lots” of 231 feet
+front each, to a point adjoining “Upper” or “Concord Burying Ground,”
+located a few feet north of Kyser’s, now Washington lane. The original
+settlers of “42 persons in 12 families” were located upon this road,
+for so it had been planned. In “a further account of the Province of
+Pennsylvania,” published in 1685, wrote Penn:
+
+“We do settle in the way of townships or villages, each of which
+contains 5000 acres in square, and at least 10 families; many that had
+right to more land were at first covetous to have their whole quantity
+without regard to this way of settlement, tho’ by such wilderness
+vacancies they had ruined the country and then our interest of course.
+I had in my view society, assistance, busy commerce, instruction
+of youth, government of people, manners, conveniency of religious
+assembling, encouragement of mechanics, distinct and beaten roads,
+and it has answered in all those respects, I think, to the universal
+content.”
+
+Our first settlers were not tillers of the soil. Pastorius records they
+were “mostly linen weavers, unaccustomed to husbandry,” but “yeomen”
+closely followed, and soon
+
+  “The meads’ environed with the silver streames”
+
+were planted, and by a gracious providence stimulated to transmit
+to us the increase. William Penn quoting Robert Turner, wrote--“the
+manufacturers of linnen by the Germans goes on finely, and they make
+fine linnen. Samuel Carpenter, having been lately there, declares they
+had gathered one crop of flax, and had sowed for the second and saw it
+come up well.”
+
+This Samuel Carpenter was a busy resident of Philadelphia, and the
+holder of 500 acres of ground in the vicinity of present Branchtown.
+
+Very early in the growth of the new colony the importance of Germantown
+was recognized, and although its founders were disappointed, desiring
+ground upon a “navigable stream,” they made the best of what they
+considered a poor bargain, and losing no time, they, under the
+direction of Pastorius, gave life and vigor to the new “town,” planted,
+and eight years after the settlement, Oldmixon stated, “the whole
+street about one mile in length was lined with blooming peach trees.”
+Soon the hastily constructed log cabins gave way to substantial
+buildings of stone, and much of the stone, I doubt not, came from
+the quarry of Godfried Lehman, located at what is now Main and Price
+streets, where the old round-house once stood. Those who remember the
+Heivert Papen or Jansen house, built in 1698, and which about 25 years
+ago was removed from the northwest corner of Main and Johnson streets,
+may picture the houses “built of stone which is mixed with glimmer,”
+observed by Peter Kalm in his visit here in 1748.
+
+About this time the character of Germantown began to change, although
+this change did not become pronounced until 50 years later. An influx
+of settlers of means and the improved conditions of the natives created
+new desires, houses became larger and more elaborate, “plantations” or
+“estates” began to take the place of farms, trade stimulated by wealth
+became of more importance, and the commingling of commerce and culture
+gave to Germantown an atmosphere not enjoyed by those who planted the
+settlement.
+
+With the advent and accumulation of gain came those luxuries which only
+wealth and culture are able to accommodate, and the severe simplicity
+of those who for conscience sake, left the Fatherland to aid in the
+“holy experiment” and found a commonwealth, slowly gave way to an
+expanding era of change.
+
+There were writers of this period who give us other impressions. One of
+the most unsympathetic of these was Silas Deane, who in 1775 wrote:
+
+“Germantown consists of one street built mostly of rough stone, two
+miles nearly in length, and the houses resemble the appearance of the
+inhabitants, rough children of nature, and German nature too.” This
+writer doubtless was an ancestral connection of Lewis Carroll, who, in
+“Hunting of the Snark,” wrote,
+
+  “The crew was Dutch,
+  and behaved as such.”
+
+But though rather uncomplimentary, Deane’s account is extremely
+interesting, and as Townsend Ward reports him, is as follows:
+
+“The greatest improvement on nature is that on their groves, owing
+by no means to luxury, but to penury and want. The growth is red oak
+(quercus rubra), interspersed with black walnut (juglans nigra), etc.
+The poor are allowed to cut up the brush and trim the lower limbs; this
+leaves the groves in the most beautiful order you can imagine. All is
+clean on the ground; removing every shrub and bush, leaves the wind
+full play to sweep the floor, and the soil, by no means luxuriant,
+shooting up the trees rather sparingly, so much grass starts as to
+give a pale green carpet; while the trees are trimmed up ten to fifteen
+feet on their trunks, and give the eye a prospect far into the grove,
+and the footman or horseman free access.”
+
+As we may readily imagine, the original Germantown settlers were a
+busy people, so with the exception of Pastorius, Godfried Lehman, and
+a few others, we have little from them, and for our information we are
+obliged to depend upon visiting travelers. Ten years before the time of
+Deane’s report Major Robert Rogers wrote thus of Philadelphia:
+
+“In short, scarce anything can afford a more beautiful landscape than
+this city and adjacent country, which for some miles may be compared to
+a well regulated, flourishing garden, being improved, as I have been
+informed, to as great advantage as almost any lands in Europe.”
+
+In 1799 Duke de la Rochefoucault described Germantown as “a long
+village near 2½ miles in extent. The houses to the number of about 300
+are all built on the side of the highway, and are erected pretty close
+to each other.”
+
+Of the planting of the people he wrote:
+
+“They raise a good deal of wheat, and still more Indian corn, but very
+little rye or oats.”
+
+Rev. John C. Ogden, who visited here in the same year, describes the
+village in much the same way, and noted, “the road is muddy and dusty
+when rains or droughts prevail. The houses in Germantown are very
+universally shaded with weeping willows, the Lombardy poplar, and other
+ornamental trees. The gardens are under excellent cultivation, with
+valuable fields in their rear.”
+
+Several visitors of importance we shall pass, for the purpose is merely
+to expose the line of continuity to enable us to form a better idea of
+the floral life of old Germantown, and with a recollection of Edward H.
+Bonsall, who, as Rev. S. F. Hotchkin reports, lived here from 1819 to
+1835, we will turn aside into another path. Evidently the last-named
+was a poor observer, for he said, “in a circle of six miles with Chew’s
+house as a centre outside of Main street, there would not have been
+found 5 houses superior to an ordinary farm house,” a statement so
+absurd as to require no consideration.
+
+This brings us to days which Robert Thomas and Joseph Murter, venerable
+residents living with us, remember, and we shall now endeavor to follow
+the development of our many fine estates enriched by mansions, gardens,
+rare shrubs and notable trees, and with these note as much as we
+possess or remember of data and lore as may give promise of interest.
+
+To me it is extremely interesting that original holdings are yet
+held by families whose ancestors first occupied them, and I doubt if
+there be another settlement in America where uninterruptedly so many
+generations have occupied the same ground. Names which come readily
+to mind are Pastorius, Logan, Rittenhouse, Johnson, Keyser, and a
+group of other names of early settlers represented by the Wisters. Yet
+we have with us “Wyck,” its original house built by Hans Millan its
+original settler, standing surrounded by its original garden, and its
+occupant and owner, Miss Jane R. Haines, a direct descendant of its
+first owner--a house whose only local competitor for age with the
+possible exceptions of Rock-House, and Naglee’s Houses, is the “Fraley
+House,” clearly of later construction, which stands in what was once
+Dr. Christopher Witt’s garden, later Miss Elizabeth C. Morris’ garden,
+situated at the southeast corner of Main and High streets, a building
+which may be seen to the rear of Mrs. Farnum’s charming latticed
+residence.
+
+Local history, to me at least, is alway alluring, and it is with
+difficulty that I hew to the proper line, the temptation being to
+venture a little more. But we shall leave Dr. Witt and these pleasant
+shades to follow in the footsteps of others perhaps less well known.
+
+[Illustration: Morris Littell House]
+
+By an unwritten law, observed from the days of Godfried Lehman to those
+of Charles F. Jenkins, our latest guide, Germantown has been approached
+from the south by way of Main street, and a custom so honored I hope
+not to be the first to disturb. Many of us, indeed most of us, I think,
+are able to recall Germantown village of 2½ miles or more, when the
+large buttonwood tree (platanus occidentalis) at Naglee’s house
+stood entire, shading on late afternoons “Turnpike Bridge” near; when
+horse-cars, ignoring schedule, halted at the temporarily deserted tree
+at the fork, in waiting for “Jake,” who was somewhere out of sight
+northward on the hill, and no more in a hurry than those in the car,
+who looked upon as an unwarranted innovation a noisy train which passed
+to disturb their restful meditations; when laden wagons unfortunate
+jumped the track, seriously interfering with suburban traffic; when
+on “market days” long lines of wagons laden with hay, straw and other
+commodities numerous, twice a week struggled through and oft-times
+blocked the busy road. Time was, and that not long ago, when Charles
+J. Wister, the well-known beloved father of Grumblethorpe’s present
+owner, under the shade of his street trees, dined upon the sidewalk,
+with none to wonder nor molest; and Conestogas with other vehicles
+numerous, which James Stokes records, passed and re-passed as naturally
+as present day trolleys, to whose inveterate clash and bang we have
+become accustomed. Those were the days when gardening was a pleasure
+if not an “art,” and the planting of the good old plain gardeners, who
+never dreamed their calling would be elevated to a “science,” is before
+us to judge.
+
+At the house of Isaac Norris, until a generation ago standing on
+Germantown road, near Tenth street, and widely known as “Fairhill,”
+was one of the finest gardens in the colonies. This garden was of the
+formal type, and “Francis Daniel Pastorius, of Germantown, himself a
+man of taste, pronounced Fair-hill garden the finest he had seen in
+the whole country,”--so wrote Thompson Westcott in “Historic Mansions”
+of Philadelphia, and this same writer continues: “Some of the trees
+and plants came from France. There were catalpas from the Southern
+States, and it was here were grown the first willow trees (salix alba)
+in Pennsylvania, the introduction of which is told by Franklin in his
+account of noticing the sprouting of a willow which had been used in
+a basket which he saw on board a ship which came to a wharf on the
+Delaware. Franklin took the sprout, and presented it to Debby Norris,
+who planted it, where it became the parent of many trees of the same
+species which have since become so common.”
+
+There are many white willow trees about Germantown, two fine specimens
+each with trunks 4 feet in diameter by 70 feet in height, being located
+on East Coulter street, corner of Cumberland street; but nearly all
+our best weeping willows (salix babylonica) have disappeared. Now no
+vestige remains of the rows of willows which lined both sides of Church
+lane, east of Willow avenue, notable trees which Thomas MacKellar
+described for Rev. S. F. Hotchkin. Under one of these trees, which
+stood prominently in the middle of the road, tradition says General
+Washington was accustomed to spend an evening hour in its shade. There
+yet remains to us, however, interesting willows near the entrance to
+Vernon, at Wyck, and several large and beautiful specimens are on the
+estate of Charles Weiss, East Washington lane, near Stenton avenue.
+
+As you may remember, the weeping willow is a native of China, and by
+the Dutch was introduced to Holland. By these same people it was also
+introduced to England, one of the first specimens in that country
+being planted at Hampton Court.
+
+Advancing northward by way of York road, we note on the grounds of J.
+Bertram Lippincott a fine white oak (quercus alba) with a trunk four
+feet in diameter and rising to a height of 80 feet. Here also is a
+specially fine white pine (pinus strobus), but there is hardly a place
+of importance in or near Germantown where there are not conspicuous,
+if not great, white pine trees. It is a characteristic of a white pine
+that it dominates wherever it is, and a plant which at a distance
+appears to be of great proportions, near is found to be disappointingly
+ordinary.
+
+From “Solitude,” located east of York road, south of Fisher’s lane,
+the best plants have disappeared. There yet, however, is a catalpa
+(catalpa bignonioides), having a trunk three feet in diameter and a
+height of forty feet; a chestnut (castanea vesca), with a trunk of five
+feet in diameter and a height of 70 feet; a tulip poplar (liriodendron
+tulipifera), 4 feet in diameter and 100 feet in height; and a finely
+proportioned walnut (juglans nigra), 3 feet in diameter and 80 feet
+high.
+
+These trees are surpassed by others elsewhere, the walnut in particular
+being excelled by like trees on Morton street near High street, on
+Main street above Tulpehocken street, at Nutwold on East Johnson
+street,--all superior plants, and by a wide branching tree of the same
+species overspreading a spring-house on the grounds of Frank Smyth,
+Washington lane, east of Chew street, a specimen 6 feet in diameter and
+90 feet high, I think by all odds the finest in Germantown.
+
+On Fisher’s lane east of York road is an exceedingly fine white poplar
+(populus alba), having a trunk 48 inches in diameter and a height of 80
+feet; and farther east on the same lane, with its lands bordering those
+of “York Farm,”--the last American home of Fanny Kemble,--is Champlost,
+a beautiful estate occupied by Miss Fox, where grow some of our finest
+plants,--but it being situated beyond our proper limits, we shall with
+this mention pass it, to stop at a worthy neighbor.
+
+Bordering York road, above Logan Station, is “Clearfield,” now
+“Fairfield,” a plantation which Henry Drinker purchased in 1794,
+and so named because “James Fisher has a place that has been called
+‘Newington’ for many years, ’twas thought best to change the name,”
+wrote Elizabeth Drinker in her entertaining “journal.”
+
+This plantation or farm was held for two years by the Drinkers, its
+mistress delighting in its occupation and rewards, recording its
+cherries ripe May 17; describing an odd tulip (tulipa gesneriana),
+which grew in its garden, a plant “with 8 leaves, which I look upon as
+a curiosity, never having seen one before with more than 6 leaves,” and
+continuing she noted, “a very beautiful place it is, how delighted and
+pleased would many women be with such a retreat.”
+
+The beauty of Clearfield was appreciated by successive owners and
+care was taken for its preservation. Although a railroad has cut the
+place in sections, and its collections are depleted, it yet preserves
+sufficient of merit to attract the most superficial plant observer.
+Here at the old mile-stone--“2 M. to R. S., 4 M. to P.”--surrounded
+by high trees and ivy-covered, is its secluded mansion, which one
+approaches by box (buxus sempervirens) bordered walks, winding
+between borders of heavy shrubbery, and about are several conspicuous
+hemlock (tsuga canadensis), beech (fagus ferruginea), and button-ball
+(plantanus occidentalis) trees.
+
+Near the upper entrance gate is a white pine, and beside the house a
+Norway spruce (picea excelsa), both of strange development, and as odd
+as any of the grotesque growths I have seen at Wildwood, N. J., and
+elsewhere on the Atlantic coast.
+
+Here also is a curious Austrian pine (pinus Austriaca), with a
+depressed crown; an unusually fine specimen of Himalayan pine (pinus
+excelsa), 50 feet in height, second only to pines of the same species
+at William Rotch Wister’s, Wisteria avenue; at Justus Strawbridge’s,
+School House lane and Wissahickon avenue, and at Caspar Heft’s, Main
+street, near Manheim street, the latter a specimen which George Redles
+considers the best in our territory.
+
+[Illustration: George Redles]
+
+At “Fairfield” is a fine specimen of rare Japan cedar or cryptomeria
+(cryptomeria japonica), the acknowledged “queen of evergreens,” 25
+feet in height; also a fine white oak (quercus alba), 80 feet in
+height; a white or silver birch (betula alba), 40 feet in height, the
+latter a fine plant, but not equal to specimens at Fern-hill and at
+E. W. Clark’s, Wissahickon avenue and School House lane. Also here,
+as reported by Philip C. Garrett, the present occupant of Fairfield,
+for Mrs. Anne DeB. Mears--“over the upper spring-house is an ancient
+and famous catalpa tree pictured in the horticultural journals, which
+still bears its beautiful crop of blossoms every year,” a tree yet
+vigorous, and near the mansion, between it and the road, is a fine
+cedar of Lebanon (cedrus libani), 50 feet in height. All these plants
+are prominent, and may be plainly seen from the road.
+
+“Stenton,” once extending from Fisher’s lane to Nicetown lane, from
+Germantown road to York road, and situated from “Fairfield” to the
+west, has been shorn of much of its wealth. A. J. Downing, who visited
+it, thus describes it in “Landscape Gardening” of 1849: “Stenton,
+near Germantown, four miles from Philadelphia, is a fine old place,
+with many picturesque features. The farm consists of 700 acres, almost
+without division fences--admirably arranged--and remarkable for a grand
+old avenue of the hemlock spruce (abies canadensis), 110 years old,
+leading to a family cemetery of much sylvan beauty.”
+
+This same “splendid avenue of hemlocks,” described later by Townsend
+Ward, is no more, and of interest at Stenton now is but a tulip
+poplar, a large plane tree (platanus occidentalis), a few persimmon
+trees (diospyrus virginiana) and a row of Lombardy poplars (populus
+dilatata), plants surpassed by many with us, and by two plants of
+exceptional merit, one a wide-spreading black walnut (juglans nigra),
+appearing to the south of the mansion, and the other a notable elm
+(ulmus Americana), having a trunk 4 feet in diameter and a top
+spreading at a height of 120 feet, a plant which on part of Stenton
+grounds disposed of, may now be seen in the yard of Dr. William
+H. Hickok, northeast corner of Eighteenth and Cayuga streets, a
+magnificent specimen said to have been mature in the days of James
+Logan and William Penn.
+
+Near-by and north of Stenton is “The Cedars,” a green grove wherein
+Professor Stewardson Brown long dwelt, and where this gentleman
+informed me is a fine specimen of swamp magnolia (magnolia glauca), two
+rare yellow-flowering magnolias (magnolia fraseri), a lemon-scented
+variety of great beauty, by many considered our finest magnolia, and a
+small tree of the always rare cedar of Lebanon. Here also are several
+fine specimens of swamp cypress (taxodium distichium), familiarly known
+about Philadelphia as Bartram’s cypress.
+
+Without exception, the finest grove of trees in Germantown is that
+in the midst of which “Wakefield,” a near neighbor of Stenton and
+Fairfield, is situated--a grove composed of immense juniper (juniperus
+virginiana), chestnut (castanea Americana), white oak (quercus alba),
+red oak (quercus rubra), and tulip poplar (liriodendron tulipifera)
+trees. Here is a green-flowering cucumber tree (magnolia acuminata),
+perfectly proportioned, having a trunk 2 feet in diameter and a
+height of 30 feet. Also here on the front lawn is a tulip poplar,
+measured by John Warr and George Redles, a tree 5 feet in diameter,
+ivy-covered from the ground to its first limb at 40 feet, and rising to
+a height of 130 feet, a noble specimen equal to celebrated relatives
+growing on the Virginian mountains, where the species is said to attain
+its greatest development; truly a tree, especially when in bloom,
+deserving Benjamin Franklin’s designation--“King of the American
+forests.”
+
+[Illustration: Wakefield]
+
+Passing for the present “Little Wakefield,” we halt in lower Fisher’s
+lane to note a most interesting white oak (quercus alba), long familiar
+to me, but which I overlooked until directed again to it by George
+Redles. This is a rugged tree 4 feet in diameter and 60 feet high,
+perfectly formed, and growing on the top of a rock it has cleft in
+twain.
+
+William E. S. Baker, in “Widow Seymour,” accurately locates this tree
+“between the Wakefield mills in Fisher’s Hollow, close by the bank of
+the Wingohocken creek, and at the curve of the lane.” “The immense
+flat-rock” which supports this tree is also associated with “Widow
+Seymour,” and those of a poetic temperament may here find much of
+interest. Advancing to the elevation at Stenton avenue and Fisher’s
+lane, we find before us at Mrs. M. H. Stiver’s two of our finest trees,
+one a white oak, the other a red oak, each 4 feet in diameter and 80
+feet high; both plants perfectly shaped, and with huge wide-spreading
+limbs, covering an area equal to their height.
+
+Other fine specimens of oak we have are a group of three fine white
+oaks at Old Oaks Cemetery on Wissahickon avenue; a red oak at Stewart
+A. Jellett’s “One Oak,” Pulaski avenue, near Apsley street; a beautiful
+tree on the grounds of Francis B. Reeves, Clapier street and McKean
+avenue; our most striking and picturesque oak at Judge F. Carroll
+Brewster’s, Manheim street, near Wissahickon avenue; a great white
+oak at Ivy Hill Cemetery, near Pennsylvania Railroad, a single finely
+developed specimen 5 feet in diameter and 100 feet high; and if not
+the largest, one of the finest, and certainly our most interesting oak
+planted by John Wister in 1803, and now adorning Vernon Park.
+
+There are several fine trees on Fisher’s lane, but we shall now stop
+only at T. Charlton Henry’s place, where Alexander Lawson was long
+gardener, to record a century plant (agave Americana), which here
+bloomed a few years ago.
+
+Retracing our steps through Wister’s woods, we pass a declivity on
+which once grew a celebrated memorial beech. This tree stood to the
+north of Fisher’s lane and Wakefield street, and through age and abuse
+came to its end in the year 1870. The Germantown Telegraph, January
+29 of the named year, gave an account of this venerable and venerated
+tree. Near the earth its trunk was 3 feet in diameter, and “many very
+ancient scars and markings were on its surface, and among them within
+an escutcheon, deeply engraved and quite legible, were the initials D.
+L. W., 1771,” cut there by Daniel and Lowry Wister. It is a pleasure to
+note that this interesting work has been preserved, and is now among
+the treasures of “Grumblethorpe.”
+
+Continuing through Wister’s wood, a place where its late owner loved
+to roam, we note near the upper spring an odd twin growth, to which
+Charles T. Macarthur, superintendent of the Germantown Gas Works near
+by, directed my attention. Here are two trees, one a red oak and the
+other a tulip poplar, which for several feet together grow as one,
+resembling a unity of two species, I discovered growing on Dark Run
+lane, near the Asylum pike, some years ago.
+
+Following the Wingohocken Valley southward we round the point to “Mill”
+or “Valley creek,” and on our left find “Little Wakefield,” the home of
+Ellicott Fisher, where a number of chestnut, butternut and tulip poplar
+trees of fair proportions may be observed, but not any of which are
+equal to the lofty vigorous specimens appearing on “Wakefield’s” bank
+to the right, where sturdy oaks, not observable from the front, here
+impressively stand. “Belfield Homestead, with its famous coffee tree
+and lovely boulevard of maples,” now appears before us a perfect haven
+of rest, its most prominent plants thus referred to by W. E. S. Baker,
+standing conspicuous above a bordering wealth of vegetation.
+
+From the valley we turn into Thorp’s lane, once a gem of rural beauty,
+but now sadly changed, to view a beautiful avenue of silver maples
+(acer dasycarpum) extending from the main entrance to the mansion where
+Fanny Kemble wrote “My children were born, by first and only American
+home.” In “Records of Later Life” the same gifted author, under date of
+1837, notes: “The other day, for the first time, I explored my small
+future domain, which is bounded on the right by the high road, on the
+left by a not unromantic little mill-stream with bits of rock, and
+cedar bushes, and dams, and, I am sorry to say, a very picturesque,
+half-tumbled-down factory; on the north by fields and orchards of our
+neighbors, and another road; and on the south by a pretty, deep, shady
+lane, running from the high road to the above-mentioned factory. There
+are four pretty pasture meadows, and a very pretty piece of woodland,
+which coasting the stream and mill-dam, will, I foresee, become a
+favorite haunt of mine.”
+
+“The Farm” or “Butler Place” yet contains many notable plants, though
+the “row of old acacia trees near the house” was removed, and “a
+double row of 200 trees planted along the side of the place” show
+wear. The latter, however, is of great interest to us, for in spite of
+an acknowledged “combined ignorance” a majority of these plants have
+lived, and from “York Farm” in 1874 Fanny Kemble wrote: “The trees I
+planted along the low enclosure hedge of Butler Place, 30 years ago,
+stretch their branches and throw their shadows half over the road which
+divides the places.”
+
+Though exceedingly pleasurable, we may not linger here too long, and
+to all interested in Germantown and its associations, I suggest the
+reading of “Records of Later Life” and “Further Records,” both books of
+great interest, and mainly produced at “Butler Place” and “York Farm.”
+
+There are many avenues of silver maples (acer dasycarpum) worthy of
+record with us, among them being one in Town Hall Park, another at the
+Pulaski avenue approach to “Fern-hill,” and also that leading to the
+Pinckney homestead, where Judge William D. Kelly once lived.
+
+Other striking maple-lined avenues may be seen at Justus C.
+Strawbridge’s, School House lane and Wissahickon avenue; at Samuel
+Welsh’s, West School House lane, both of great beauty; also that of
+Garrett’s Hill on our main street, with others numerous; and on Norwood
+avenue, extending from Chestnut avenue to Sunset avenue, Chestnut Hill,
+is one beyond compare. At Butler Place the hemlock (tsuga canadensis)
+hedge continues of more than ordinary merit, but it is surpassed by a
+notable hedge of the same species at Thomas P. Galvin’s grounds, West
+Walnut lane, and by the remarkable hedges of “Fern-hill.” Other plants
+at Butler Place worthy of notice are a black walnut and a coffee tree,
+both of immense size and majestic proportions. Distributed throughout
+our territory are many large and beautiful coffee trees (gymnoclaudus
+canadensis). One of these may be seen at Dr. I. Pearson Willit’s,
+on West Walnut lane; another holds its place in Vernon Park; and a
+specially fine specimen stands before the Welsh mansion at Spring-Bank.
+
+At Dr. George De Benneville’s “Silver Pine Farm” is a group of white
+pine (pinus strobus), which if not the largest is at least the most
+imposing one among us. These trees are nine in number, are about two
+feet in diameter trunk, rise to a height of from 80 to 100 feet, and
+their shattered arms are familiar to every frequenter of Branchtown by
+way of Green lane or York road. As these trees gave name to the place,
+so we may refer to a farm house-like structure which once stood where
+Masonic Hall now stands on Main street near St. Luke’s Church, a house
+in 1832 the home of Bronson Alcott, and the birthplace of Louisa M.
+Alcott--which from a group of trees before it, became known as “Silver
+Pine Cottage.”
+
+In this same cottage, while rector of St. Luke’s Church, Rev. B. Wistar
+Morris also dwelt, and this in a measure may account for his love of
+“Oregon pines,” though his old-time neighbors say he was elected bishop
+for quite another reason.
+
+Conspicuous specimens of white pine, in some respects our most
+impressive tree, may be seen at Loudoun, at Toland’s, at Henry’s,
+all near Naglee’s Hill; at Fern-hill, at George Blight’s and Dr.
+James Gardette’s on Wissahickon avenue; at Manheim, where there is a
+beautiful tree three feet in diameter and 90 feet high; at Carlton on
+Indian Queen lane; at Armstrong’s on Duy’s lane, and at almost every
+place on School House lane from John Alburger’s, near Greene street,
+to William Weightman’s, near the “Falls;” at Jacob A. Datz’s, Stenton
+avenue and Mill street, and at Alfred Williams’, near by; at Old
+School, County line and Limekiln pike; at Vollmer’s, Washington lane;
+at Upsala and Lutheran Seminary--indeed, so many and so generally
+distributed are these beautiful plants that it is needless to further
+enumerate.
+
+At Butler Place is an odd white pine, which curiously at a height of 40
+feet had its terminal bud destroyed, the result being the development
+of a trinity of side buds. In like manner there is also a remarkable
+specimen at Philip Guckes’ on West School House lane, a tree 2½ feet in
+diameter by 70 feet high. This tree’s terminal bud at 40 feet elevation
+having been destroyed, two side shoots were developed, which each
+sturdily rose to an additional height of 30 feet.
+
+Without exception, the finest and most perfect white pine in our
+district is a plant growing on a knoll on “Perot’s Farm,” now Northwood
+Cemetery. This tree has a trunk 2½ feet in diameter, rises to a height
+of 70 feet, has a spread of 40 feet, and is vigorous, perfect and very
+beautiful.
+
+At “Outalauna,” the residence of Joseph Wharton, is an exceedingly fine
+silver poplar (populus alba), and near at “Bonnenal Cottage,” the home
+of Mrs. Anne de Benneville Mears, are two immense buttonwood trees
+(platanus occidentalis) with trunks 4 feet in diameter, each with a
+height of 100 feet, and 40 feet spread. In “Old York Road,” Mrs. Mears,
+writing of “Bonnenal Cottage,” states “it was surrounded by a fine lawn
+and in front still stands one of the sycamore trees whose age is over
+300 years, and its companion was planted by Dr. George De Benneville,
+Sr., in 1768.”
+
+With us continue many notable buttonwood trees, although all our home
+trees are inferior to specimens growing in more favorable locations.
+In Case’s Botanical Index, Page 46, there was recorded in 1880 a
+buttonwood tree growing in Greene county, Indiana, having a trunk
+16 feet in diameter, and which rose with a clear trunk 25 feet, the
+altitude reached being 160 feet, and plane trees much greater than this
+are known.
+
+It would be futile to name all our worthy specimens, so I shall
+without mention pass many to locate a few which more directly appeal
+to us. We all may remember the buttonwood tree within the gate to our
+“Earthly Paradise,” and whose denuded trunk stands to remind us of
+days when settlers first took up ground on “side land lots.” Here with
+an additional story of recent growth is Naglee’s house, where James
+Logan for a season dwelt, a building like the “Rock House,” a venerable
+survivor and typical representative of the stone houses of early
+Germantown.
+
+[Illustration: Naglee Houses]
+
+Recently we have lost one of two well-known sycamore trees at Wagner’s,
+and the tree continuing is but a reminder of its former greatness.
+Another interesting specimen on Main street is that on the grounds
+of William Heft, a tree 5½ feet in diameter and 80 feet high, one of
+the trees which changed the name of a public house once here from
+“Ye Roebuck Inn” to “Buttonwood Hotel.” Though often so asserted by
+over-zealous loyalists, these trees were not planted “by Philadelphia’s
+first mayor,” but by Andrew Garret, who carried them from the banks of
+the Schuylkill, and here set them in place, as “The Guide” some years
+ago instructed us. Andrew Garret may be remembered as an eccentric
+character, who during the latter part of the eighteenth century had a
+dwelling on Indian Queen lane, near the “Falls.” Here he lived alone,
+and by robbers was one night foully murdered, a sufficient warning, let
+us hope, to all of like preferment.
+
+Other interesting buttonwood trees are located at the pump on Manheim
+street, where there is a specimen 4 feet in diameter by 80 feet high;
+at Manheim, near the club house, where is an odd-shaped specimen with
+a short trunk 4 feet in diameter, and awkwardly branching limbs rising
+to a height of 100 feet; at Friends’ grounds on Main street, where is
+a rare tree 4 feet in diameter by 60 feet high, and another specimen
+at Market Square, now only of interest because it was planted by
+Samuel B. Morris; at Dr. Ashton’s on West School House lane, where
+there is a majestic tree, and several others worthy a visit are in this
+immediate neighborhood. Rare specimens may also be seen at spring-house
+on Cresheim road, above Allen’s lane; at William Dewees spring-house at
+the bend in the upper Wissahickon, where grow two fine specimens; at
+“Spring Bank,” the residence of John Welsh, where is a perfect plant,
+4 feet in diameter and 100 feet high; and two trees in Wissahickon
+avenue, near “Fern-hill” entrance, one 6 feet in diameter, 100 feet
+rise, with a spread of 80 feet, and the other about its equal, are the
+finest plane trees we have.
+
+At National Cemetery, Haines street and Limekiln pike, are many
+beautiful trees, though but few of unusual size or rarity. Here are
+fair specimens of ginko (salisburia adiantifolia), but not equal to
+the ginkos of Edward Hacker, Wister street; Charles J. Wister, Main
+street; Lloyd Mifflin, Penn street; Benjamin H. Shoemaker, Mill street;
+and that of Alfred C. Harrison, at Thorpe’s lane, Chestnut Hill. Larch
+(larix Americana), but surpassed by the larch of David Pancoast at
+High and Baynton streets, by that of “Fairfield,” of “Upsala,” and
+several others. Silver birch and other trees of superior merit are
+here, and also here is a fine white pine, while in sight is a number
+of specimens of the same species at Middleton’s on Limekiln pike.
+Among the best plants at National Cemetery is an arbor vitae (thuja
+occidentalis) group of 12 feet in diameter spread and a 30-feet height,
+and an exceedingly fine specimen of retinospora plumosa.
+
+At one time there were several fine trees on Christopher Ludwig’s
+farm, Haines street, near Chew street, but the best of these have
+disappeared, and there now remains but mediocre plane and walnut trees
+to halt us at the house of Washington’s doughty baker general, who
+spent here several years of his honest life, and who from his “labors”
+rests in St. Michael’s Lutheran Churchyard. Opposite “Ludwig Farm”
+is “Awbury,” containing the homes of John S. Haines, Thomas P. Cope,
+Francis R. Cope and other members of well-known families of like name,
+where are many rare and beautiful plants. From “High Street Station”
+which was, there extended to the Cope houses a rustic walk shaded by
+a double row of silver maples, and this shortened continues to remind
+one of the celebrated “walks” of Addison at Oxford and Milton at
+Cambridge. Shielding Haines street, east of Chew street, is a row of
+specially fine scarlet maple (acer rubrum) trees now in bloom, and at
+“John Haines’ gate” grow two fine elm trees, each having a trunk 2½
+feet in diameter, a height of 60 feet and a spread of 80 feet, entirely
+covering the entrance to this most inviting place.
+
+With us are several fine elm trees (ulmus Americana), one being on the
+grounds of Charles Edward Pancoast, East Johnson street; another is in
+the “Concord graveyard,” and two very beautiful weeping elms of the
+Galena type on Chew street, opposite Church street, shade the entrance
+to Meehans’ nurseries.
+
+[Illustration: Weeping Elms]
+
+At one time several of our largest trees were to be found at Old Oaks
+Cemetery, grounds once a part of John Tucker’s “plantation.” This
+burying ground was located on Township Line road, and extended from
+near the toll-gate at McKean’s hill to the railroad, south. Here was a
+number of immense chestnut trees, but the finest have been destroyed.
+Our best, however, did not class with trees elsewhere. At Hereford,
+Bucks county, Pa., there is, or was, standing on the farm of James
+Schlegel a chestnut tree 8¾ feet in diameter, 90 feet high, and said
+to be 200 years old. At James A. Wright’s place on Township Line road,
+near Clapier street, is an imposing grove of great chestnut, silver
+maple and oak trees; at “Carlton,” Indian Queen lane, is a number of
+chestnut trees of immense girth, but of no great height, storm riven
+and impressive; but perhaps our largest chestnut trees are located
+on the grounds of Thomas P. C. Stokes and Dr. George Strawbridge,
+Wissahickon avenue, near Frank street.
+
+“Fernhill,” which from “Old Oaks” appears on an elevation before us,
+is slowly but surely losing its choicest plants, and during a recent
+visit there with George Redles, John F. Sibson, its efficient manager,
+attributed its losses to noxious gases proceeding from the steel works
+near by. Here, in addition to plants previously noted, are superior
+specimens of barberry (berberis vulgaris), weeping dog-wood (cornus
+F. variety pendula), common beech (fagus ferruginea), a fine specimen
+of Virginian fringe tree (chionanthus Virginica), and a larch of
+perfect proportions, 2 feet in diameter and 40 feet high. To compare
+with these, along Wingohocken creek, immediately north of the “Rocky
+Mountains” in Meehans’ nurseries, is a grove of fringe trees very
+beautiful when in flower, and at Manheim there is a magnificent larch,
+2 feet in diameter of trunk, rising to a height of 80 feet.
+
+The finest larch in Germantown once stood on the grounds of Hugh
+McLean, corner of Carpenter lane and Cresheim road, but this great tree
+a few years ago unfortunately met its fate.
+
+At Thomas Jones’, Manheim street and Wissahickon avenue, is a holly
+(ilex opaca) 15 feet high, with a spread of 15 feet, a beautiful
+specimen, but equaled by two notable plants at Vernon, and surpassed by
+Wister Price’s specimen on Manheim grounds, a tree having a trunk 1½
+feet in diameter, 25 feet high, with a branch spread of 20 feet. Here
+also is a rare virgilia, the first, and once the finest specimen in
+cultivation,--a tree now showing the ravages of old age, but none the
+less interesting. A virgilia younger (cladrastis tinctoria), vigorous
+and beautiful, overhangs the gate of “Grumblethorpe,” Main street,
+opposite Queen street, and is the best of its species I know in our
+territory.
+
+The charms of “Caernarvon” have flown, but Manheim possesses a beauty
+of its own, one of its many attractions being the finest group of
+rhododendrons (rhododendron maximum) in Germantown. The neighborhood of
+Manheim to me is of great interest, but we may not stop to consider its
+historic associations nor to refer to all its plants worthy of notice.
+
+By far the finest silver maple in Germantown stood on the grounds of
+Louis Clapier Baumann, at corner of Manheim and Henry streets. This
+fine tree some years ago I measured, and when it was felled to make
+way for improvements these measurements were verified by John Holt.
+The tree was perfect in every particular, of commanding height, and
+was a notable landmark of Manheim street. An account of this plant
+I prepared for “Forest Leaves,” of June, 1897, wherein it is described
+as being 138 feet in height. At half its altitude it had a spread of 35
+feet on every side of the main trunk, and at 1 foot above the ground
+the trunk was 4⅓ feet in diameter.
+
+[Illustration: L. C. Baumann]
+
+We have many fine specimens of silver maple continuing, and one of the
+finest stands on Cresheim road, near Gorgas street. Another appears to
+the rear of Dr. John D. Godman’s house, Main street, opposite Pastorius
+street. Another, and a very striking one, stands at the corner of West
+Walnut lane and Adams street, but this tree a few years ago was visited
+by marauders and now it is but a relic of its former greatness. At “The
+Corvy,” the residence of William Wynne Wister, there are several silver
+maples, not specially great, but of interest because they are directly
+on Main street and shade Gilbert Stuart’s house.
+
+It is recorded that Jacques Marie Roset, who lived on the upper side
+of Manheim street, adjoining James R. Gates’ lumber yard, and not at
+“Spring Alley,” as has oft been reported, had a beautiful garden,
+the products of which it is said he loved to distribute, one of
+his recipients being Fanny Kemble, who from her home on York road
+frequently passed this way on driving trips, a recreation she always
+loved. It is also recorded that Roset first introduced tomatoes to
+Germantown, but this does not appear to be correct, for the credit
+belongs, I think, to E. B. Gardette, whose place on Wissahickon avenue,
+opposite Manheim street, is marked by three notable pine trees rising
+to a height of 80 feet.
+
+This gentleman came to America during the Revolutionary period, and it
+is said his gardener first grew the tomato (lycopersicum esculentum),
+or love apple, for the color of its fruit. Melons or canteloupes were
+also first raised here, it has been stated, but this I have never been
+able to verify, “for the seed of the canteloupe was brought to this
+country from Tripoli, and distributed by Commodore James Barron,” so I
+give the credit for what it is worth.
+
+This, however, I know, Philip R. Freas, a neighbor of Commodore Barron,
+had a canteloupe patch which the “brickyard” boys well knew, and about
+it I doubt not Philip Walters, and George Redles--who having reached
+years of discrimination, has now no need to ask if it be “true that
+horses when old never lie down”--can tell you more than I.
+
+Baumann’s great maple grew on ground which once belonged to “White
+Cottage,” an estate at one time owned by the Logans. Here lived Dr.
+Samuel Betton, who was succeeded by his son, Dr. Thomas Forrest Betton,
+the friend of Rafinesque, and here under Samuel Betton, its present
+occupant and owner, William Kulp, well known to many of us, has been
+many years gardener. Recent changes have robbed “White Cottage” of
+its seclusion, but with it yet continue many beautiful ivy-dressed
+trees, which spread their branches over the grounds, in season almost
+shielding the house from view.
+
+Near General Wayne Hotel, on Manheim street, is a specially fine
+ailanthus (ailanthus glandulosus) 2½ feet in diameter of trunk,
+with a height of 50 feet, and at the Keyser-Rodney House, Main and
+Duval streets, and on Garrett’s Hill, opposite Lovett Library are
+conspicuous superior specimens. Also on Manheim street, near Main
+street, is a honey-locust tree (gleditschia triacanthos) with a trunk
+3 feet in diameter by 80 feet high, and larger and finer specimens
+are on Pulaski avenue, near Seymour street, and in front of Michael
+Schlatter’s stone house, Main street, near where the road turns off for
+“Wheel Pump,” Chestnut Hill.
+
+At “Carlton” is a magnificent beech (fagus ferruginea) 3 feet in
+diameter of trunk, with a height of 60 feet and a spread of 40 feet,
+the finest specimen I know in our territory. We have many fine
+beeches, one being at “Awbury,” and another at Miss Nixon’s, on East
+Tulpehocken street. There are also exceedingly fine specimens at George
+L. Harrison’s, on West School House lane; at William Heft’s, on Main
+street; at “Fernhill,” and at places elsewhere, too many to name.
+
+By George Redles my attention was directed to a large dogwood (cornus
+Florida) growing near Queen Lane basin, and there true to life, between
+the basin and Midvale avenue, may be seen a notable specimen 1½ feet in
+diameter by 20 feet high, with a spread of 20 feet, and here are two
+sassafras trees (sassafras officinalis) 2 feet in diameter by 40 feet
+high, both notable plants, one, however, surpassing the other in form.
+These are remarkable plants, and stand on historic ground, once part of
+“Carlton.”
+
+Here the army of Washington was encamped, and here during an encampment
+of the Civil War Joseph Meehan, botanist and horticulturist, active
+among us, first did “picket duty.” Here also is a tulip poplar, 4
+feet in diameter and 100 feet high, not equal to Wakefield’s notable
+specimen, but yet a plant of great merit.
+
+We have many superior tulip poplars, one being at “Woodside,” Edward
+T. Steel’s residence on West School House lane, 4 feet in diameter and
+100 feet high; another on John Wagner’s grounds on the same lane being
+5 feet in diameter and 60 feet high. There are also several fine tulip
+poplars at Thomas MacKellar’s, on Shoemaker’s lane, but the finest
+specimen here, like the Blair linden at Main street and Walnut lane,
+has been despoiled.
+
+At “Torworth,” the residence of Justus C. Strawbridge, and also at
+“Blathewood,” Joseph S. Lovering’s place adjoining, we have very
+fine specimens of hemlock (tsuga canadensis), as indeed we have in
+many parts of Germantown, but our finest hemlock trees are in the
+Wissahickon, where almost the entire southern bank of its romantic
+stream is fringed by this refreshing tree, and wherein are groups or
+groves above Kitchen’s or Garsed’s lane, above Allen’s lane, at Devil’s
+Pool, beside Megargee’s dam, and near Rex avenue, plants ranging from
+1½ to 2 feet in diameter and from 60 to 80 feet in height. Also near
+Rex avenue bridge is a specimen hemlock of graceful proportions, having
+a trunk 2½ feet in diameter and rising to a height of 100 feet.
+
+Among our most interesting plants are the native “Jersey pines,” which
+appear sparingly about Germantown. With us are two varieties, that
+on School House lane, opposite Gypsy lane, and others in the same
+neighborhood extending to the mouth of the Wissahickon, are technically
+known as pinus inops.
+
+[Illustration: Hemlock Glen]
+
+At Walnut lane and Wissahickon avenue is a specimen of pinus rigida
+one foot in diameter and 30 feet high. At James A. Mason’s, near
+Upsal Station, is a group of pinus inops. At Thomas’ Mill road on the
+Wissahickon, and eastward on the same road in the open above Towanda
+street, are from one to two hundred pinus rigida, interesting survivors
+of a flora supplanted. On Stenton avenue, near Bethesda Home, we have
+an isolated group of pinus inops, and at County Line road and Limekiln
+pike, also on Mt. Airy avenue near Main street are solitary specimens
+of the same species.
+
+The Wissahickon is covered by numerous valuable plants, but of these
+a majority is too densely crowded to develop to the best advantage.
+Several years ago Thomas Meehan in Meehans’ Monthly, asked for data of
+sassafras trees, the text-books and general information agreeing that
+the average height of mature specimens of this plant to be 30 feet.
+At “Solitude” and at the “Indian Mound,” on E. W. Clark’s grounds,
+School House lane, there are specimens rising to a greater than this
+height, and at Tulpehocken and Musgrave streets were twin specimens,
+one now surviving, exceeding this height, and finely formed. Near the
+“Suicide’s Grave,” north of Rabbit lane, George Redles informed me
+there is a specially fine specimen. In the Wissahickon, near Thorp’s
+lane, I measured a slender specimen 80 feet in height, but the finest
+plants of this species I know were those measured for me by Joseph
+Heacock, two plants growing near Media, each three feet in diameter and
+80 feet high.
+
+About home we have numerous and exceedingly fine specimens of
+juniper (juniperus virginiana). Almost wherever one goes these may
+be observed--along the borders of Wissahickon, at “Bummers’ Cave” on
+Stenton avenue, on Chew street north of Johnson street, a place known
+to Ellwood Johnson as “Vinegar Hill,” and at Tulpehocken street and
+Wingohocken creek. This latter tree has a trunk 3 feet in diameter and
+is 35 feet high. A short time ago it was a healthy, beautiful specimen,
+but now it is partly or wholly dead, a plant when in its prime
+approached in my knowledge only by two like it which grow on Sumneytown
+pike, near “Indian Creek Meeting.” At Roberts Le Boutillier’s on East
+Washington lane, and elsewhere near, there are many other specimens
+worthy of record, but space and time details and elaboration forbid.
+
+The deep frost of last winter played havoc with many plants, partly
+or wholly destroying box, ivy and other evergreens not usually
+affected. The celebrated evergreen magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) at
+Lippincott’s, Broad and Sansom streets, Philadelphia, entirely dropped
+its leaves; in many ponds all the fish were killed, and losses in other
+directions one may not yet undertake to estimate. Untouched, however,
+we have many box-bordered garden walks, such as may be seen at “White
+Cottage,” at “Grumblethorpe,” at “Wyck,” at Spring Bank, at C. M.
+Bayard’s, on upper Main street; formal designs set in green like those
+at Robert S. Newhall’s, Main and Gorgas streets; but the most elaborate
+and most perfect of our box borders are those adorning the garden of
+George C. Thomas, at Blue Bell Hill, protected by beautiful hedges of
+osage orange, arbor vitae and neatly clipped hemlock.
+
+I never pass “Spring-bank” without thinking of John Welsh, its late and
+honored owner. Here I often saw him walking “in the cool of the day”
+under the shade of the “glorious” trees which line the front of the
+estate, and, always excepting Wyck, there is not to me in Germantown a
+more delightful spot. Here we have already noted a few plants, and we
+shall stop only to look at a perfect tulip poplar, 3 feet in diameter
+at trunk, with branches rising to 80 feet, a tree vouched for by Martin
+Constable, the gardener, as “planted by John Welsh himself,” also here
+is a specimen oak now 20 feet high, the acorn producing which N. Dubois
+Miller told me was brought from Jerusalem and here grown. In this
+direction we shall now go no further, but will southward turn, and by
+way of Main street, which we left at Stenton, proceed to a conclusion.
+Naglee’s and “Joe Nafle’s” we shall pass, and the Loudoun pines we have
+already noted.
+
+Since the days of John Hart progress has here forced its way, and
+many fine plants, including those on the adjoining grounds of James
+S. Huber, have retreated before its irresistless advance, and the
+great tree on the hill equipped with a swing, like “Green’s Meadow,”
+implanted in the memory of every “Smearsburg” girl and boy of the last
+generation, is gone forever. Toland’s and Wagner’s and Henry’s are
+holding out “like grim death,” but it is only a question of time when
+“Wayne Junction” shall overwhelm them.
+
+It is a pity I have often thought that fruit trees are not more often
+planted for shade, and native sweet-scented flowering plants for
+bloom, in a measure to bring the best of orchards and woods to home,
+and thus more directly beauty and utility combine. Our wood plants
+without exception may be readily grown if removed at a suitable time
+and properly planted, and I have never had failure in growing laurel
+(kalmia latifolia), arbutus (epigaea repens), and other of our native
+plants considered difficult to transplant.
+
+Those of us familiar with Main street and Chelten avenue 25 years ago
+may remember “Tinker” Frey’s famous swamp magnolia (magnolia glauca).
+This is no more, but we have now at George Redles’ on Wister street;
+at Dr. Herman Burgin’s on West Chelten avenue; near Christ’s Church
+rectory on West Tulpehocken street; fine specimens of this common in
+New Jersey swamps, but rare in cultivation, plant.
+
+Virginian fringe tree, perfectly hardy, and a very beautiful plant in
+bloom, although we have several fine specimens, is not common enough
+in gardens, exceptions not subject to this criticism being conspicuous
+and notable plants on the grounds of Dillwyn Wistar, Wayne street
+near Coulter street; Samuel Emlen, Coulter street near Greene street;
+and Charles M. Bayard, Main street near Carpenter lane. Fringe tree
+appears spontaneously as far north as the southern counties of New
+Jersey, and several years ago it was found by Joseph Meehan in the
+woods near Millville, though before this it had been collected in the
+same district by Dr. J. B. Brinton. These, with Judas tree (cercis
+canadensis), elder-berry (sambucus canadensis) and our native dog-woods
+in variety, are but a few of many worthy native plants, but enough, I
+hope, to direct attention to the subject.
+
+A creeping yew (taxus adpressa) appears in front of “Conyngham House”
+or “Hacker House,” Main street, opposite Bringhurst street, but is not
+equal to the famous plant once at Upsala, yet, however, there is a
+most beautiful specimen of this rare evergreen in the garden of Edward
+Hacker on Wister street. On grounds to the rear of Conyngham House are
+several valuable plants for data of which I am indebted to Miss Howell.
+
+Here was one of “the first wild flower gardens” of later Germantown,
+containing plants from many parts of the United States, but a garden
+of which only a trace now remains. Here also is “the finest grove of
+over-cup oaks (quercus macrocarpa) about, so Thomas Meehan always
+said,” “and a specimen of strange weeping oak” (quercus pendula).
+
+“Grumblethorpe,” one of our most familiar homes, is now before us,
+and its plants are second only to its other possessions. Its occupant
+and owner is Charles J. Wister, to whom credit earned fully given
+would seem but empty flattery. Here all his long life lived Charles J.
+Wister the father, a man whom his neighbor, John Jay Smith, pronounced
+“the greatest botanist living,” and here amidst the sanctity of its
+associations lives the son, a most worthy successor. Quoting from
+an article written several years ago by William E. Meehan, which is
+sufficiently full for our purpose, there is growing at “Grumblethorpe”
+“a number of interesting trees, among them three old pear trees, two
+late Catherine and one sugar pear. There are records to show that
+these trees are about 150 years old. The sugar pear, which still bears
+abundantly, is 50 or 60 feet high, and has a girth of six feet. An aged
+ivy has completely overgrown the trunk and has climbed almost to the
+topmost branches. A very fine specimen of the famous larch of the Alps,
+familiar to every student of Swiss Alpine scenery, is also growing on
+these grounds. This tree, knotted and gnarled with age, has a trunk 5½
+feet in circumference, and the tree is probably the finest of its kind
+around the city.”
+
+[Illustration: Charles J. Wister]
+
+A Japanese Ginko tree, which was among the first importations, is also
+among the curiosities of the Wister place, and, it may be well to
+add, this is the first recorded ginko in America to fruit. “About
+1830 Charles J. Wister planted one of the first ailanthus (ailanthus
+glandulosus) brought from China. This is one of the most rapid growers
+of any known tree, and has attained a height of over 70 feet, and has a
+girth of 12 feet 2 inches.”
+
+Here also is a rare specimen of papaw (asimina triloba), a tree equaled
+only by one of the same kind at “Wyck,” one foot in diameter by 40
+feet high. “A gray poplar (populus alba), introduced about the latter
+part of the last century from Italy, is also growing in Mr. Wister’s
+grounds. Its trunk measures 10 feet 4 inches, and its branches cover a
+great area of ground.”
+
+When we remember that the old fruit trees of “Grumblethorpe” have lived
+through the busiest life of our town, and yet bear as they did at a
+time when Christopher Saur in a building close by printed pamphlets and
+books now highly prized, we may well halt for a moment of reverential
+meditation, not for the trees and their produce, but for the power
+which gave them life, which sustained them, and which has given them to
+us. Interesting trees the garden of “Grumblethorpe” suggest, are the
+Chancellor pear, which originated on the grounds of William Chancellor,
+School House lane, adjoining Germantown Academy, and the original
+Keiffer pear, produced by Peter Keiffer at his nursery on Livezey’s
+lane, west of Wissahickon creek.
+
+While in the vicinity of Germantown Academy, let us notice there a
+beautiful specimen of blood-leaved maple (acer J. atropurpureum), and
+also one of equal worth on the grounds of Miss Jane E. Hart, diagonally
+opposite.
+
+These plants are very fine though small,--but superior specimens may be
+noted at Dr. James Darrach’s, Greene street, near Harvey street,--and
+at Mrs. Thomas W. Evans’, Cliveden avenue and Main street, the latter
+our representative plant.
+
+Thanks to Meehans’ nurseries, we have many fine specimens of this showy
+tree about Germantown, and among a number known to us one of the best
+is on the grounds of William Rotch Wister, Wisteria avenue. Also in the
+garden of Samuel Emlen, West Coulter street, among other rare plants is
+the most beautiful specimen of cut-leaved maple (acer J. dissectum a.)
+I have ever seen.
+
+Passing the residence and one-time garden of the “annalist” John
+Fanning Watson, we now turn in Penn street to visit “Ivy Lodge,” the
+home of John Jay Smith, whose long, useful life was here lived, where
+much of his best work was done, and from whence he departed to the
+habitations of the “just made perfect.” “Ivy Lodge” is of interest in
+many ways, but we shall stop only to mention a sun-dial with a noted
+inscription associated with Stenton, and one of two original “constable
+boxes” which once did service for the “borough,” the other box being
+preserved at Manheim,--and present a few plants. Both dial and box are
+conspicuous objects in the garden, and surrounding them are some of
+the rarest shrubs and trees in our midst. Far more than I am here able
+to give, credit is due Miss Elizabeth P. Smith, a daughter of John J.
+Smith. At “Ivy Lodge” is a specially fine specimen of weeping beech
+(fagus H. var. pendula), a memorial red oak (quercus rubra) planted by
+Miss Smith’s mother, and an immense black oak (quercus nigra). Also
+here once grew a notable juniper (juniperus squarrata), and several
+specimens of araucaria.
+
+Miss Smith told me her father many times here tried to raise araucarias
+(araucaria imbricata) in the open, but never succeeded in keeping them
+over three years, this much being “considered quite an achievement.”
+In England araucarias of great height are quite common, so I doubt not
+the length and severity of our winters is responsible for the plant’s
+non-existence in our gardens. At “Ivy Lodge” are several fine mahonias
+(mahonia aquifolium) of 35 years’ growth, and with the exception of
+a small specimen growing on the grounds of Edward Hacker, on Wister
+street, here is the only cedar of Lebanon (cedrus libani) to my
+knowledge growing strictly within the town limits. This is a fine plant
+about 25 feet in height, and is one of two memorial trees planted in
+1852 by John Jay Smith and John Granville Penn, the latter the last
+of the “proprietor’s” line, in honor of William Penn and James Logan.
+The “William Penn” tree, planted by a descendant of James Logan, is
+the plant we may see. The James Logan tree planted by a descendant of
+William Penn, is no more, having gone the way of “all the earth.”
+
+Until a few years ago there was on the grounds of Colonel Galloway
+C. Morris, on East Tulpehocken street, a very fine cedar of Lebanon,
+but this to make room for improvements was destroyed. A “cut” of this
+plant, however, survives, and with a description may be seen in Vol.
+I, page 39, of Meehans’ Monthly. Our best and most notable cedars of
+Lebanon stand in North Laurel Hill Cemetery, and these grown under the
+care of John Jay Smith are said not to be excelled in America.
+
+I wonder how many who pass up and down Main street, or who visit the
+Friends’ Library, notice the trees at “Friends’ Meeting.” To me these
+are always a delight, and I love to look back into the spacious,
+restful grounds, for here and wherever these “meetings” are is a
+picture of peace. We all are apt to know more about “green hills” far
+away than of those immediately before us, for the things at hand often
+appear ordinary, while those heard of or seen under unusual conditions
+are rated by an exalted measure.
+
+Walking in the Wissahickon upon two occasions with men of travel, I
+asked, “Did you ever see a more beautiful place?” One answered, “It is
+very much like the scenery of New Zealand, but it is better.” Another
+said, “I have traveled throughout Europe, and the only place that will
+compare at all with it is the Trossachs in Scotland, but in extent it
+is insignificant compared to this.” Henry Carvill Lewis, who “circled
+the globe” before attaining his “majority,” told me in all his travels
+he saw nothing that in his estimation approached the beauty of the
+Wissahickon, and others who have traveled far and who lived long abroad
+have told me “the Wissahickon is incomparable.”
+
+So we may know much about “Bartram’s cypress,” a plant 9 feet in
+diameter and 120 feet high, while we may not have noticed the beautiful
+cypress at “Fairfield;” the specimen at David Peltz’s, on Nicetown
+lane; the exceedingly fine specimen 2 feet in diameter and 80 feet high
+at James E. Caldwell’s, on Manheim street; specimens at Henry’s, Main
+street, opposite Fisher’s lane; at David Hinkle’s, on Main street,
+near Penn street; at “Ivy Lodge;” at Vernon; at Town Hall Square; at
+several points on West Walnut lane, at Pomona; and the group of three
+very fine cypress trees we passed at Friends’ grounds.
+
+There are many other fine cypress trees with us, but our most noted
+ones are on Main street, above Washington lane, where at Ellwood
+Johnson’s is a group of three trees of unusual height, and one solitary
+plant 5 feet in diameter by 100 feet high, conspicuous by its size.
+These plants grow upon “Honey Run,” on ground once owned by Peter
+Keyser, whose son of the same name, a “preacher” and tanner, brought
+them from South Carolina, and under his direction about the year 1800
+were here planted by Israel Haupt, so Miss Elizabeth R. and Ellwood
+Johnson informed me.
+
+At the Deshler-Morris home, owned and occupied by Elliston P. Morris,
+is one of our finest gardens, possessing several of our largest and
+finest trees. Mr. Morris wrote me:
+
+“The exact age of some of my fine old trees is uncertain, the family
+tradition is that some of them were planted by my grandfather, or
+members of his family. I doubt not some of the older trees were there
+when it was President George Washington’s residence during the yellow
+fever epidemic of 1793. The great storm two years ago with its wind and
+sleet sadly spoiled my most attractive trees, and in some cases left me
+but skeletons of their former beauty, notably a 70-year-old elm tree
+planted by my father, Samuel B. Morris, which stands in the middle of
+my grounds.”
+
+[Illustration: Elliston P. Morris]
+
+Those who view the garden of Mr. Morris wonder at its freshness, and
+proceeding with its owner:
+
+“The great secret of my lawn is the unbroken expanse of grass, and the
+planting in conformity with established rules of landscape gardening.
+I have still some choice specimen trees, notable an immense English
+horse-chestnut (aesculus hippocastanum), with a girth I should think
+of some 10 feet; a hybrid English walnut (juglans regia) and butternut
+(juglans cinerea) very unusual, about 70 feet high and a girth of say
+8 feet; a pretty specimen of the lovely cut-leaved beech (fagus S.
+heterophylla); a 70-year-old magnolia glauca, a fine box tree (boxus
+arborescens), and some 100-year-old box-bushes (boxus sempervirens),
+and a good variety of shrubbery, with its ever changing bloom.”
+
+With us are many exceptional gardens, and these, with the beautiful
+garden of Mr. Morris, I trust may be presented at another time.
+
+We have also many rare “wild garden plants,” and such native rare and
+notable plants as Goldie’s spleen-wort, climbing fern, walking fern,
+Nuttall’s spleen-wort, Scott’s spleen-wort, Wister’s coral plant,
+obolaria, Adam and Eve plant, cancer root, and others exceedingly
+scarce and valuable, which we may only in this way refer to.
+
+[Illustration: R. Robinson Scott]
+
+On Main street, opposite Armat street, in a house occupied by Edward
+Manley, a one time preceptor of mine, once lived Christian Lehman,
+scribener, surveyor, notary public and nurseryman, and here in the old
+“nursery” is an English walnut to remind us of the first local importer
+of this valuable tree. The present specimen belongs to a later period,
+but is doubtless a product of an original planting of surrounding
+grounds. From a much used advertisement of the Pennsylvania Gazette of
+April 12, 1768, we learn that there was “to be sold--a choice parcel
+of well grown young English walnut, as well as pear and apricot, and a
+curious variety of the best and largest sorts from England of grafted
+plumb trees fit for transplanting this spring or next fall, as well as
+a great variety of beautiful double hyacinth roots and tulip roots,
+next summer season, and most other things in the flower or fruit
+nursery way, by Christian Lehman.”
+
+“Vernon,” although its native charms vanished with its open stream,
+meadow, spring-house and protecting shrubbery, yet preserves much to
+hold and interest us. The ground now covered by Vernon include the
+estate of Melchior Meng and part of that of Henry Kurtz, both plant
+lovers possessing fine gardens, which were enriched by cultivations of
+Matthias Kin, a celebrated plant collector.
+
+Here is the locally known “Meng’s magnolia” (magnolia macrophylla)
+procured by Kin, the first magnolia of its kind cultivated in North
+America, and here are oak and hemlock trees planted by John Wister in
+the early part of the last century. Several noted trees once here have
+gone. One was an immense buttonwood with a trunk having a diameter
+of 5 feet; another was a weeping willow (salix babylonica) located
+near the spring-house, and others were a large horse-chestnut which
+shaded the front of Kurtz house, and a large linden (tilia Americana)
+once prominent on the street before the door of Melchior Meng. Many
+doubtless may recall Meng’s house as “Oliver Jester’s tin shop,” until
+a few years ago standing on Vernon’s southern front.
+
+Old gardens, and the grapes of which Pastorius wrote have gone, but we
+have in new Germantown, gardens superior to any of olden time, and I
+warrant the 8-inch diameter grape vine-trunks of middle Wissahickon are
+equal to any the “founder” ever saw. So, too, the two gardens of Dr.
+Christopher Witt are no more, and there is nothing surviving to suggest
+them.
+
+On the Geissler-Warner tract, part of which was also once occupied by
+Dr. Witt, whereon also he had his first garden, stands St. Michael’s P.
+E. Church, and on its rear chancel wall is an ivy recently re-planted
+by E. A. Frey. This plant, carefully transferred from a former
+position, is a hardy “English ivy” brought originally from Sir Walter
+Scott’s “Abbotsford” by Dorsey Cox, and was here planted under the
+direction of the late beloved rector, Dr. John K. Murphy.
+
+At this place also grew a white mulberry tree (morus alba) of local
+celebrity, one of many which sprang up in this neighborhood, the
+parent tree being at the “cocoonery,” Hermann and Morton streets.
+Although Dr. Philip Syng Physick, nor his son Philip--who was never a
+doctor--had any direct connection with this tree, it is justly prized,
+and I am pleased that in the form of a “Canterbury chair,” made by
+George Redles, it now occupies a prominent position in the chancel of
+the church, for beyond these associations, it was grown in the Warner
+burying ground, where was laid the remains of the Warners, Daniel
+Geissler, Dr. Christopher Witt, and perhaps John Kelpius, all Mystics
+and early botanists, and we have before us a memorial sanctified by the
+blood it contains.
+
+Though the Warner ground mulberry was a foundling, we have on the
+original “multicaulis” grounds where Philip Physick lived a solitary
+specimen of mulberry of unusual size, 3 feet in diameter by 40 feet
+high, now in bloom, to remind us of a “South Sea bubble” burst, which
+troubled the investors of a generation past.
+
+Among the noted trees of Germantown was a pecan once standing on the
+grounds of Dr. William R. Dunton, and which was removed after the
+erection of the First Methodist Church. This tree was grown from one of
+several nuts which Thomas Nuttall brought from Arkansas and presented
+to his friend, Reuben Haines, a prominent officer of the Philadelphia
+Academy of Natural Sciences, and at whose home in Germantown he was
+a frequent guest. The nut which produced Doctor Dunton’s tree was
+given by Reuben Haines to his neighbor, Daniel Pastorius, and two nuts
+were planted in his own garden, all developed to plants of maturity,
+but the trees at “Wyck” died, while the Pastorius tree reached large
+proportions, bore fruit, and it is to be regretted that a specimen of
+so much interest could not have been preserved.
+
+[Illustration: Thomas Nuttall]
+
+In many respects a pecan (carya olivaeformis) resembles a hickory
+(carya tomentosa), a tree whose name occupies an important place in
+the early records of Germantown. From our Township line boundaries
+the ancient “hicories” have disappeared, and I shall refer only to a
+notable one which stood on Baynton street, west of Church lane, a tree
+Thomas MacKellar described as “the finest hickory” he ever saw.
+
+“Wyck” throughout the history of Germantown has been conspicuous, and
+I regret that present bounds will not permit us to enlarge upon it.
+To this attractive spot came the most noted naturalists of the last
+century, and following in the path of generous culture came Lafayette,
+who in the year 1825 was given here a public reception, which is
+distinctly remembered by Robert Thomas and Joseph Murter, honored
+citizens already referred to, who attended it. At “Wyck” is growing a
+Spanish chestnut (castanea vesca) raised from a tree whose parent nut
+was planted by Washington at Belmont for Judge Richard Peters. Also
+here is a white walnut (juglans cinerea) grown from a tree planted by
+Lafayette at Belmont, upon his “farewell visit” to America. Many of
+us may remember it was an immense tree standing on “Wyck” ground,
+and afterwards in the centre of the street almost opposite “The
+Barn,” which gave to Walnut lane its name. This walnut for many years
+was permitted to keep its place, but in due time became a prey to
+expediency.
+
+[Illustration: Wyck]
+
+Likewise it was a noted oak which gave name to a familiar “east-side”
+lane, and the circumstances attending, were almost identical with those
+serving the Walnut lane dedication.
+
+Among plants rare, though not rare plants, are several which have
+always puzzled me that they are not more general in cultivation. One
+of these is tamarisk (tamarix gallica), a shrub or small tree common
+enough in other parts, but with us scarce. The finest specimen of this
+plant we have is one 8 inches in diameter, rising with a bushy head to
+a height of 16 feet, and growing in the garden of Mrs. Frank Cooley,
+106 Hermann street. Ordinarily tamarisk is of a thin, straggling
+habit, but responding to care and liberal pruning this plant shows a
+remarkably heavy, vigorous growth, as a cut, page 173 of volume 12,
+Meehans’ Monthly, fairly illustrates.
+
+On our way northward, let us as we pass Charles Megargee’s mansion,
+now the home of a popular club, recall a rare oriental spruce recorded
+by William E. Meehan. Impersonality in writing is often its greatest
+strength, but the credit for a large amount of city history presented
+by Mr. Meehan I should like to see justly given, for much that has
+appeared and repeatedly reappeared belongs to him. The oriental
+spruce (picea orientalis) once here was considered a remarkably fine
+one, and belonged to the “most northern growing of all the pine tree
+family.” This specimen was brought to Philadelphia “by Engineer George
+W. Melville on his return from the famous De Long expedition,” the
+specimen being secured “on an island near the mouth of the Lena river.”
+
+Among our scarce plants is persimmon (diospyros Virginiana), though why
+this should be I do not know, for outside our territory, and especially
+in the neighborhood of the Perkiomen Valley, it is one of the most
+common of trees. At Stenton; on Abbotsford avenue near James A.
+Wright’s place; in the Wissahickon, near “Livezey’s Mills;” near Rabbit
+lane and County line, we have meritorious if not great persimmons; and
+at Miss Hocker’s, Main street above Washington lane; also at Joseph
+C. Channon’s, Main street, above Pastorius street, we have at each
+place two specimens, noteworthy because being directly upon our main
+highway they serve to remind us of farm days and the simple character
+of our one-time village. Here, too, at “Channon’s,” under the care of
+Miss Amelia R. Wood, is a lusty Japanese persimmon (diospyros kaki)
+which never fails to fruit. Also here, as well as at Miss Elizabeth R.
+Johnson’s near-by, are quince, pear and apple orchards, survivors of
+ancient days, blossoming as of old.
+
+Townsend Ward, with others before him, and followed by Judge Samuel
+W. Pennypacker, have given accounts of a great but almost unknown man
+who had the confidence to address Cromwell upon his plans, a religious
+writer of wide influence, the founder of a successful community, which
+existed nearly 200 years before that of the more widely known Brook
+Farm of New England. This man was Peter Cornelius Plockhoy, and his
+colony was located on the Delaware river, where the town of Lewes now
+is. Ward records: “In 1694 there came to Germantown an old man and
+his wife. He was blind and poor, and his name was Cornelius Plockhoy,
+the founder and last survivor of the Mennonite colony broken up 30
+years before at the Hoorn Kill by Sir Robert Carr. The good people of
+Germantown took pity on him;” and continuing with Judge Pennypacker,
+“they gave him the citizenship free of charge.” They set apart for him
+at the end street of the village by Peter Klever’s corner a lot 12
+rods long and one rod broad whereon to build a little house and make
+a garden; in front of it they planted a tree. Jan Doeden and William
+Rittenhouse were appointed to take up “a free will offering” and to
+have the house built.
+
+I refer to this because Plockhoy, more than he is, should be identified
+with Germantown, because a tree in this early life of the colony
+was considered of sufficient importance to name, and also because
+this house and tree stood upon Kyser’s lane within sight of the
+homestead owned and occupied by Miss Elizabeth R. Johnson, in whose
+charming garden situated at the northwest corner of Main street and
+Washington lane, we shall stop for awhile to “sit at her feet” while
+she entertains us with accounts of her historic plants. Among the
+rare treasures here is a fine Persian lilac (syringa persica) planted
+in 1771, which continues vigorous and spreads its sweetness upon the
+receptive air. A curious fig (ficus carica) here is the development
+of a shoot which for 4 years after the removal of the parent tree did
+not appear, but is now, as figs go, a stately plant. Here also on
+the southern exposure of the mansion is the first wisteria (wisteria
+speciosa) planted in Germantown, and one of the first planted in
+America, a plant of immense proportions, and whose numerous runners
+overspreading two near-by trees weighted them to earth.
+
+[Illustration: Johnson Homestead]
+
+Many fine wisteria plants we have, and at Ellwood Johnson’s fascinating
+retreat adjoining there is a most beautiful specimen; another is at
+“Grumblethorpe;” another at William Rotch Wister’s on Wisteria avenue,
+and yet another at Dr. Herman Burgin’s on West Chelten avenue; also
+at David McMahon’s on East Chelten avenue are two handsome wisterias
+grown as standards. All these are notable plants, and conspicuous among
+an innumerable company which help beautify our town.
+
+At the Johnson homestead are several fine box trees planted in the
+year 1800, and these bring to mind other superior box trees; plants on
+Hermann street, near Baynton street; at Hacker house, on Main street;
+at Vernon, and at many other points in our territory.
+
+At Ellwood Johnson’s we shall halt for a moment to partake of his
+sparkling spring water, and note a pear tree of Revolutionary days
+which yet spreads its branches over a charming spring-house. Here
+until the storm which overthrew Christ Church steeple, stood an old
+willow (salix babylonica) with a trunk 5½ feet in diameter, and one of
+the first weeping willow trees planted in America, a notable specimen
+which outliving its strength was felled by the great wind of the storm
+referred to, but now a scion from its roots has risen to preserve its
+memory.
+
+Also here among many notable plants is a fine specimen of the rare
+clammy locust (robinia viscosa), and the largest hazelnut (corylus
+Americana) I have ever seen, a plant of 20 feet in height, and covering
+a large area.
+
+Passing Concord School, its nature-loving pupils, George Lippard
+and William E. Meehan, with other associations of interest to plant
+students, we halt at “Pomona Grove” to present a plant which should
+not be forgotten, for “Pomona” and its charms are now a memory. At
+the northeast corner of what is now Baynton street and Pomona terrace
+once stood a yew, which by those competent to judge was considered
+remarkable. No one has been able to definitely state where this tree
+came from, nor when it was planted. All agree that it was a mature
+imported plant and was placed at “Pomona” by Col. Thomas Forrest. There
+need be no mystery, however, for it is well known a yew grows rapidly
+for 20 or more years, more slowly for a hundred years, after which
+period it exists in a practically stationary condition.
+
+Prof. Thomas Meehan pronounced the Pomona yew the finest he had ever
+seen, and his ripe knowledge and wide travels gave a distinct value to
+the opinion. This plant was in perfect condition, covered a circle of
+13 feet diameter, and stood at a height of 20 feet.
+
+  “Alas, that vandal hands should tear away
+  The ancient landmarks dear to other days,
+  And spoil the verdurous temples in a day,
+  Which nature took so many years to raise!”
+
+It is to be forever regretted that the efforts of our Germantown
+Horticultural Society to secure this gem for Market Square failed, for
+it rather than objectionable intrusions now there, would better serve
+the purposes for which the block was set apart.
+
+We have, however, near Market Square in the garden of Elliston P.
+Morris, a small, but perfect and very beautiful specimen of English
+yew, identical in variety with the plant so unfortunately lost.
+
+Continuing--we pass Miss Arrott’s select school, which was once a barn,
+and Leonard Stoneburner’s house and farm, he an active citizen, whose
+pride lay rather in the speed of his horses than in “crops” and trade
+and politics, all of which claimed a large share of his attention; also
+passing Naaman K. Ployd’s garden, and his numerous plants of more than
+local interest--we soon reach “Cliveden,” first occupied as a country
+seat by Chief Justice Chew in the year 1763. This is the battleground’s
+centre, and is sacred because of the men who died there; but while
+appreciating this, let us work and pray for a time when war shall be
+considered a crime, and the taking of human life for any cause, murder.
+At “Cliveden” there are now no plants of the Revolutionary period, and
+many of its finest shrubs have been planted within my memory.
+
+“Growing close against the Chew mansion a beautiful rose of Japan.
+It is certainly at least 75 years old, and has delighted all who
+have seen it by the quality and beauty of its large red blossoms,”
+so noted William E. Meehan. Mrs. Chew wrote me: “There were a number
+of magnificent English elms, a row along the front of the place near
+the street, extending as far as Upsal street, and another row along
+Cliveden street.”
+
+Near the barn there is at present an elm (ulmus campestris), a sole
+representative of the trees indicated. The street “trees were killed by
+wanton boys when the family temporarily left the place about 40 years
+ago,” and by the fathers I doubt not of the “Dog-towners,” who stoned
+every Rittenhouse School boy of my own class reckless enough to venture
+alone into the reserved precincts of “Beggarstown.” Here is a beautiful
+specimen of European larch (larix Europaea), and to continue with Mrs.
+Chew, “the tulip poplars on the west side of the house were planted by
+Blair McClanachan during the few years after the battle that he owned
+the property. The oak on the lawn in front of the house was planted
+about 70 years ago by one of the family.”
+
+The pine tree (pinus rigida) on the front lawn “may be accounted for
+in the following way, I think, although I do not positively know.
+Mr. Chew, the son of the Chief Justice, owned a number of very fine
+farms in New Jersey, and his tenants there were of the same family for
+generations, and they were on the most kind and friendly terms with Mr.
+Chew. I imagine that this tree when very small may have been brought
+as a gift to Mr. Chew by one of his tenants, and there planted by Mr.
+Chew himself.”
+
+Surviving on Upsal street is a companion pine, which from its position
+gives strength to this opinion, for these trees appear to have been
+twins planted in “Cliveden” equi-distant.
+
+[Illustration: Cliveden]
+
+“Upsala,” opposite, which we all know well by name, possesses several
+of our finest and most notable plants. Miss Sally W. Johnson, who
+owns and occupies it, generously gave me an account of its rare home
+plants, which we may now only present in outline. Among these plants
+were grapes planted and cared for by Dr. Johnson, a very large white
+flowering camellia, a white flowering sweet jasmine, a laurestinas, a
+daphne, not equal to the one which Miss Ann Chew had in her hall by the
+front window. Of her garden, Miss Johnson’s account is so interesting
+that I cannot deny myself the pleasure of quoting. In it “there were in
+summer Bordeaux lilies, and varlotta purpurea, a handsome red clustered
+lily, and agapanthus with their odd shade of lavender blue; funkias,
+vincas, oriental poppies in garden beds, and the ‘York and Lancaster’
+rose still blooms, though it is a curious dwarf. The Marie Louise, a
+sweet light pink rose, has lived on all through the garden for I am
+sure the past hundred years. I try to replace the trees or plants that
+have died. There was once a double row of white Hawthorn to the Johnson
+street entrance. The red berries were so bright, and made a charming
+English decoration for Christmas. A double pink hawthorne was a very
+fine tree.”
+
+“The fringe tree was an old favorite, arching gracefully over the
+middle walk, and when gone was replaced by another, and a group
+of tartarian honeysuckle is still blooming every spring after the
+daffodils and cowslips and double low buttercups with their mottled
+shiny leaves, periwinkles and lilies of the valley were in every shady
+spot, and the late summer was gorgeous with phlox--the hardy--and
+Drummondii, larkspurs, tritoma, trumpet vine, and the like.”
+
+Though many of “Upsala’s” best trees are no more, here yet are several
+of which we may be justly proud. The once well-known creeping yew is
+gone, and the silver fir planted in 1800, which reached 100 feet in
+height, a plant figured and described in A. J. Downing’s “Landscape
+Gardening,” was removed several years ago, and a memorial apolinian fir
+was planted in its place.
+
+[Illustration: Upsala]
+
+Here is a famous American yew, a plant distinct from English yew; a
+noted catalpa, a dwarf spruce, a handsome tulip-poplar, a number of
+towering white pines, an exceedingly fine cryptomeria or Japan cedar,
+which greatly excels specimens at “Fairfield,” at Edward Hacker’s on
+Wister street, at Peter Keiffer’s on Livezey’s lane; and here is a
+California redwood or “big-tree” (sequoia gigantea), a plant now about
+25 feet in height, the rarest, and so far as known to me, the only
+specimen of a size worthy of consideration in Philadelphia. This tree,
+now showing the effects of last winter’s unusual frost, stands directly
+in front of the mansion, and my prayer is that “Upsala” unaltered,
+and its owner in health and “perpetual youth,” may continue until it
+attains the proportions of its most illustrious progenitors.
+
+Time presses upon us, so we shall pass rapidly Billmyer house, where
+are beautiful specimens of locust (robinia pseudacacia), walnut and
+honey-locust (gleditschia triacanthos); Peter Leibert house, where
+are fair Norway spruce, horse-chestnut and silver maple; the Church
+of the Brethren grounds, where grow four of our finest trees, two
+larch trees, each 2 feet in diameter and 60 feet high, and two coffee
+trees of magnificent development, plants 2 feet in diameter by 80 feet
+high each; several striking plants of merit at Peter D. Hinkle’s; St.
+Michael’s Lutheran Church grounds, where is a superb specimen of Irish
+yew (taxus, var. Hibernica), resembling, but in beauty far exceeding,
+similar plants at St. Vincent de Paul’s Church, and Lower Burying
+Ground; Phil-Ellena, the one-time residence of George W. Carpenter,
+whose garden of home gardens, if not the greatest, was at least the
+one most widely known, but its rare plants are now distributed and
+its notable trees in the main leveled to accommodate “Pelham,” a late
+product of capital and change.
+
+At George Hesser or William M. Bayard house, opposite, is a number of
+fine box-bordered walks, an impressive linden resembling the linden in
+Concord Burying Ground, and a picturesque white pine, but these without
+further mention we shall neglect to stop briefly at Joseph Meehan’s,
+on Pleasant street, and at Meehans’ nursery on Main street, the latter
+once located at the southeast corner of Meehan avenue, where numerous
+plants now beautifying home streets and gardens were first grown.
+
+Among Joseph Meehan’s “wild plants” is a handsome aster, discovered by
+this botanist near Gettysburg, Pa., a plant which for several years has
+been growing in his garden. As yet the “authorities” have not decided
+upon a name, so we shall present it as aster Meehani.
+
+Here also is a specimen of the rare Franklin tree (gordonia pubescens),
+and with the exception of a like specimen at Meehans’ nurseries, and
+another near Horticultural Hall, also one raised by William De Hart and
+now growing near Lansdowne, it is the finest specimen I know.
+
+In our “Flora,” I have referred to the parent of this tree, which was
+a scion of the plant brought from South Carolina by William Bartram.
+The original plant, abused at Bartram Garden after the retirement
+of Colonel Carr, was rescued and revived by William De Hart at his
+garden on Darby road, where it grew for several years. It was then
+presented to Joseph Meehan, on whose grounds, its energy spent, it
+struggled through a precarious existence to an honored death--truly
+an interesting record of the most remarkable plant in botanical
+nomenclature.
+
+From Main street nursery Thomas Meehan removed to “Hongs’ Farm,” on
+Chew street. His partner, William Saunders, located first on Johnson
+street, near Greene street, and later took charge of the experimental
+gardens at Washington. At the Chew street nurseries are many of the
+choicest and most notable plants in America, specimens from which
+plates of the “Flowers and Ferns of the United States” were figured;
+indeed so many “new and rare plants” that I shall leave them,
+trusting that Joseph Meehan may favor us with a paper upon the same,
+and at present we shall be content with reference to a few valuable
+ones I think him likely to ignore--namely, cut-leaved plum (prunus
+myrobolana, var. dissectum); halesia Meehani or silver-bell, a
+species of shrub or small tree bearing beautiful white bell-shaped
+flowers; weeping dog-wood (cornus F., var. pendula), and rose-flowering
+dog-wood (cornus F., var. flore rubro), all distinct varieties
+originating at these widely known and justly famed nurseries.
+
+[Illustration: Joseph Meehan]
+
+I had thought to completely cover our territory, but within the “time
+limit” this I have found impossible. There are many “estates” of merit
+with us to which I have not referred, and on them and elsewhere near
+are many deserving plants and odd growths I should like to introduce
+and enlarge upon, such as a cherry (prunus serotina) of immense
+proportions, situated on Fisher’s lane, near Lower Burying Ground;
+a very fine silver-bell tree on the grounds of George W. Russell,
+Seymour street near Morris street; two beautiful elms on Spencer’s
+Farm, and standing near the site of “Roberts’ mill” on Church lane,
+near Township Line road; the Henry Lenhart memorial stone in Market
+Square Church grounds, which since the year 1830 has been enveloped
+by the root growth of a silver maple, and in its vise-like grip
+is supported vertically; several commemorative trees, emblems of
+affection, such as the purple beech and white pine trees planted on
+Greene street near Coulter street by “Dr. Rivinis, a grandson of the
+botanist for whom Rivinia or rouge plant” was named; and the “Mollie
+Middleton,” “Helen T. Longstreth” and numerous other marked trees in
+the Wissahickon; an exceedingly fine American aspen on the grounds
+of Dr. Daniel Karsner, Tulpehocken and Greene streets; a group of
+large pine trees at Adams street and Washington lane; the wild goose
+lily treasured by Ellwood Johnson, a unique plant resembling, but
+quite distinct from Hemerocallis Flava of our gardens; a valuable and
+perfectly formed Norway maple, situated on Chew street, near Washington
+lane, a tree which always leads its kind in leaf and flower; an immense
+hawthorn (crataegus oxyacantha) on Magnolia street, near Johnson
+street; individual paulownia (paulownia imperialis), catalpa (catalpa
+bignonioides), and smoke trees (rhus cotinus) of merit, conspicuous
+in many places throughout our domain; a celebrated Irish yew once
+standing beside the Carpenter Mansion at Phil-Ellena; a white oak of
+remarkable growth showing a trunk 5 feet in diameter, a height of 60
+feet, and having an immense limb tapering from 2 feet in diameter,
+32 feet long, projecting horizontally for its entire length, and
+completely spanning Rabbit lane, east of E. Rittenhouse Miller’s place;
+a magnolia, the product of skill if not art, flourishing on James E.
+Gowen’s grounds at Main street and Gowen avenue, a monstrosity formed
+by the union of a circle of plants drawn together at about 3 feet above
+the earth and united, rising in a central trunk, reminding one of
+Alexander Pope and his strange fancies at Twickenham; a curious seat at
+“The Cherries” at Spring-bank, naturally supported by the outgrowth of
+two oak trees,--and near the same spot, a storm-cleft chestnut tree,
+which strangely has renewed itself; many rare and beautiful magnolias,
+such as may be seen at Mrs. Taws’, West Tulpehocken street, at Thomas
+Meehan’s, at “Wyck,” at William Heft’s, and in general distribution
+throughout our territory; “cut-leaved” plants in variety, such as
+may be seen on Baynton street, near Walnut lane, at Chelten avenue
+and Godfrey street, and at many places elsewhere; Kilmarnock willows
+and “weeping plants” innumerable; rare plants at Miller & Yates’; the
+celebrated “paragon chestnut” of William L. Schaeffer, a variety of
+Spanish chestnut (castanea vesca) which originated on what is now the
+Institution for the Deaf and Dumb grounds, and obtained wide celebrity;
+fern-leaved beech (fagus, var. asplenifolia) at Edward S. Buckley’s,
+and weeping beech (fagus, var. pendula) at C. B. Dunn’s, with another
+noted one at Thomas C. Price’s, all of Chestnut Hill; Caleb Cope’s
+garden “grotto” and valuable plants; the “new garden” of John T. Morris
+on Wissahickon, a botanical garden in every respect save name; and
+many unique plants stationed throughout the length and breadth of the
+Wissahickon region.
+
+But among our superabundance it has been possible only to mark a few
+guide posts to point the way to all who care “to lead or follow” to
+a possession which in other parts is suggested only by such rich old
+settlements as Alexandria, West Chester and some New England towns,
+but not any of which, so far as I have been able to observe, is able
+to approach the treasure ever present with us. Much that we desire to
+present we thus are obliged to curtail or ignore, and with one more
+thought we shall conclude.
+
+When visitors of distinction called upon George W. Childs at “Wootten,”
+they invariably were requested to plant a tree. The custom is a
+pleasing one, worthy of imitation, and should be encouraged. Wrote
+Thomas Meehan: “trees are associated with our dearest memories and most
+important events.” Abroad memorial and historic trees are so numerous
+that we refer to them only for illumination, and in our own country we
+have the “Charter Oak” of Connecticut, the famous “Elm of Cambridge,”
+and the “Treaty Tree” of Philadelphia. Other trees quite as important,
+but not so well known, are the “Liberty Tree” of Newport, the mulberry
+tree of Maryland under which the first settlers met to establish a
+government, and the plane tree of Burlington, to which New Jersey
+colonists tied ship before the founding of Philadelphia.
+
+Stop soon we must, and passing many home plants of tender associations,
+I shall select one, and close with mention of a memorial tree near
+Kitchen’s bridge in the Wissahickon, a pin oak (quercus palustris),
+planted “Arbor Day, 1903, by the pupils of Andrew G. Curtin Public
+School in memory of Thomas Meehan, the friend of boys and girls.” No
+truer words than these were ever penned, but let us not limit, for
+Thomas Meehan was a friend to all--the world is better because he
+lived, and there is no one in Germantown this day who does not enjoy
+the fruit of his great work.
+
+[Illustration: Prof. Thomas Meehan]
+
+So we pass, and although our list of plants is indicative only, and
+those named but meagrely “presented,” yet we trust enough has been
+noted to direct attention to the beautiful creations placed before us
+to enjoy. We have no need to covet or compare, for in a magnificent
+fullness we have what others have not, and while we envy not nor desire
+another less, let us for ourselves strive to deserve the favors so
+bountifully given us, and take lesson, for false accumulations are
+vanity, so let us spurning the selfishness of the few who ignore
+the rights of the many, find pleasure in pursuits which no abuse is
+able to restrict nor monopoly to control, for when schemers and their
+usurpations are no more, nature incorruptible and unalterable will
+continue steadfast on her way.
+
+Now as I go about our “village,” developed to a full-fledged town, I
+rejoice that we have so much for the enjoyment of the many, and so
+little that is not as free as our own desires. As of old, our common
+highway follows its tortuous course, and although peach and weeping
+willow and lombardy poplar trees of long ago have vanished, other trees
+of sturdier mould have risen to take their place. Large, substantial
+houses in the ripeness of age continue with us, but those who built
+them sleep in our shaded graveyards, and we may decipher their names
+on bleached and weather-beaten decomposing stone. Lofty trees planted
+by those who “have gone before,” in “the fullness of time” stand as
+monuments to them, and as friends to us to shade and protect.
+
+Time “may come, and time may go,” for nature is change, and change
+nature, but to us “Providence has been very kind,” and the past though
+hardly pressed, yet dominates the present.
+
+Mansions and plantations justly venerated have become the property of
+all, and now among us we have “Vernon” and “Stenton,” “Waterview” and
+“Cliveden” as public parks, not great nor finished as yet, but ours,
+while behind looming up in the possibilities of “pleasure grounds” is
+“Fernhill,” and with us forever secure is the peerless Wissahickon.
+
+Though slowly, the character of our town alters, “orders old giving
+place to new,” but I rejoice that we have so much to remind us of days
+gone by--“Cliveden” and “Upsala,” “Grumblethorpe” and “Wyck,” to any of
+which an enforced change would be a catastrophe.
+
+Logan, Huber’s, Spring Alley, “Tinker” Frey’s, Vernon and Chew springs
+have gone, but Wister, Cope and Johnson springs continue to remind us
+of rural long ago. Henry’s, Vernon and Methodist lane pumps, once with
+never-tiring handles traveling uncomplainingly “neath earth and sky”
+for the public good, have been retired, but “Manheim street pump”
+unfailingly dispenses to who so e’er will wait. Toll-gate, Conestoga
+and stage-coach have disappeared from our turnpike road, and the
+trolley has “followed after,” yet in spite of “all temptation” we cling
+to the past, and the “Germantown wagon” undaunted waits upon us to do
+us service.
+
+Change truly is in the air, but there is a remarkable blending of the
+old with the new. The curse of war has passed from among us, “swords
+have been beaten into plough-shares, and spears into pruning hooks,”
+“peace and plenteousness” reign within our borders. No more the
+cannon’s thundering roar disturbs our homes, and “storied groves of
+Johnson’s lane, where Washington the bold led Freedom’s sons on British
+guns in the brave days of old” are free of strife.
+
+Now from many gardens on our “Appian Way” the perfume of blooming
+plants “maketh glad the heart of man;” native birds frequent, charming
+with enlivening song, our Main street lawns, and from above, falling
+upon never-tiring ears, “the great bell still tolls the hours,” as
+one by one they round to remind us of youth and age and the “vast
+forever,” while over the “belgian block,” heedlessly perhaps, “the
+noise of traffic rolls.”
+
+Days come and go, the wheel turns. With us, “too soon, too soon, the
+noon will be the afternoon, to-day be yesterday.” “The night cometh”
+when no man may work. While it is yet day, let us remember those who
+“planted and watered” that we might benefit, and not forgetting our
+obligations to them, to ourselves and posterity, let us appreciate and
+provide, so that generations to come may receive with the increase
+those blessings so generously showered upon us, that the Germantown
+of greater opportunity to be, may upon the traditions and heritage
+preserved and bequeathed, rise to heights not attained, because unknown
+to us.
+
+
+
+
+_INDEX_
+
+
+  A.
+
+        Page
+
+  Acacia, 38
+
+  Adam and Eve Plant, 73
+
+  Addison’s Walk, 47
+
+  Ailanthus, 53, 65
+
+  Alburger, John, 41
+
+  Alcott, Bronson, 40
+
+  Alcott, Louisa M., 40
+
+  Armstrong, 41
+
+  Araucaria, 68
+
+  Arbor Vitae, 46, 59
+
+  Arrott’s School, 86
+
+  Ashton, Dr., 45
+
+  Aspen, American, 96
+
+  Aster, Meehan’s, 93
+
+  Awbury, 46, 54
+
+
+  B.
+
+  Baker, W. E. S., 33, 36
+
+  Bartram, Wm., 93
+
+  Barbary, 49
+
+  Barron, Com. James, 52
+
+  Baumann, L. C., 50, 53
+
+  Bayard, C. M., 59, 62, 92
+
+  Beech, 9, 29, 49, 54, 96
+
+    “ Fern-leaved, 98
+
+    “ Weeping, 98
+
+    “ Wister’s, 35
+
+  Beggarstown, 88
+
+  Belfield, 36
+
+  Benneville, Dr. Geo. De, 40, 42
+
+  Bethesda Home, 57
+
+  Betton, Dr. Saml., 53
+
+  Big-tree, California, 91
+
+  Billmyer House, 91
+
+  Birch, Silver, 30, 46
+
+  Blair, Linden, 55
+
+  Blathewood, 56
+
+  Blight, Geo., 41
+
+  Bonneval Cottage, 42
+
+  Bonsall, E. H., 20
+
+  Box, 29, 59, 73, 84
+
+  Branchtown, 16, 40
+
+  Brethren, Church of, 92
+
+  Brewster, F. Carroll, 34
+
+  Brickyards, 53
+
+  Brinton, Dr. J. B., 62
+
+  Brown, Prof. Stewartson, 32
+
+  Bummer’s Cave, 58
+
+  Burgin, Dr. H., 62
+
+  Butternut, 36
+
+  Button-ball, 29
+
+  Butler Place, 38, 41
+
+  Buttonwood, 42, 43, 44, 75
+
+  Buttonwood Hotel, 44
+
+
+  C.
+
+  Caernarvon, 50
+
+  Caldwell, Jas. E., 70
+
+  California Red-wood, 91
+
+  Cancer Root, 73
+
+  Canteloupe, 52
+
+  Carlton, 41, 48, 54
+
+  Catalpa, 24, 26, 30, 96
+
+  Cedar, Japan, 30, 91
+
+  Cedar of Lebanon, 30, 32, 68, 69
+
+  Cedars, The, 32
+
+  Century Plant, 35
+
+  Champlost, 27
+
+  Channon, Jos. C., 81
+
+  Chancellor, Wm., 66
+
+  Charter Oak, 99
+
+  Cherry, 95
+
+  Chestnut, American, 32, 36, 48
+
+      “ Horse, 92
+
+      “ Paragon, 98
+
+      “ Spanish, 26, 78
+
+  Chew, Chief Justice, 87
+
+    “ Mrs., 87
+
+  Childs Geo. W., 99
+
+  Christ’s Church, 84
+
+  Clark, E. W., 30, 57
+
+  Clearfield, 28
+
+  Cliveden, 87
+
+  Cocoonery, 76
+
+  Coffee Tree, 36, 39, 92
+
+  Concord Ground, 47, 93
+
+  Concord School, 47, 85
+
+  Constabel Martin, 60
+
+  Conyngham House, 63
+
+  Cooley, Mrs. Frank, 79
+
+  Cope, Caleb, 98
+
+    “ Francis R., 46
+
+    “ Thomas P., 46
+
+  Corvy, The, 51
+
+  Cryptomeria, 30, 91
+
+  Cucumber Tree, 32
+
+  Cypress, Bartram’s, 32, 70
+
+  “ Swamp, 32, 70
+
+
+  D.
+
+  Datz, Jacob A., 41
+
+  Darrach, Dr. Jas., 66
+
+  Deane, Silas, 18
+
+  De Hart, William, 93
+
+  Deshler-Morris Garden, 71
+
+  Devil’s Pool, 56
+
+  Dewees, William, 45
+
+  Dial, Logan, 69
+
+  Doeden, Jan., 82
+
+  Dog-town, 88
+
+  Dog-wood, Common, 54, 62
+
+  “ Rose Flowering, 95
+
+  “ Weeping, 95
+
+  Downing, A. J., 30
+
+  Drinker, Elizabeth, 28
+
+  “ Henry, 28
+
+  Dunton, Dr. William R., 77
+
+
+  E.
+
+  Elder, 62
+
+  Elm, 31, 47, 95
+
+  “ Cambridge, 99
+
+  “ English, 87
+
+  Emlen, Samuel, 62, 66
+
+  Evans, Mrs. Thomas W., 66
+
+
+  F.
+
+  Fairfield, 28, 30, 32, 70
+
+  Fair-Hill, 24
+
+  Farm, The, 38
+
+  Farnum, Mrs., 22
+
+  Fern-Hill, 30, 38, 39, 41, 45, 48, 54
+
+  Fig, 83
+
+  Fir, Silver, 90
+
+  Fisher, Ellicott, 36
+
+  Fisher’s Hollow, 33
+
+  Forrest, Col. Thomas, 85
+
+  Fox, Miss, 27
+
+  Fraley House, 22
+
+  Franklin, Benjamin, 24, 33
+
+  Franklin Tree, 93
+
+  Freas, Philip R., 52
+
+  Frey, E. A., 75
+
+  Frey, “Tinker”, 61
+
+  Friends’ Library, 69
+
+  Friends’ Meeting, 44, 69
+
+  Fringe-tree, 49, 62, 90
+
+
+  G.
+
+  Galvin, Thomas P., 39
+
+  Gardette, E. B., 52
+
+  “ Dr. James, 41
+
+  Garret, Andrew, 44
+
+  Garrett’s Hill, 39, 54
+
+  Garrett, Philip C., 30
+
+  Geissler, Daniel, 76
+
+  Germantown Academy, 66
+
+  “ Horticultural Society, 86
+
+  “ Lots, 14
+
+  “ Maps of, 12
+
+  “ Method of settlement, 14
+
+  “ Old Roads of, 12
+
+  “ Wagon, 103
+
+  Ginko, 45, 64
+
+  Godman, Dr. J. G., 51
+
+  Goldie’s, Spleenwort, 73
+
+  Gowen, James E., 97
+
+  Grape, 75
+
+  Greens, Meadow, 61
+
+  Grumblethorpe, 23, 35, 50, 59, 63, 65, 83
+
+  Guckes, Philip, 41
+
+
+  H.
+
+  Hacker, Edward, 45, 68
+
+  Hacker House, 63
+
+  Haines, Miss Jane, 21
+
+  “ John S., 46
+
+  “ Reuben, 77
+
+  Harrison, Alfred C., 45
+
+  “ George L., 54
+
+  Hart, Miss Jane E., 66
+
+  Hart, John, 60
+
+  Haupt, Israel, 71
+
+  Hawthorn 90, 96
+
+  Hazel, 85
+
+  Heacock, Joseph, 58
+
+  Heft, Caspar, 29
+
+  “ William, 43, 54, 97
+
+  Hemlock, 29, 31, 39, 56, 59
+
+  Henry House, 40, 61, 70
+
+  “ T. Charlton, 35
+
+  Hesser House, 92
+
+  Hickok, Dr. William H., 31
+
+  Hickory, 77
+
+  High St. Station, 47
+
+  Hinkle, David, 70
+
+  “ Peter D., 92
+
+  Hocker, Miss, 81
+
+  Holly, 49
+
+  Holt, John, 50
+
+  Honey-Locust, 54, 92
+
+  Honey-Run, 71
+
+  Hongs’ Farm, 94
+
+  Horse-Chestnut, 75
+
+  “ “ English, 72
+
+  Hotchkin, Rev. S. F., 20, 25
+
+  Hotel, Buttonwood, 44
+
+  “ General Wayne, 53
+
+  Howell, Miss, 63
+
+  Huber, James S., 60
+
+
+  I.
+
+  Indian Mound, 57
+
+  Inn, Ye Roebuck, 44
+
+  Ivy, 59
+
+  Ivy, Abbotsford, 75
+
+  Ivy Hill Cemetery, 34
+
+  Ivy Lodge, 67, 68, 71
+
+
+  J.
+
+  Jansen House, 16
+
+  Jellett, Stewart A., 34
+
+  Jenkins, Charles F., 22
+
+  Johnson, Dr., 89
+
+  “ Miss Elizabeth R., 71, 81, 82
+
+  “ Ellwood, 58, 71, 83, 84, 96
+
+  “ Miss Sally W., 89
+
+  Jones, Thomas, 49
+
+  Judas tree, 62
+
+  Juniper, 32, 58, 67
+
+
+  K.
+
+  Kalm, Peter, 17
+
+  Karsner, Dr. Daniel, 96
+
+  Keiffer, Peter, 66, 91
+
+  Kelly, Judge William D., 39
+
+  Kelpius, John, 76
+
+  Kemble, Fanny, 27, 37, 38, 52
+
+  Kew Gardens, 10
+
+  Keyser, Peter, 71
+
+  Keyser-Rodney House, 53
+
+  Kin, Matthias, 74
+
+  Kulp, William, 53
+
+  Kurtz, Henry, 74
+
+
+  L.
+
+  Lafayette, 78
+
+  Larch, 45, 49, 64, 88, 92
+
+  Laurel Hill Cemetery, 69
+
+  Lawson, Alex., 35
+
+  Le Boutillier, Roberts, 58
+
+  Lehman, Christian, 74
+
+  “ Godfried, 16, 19, 22
+
+  Lehman’s Quarry, 16
+
+  Lenhart Memorial, 95
+
+  Lewis, H. Carvill, 70
+
+  Liberty Tree, 99
+
+  Lilac, Persian, 83
+
+  Lily, Wild Goose, 96
+
+  Linden, 75
+
+  Linden, Blair, 55
+
+  Lippard, George, 85
+
+  Lippincott, J. Bertram, 26
+
+  Locust, 92
+
+  Locust, Clammy, 85
+
+  Locust, Honey, 54, 92
+
+  Logan, James, 32, 43, 68
+
+  Lombardy Poplar, 20, 31
+
+  Longstreth Tree, Helen T., 96
+
+  Loudoun, 40
+
+  Lovett Library, 54
+
+  Lovering, Joseph S., 56
+
+  Ludwig, Christopher, 46
+
+  Lutheran Seminary, 41
+
+
+  M.
+
+  Macarthur, Charles T., 36
+
+  MacKellar, Thomas, 25, 55, 78
+
+  McClanachan, Blair, 88
+
+  Magnolia, 32, 59, 97
+
+  Magnolia, Evergreen, 59
+
+  “ Glauca, 32, 61, 72
+
+  “ Swamp, 32, 61, 72
+
+  “ Yellow Flowering, 32
+
+  Mahonia, 68
+
+  Manheim, 44, 67
+
+  Manley, Edward, 73
+
+  Maple, Baumann’s, 50, 53
+
+  “ Blood-leaved, 66
+
+  “ Cut-leaved, 67
+
+  “ Norway, 96
+
+  “ Silver, 36, 37, 38, 47, 50, 51, 92
+
+  Market Square, 44, 86
+
+  Mason, James S., 57
+
+  McLean, Hugh, 49
+
+  McKean’s Hill, 48
+
+  McMahon, David, 84
+
+  Mears, Mrs. Anne DeB., 30, 42
+
+  Meehan, Joseph, 55, 62, 93, 94
+
+  Meehan Memorial, 100
+
+  Meehans’ Nurseries, 66, 72, 94
+
+  Meehan, Prof. Thos., 10, 57, 63, 86, 94, 97, 99, 100
+
+  Meehan, William E., 64, 80, 85, 87
+
+  Megargee Dam, 56
+
+  Melons, 52
+
+  Melville, George W., 80
+
+  Meng’s Magnolia, 74
+
+  Meng, Melchior, 74, 75
+
+  Middleton Tree, Mollie, 96
+
+  Mifflin, Lloyd, 45
+
+  Milan, Hans, 21
+
+  Miller, E. Rittenhouse, 97
+
+  “ N. Dubois, 60
+
+  Miller & Yates, 98
+
+  Milton’s Walk, 47
+
+  Morris, Bishop, 40
+
+  “ Elizabeth, C. 22
+
+  “ Elliston P., 71, 86
+
+  “ Galloway, C., 69
+
+  “ John T., 98
+
+  “ Samuel B., 45, 72
+
+  Mulberry, 99
+
+  “ White, 76
+
+  Murphy, D. D., Rev. John K., 76
+
+  Murter, Joseph, 21, 78
+
+
+  N.
+
+  Naglee Hill, 41
+
+  “ House, 22, 23, 43
+
+  National Cemetery, 45, 46
+
+  Newhall, Robert S., 59
+
+  Newington, 28
+
+  Nicholson, George, 10
+
+  Nixon, Miss, 54
+
+  Norris, Debby, 24
+
+  Norris, Isaac, 24
+
+  Northwood Cemetery, 42
+
+  Nuttall’s Spleenwort, 73
+
+  Nuttall, Thomas, 77
+
+  Nutwold, 27, 47
+
+
+  O.
+
+  Oak, 9
+
+  Oak, Black, 67
+
+  “ Jerusalem, 60
+
+  “ Mossy-cup, 63
+
+  “ Red, 18, 32, 34, 36, 67, 88
+
+  “ Weeping, 63
+
+  “ White, 26, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36, 97
+
+  Obolaria, 73
+
+  Ogden, Rev. J. C., 20
+
+  Old Oaks Cemetery, 34, 47
+
+  Oldmixon, 16
+
+  One Oak, 34
+
+  Osage Orange, 59
+
+  Outalauna, 42
+
+
+  P.
+
+  Pancoast, Charles E., 47
+
+  “ David, 46
+
+  Papaw, 65
+
+  Papen House, 16
+
+  Pastorius, Daniel, 77
+
+  Pastorius, Francis Daniel, 13, 15, 19, 24, 75
+
+  Peach, 16
+
+  Pear, Catherine, 64
+
+  “ Chancellor, 66
+
+  “ Keiffer, 66
+
+  “ Sugar, 64
+
+  Pecan, 77
+
+  Peltz, David, 70
+
+  Penn, J. Granville, 68
+
+  “ William, 13, 14, 15, 32, 69
+
+  Pennypacker, Judge S. W., 12, 81, 82
+
+  Persimmon, 31, 80, 81
+
+  Perot Farm, 42
+
+  Peters, Judge, 78
+
+  Phil-ellena, 92, 97
+
+  Physick, Philip, 76
+
+  “ Dr. Philip Syng, 76
+
+  Pinckney Homestead, 38
+
+  Pine, Austrian, 29
+
+  “ Himalayan, 29
+
+  “ Jersey, 56, 88
+
+  “ White, 26, 29, 40, 41, 42, 46, 52, 96
+
+  Plane Tree, 42, 43, 44, 99
+
+  Plockhoy, Peter, 81
+
+  Ployd, Naaman K., 87
+
+  Plum, Cut-leaved, 94
+
+  Pomona Grove, 85
+
+  Poplar, Gray, 65
+
+  “ Lombardy, 20
+
+  “ Silver, 42
+
+  “ White, 27
+
+  “ Tulip, 26, 31, 32, 36, 55, 60, 88
+
+  Price, Wister, 49
+
+
+  R.
+
+  Rafinesque, C. F., 53
+
+  Redles, George, 29, 33, 48, 53, 54, 58, 61, 76
+
+  Red-wood, 91
+
+  Reeves, Francis B., 34
+
+  Rittenhouse, William, 82
+
+  Rivinus, Dr., 96
+
+  Rhododendron, 50
+
+  Roberts Mill, 95
+
+  Rochefoucault, Duke de la, 19
+
+  Rock-House, 22, 43
+
+  Rodney House, 53
+
+  Rogers, Major, 19
+
+  Roset, Jac. M., 51
+
+  Rose of Japan, 87
+
+  Rose, York and Lancaster, 90
+
+  Russell, George W., 95
+
+
+  S.
+
+  Sassafras, 55, 57
+
+  Saunders, William, 94
+
+  Saur, Christopher, 65
+
+  Schaeffer, William L., 98
+
+  Schlatter, Michael, 54
+
+  Scott, Sir Walter, 12, 76
+
+  Scott’s Spleenwort, 73
+
+  Seymour, Widow, 34
+
+  Shoemaker, Ben. H., 45
+
+  Sibson, John F., 48
+
+  Silver-bell, 95
+
+  Silver-Pine Cottage, 40
+
+  “ “ Farm, 40
+
+  Smearsburg, 61
+
+  Smith, Miss Elizabeth P., 67
+
+  “ John Jay, 63, 67, 69
+
+  Smoke-tree, 96
+
+  Smyth, Frank, 27
+
+  Solitude, 26, 57
+
+  Spring-Alley, 51
+
+  Spring-Bank, 39, 45, 60, 97
+
+  Spruce, 80
+
+  Spruce, Norway, 29, 91
+
+  St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 75
+
+  “ Lutheran Church, 46
+
+  Steel, Edward T., 55
+
+  Stiver, Mrs. M. H., 34
+
+  Stokes, James, 23
+
+  “ Thomas P. C., 48
+
+  Stoneburner, Leonard, 86
+
+  Strawbridge, Dr. George, 48
+
+  “ Justus C., 29, 39, 56
+
+  Stenton, 30, 31, 32
+
+  Stuart, Gilbert, 51
+
+  Suicides Grave, 58
+
+  Sycamore, 42, 43, 44
+
+
+  T.
+
+  Tamarisk, 79
+
+  Taws, Mrs., 97
+
+  Thomas, George C., 59
+
+  “ Robert, 21, 78
+
+  Toland House, 40, 61
+
+  Tomato, 52
+
+  Torworth, 56
+
+  Treaty Tree, 99
+
+  Tulip Poplar, 26, 31, 32, 36, 55, 60, 88
+
+  Tucker, John, 47
+
+  Turn-pike Bridge, 23
+
+
+  U.
+
+  Upsala, 41, 46, 63, 89
+
+
+  V.
+
+  Vernon, 25, 35, 39, 49, 71, 74
+
+  Vinegar Hill, 58
+
+  Virgilia, 50
+
+  Vollmer, 41
+
+
+  W.
+
+  Wagner House, 61
+
+  “ John, 55
+
+  Wakefield, 32, 55
+
+  “ Little, 33, 36
+
+  “ Mills, 33
+
+  Walnut, Black, 18, 26, 27, 31, 39, 92
+
+  “ English, 72, 73
+
+  “ White, 78
+
+  Walter, John, 10
+
+  Walters, Philip, 53
+
+  Ward, Townsend, 18, 81
+
+  Warner Ground, 76
+
+  Warr, John, 33
+
+  Washington, George, 25, 55, 72
+
+  Watchman box, 67
+
+  Watson, John Fanning, 67
+
+  Weightman, William, 41
+
+  Weiss, Charles, 25
+
+  Welsh, John, 45, 60
+
+  “ Samuel, 39
+
+  Wescott, Thompson, 24
+
+  Wharton, Joseph, 42
+
+  Wheel-Pump, 54
+
+  White Cottage, 53, 59
+
+  Wild-Garden, 63
+
+  Williams, Alfred, 41
+
+  Willits, Dr. I. P., 39
+
+  Willow, Kilmarnock, 98
+
+  “ Weeping, 20, 25, 75, 84
+
+  “ White, 24, 25
+
+  Wingohocken Creek, 49, 58
+
+  Wissahickon, 45, 56, 57, 66, 70, 96, 98, 102
+
+  Wistar, Dillwyn, 62
+
+  Wister, Charles J., 23, 63, 65
+
+  “ Jr., Charles J., 45, 63, 65
+
+  Wister Coral Plant, 73
+
+  “ Memorial Tree, 35
+
+  “ John, 34, 74
+
+  “ William Rotch, 29, 66
+
+  “ William Wynne, 51
+
+  “ Wood, 35, 36
+
+  Wisteria, 83
+
+  Witt, Dr. Christopher, 22, 75, 76
+
+  Wood, Miss, A. R. 81
+
+  Woodside, 55
+
+  Wright, James A., 48
+
+  Wyck, 21, 25, 59, 60, 65, 77, 78, 79, 97
+
+
+  Y.
+
+  Yew, American, 91
+
+  “ Creeping, 63
+
+  “ English, 9, 66
+
+  “ Irish, 92, 96
+
+  “ Pomona, 85
+
+  York Farm, 27, 38
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
+
+
+Typos and extraneous punctuation corrected.
+
+Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been left unchanged.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78370 ***
diff --git a/78370-h/78370-h.htm b/78370-h/78370-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d98c191
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/78370-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,4922 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html lang="en">
+<head>
+    <meta charset="UTF-8">
+    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
+    <meta name="format-detection" content="telephone=no,date=no,address=no,email=no,url=no">
+    <title>
+      Germantown old and new | Project Gutenberg
+    </title>
+    <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover">
+    <style>
+
+body {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {
+    text-align: center; /* all headings centered */
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+p {
+    margin-top: .5em;
+    text-align: justify;
+    margin-bottom: .5em;
+}
+
+.p2       {margin-top: 2em;}
+.p4       {margin-top: 4em;}
+
+hr {
+    width: 33%;
+    margin-top: 2em;
+    margin-bottom: 2em;
+    margin-left: 33.5%;
+    margin-right: 33.5%;
+    clear: both;
+}
+
+hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;}
+@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} }
+
+div.chapter {page-break-before: always;}
+h2.nobreak  {page-break-before: avoid;}
+
+ul.index { list-style-type: none; }
+li.ifrst {
+    margin-top: 1em;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+    padding-left: 1em;
+    font-weight: bold;
+}
+li.indx  {
+    margin-top: .5em;
+    text-indent: -2em;
+    padding-left: 1em;
+}
+
+table {
+    margin-left: auto;
+    margin-right: auto;
+}
+
+.pagenum {
+    position: absolute;
+    left: 92%;
+    font-size: small;
+    text-align: right;
+    font-style: normal;
+    font-weight: normal;
+    font-variant: normal;
+    text-indent: 0;
+} /* page numbers */
+
+blockquote {
+    margin-top: 0;
+    margin-bottom: 0;
+    margin-left: 5%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
+}
+
+.center   {text-align: center; text-indent: 0;}
+
+.right    {text-align: right;}
+
+figcaption   {font-weight: bold;}
+figcaption p {margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: .2em; text-align: inherit;}
+
+/* Images */
+
+img {
+    max-width: 100%;
+    height: auto;
+}
+img.w100 {width: 100%;}
+
+
+.figcenter {
+    margin: auto;
+    text-align: center;
+    page-break-inside: avoid;
+    max-width: 100%;
+}
+
+
+/* Poetry */
+.poetry-container {text-align: center;}
+.poetry           {text-align: left; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;}
+.poetry .stanza   {margin: 1em auto;}
+.poetry .verse    {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;}
+
+/* Transcriber's notes */
+.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA;
+    color: black;
+    font-size:small;
+    padding:0.5em;
+    margin-bottom:5em;
+    font-family:sans-serif, serif;
+}
+
+.ph2 {
+    text-align: center;
+    font-size: x-large;
+    font-weight: bold;
+}
+.transnote {
+    margin-left:17.5%;
+    margin-right:17.5%;
+}
+
+/* Illustrated dropcaps */
+img.dropcap
+{
+    float: left;
+    margin: 0 0.7em 0 0;
+}
+
+p.dropcap:first-letter
+{
+    color: transparent;
+    visibility: hidden;
+    margin-left: -0.9em;
+}
+
+.x-ebookmaker img.dropcap
+{
+    display: none;
+}
+
+.x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter
+{
+    color: inherit;
+    visibility: visible;
+    margin-left: 0;
+}
+
+.upper-case
+{
+    text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.center-table {
+  display: table;
+  margin-left: auto;
+  margin-right: auto;
+  padding-top: 0.2em;
+  padding-bottom: 0.2em;
+}
+
+.x-ebookmaker .ep2 {margin-top: 2em;}
+.x-ebookmaker .ep6 {margin-top: 6em;}
+
+li { margin-top: 0.25em; margin-bottom:0; line-height: 1.2em; }
+
+/* Illustration classes */
+.illowp80 {width: 80%;}
+.x-ebookmaker .illowp80 {width: 100%;}
+.illowp15 {width: 15%;}
+.illowp20 {width: 20%;}
+.illowp50 {width: 50%;}
+
+/* Poetry indents */
+.poetry .indent0 {text-indent: -3.0em;}
+    </style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78370 ***</div>
+
+
+
+<p class="center ep6">
+  Arranged and Printed<br>
+  by the<br>
+  Germantown Independent-Gazette<br>
+  Germantown, Pa.
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_frontis" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_frontis.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_frontis">Oak Tree and Rabbit Lane</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<h1 class="center-table" style="border-top: 3px double; border-bottom: 1px solid;">GERMANTOWN<br>
+<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>OLD AND NEW</i></span></h1>
+
+<p class="center ph2 p2" style="margin-bottom: 2em; word-spacing: 0.2em;">Its Rare<br>
+and Notable<br>
+Plants</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp15" id="colophon" style="max-width: 3em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/colophon.png" alt="" data-role="presentation">
+</figure>
+
+<p class="center p4"><i>1904</i></p>
+
+<p class="center center-table" style="word-spacing: 0.2em; font-size: large; border-top: 1px solid;"><i>BY EDWIN C. JELLETT</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p class="center center-table ep2" style="font-size: large; border-top: 3px double; border-bottom: 1px solid;">
+  <i>To<br>
+  CLARA HELEN BAUMANN<br>
+  a native of Germantown whose<br>
+  ancestors beautified it in the<br>
+  past as their successor honors<br>
+  and enriches it in the present.</i>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp20" id="i_dedication" style="max-width: 10em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_dedication.png" alt="" data-role="presentation">
+</figure>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">
+    <i>PREFACE</i>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>This outline sketch of our “rare
+and notable plants” was prepared at
+the direction of “The Germantown Horticultural
+Society” and was read at
+its public meeting of May 9, 1904,—the
+same later appearing in the columns
+of the “Germantown Independent-Gazette.”</p>
+
+<p>At the time of writing, there was no
+thought of publishing the paper, it being
+hurriedly assembled outside the
+time required for daily positive
+duties within the limits of one week,—and
+was intended only for a simple
+address.</p>
+
+<p>This will partly explain, if it does
+not excuse obvious defects, and since
+I have been urged by several members
+of the Society named to present the
+paper in print, I have concluded to
+send it forth with all its faults from
+the same types by which it first appeared,
+asking only that the circumstances
+be remembered, for no one,
+I feel confident, is able to satisfactorily
+present the plants of Germantown
+in an article so brief,—or more
+definitely,—I am not able to do so.
+To the original paper I have added an
+index, which I hope may not be found
+superfluous.</p>
+
+<p>For the illustrations which grace our
+pages, I am indebted to S. Mendelsohn
+Meehan,—who suggested this paper,—and
+to Horace F. McCann—who
+printed it. The faces which familiarly
+greet us I have added to dignify
+our work, for past and present they
+represent the “stuff” which built our
+town,—preserved it,—and now keep it,—forever
+famous. Last, but not least,
+I feel sure we all are pleased with the
+appearance of our book, and to Erwin
+W. Moyer, whose skill and good taste
+reared upon a sub-stratum apparently
+hopelessly unpromising a structure so
+creditable, I wish to record my heartiest
+thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+  E. C. J.
+</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="ILLUSTRATIONS">
+    <i>ILLUSTRATIONS</i>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<div id="c_frontis">
+<p><i><a href="#i_frontis">FRONTISPIECE</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Oak tree on Rabbit Lane, near
+County Line Road. Photograph by
+Charles Edward Pancoast.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp023">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp023">PAGE 23</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>The “Morris-Littell” House, at southeast
+corner of Main and High
+streets. The rear part of this house
+I believe to have once been the residence
+of Dr. Christopher Witt.—(E.
+C. J.) Photo by J. H. Russ.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp030">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp030">PAGE 30</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>George Redles. A remarkable botanist,
+whose knowledge of our native
+and cultivated plants is unsurpassed,
+and whose modesty is equal to
+his acquirements. Photograph by
+Mrs. George Redles.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp033">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp033">PAGE 33</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Wakefield, a notable historic mansion,
+whose surrounding grounds
+exhibit many of our finest plants.
+Etching by Joseph Pennell. Penna.
+Magazine.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp044">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp044">PAGE 44</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Naglee Houses. Original houses, exhibiting
+to the present the stone
+dwellings of the early settlement.
+Photograph of “The Philadelphia
+Times.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp048">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp048">PAGE 48</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Weeping Elms. Beautiful specimens
+shading the entrance to Meehans’
+nurseries. Cut from “Meehans’
+Monthly.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp051">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp051">PAGE 51</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Louis Clapier Baumann, in his day
+the leading Florist of Germantown,
+and the first “wholesale grower of
+cut flowers” for the Philadelphia
+markets. Photograph copy by E.
+C. J.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp057">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp057">PAGE 57</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Hemlock Glen of the “Monks,” situated
+on the Wissahickon, above
+Kitchen’s Lane. Photograph by E.
+C. J. From “Meehans’ Monthly.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp064">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp064">PAGE 64</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Charles J. Wister, who preserves the
+traditions of “Grumblethorpe,” and
+following in the footsteps of an illustrious
+line, is honored and beloved
+wherever known. Photograph
+by Samuel R. Gray.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp072">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp072">PAGE 72</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Elliston P. Morris, the owner of the
+“Deshler-Morris” mansion which
+President Washington occupied, and
+the possessor also of one of the finest
+gardens in Germantown. Print
+of “The Germantown Independent-Gazette.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp074">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp074">PAGE 74</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>R. Robinson Scott, an eminent Germantown
+horticulturist, and the discoverer
+of the famous fern known
+as “Scott’s Spleenwort.” Photograph
+copy by E. C. J. Print of
+“Fern-Bulletin.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp078">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp078">PAGE 78</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Thomas Nuttall, a noted naturalist,
+lecturer and explorer. An exceedingly
+rare spleenwort keeps before
+us his name. From “Botanists of
+Philadelphia,” by John W. Harshberger,
+Ph. D.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp079">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp079">PAGE 79</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>“Wyck,” a marvel of quaintness and
+exquisite beauty. The oldest house
+and garden in Germantown, and the
+richest in intellectual associations.
+Photograph by Gilbert Hindermyer.
+From “Home and Garden.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp083">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp083">PAGE 83</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Johnson Homestead, at northwest
+corner of Main street and Washington
+lane, a house renowned in local
+history, whose garden is its equal
+in absorbing interest. Print of “The
+Germantown Independent-Gazette.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp088">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp088">PAGE 88</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Cliveden, the centre of the Germantown
+battle ground, and the home
+of many beautiful plants. Print of
+“The Germantown Independent-Gazette.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp090">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp090">PAGE 90</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Upsala, celebrated for its stately
+beauty, and its possessions of rare
+and unique plants. Photograph by
+J. H. Russ.</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp094">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp094">PAGE 94</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Joseph Meehan, a noted botanist and
+horticulturist, whose writings
+form an integral part of our best
+floricultural magazines. Print of
+“Floral Exchange.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+<div id="c_fp100">
+<p><i><a href="#i_fp100">PAGE 100</a></i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>Prof. Thomas Meehan, a noted scientist,
+educator and writer, the author
+of the greatest books upon our native
+flora, and the nestor of American
+Horticulture. Print of “Meehans’
+Monthly.”</p>
+</blockquote>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</span></p>
+
+
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="GERMANTOWN">
+    <i>GERMANTOWN</i>
+    <br>
+    <i>RARE AND NOTABLE PLANTS</i>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+<div>
+<img class="dropcap" src="images/i_dropcap.png" width="100" alt="">
+</div>
+<p class="dropcap"><span class="upper-case">In</span> the presentation and
+consideration of our
+home plants of special
+interest, it should be
+kept in mind that nearly
+all, if not quite all,
+were transplanted to the positions
+they now occupy, and that there is
+here no disposition to compare or contrast
+with other plants of greater age,
+of more historic worth, our rare and
+notable plants of “nature” and cultivation.</p>
+
+<p>Our purpose is rather to show that,
+with our town’s increase in girth and
+years, we have had a like advance in
+intelligence and culture, and that our
+old mansions, gardens and those who
+keep them have earned for Germantown
+the title,—“the most beautiful
+suburb in America.”</p>
+
+<p>We have no yew trees 3000 years
+old, no oak trees of 2000 years’
+growth, no “Burnham beeches,” nor
+have we other plants of great age
+equal to those of older countries and
+especially England, but such as we
+have we shall in outline endeavor to
+present, and direct attention to the
+fact that they have merited and received
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</span>the attention of visitors, who
+have had opportunity for observation
+abroad. About ten years ago, George
+Nicholson, curator of the Royal Botanical
+Gardens of Kew, London, was
+the guest of Prof. Thomas Meehan,
+and spent some time here. After
+leaving he said:</p>
+
+<p>“Germantown is a place which every
+foreigner interested in American
+trees should visit, as the people of
+this suburb of Philadelphia one hundred
+years ago were especially interested
+in the introduction and cultivation
+of rare trees, and the first cultivated
+specimens of several American
+trees were originally planted here,
+and may still be seen. The roads of
+Germantown are shaded with beautiful
+rows of native trees, and behind
+them stretch the green lawns of innumerable
+villas.”</p>
+
+<p>John Walter, editor of the London
+Times, while here expressed similar
+views, and many other visitors and
+writers who passed through Germantown
+have left us a record of their
+“impressions.”</p>
+
+<p>To name all our worthy plants were
+a hopeless task, and one which I shall
+not attempt. Our efforts shall be
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</span>rather to trace the thread of development,
+and by examples of past and
+present conspicuous plants to illustrate
+its growth. To do this properly
+we should go back to the settlement
+of the town itself, know the causes
+which gave it birth, understand the
+character of its founders and their
+pursuits—its growth material and intellectual,
+before we may be able to
+meet its merits with an equal appreciation.</p>
+
+<p>Alway while walking along our
+Main street I am reminded of the
+popular, well-known thoroughfare of
+Oxford, England, which it strangely
+suggests, and I sometimes wonder if
+it was not this ancient street, and not
+the central highway of Philadelphia,
+which to our own principal thoroughfare
+150 years ago gave us High
+street, a name by which it was long
+known. Be this as it may, our Main
+street in a very striking way resembles
+its more widely known namesake
+abroad, a highway Hawthorne
+described as “the noblest street in
+England,” and to which “Wordsworth
+devoted a sonnet to the stream-like
+windings of that glorious street.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</span></p>
+
+<p>As I follow our “avenues” pleasing
+course, I am further reminded of old
+Edinburgh’s hallowed hill, and as I
+picture its steep ascent, its numerous
+historic buildings, its atmosphere
+of antiquity, I see Sir Walter Scott
+from his carriage strenuously discoursing
+upon its wealth of interests
+to the delight of his guests and his
+own apparent satisfaction, for to him
+Edinburgh was home, and to so entertain
+his friends was “very heaven,”
+and as I look into the future, I see our
+own “cannongate” of not one whit less
+historic value, by one as illustrious,
+made as widely, and as permanently
+known.</p>
+
+<p>In olden time it was the custom
+to approach Germantown only by the
+“Great Road,” for indeed for a period
+there was no other way. The original
+survey map of Germantown, dated
+October 24, 1683, now in the possession
+of Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker,
+is void of side roads or lanes,
+but this defect immediately after the
+settlement was remedied, maps following
+showing lanes to mills, and
+later maps showing other roads connecting
+Germantown with important
+near-by pikes east and west. After
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</span>Rittenhouse Mill road, and Roberts’
+Mill road, one of the most important
+of later roads was Bensell’s or School
+House lane connecting our Main
+street with Ridge road, a favorite
+route with travelers when the quagmires
+and quicksands of “3-Mile Run”
+proved troublesome.</p>
+
+<p>In a letter dated March 7, 1684,
+which Francis Daniel Pastorius wrote
+his parents, he gave them this information:
+“As relating to our newly
+laid out town Germanopolis or Germantown,
+it is situated on a deep and
+very fertile soil, and is blessed with
+an abundance of fine springs and
+fountains of fresh water. The main
+street is 60 feet wide, and the cross
+streets 40 feet in width. Each family
+has a plot of ground for yard and garden
+3 acres in size. 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 labor
+meets with rich reward.”</p>
+
+<p>The ground of which Pastorius
+wrote was not the immigrants’ first
+choice, but after a difference with
+William Penn was selected on account
+of its elevation, and also because
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</span>it was open ground with only
+here and there groups of trees. After
+the survey lines were established
+farms and gardens, and of course,
+houses, were located on each side of
+the main road, the farm boundaries
+extending in parallel lines from the
+“great road” east to Bristol township
+line, now Stenton avenue, and west
+to the Roxborough line, now Wissahickon
+avenue. In other respects
+these lines, however, were never
+strictly drawn, and places on York
+road to the east, and Roxborough on
+the west, were nearly always referred
+to as “Germantown.”</p>
+
+<p>The Main street farm lots began a
+few feet north of “Lower Burying
+Ground,” now Hood’s Cemetery, and
+were plotted northward in divisions
+of “half lots” of 115½ feet front each,
+or “whole lots” of 231 feet front each,
+to a point adjoining “Upper” or “Concord
+Burying Ground,” located a few
+feet north of Kyser’s, now Washington
+lane. The original settlers of
+“42 persons in 12 families” were located
+upon this road, for so it had
+been planned. In “a further account
+of the Province of Pennsylvania,”
+published in 1685, wrote Penn:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</span></p>
+
+<p>“We do settle in the way of townships
+or villages, each of which contains
+5000 acres in square, and at
+least 10 families; many that had
+right to more land were at first covetous
+to have their whole quantity
+without regard to this way of settlement,
+tho’ by such wilderness vacancies
+they had ruined the country and
+then our interest of course. I had in
+my view society, assistance, busy
+commerce, instruction of youth, government
+of people, manners, conveniency
+of religious assembling, encouragement
+of mechanics, distinct and
+beaten roads, and it has answered in
+all those respects, I think, to the universal
+content.”</p>
+
+<p>Our first settlers were not tillers of
+the soil. Pastorius records they were
+“mostly linen weavers, unaccustomed
+to husbandry,” but “yeomen” closely
+followed, and soon</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+  “The meads’ environed with the silver streames”
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>were planted, and by a gracious providence
+stimulated to transmit to us
+the increase. William Penn quoting
+Robert Turner, wrote—“the manufacturers
+of linnen by the Germans goes
+on finely, and they make fine linnen.
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</span>Samuel Carpenter, having been lately
+there, declares they had gathered one
+crop of flax, and had sowed for the
+second and saw it come up well.”</p>
+
+<p>This Samuel Carpenter was a busy
+resident of Philadelphia, and the holder
+of 500 acres of ground in the vicinity
+of present Branchtown.</p>
+
+<p>Very early in the growth of the new
+colony the importance of Germantown
+was recognized, and although its founders
+were disappointed, desiring
+ground upon a “navigable stream,”
+they made the best of what they considered
+a poor bargain, and losing no
+time, they, under the direction of
+Pastorius, gave life and vigor to the
+new “town,” planted, and eight years
+after the settlement, Oldmixon stated,
+“the whole street about one mile in
+length was lined with blooming peach
+trees.” Soon the hastily constructed
+log cabins gave way to substantial
+buildings of stone, and much of the
+stone, I doubt not, came from the
+quarry of Godfried Lehman, located at
+what is now Main and Price streets,
+where the old round-house once stood.
+Those who remember the Heivert
+Papen or Jansen house, built in 1698,
+and which about 25 years ago was
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</span>removed from the northwest corner of
+Main and Johnson streets, may picture
+the houses “built of stone which
+is mixed with glimmer,” observed by
+Peter Kalm in his visit here in 1748.</p>
+
+<p>About this time the character of
+Germantown began to change, although
+this change did not become
+pronounced until 50 years later. An
+influx of settlers of means and the
+improved conditions of the natives
+created new desires, houses became
+larger and more elaborate, “plantations”
+or “estates” began to take the
+place of farms, trade stimulated by
+wealth became of more importance,
+and the commingling of commerce
+and culture gave to Germantown an
+atmosphere not enjoyed by those who
+planted the settlement.</p>
+
+<p>With the advent and accumulation
+of gain came those luxuries which
+only wealth and culture are able to
+accommodate, and the severe simplicity
+of those who for conscience sake,
+left the Fatherland to aid in the
+“holy experiment” and found a commonwealth,
+slowly gave way to an expanding
+era of change.</p>
+
+<p>There were writers of this period who
+give us other impressions. One of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</span>the most unsympathetic of these was
+Silas Deane, who in 1775 wrote:</p>
+
+<p>“Germantown consists of one street
+built mostly of rough stone, two miles
+nearly in length, and the houses resemble
+the appearance of the inhabitants,
+rough children of nature, and
+German nature too.” This writer
+doubtless was an ancestral connection
+of Lewis Carroll, who, in “Hunting of
+the Snark,” wrote,</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“The crew was Dutch,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">and behaved as such.”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>But though rather uncomplimentary,
+Deane’s account is extremely interesting,
+and as Townsend Ward
+reports him, is as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“The greatest improvement on nature
+is that on their groves, owing by
+no means to luxury, but to penury and
+want. The growth is red oak (quercus
+rubra), interspersed with black
+walnut (juglans nigra), etc. The
+poor are allowed to cut up the brush
+and trim the lower limbs; this leaves
+the groves in the most beautiful order
+you can imagine. All is clean on
+the ground; removing every shrub
+and bush, leaves the wind full play to
+sweep the floor, and the soil, by no
+means luxuriant, shooting up the trees
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</span>rather sparingly, so much grass starts
+as to give a pale green carpet; while
+the trees are trimmed up ten to fifteen
+feet on their trunks, and give the
+eye a prospect far into the grove, and
+the footman or horseman free access.”</p>
+
+<p>As we may readily imagine, the
+original Germantown settlers were a
+busy people, so with the exception
+of Pastorius, Godfried Lehman, and
+a few others, we have little from them,
+and for our information we are
+obliged to depend upon visiting travelers.
+Ten years before the time of
+Deane’s report Major Robert Rogers
+wrote thus of Philadelphia:</p>
+
+<p>“In short, scarce anything can afford
+a more beautiful landscape than
+this city and adjacent country, which
+for some miles may be compared to
+a well regulated, flourishing garden,
+being improved, as I have been informed,
+to as great advantage as almost
+any lands in Europe.”</p>
+
+<p>In 1799 Duke de la Rochefoucault
+described Germantown as “a long village
+near 2½ miles in extent. The
+houses to the number of about 300
+are all built on the side of the highway,
+and are erected pretty close to
+each other.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</span></p>
+
+<p>Of the planting of the people he
+wrote:</p>
+
+<p>“They raise a good deal of wheat,
+and still more Indian corn, but very
+little rye or oats.”</p>
+
+<p>Rev. John C. Ogden, who visited
+here in the same year, describes the
+village in much the same way, and
+noted, “the road is muddy and dusty
+when rains or droughts prevail. The
+houses in Germantown are very universally
+shaded with weeping willows,
+the Lombardy poplar, and other ornamental
+trees. The gardens are under
+excellent cultivation, with valuable
+fields in their rear.”</p>
+
+<p>Several visitors of importance we
+shall pass, for the purpose is merely
+to expose the line of continuity to
+enable us to form a better idea of
+the floral life of old Germantown, and
+with a recollection of Edward H.
+Bonsall, who, as Rev. S. F. Hotchkin reports,
+lived here from 1819 to 1835, we
+will turn aside into another path. Evidently
+the last-named was a poor observer,
+for he said, “in a circle of six
+miles with Chew’s house as a centre
+outside of Main street, there would
+not have been found 5 houses superior
+to an ordinary farm house,” a statement
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</span>so absurd as to require no consideration.</p>
+
+<p>This brings us to days which Robert
+Thomas and Joseph Murter, venerable
+residents living with us, remember,
+and we shall now endeavor
+to follow the development of our many
+fine estates enriched by mansions,
+gardens, rare shrubs and notable
+trees, and with these note as much
+as we possess or remember of data
+and lore as may give promise of interest.</p>
+
+<p>To me it is extremely interesting
+that original holdings are yet held by
+families whose ancestors first occupied
+them, and I doubt if there be another
+settlement in America where
+uninterruptedly so many generations
+have occupied the same ground.
+Names which come readily to mind
+are Pastorius, Logan, Rittenhouse,
+Johnson, Keyser, and a group of other
+names of early settlers represented
+by the Wisters. Yet we have with us
+“Wyck,” its original house built by
+Hans Millan its original settler,
+standing surrounded by its original
+garden, and its occupant and owner,
+Miss Jane R. Haines, a direct descendant
+of its first owner—a house whose
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</span>only local competitor for age with the
+possible exceptions of Rock-House,
+and Naglee’s Houses, is the “Fraley
+House,” clearly of later construction,
+which stands in what was once
+Dr. Christopher Witt’s garden,
+later Miss Elizabeth C. Morris’
+garden, situated at the southeast corner
+of Main and High streets, a building
+which may be seen to the rear of
+Mrs. Farnum’s charming latticed residence.</p>
+
+<p>Local history, to me at least, is alway
+alluring, and it is with difficulty
+that I hew to the proper line, the temptation
+being to venture a little
+more. But we shall leave Dr. Witt
+and these pleasant shades to follow
+in the footsteps of others perhaps less
+well known.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp023" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp023.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp023">Morris Littell House</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>By an unwritten law, observed from
+the days of Godfried Lehman to those
+of Charles F. Jenkins, our latest
+guide, Germantown has been approached
+from the south by way of
+Main street, and a custom so honored
+I hope not to be the first to disturb.
+Many of us, indeed most of us, I think,
+are able to recall Germantown village
+of 2½ miles or more, when the large
+buttonwood tree (platanus occidentalis)
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</span>at Naglee’s house stood entire,
+shading on late afternoons “Turnpike
+Bridge” near; when horse-cars, ignoring
+schedule, halted at the temporarily
+deserted tree at the fork, in waiting
+for “Jake,” who was somewhere
+out of sight northward on the hill,
+and no more in a hurry than those in
+the car, who looked upon as an unwarranted
+innovation a noisy train
+which passed to disturb their restful
+meditations; when laden wagons unfortunate
+jumped the track, seriously
+interfering with suburban traffic;
+when on “market days” long lines of
+wagons laden with hay, straw and
+other commodities numerous, twice a
+week struggled through and oft-times
+blocked the busy road. Time was,
+and that not long ago, when Charles
+J. Wister, the well-known beloved father
+of Grumblethorpe’s present owner,
+under the shade of his street trees,
+dined upon the sidewalk, with none
+to wonder nor molest; and Conestogas
+with other vehicles numerous, which
+James Stokes records, passed and re-passed
+as naturally as present day
+trolleys, to whose inveterate clash
+and bang we have become accustomed.
+Those were the days when gardening
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</span>was a pleasure if not an “art,”
+and the planting of the good old plain
+gardeners, who never dreamed their
+calling would be elevated to a
+“science,” is before us to judge.</p>
+
+<p>At the house of Isaac Norris, until
+a generation ago standing on Germantown
+road, near Tenth street, and
+widely known as “Fairhill,” was one
+of the finest gardens in the colonies.
+This garden was of the formal type,
+and “Francis Daniel Pastorius, of Germantown,
+himself a man of taste, pronounced
+Fair-hill garden the finest he
+had seen in the whole country,”—so
+wrote Thompson Westcott in “Historic
+Mansions” of Philadelphia, and
+this same writer continues: “Some
+of the trees and plants came from
+France. There were catalpas from
+the Southern States, and it was here
+were grown the first willow trees
+(salix alba) in Pennsylvania, the introduction
+of which is told by Franklin
+in his account of noticing the
+sprouting of a willow which had been
+used in a basket which he saw on
+board a ship which came to a wharf
+on the Delaware. Franklin took the
+sprout, and presented it to Debby
+Norris, who planted it, where it became
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</span>the parent of many trees of the
+same species which have since become
+so common.”</p>
+
+<p>There are many white willow trees
+about Germantown, two fine specimens
+each with trunks 4 feet in diameter
+by 70 feet in height, being located
+on East Coulter street, corner
+of Cumberland street; but nearly
+all our best weeping willows (salix
+babylonica) have disappeared. Now
+no vestige remains of the rows of willows
+which lined both sides of Church
+lane, east of Willow avenue, notable
+trees which Thomas MacKellar described
+for Rev. S. F. Hotchkin. Under
+one of these trees, which stood
+prominently in the middle of the road,
+tradition says General Washington
+was accustomed to spend an evening
+hour in its shade. There yet remains
+to us, however, interesting willows
+near the entrance to Vernon, at Wyck,
+and several large and beautiful specimens
+are on the estate of Charles
+Weiss, East Washington lane, near
+Stenton avenue.</p>
+
+<p>As you may remember, the weeping
+willow is a native of China, and by
+the Dutch was introduced to Holland.
+By these same people it was also introduced
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</span>to England, one of the first
+specimens in that country being planted
+at Hampton Court.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing northward by way of
+York road, we note on the grounds of
+J. Bertram Lippincott a fine white
+oak (quercus alba) with a trunk four
+feet in diameter and rising to a height
+of 80 feet. Here also is a specially
+fine white pine (pinus strobus), but
+there is hardly a place of importance
+in or near Germantown where there
+are not conspicuous, if not great,
+white pine trees. It is a characteristic
+of a white pine that it dominates
+wherever it is, and a plant which at
+a distance appears to be of great proportions,
+near is found to be disappointingly
+ordinary.</p>
+
+<p>From “Solitude,” located east of
+York road, south of Fisher’s lane, the
+best plants have disappeared. There
+yet, however, is a catalpa (catalpa
+bignonioides), having a trunk three
+feet in diameter and a height of forty
+feet; a chestnut (castanea vesca),
+with a trunk of five feet in diameter
+and a height of 70 feet; a tulip poplar
+(liriodendron tulipifera), 4 feet in diameter
+and 100 feet in height; and a
+finely proportioned walnut (juglans
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</span>nigra), 3 feet in diameter and 80 feet
+high.</p>
+
+<p>These trees are surpassed by others
+elsewhere, the walnut in particular
+being excelled by like trees on
+Morton street near High street, on
+Main street above Tulpehocken street,
+at Nutwold on East Johnson street,—all
+superior plants, and by a wide
+branching tree of the same species
+overspreading a spring-house on the
+grounds of Frank Smyth, Washington
+lane, east of Chew street, a specimen
+6 feet in diameter and 90 feet high, I
+think by all odds the finest in Germantown.</p>
+
+<p>On Fisher’s lane east of York road
+is an exceedingly fine white poplar
+(populus alba), having a trunk 48
+inches in diameter and a height of 80
+feet; and farther east on the same
+lane, with its lands bordering those of
+“York Farm,”—the last American
+home of Fanny Kemble,—is Champlost,
+a beautiful estate occupied by
+Miss Fox, where grow some of our
+finest plants,—but it being situated beyond
+our proper limits, we shall with
+this mention pass it, to stop at a
+worthy neighbor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</span></p>
+
+<p>Bordering York road, above Logan
+Station, is “Clearfield,” now “Fairfield,”
+a plantation which Henry
+Drinker purchased in 1794, and so
+named because “James Fisher has a
+place that has been called ‘Newington’
+for many years, ’twas thought
+best to change the name,” wrote Elizabeth
+Drinker in her entertaining
+“journal.”</p>
+
+<p>This plantation or farm was held for
+two years by the Drinkers, its mistress
+delighting in its occupation and
+rewards, recording its cherries ripe
+May 17; describing an odd tulip (tulipa
+gesneriana), which grew in its
+garden, a plant “with 8 leaves, which
+I look upon as a curiosity, never having
+seen one before with more than
+6 leaves,” and continuing she noted,
+“a very beautiful place it is, how delighted
+and pleased would many women
+be with such a retreat.”</p>
+
+<p>The beauty of Clearfield was appreciated
+by successive owners and care
+was taken for its preservation. Although
+a railroad has cut the place in
+sections, and its collections are depleted,
+it yet preserves sufficient of merit
+to attract the most superficial plant observer.
+Here at the old mile-stone—“2
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</span>M. to R. S., 4 M. to P.”—surrounded
+by high trees and ivy-covered, is
+its secluded mansion, which one approaches
+by box (buxus sempervirens)
+bordered walks, winding between
+borders of heavy shrubbery,
+and about are several conspicuous
+hemlock (tsuga canadensis), beech
+(fagus ferruginea), and button-ball
+(plantanus occidentalis) trees.</p>
+
+<p>Near the upper entrance gate is a
+white pine, and beside the house a
+Norway spruce (picea excelsa), both
+of strange development, and as odd as
+any of the grotesque growths I have
+seen at Wildwood, N. J., and elsewhere
+on the Atlantic coast.</p>
+
+<p>Here also is a curious Austrian pine
+(pinus Austriaca), with a depressed
+crown; an unusually fine specimen of
+Himalayan pine (pinus excelsa), 50
+feet in height, second only to pines of
+the same species at William Rotch
+Wister’s, Wisteria avenue; at Justus
+Strawbridge’s, School House lane and
+Wissahickon avenue, and at Caspar
+Heft’s, Main street, near Manheim
+street, the latter a specimen which
+George Redles considers the best in
+our territory.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp030" style="max-width: 24em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp030.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp030">George Redles</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>At “Fairfield” is a fine specimen of
+rare Japan cedar or cryptomeria
+(cryptomeria japonica), the acknowledged
+“queen of evergreens,” 25 feet
+in height; also a fine white oak (quercus
+alba), 80 feet in height; a white
+or silver birch (betula alba), 40 feet
+in height, the latter a fine plant, but
+not equal to specimens at Fern-hill and
+at E. W. Clark’s, Wissahickon avenue
+and School House lane. Also here, as
+reported by Philip C. Garrett, the present
+occupant of Fairfield, for Mrs.
+Anne DeB. Mears—“over the upper
+spring-house is an ancient and famous
+catalpa tree pictured in the horticultural
+journals, which still bears
+its beautiful crop of blossoms every
+year,” a tree yet vigorous, and near
+the mansion, between it and the road,
+is a fine cedar of Lebanon (cedrus
+libani), 50 feet in height. All these
+plants are prominent, and may be
+plainly seen from the road.</p>
+
+<p>“Stenton,” once extending from
+Fisher’s lane to Nicetown lane, from
+Germantown road to York road, and
+situated from “Fairfield” to the west,
+has been shorn of much of its wealth.
+A. J. Downing, who visited it, thus
+describes it in “Landscape Gardening”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</span>of 1849: “Stenton, near Germantown,
+four miles from Philadelphia,
+is a fine old place, with many picturesque
+features. The farm consists of
+700 acres, almost without division
+fences—admirably arranged—and remarkable
+for a grand old avenue of
+the hemlock spruce (abies canadensis),
+110 years old, leading to a family
+cemetery of much sylvan beauty.”</p>
+
+<p>This same “splendid avenue of
+hemlocks,” described later by Townsend
+Ward, is no more, and of interest
+at Stenton now is but a tulip
+poplar, a large plane tree (platanus
+occidentalis), a few persimmon trees
+(diospyrus virginiana) and a row of
+Lombardy poplars (populus dilatata),
+plants surpassed by many with us,
+and by two plants of exceptional merit,
+one a wide-spreading black walnut
+(juglans nigra), appearing to the
+south of the mansion, and the other
+a notable elm (ulmus Americana),
+having a trunk 4 feet in diameter and
+a top spreading at a height of 120
+feet, a plant which on part of Stenton
+grounds disposed of, may now be
+seen in the yard of Dr. William H.
+Hickok, northeast corner of Eighteenth
+and Cayuga streets, a magnificent
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</span>specimen said to have been mature
+in the days of James Logan and
+William Penn.</p>
+
+<p>Near-by and north of Stenton is
+“The Cedars,” a green grove wherein
+Professor Stewardson Brown long
+dwelt, and where this gentleman informed
+me is a fine specimen of
+swamp magnolia (magnolia glauca),
+two rare yellow-flowering magnolias
+(magnolia fraseri), a lemon-scented
+variety of great beauty, by many considered
+our finest magnolia, and a
+small tree of the always rare cedar of
+Lebanon. Here also are several fine
+specimens of swamp cypress (taxodium
+distichium), familiarly known
+about Philadelphia as Bartram’s cypress.</p>
+
+<p>Without exception, the finest grove
+of trees in Germantown is that in the
+midst of which “Wakefield,” a near
+neighbor of Stenton and Fairfield, is
+situated—a grove composed of immense
+juniper (juniperus virginiana),
+chestnut (castanea Americana),
+white oak (quercus alba), red oak
+(quercus rubra), and tulip poplar (liriodendron
+tulipifera) trees. Here is
+a green-flowering cucumber tree
+(magnolia acuminata), perfectly proportioned,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</span>having a trunk 2 feet in diameter
+and a height of 30 feet. Also
+here on the front lawn is a tulip poplar,
+measured by John Warr and
+George Redles, a tree 5 feet in diameter,
+ivy-covered from the ground to
+its first limb at 40 feet, and rising to
+a height of 130 feet, a noble specimen
+equal to celebrated relatives growing
+on the Virginian mountains, where the
+species is said to attain its greatest
+development; truly a tree, especially
+when in bloom, deserving Benjamin
+Franklin’s designation—“King of the
+American forests.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp033" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp033.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp033">Wakefield</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Passing for the present “Little
+Wakefield,” we halt in lower Fisher’s
+lane to note a most interesting white
+oak (quercus alba), long familiar to
+me, but which I overlooked until directed
+again to it by George Redles.
+This is a rugged tree 4 feet in diameter
+and 60 feet high, perfectly formed, and
+growing on the top of a rock it has
+cleft in twain.</p>
+
+<p>William E. S. Baker, in “Widow
+Seymour,” accurately locates this tree
+“between the Wakefield mills in Fisher’s
+Hollow, close by the bank of the
+Wingohocken creek, and at the curve
+of the lane.” “The immense flat-rock”
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span>which supports this tree is also
+associated with “Widow Seymour,”
+and those of a poetic temperament
+may here find much of interest. Advancing
+to the elevation at Stenton
+avenue and Fisher’s lane, we find before
+us at Mrs. M. H. Stiver’s two of
+our finest trees, one a white oak, the
+other a red oak, each 4 feet in diameter
+and 80 feet high; both plants
+perfectly shaped, and with huge wide-spreading
+limbs, covering an area
+equal to their height.</p>
+
+<p>Other fine specimens of oak we have
+are a group of three fine white oaks at
+Old Oaks Cemetery on Wissahickon
+avenue; a red oak at Stewart A. Jellett’s
+“One Oak,” Pulaski avenue, near
+Apsley street; a beautiful tree on the
+grounds of Francis B. Reeves, Clapier
+street and McKean avenue; our most
+striking and picturesque oak at Judge
+F. Carroll Brewster’s, Manheim street,
+near Wissahickon avenue; a great
+white oak at Ivy Hill Cemetery, near
+Pennsylvania Railroad, a single finely
+developed specimen 5 feet in diameter
+and 100 feet high; and if not the largest,
+one of the finest, and certainly our
+most interesting oak planted by John
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</span>Wister in 1803, and now adorning Vernon
+Park.</p>
+
+<p>There are several fine trees on
+Fisher’s lane, but we shall now stop
+only at T. Charlton Henry’s place,
+where Alexander Lawson was long
+gardener, to record a century plant
+(agave Americana), which here
+bloomed a few years ago.</p>
+
+<p>Retracing our steps through Wister’s
+woods, we pass a declivity on
+which once grew a celebrated memorial
+beech. This tree stood to the
+north of Fisher’s lane and Wakefield
+street, and through age and abuse
+came to its end in the year 1870. The
+Germantown Telegraph, January 29
+of the named year, gave an account
+of this venerable and venerated tree.
+Near the earth its trunk was 3 feet in
+diameter, and “many very ancient
+scars and markings were on its surface,
+and among them within an escutcheon,
+deeply engraved and quite
+legible, were the initials D. L. W.,
+1771,” cut there by Daniel and Lowry
+Wister. It is a pleasure to note that
+this interesting work has been preserved,
+and is now among the treasures
+of “Grumblethorpe.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</span></p>
+
+<p>Continuing through Wister’s wood,
+a place where its late owner loved to
+roam, we note near the upper spring
+an odd twin growth, to which Charles
+T. Macarthur, superintendent of the
+Germantown Gas Works near by, directed
+my attention. Here are two
+trees, one a red oak and the other a tulip
+poplar, which for several feet together
+grow as one, resembling a unity
+of two species, I discovered growing
+on Dark Run lane, near the Asylum
+pike, some years ago.</p>
+
+<p>Following the Wingohocken Valley
+southward we round the point to
+“Mill” or “Valley creek,” and on our
+left find “Little Wakefield,” the home
+of Ellicott Fisher, where a number of
+chestnut, butternut and tulip poplar
+trees of fair proportions may be observed,
+but not any of which are
+equal to the lofty vigorous specimens
+appearing on “Wakefield’s” bank to
+the right, where sturdy oaks, not observable
+from the front, here impressively
+stand. “Belfield Homestead,
+with its famous coffee tree and lovely
+boulevard of maples,” now appears before
+us a perfect haven of rest, its most
+prominent plants thus referred to
+by W. E. S. Baker, standing conspicuous
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</span>above a bordering wealth of
+vegetation.</p>
+
+<p>From the valley we turn into
+Thorp’s lane, once a gem of rural
+beauty, but now sadly changed, to
+view a beautiful avenue of silver maples
+(acer dasycarpum) extending
+from the main entrance to the mansion
+where Fanny Kemble wrote “My
+children were born, by first and only
+American home.” In “Records of Later
+Life” the same gifted author, under
+date of 1837, notes: “The other
+day, for the first time, I explored my
+small future domain, which is bounded
+on the right by the high road, on
+the left by a not unromantic little mill-stream
+with bits of rock, and cedar
+bushes, and dams, and, I am sorry to
+say, a very picturesque, half-tumbled-down
+factory; on the north by fields
+and orchards of our neighbors, and
+another road; and on the south by a
+pretty, deep, shady lane, running
+from the high road to the above-mentioned
+factory. There are four pretty
+pasture meadows, and a very pretty
+piece of woodland, which coasting
+the stream and mill-dam, will, I foresee,
+become a favorite haunt of mine.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</span></p>
+
+<p>“The Farm” or “Butler Place” yet
+contains many notable plants, though
+the “row of old acacia trees near the
+house” was removed, and “a double
+row of 200 trees planted along the
+side of the place” show wear. The
+latter, however, is of great interest to
+us, for in spite of an acknowledged
+“combined ignorance” a majority of
+these plants have lived, and from
+“York Farm” in 1874 Fanny Kemble
+wrote: “The trees I planted along the
+low enclosure hedge of Butler Place,
+30 years ago, stretch their branches
+and throw their shadows half over the
+road which divides the places.”</p>
+
+<p>Though exceedingly pleasurable, we
+may not linger here too long, and to
+all interested in Germantown and its
+associations, I suggest the reading of
+“Records of Later Life” and “Further
+Records,” both books of great interest,
+and mainly produced at “Butler Place”
+and “York Farm.”</p>
+
+<p>There are many avenues of silver
+maples (acer dasycarpum) worthy of
+record with us, among them being one
+in Town Hall Park, another at the Pulaski
+avenue approach to “Fern-hill,”
+and also that leading to the Pinckney
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</span>homestead, where Judge William D.
+Kelly once lived.</p>
+
+<p>Other striking maple-lined avenues
+may be seen at Justus C. Strawbridge’s,
+School House lane and Wissahickon
+avenue; at Samuel Welsh’s,
+West School House lane, both of great
+beauty; also that of Garrett’s Hill on
+our main street, with others numerous;
+and on Norwood avenue, extending
+from Chestnut avenue to Sunset
+avenue, Chestnut Hill, is one beyond
+compare. At Butler Place the
+hemlock (tsuga canadensis) hedge
+continues of more than ordinary
+merit, but it is surpassed by a notable
+hedge of the same species at Thomas
+P. Galvin’s grounds, West Walnut
+lane, and by the remarkable hedges of
+“Fern-hill.” Other plants at Butler
+Place worthy of notice are a black
+walnut and a coffee tree, both of immense
+size and majestic proportions.
+Distributed throughout our territory
+are many large and beautiful coffee
+trees (gymnoclaudus canadensis). One
+of these may be seen at Dr. I. Pearson
+Willit’s, on West Walnut lane; another
+holds its place in Vernon Park; and
+a specially fine specimen stands before
+the Welsh mansion at Spring-Bank.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</span></p>
+
+<p>At Dr. George De Benneville’s “Silver
+Pine Farm” is a group of white
+pine (pinus strobus), which if not the
+largest is at least the most imposing
+one among us. These trees are nine
+in number, are about two feet in diameter
+trunk, rise to a height of from
+80 to 100 feet, and their shattered
+arms are familiar to every frequenter
+of Branchtown by way of Green lane
+or York road. As these trees gave
+name to the place, so we may refer to
+a farm house-like structure which once
+stood where Masonic Hall now stands
+on Main street near St. Luke’s
+Church, a house in 1832 the home of
+Bronson Alcott, and the birthplace of
+Louisa M. Alcott—which from a group
+of trees before it, became known as
+“Silver Pine Cottage.”</p>
+
+<p>In this same cottage, while rector of
+St. Luke’s Church, Rev. B. Wistar
+Morris also dwelt, and this in a measure
+may account for his love of “Oregon
+pines,” though his old-time neighbors
+say he was elected bishop for
+quite another reason.</p>
+
+<p>Conspicuous specimens of white
+pine, in some respects our most impressive
+tree, may be seen at Loudoun,
+at Toland’s, at Henry’s, all near
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</span>Naglee’s Hill; at Fern-hill, at George
+Blight’s and Dr. James Gardette’s on
+Wissahickon avenue; at Manheim,
+where there is a beautiful tree three
+feet in diameter and 90 feet high; at
+Carlton on Indian Queen lane; at Armstrong’s
+on Duy’s lane, and at almost
+every place on School House lane
+from John Alburger’s, near Greene
+street, to William Weightman’s, near
+the “Falls;” at Jacob A. Datz’s, Stenton
+avenue and Mill street, and at Alfred
+Williams’, near by; at Old School,
+County line and Limekiln pike; at
+Vollmer’s, Washington lane; at Upsala
+and Lutheran Seminary—indeed,
+so many and so generally distributed
+are these beautiful plants that it is
+needless to further enumerate.</p>
+
+<p>At Butler Place is an odd white pine,
+which curiously at a height of 40 feet
+had its terminal bud destroyed, the
+result being the development of a
+trinity of side buds. In like manner
+there is also a remarkable specimen
+at Philip Guckes’ on West School
+House lane, a tree 2½ feet in diameter
+by 70 feet high. This tree’s terminal
+bud at 40 feet elevation having
+been destroyed, two side shoots were
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</span>developed, which each sturdily rose
+to an additional height of 30 feet.</p>
+
+<p>Without exception, the finest and
+most perfect white pine in our district
+is a plant growing on a knoll on “Perot’s
+Farm,” now Northwood Cemetery.
+This tree has a trunk 2½ feet
+in diameter, rises to a height of 70
+feet, has a spread of 40 feet, and is
+vigorous, perfect and very beautiful.</p>
+
+<p>At “Outalauna,” the residence of Joseph
+Wharton, is an exceedingly fine
+silver poplar (populus alba), and near
+at “Bonnenal Cottage,” the home of
+Mrs. Anne de Benneville Mears, are
+two immense buttonwood trees (platanus
+occidentalis) with trunks 4 feet
+in diameter, each with a height of 100
+feet, and 40 feet spread. In “Old York
+Road,” Mrs. Mears, writing of “Bonnenal
+Cottage,” states “it was surrounded
+by a fine lawn and in front still
+stands one of the sycamore trees
+whose age is over 300 years, and its
+companion was planted by Dr. George
+De Benneville, Sr., in 1768.”</p>
+
+<p>With us continue many notable
+buttonwood trees, although all our
+home trees are inferior to specimens
+growing in more favorable locations.
+In Case’s Botanical Index, Page 46,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</span>there was recorded in 1880 a buttonwood
+tree growing in Greene county,
+Indiana, having a trunk 16 feet in diameter,
+and which rose with a clear
+trunk 25 feet, the altitude reached being
+160 feet, and plane trees much
+greater than this are known.</p>
+
+<p>It would be futile to name all our
+worthy specimens, so I shall without
+mention pass many to locate a few
+which more directly appeal to us. We
+all may remember the buttonwood
+tree within the gate to our “Earthly
+Paradise,” and whose denuded trunk
+stands to remind us of days when settlers
+first took up ground on “side
+land lots.” Here with an additional
+story of recent growth is Naglee’s
+house, where James Logan for a season
+dwelt, a building like the “Rock
+House,” a venerable survivor and typical
+representative of the stone houses
+of early Germantown.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp044" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp044.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp044">Naglee Houses</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Recently we have lost one of two
+well-known sycamore trees at Wagner’s,
+and the tree continuing is but
+a reminder of its former greatness.
+Another interesting specimen on Main
+street is that on the grounds of William
+Heft, a tree 5½ feet in diameter
+and 80 feet high, one of the trees
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</span>which changed the name of a public
+house once here from “Ye Roebuck
+Inn” to “Buttonwood Hotel.” Though
+often so asserted by over-zealous loyalists,
+these trees were not planted
+“by Philadelphia’s first mayor,” but
+by Andrew Garret, who carried them
+from the banks of the Schuylkill, and
+here set them in place, as “The Guide”
+some years ago instructed us. Andrew
+Garret may be remembered as an eccentric
+character, who during the latter
+part of the eighteenth century had
+a dwelling on Indian Queen lane, near
+the “Falls.” Here he lived alone, and
+by robbers was one night foully murdered,
+a sufficient warning, let us
+hope, to all of like preferment.</p>
+
+<p>Other interesting buttonwood trees
+are located at the pump on Manheim
+street, where there is a specimen 4
+feet in diameter by 80 feet high; at
+Manheim, near the club house, where
+is an odd-shaped specimen with a
+short trunk 4 feet in diameter, and
+awkwardly branching limbs rising to
+a height of 100 feet; at Friends’
+grounds on Main street, where is a
+rare tree 4 feet in diameter by 60 feet
+high, and another specimen at Market
+Square, now only of interest because
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</span>it was planted by Samuel B. Morris; at
+Dr. Ashton’s on West School House
+lane, where there is a majestic tree,
+and several others worthy a visit are
+in this immediate neighborhood. Rare
+specimens may also be seen at spring-house
+on Cresheim road, above Allen’s
+lane; at William Dewees spring-house
+at the bend in the upper Wissahickon,
+where grow two fine specimens; at
+“Spring Bank,” the residence of John
+Welsh, where is a perfect plant,
+4 feet in diameter and 100 feet high;
+and two trees in Wissahickon avenue,
+near “Fern-hill” entrance, one 6 feet in
+diameter, 100 feet rise, with a spread
+of 80 feet, and the other about its
+equal, are the finest plane trees we
+have.</p>
+
+<p>At National Cemetery, Haines street
+and Limekiln pike, are many beautiful
+trees, though but few of unusual size
+or rarity. Here are fair specimens of
+ginko (salisburia adiantifolia), but
+not equal to the ginkos of Edward
+Hacker, Wister street; Charles J. Wister,
+Main street; Lloyd Mifflin, Penn
+street; Benjamin H. Shoemaker, Mill
+street; and that of Alfred C. Harrison,
+at Thorpe’s lane, Chestnut Hill. Larch
+(larix Americana), but surpassed by
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</span>the larch of David Pancoast at High
+and Baynton streets, by that of “Fairfield,”
+of “Upsala,” and several others.
+Silver birch and other trees of superior
+merit are here, and also here is a
+fine white pine, while in sight is a
+number of specimens of the same species
+at Middleton’s on Limekiln pike.
+Among the best plants at National
+Cemetery is an arbor vitae (thuja occidentalis)
+group of 12 feet in diameter
+spread and a 30-feet height, and
+an exceedingly fine specimen of retinospora
+plumosa.</p>
+
+<p>At one time there were several fine
+trees on Christopher Ludwig’s farm,
+Haines street, near Chew street, but
+the best of these have disappeared,
+and there now remains but mediocre
+plane and walnut trees to halt us at
+the house of Washington’s doughty
+baker general, who spent here several
+years of his honest life, and who from
+his “labors” rests in St. Michael’s Lutheran
+Churchyard. Opposite “Ludwig
+Farm” is “Awbury,” containing
+the homes of John S. Haines, Thomas
+P. Cope, Francis R. Cope and other
+members of well-known families of
+like name, where are many
+rare and beautiful plants. From
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</span>“High Street Station” which was,
+there extended to the Cope houses a
+rustic walk shaded by a double row
+of silver maples, and this shortened
+continues to remind one of the celebrated
+“walks” of Addison at Oxford
+and Milton at Cambridge. Shielding
+Haines street, east of
+Chew street, is a row of specially
+fine scarlet maple (acer rubrum)
+trees now in bloom, and at “John
+Haines’ gate” grow two fine elm trees,
+each having a trunk 2½ feet in diameter,
+a height of 60 feet and a spread
+of 80 feet, entirely covering the entrance
+to this most inviting place.</p>
+
+<p>With us are several fine elm trees
+(ulmus Americana), one being on the
+grounds of Charles Edward Pancoast,
+East Johnson street; another is in
+the “Concord graveyard,” and two
+very beautiful weeping elms of the
+Galena type on Chew street, opposite
+Church street, shade the entrance
+to Meehans’ nurseries.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp048" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp048.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp048">Weeping Elms</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>At one time several of our largest
+trees were to be found at Old Oaks
+Cemetery, grounds once a part of
+John Tucker’s “plantation.” This
+burying ground was located on Township
+Line road, and extended from
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</span>near the toll-gate at McKean’s hill to
+the railroad, south. Here was a number
+of immense chestnut trees, but
+the finest have been destroyed. Our
+best, however, did not class with trees
+elsewhere. At Hereford, Bucks county,
+Pa., there is, or was, standing on the
+farm of James Schlegel a chestnut
+tree 8¾ feet in diameter, 90 feet high,
+and said to be 200 years old. At
+James A. Wright’s place on Township
+Line road, near Clapier street, is an
+imposing grove of great chestnut, silver
+maple and oak trees; at “Carlton,”
+Indian Queen lane, is a number of
+chestnut trees of immense girth, but
+of no great height, storm riven and
+impressive; but perhaps our largest
+chestnut trees are located on the
+grounds of Thomas P. C. Stokes and
+Dr. George Strawbridge, Wissahickon
+avenue, near Frank street.</p>
+
+<p>“Fernhill,” which from “Old Oaks”
+appears on an elevation before us, is
+slowly but surely losing its choicest
+plants, and during a recent visit there
+with George Redles, John F. Sibson,
+its efficient manager, attributed its
+losses to noxious gases proceeding
+from the steel works near by. Here,
+in addition to plants previously noted,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</span>are superior specimens of barberry
+(berberis vulgaris), weeping dog-wood
+(cornus F. variety pendula), common
+beech (fagus ferruginea), a fine
+specimen of Virginian fringe tree
+(chionanthus Virginica), and a larch
+of perfect proportions, 2 feet in diameter
+and 40 feet high. To compare
+with these, along Wingohocken creek,
+immediately north of the “Rocky
+Mountains” in Meehans’ nurseries,
+is a grove of fringe trees very beautiful
+when in flower, and at Manheim
+there is a magnificent larch, 2 feet in
+diameter of trunk, rising to a height
+of 80 feet.</p>
+
+<p>The finest larch in Germantown
+once stood on the grounds of Hugh
+McLean, corner of Carpenter lane and
+Cresheim road, but this great tree a
+few years ago unfortunately met its
+fate.</p>
+
+<p>At Thomas Jones’, Manheim street
+and Wissahickon avenue, is a holly
+(ilex opaca) 15 feet high, with a spread
+of 15 feet, a beautiful specimen, but
+equaled by two notable plants at Vernon,
+and surpassed by Wister Price’s
+specimen on Manheim grounds, a tree
+having a trunk 1½ feet in diameter, 25
+feet high, with a branch spread of 20
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</span>feet. Here also is a rare virgilia, the
+first, and once the finest specimen in
+cultivation,—a tree now showing the
+ravages of old age, but none the less interesting.
+A virgilia younger (cladrastis
+tinctoria), vigorous and beautiful,
+overhangs the gate of “Grumblethorpe,”
+Main street, opposite Queen
+street, and is the best of its species
+I know in our territory.</p>
+
+<p>The charms of “Caernarvon” have
+flown, but Manheim possesses a
+beauty of its own, one of its many attractions
+being the finest group of
+rhododendrons (rhododendron maximum)
+in Germantown. The neighborhood
+of Manheim to me is of great interest,
+but we may not stop to consider
+its historic associations nor to
+refer to all its plants worthy of notice.</p>
+
+<p>By far the finest silver maple in
+Germantown stood on the grounds of
+Louis Clapier Baumann, at corner of
+Manheim and Henry streets. This
+fine tree some years ago I measured,
+and when it was felled to make way
+for improvements these measurements
+were verified by John Holt. The tree
+was perfect in every particular, of
+commanding height, and was a notable
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</span>landmark of Manheim street. An
+account of this plant I prepared for
+“Forest Leaves,” of June, 1897, wherein
+it is described as being 138 feet in
+height. At half its altitude it had a
+spread of 35 feet on every side of the
+main trunk, and at 1 foot above the
+ground the trunk was 4⅓ feet in diameter.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp051" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp051.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp051">L. C. Baumann</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>We have many fine specimens of silver
+maple continuing, and one of the
+finest stands on Cresheim road, near
+Gorgas street. Another appears to
+the rear of Dr. John D. Godman’s
+house, Main street, opposite Pastorius
+street. Another, and a very striking
+one, stands at the corner of West Walnut
+lane and Adams street, but this
+tree a few years ago was visited by
+marauders and now it is but a relic
+of its former greatness. At “The
+Corvy,” the residence of William
+Wynne Wister, there are several silver
+maples, not specially great, but of
+interest because they are directly on
+Main street and shade Gilbert Stuart’s
+house.</p>
+
+<p>It is recorded that Jacques Marie
+Roset, who lived on the upper side of
+Manheim street, adjoining James R.
+Gates’ lumber yard, and not at “Spring
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</span>Alley,” as has oft been reported, had
+a beautiful garden, the products of
+which it is said he loved to distribute,
+one of his recipients being Fanny
+Kemble, who from her home on York
+road frequently passed this way on
+driving trips, a recreation she always
+loved. It is also recorded that Roset
+first introduced tomatoes to Germantown,
+but this does not appear to be
+correct, for the credit belongs, I think,
+to E. B. Gardette, whose place on
+Wissahickon avenue, opposite Manheim
+street, is marked by three notable
+pine trees rising to a height of 80
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>This gentleman came to America
+during the Revolutionary period, and
+it is said his gardener first grew the
+tomato (lycopersicum esculentum), or
+love apple, for the color of its fruit.
+Melons or canteloupes were also first
+raised here, it has been stated, but
+this I have never been able to verify,
+“for the seed of the canteloupe was
+brought to this country from Tripoli,
+and distributed by Commodore James
+Barron,” so I give the credit for what
+it is worth.</p>
+
+<p>This, however, I know, Philip R.
+Freas, a neighbor of Commodore Barron,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</span>had a canteloupe patch which the
+“brickyard” boys well knew, and about
+it I doubt not Philip Walters, and
+George Redles—who having reached
+years of discrimination, has now no
+need to ask if it be “true that horses
+when old never lie down”—can tell
+you more than I.</p>
+
+<p>Baumann’s great maple grew on
+ground which once belonged to “White
+Cottage,” an estate at one time owned
+by the Logans. Here lived Dr. Samuel
+Betton, who was succeeded by his
+son, Dr. Thomas Forrest Betton, the
+friend of Rafinesque, and here under
+Samuel Betton, its present occupant
+and owner, William Kulp, well known
+to many of us, has been many years
+gardener. Recent changes have robbed
+“White Cottage” of its seclusion,
+but with it yet continue many beautiful
+ivy-dressed trees, which spread
+their branches over the grounds, in
+season almost shielding the house
+from view.</p>
+
+<p>Near General Wayne Hotel, on Manheim
+street, is a specially fine ailanthus
+(ailanthus glandulosus) 2½ feet
+in diameter of trunk, with a height of
+50 feet, and at the Keyser-Rodney
+House, Main and Duval streets, and on
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</span>Garrett’s Hill, opposite Lovett Library
+are conspicuous superior specimens.
+Also on Manheim street, near Main
+street, is a honey-locust tree (gleditschia
+triacanthos) with a trunk
+3 feet in diameter by 80 feet high,
+and larger and finer specimens
+are on Pulaski avenue, near Seymour
+street, and in front of Michael
+Schlatter’s stone house, Main
+street, near where the road turns off
+for “Wheel Pump,” Chestnut Hill.</p>
+
+<p>At “Carlton” is a magnificent beech
+(fagus ferruginea) 3 feet in diameter
+of trunk, with a height of 60 feet and
+a spread of 40 feet, the finest specimen
+I know in our territory. We have
+many fine beeches, one being at “Awbury,”
+and another at Miss Nixon’s,
+on East Tulpehocken street. There
+are also exceedingly fine specimens at
+George L. Harrison’s, on West School
+House lane; at William Heft’s, on
+Main street; at “Fernhill,” and at
+places elsewhere, too many to name.</p>
+
+<p>By George Redles my attention was
+directed to a large dogwood (cornus
+Florida) growing near Queen Lane
+basin, and there true to life, between
+the basin and Midvale avenue, may be
+seen a notable specimen 1½ feet in
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</span>diameter by 20 feet high, with a
+spread of 20 feet, and here are two
+sassafras trees (sassafras officinalis)
+2 feet in diameter by 40 feet high, both
+notable plants, one, however, surpassing
+the other in form. These are remarkable
+plants, and stand on historic
+ground, once part of “Carlton.”</p>
+
+<p>Here the army of Washington was
+encamped, and here during an encampment
+of the Civil War Joseph
+Meehan, botanist and horticulturist,
+active among us, first did “picket
+duty.” Here also is a tulip poplar, 4
+feet in diameter and 100 feet high, not
+equal to Wakefield’s notable specimen,
+but yet a plant of great merit.</p>
+
+<p>We have many superior tulip poplars,
+one being at “Woodside,” Edward
+T. Steel’s residence on West
+School House lane, 4 feet in diameter
+and 100 feet high; another on John
+Wagner’s grounds on the same lane
+being 5 feet in diameter and 60 feet
+high. There are also several fine
+tulip poplars at Thomas MacKellar’s,
+on Shoemaker’s lane, but the finest
+specimen here, like the Blair linden
+at Main street and Walnut lane, has
+been despoiled.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</span></p>
+
+<p>At “Torworth,” the residence of Justus
+C. Strawbridge, and also at
+“Blathewood,” Joseph S. Lovering’s
+place adjoining, we have very fine
+specimens of hemlock (tsuga canadensis),
+as indeed we have in many parts
+of Germantown, but our finest hemlock
+trees are in the Wissahickon,
+where almost the entire southern bank
+of its romantic stream is fringed by
+this refreshing tree, and wherein are
+groups or groves above Kitchen’s or
+Garsed’s lane, above Allen’s lane, at
+Devil’s Pool, beside Megargee’s dam,
+and near Rex avenue, plants ranging
+from 1½ to 2 feet in diameter and
+from 60 to 80 feet in height. Also
+near Rex avenue bridge is a specimen
+hemlock of graceful proportions, having
+a trunk 2½ feet in diameter and
+rising to a height of 100 feet.</p>
+
+<p>Among our most interesting plants
+are the native “Jersey pines,” which
+appear sparingly about Germantown.
+With us are two varieties, that on
+School House lane, opposite Gypsy
+lane, and others in the same neighborhood
+extending to the mouth of the
+Wissahickon, are technically known as
+pinus inops.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp057" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp057.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp057">Hemlock Glen</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</span></p>
+
+<p>At Walnut lane and Wissahickon
+avenue is a specimen of pinus rigida
+one foot in diameter and 30 feet high.
+At James A. Mason’s, near Upsal Station,
+is a group of pinus inops. At
+Thomas’ Mill road on the Wissahickon,
+and eastward on the same road in
+the open above Towanda street, are
+from one to two hundred pinus rigida,
+interesting survivors of a flora supplanted.
+On Stenton avenue, near
+Bethesda Home, we have an isolated
+group of pinus inops, and at County
+Line road and Limekiln pike, also on
+Mt. Airy avenue near Main street are
+solitary specimens of the same species.</p>
+
+<p>The Wissahickon is covered by
+numerous valuable plants, but of these
+a majority is too densely crowded to
+develop to the best advantage. Several
+years ago Thomas Meehan in Meehans’
+Monthly, asked for data of sassafras
+trees, the text-books and general
+information agreeing that the average
+height of mature specimens of
+this plant to be 30 feet. At “Solitude”
+and at the “Indian Mound,” on E. W.
+Clark’s grounds, School House lane,
+there are specimens rising to a greater
+than this height, and at Tulpehocken
+and Musgrave streets were twin specimens,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</span>one now surviving, exceeding
+this height, and finely formed. Near
+the “Suicide’s Grave,” north of Rabbit
+lane, George Redles informed me there
+is a specially fine specimen. In the
+Wissahickon, near Thorp’s lane, I
+measured a slender specimen 80 feet
+in height, but the finest plants of this
+species I know were those measured
+for me by Joseph Heacock, two plants
+growing near Media, each three feet
+in diameter and 80 feet high.</p>
+
+<p>About home we have numerous and
+exceedingly fine specimens of juniper
+(juniperus virginiana). Almost wherever
+one goes these may be observed—along
+the borders of Wissahickon,
+at “Bummers’ Cave” on Stenton avenue,
+on Chew street north of Johnson
+street, a place known to Ellwood Johnson
+as “Vinegar Hill,” and at Tulpehocken
+street and Wingohocken
+creek. This latter tree has a
+trunk 3 feet in diameter and is 35 feet
+high. A short time ago it was a
+healthy, beautiful specimen, but now
+it is partly or wholly dead, a plant
+when in its prime approached in my
+knowledge only by two like it which
+grow on Sumneytown pike, near “Indian
+Creek Meeting.” At Roberts Le
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</span>Boutillier’s on East Washington lane,
+and elsewhere near, there are many
+other specimens worthy of record, but
+space and time details and elaboration
+forbid.</p>
+
+<p>The deep frost of last winter played
+havoc with many plants, partly or
+wholly destroying box, ivy and other
+evergreens not usually affected. The
+celebrated evergreen magnolia (magnolia
+grandiflora) at Lippincott’s,
+Broad and Sansom streets, Philadelphia,
+entirely dropped its leaves; in
+many ponds all the fish were killed, and
+losses in other directions one may not
+yet undertake to estimate. Untouched,
+however, we have many box-bordered
+garden walks, such as may be
+seen at “White Cottage,” at “Grumblethorpe,”
+at “Wyck,” at Spring
+Bank, at C. M. Bayard’s, on
+upper Main street; formal designs set
+in green like those at Robert S. Newhall’s,
+Main and Gorgas streets; but
+the most elaborate and most perfect of
+our box borders are those adorning the
+garden of George C. Thomas, at Blue
+Bell Hill, protected by beautiful hedges
+of osage orange, arbor vitae and neatly
+clipped hemlock.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</span></p>
+
+<p>I never pass “Spring-bank” without
+thinking of John Welsh, its late and
+honored owner. Here I often saw him
+walking “in the cool of the day” under
+the shade of the “glorious” trees
+which line the front of the estate, and,
+always excepting Wyck, there is not
+to me in Germantown a more delightful
+spot. Here we have already noted
+a few plants, and we shall stop only
+to look at a perfect tulip poplar, 3 feet
+in diameter at trunk, with branches
+rising to 80 feet, a tree vouched for by
+Martin Constable, the gardener, as
+“planted by John Welsh himself,” also
+here is a specimen oak now 20 feet
+high, the acorn producing which N.
+Dubois Miller told me was brought
+from Jerusalem and here grown.
+In this direction we shall now go
+no further, but will southward
+turn, and by way of Main street,
+which we left at Stenton, proceed to
+a conclusion. Naglee’s and “Joe Nafle’s”
+we shall pass, and the Loudoun
+pines we have already noted.</p>
+
+<p>Since the days of John Hart progress
+has here forced its way, and many
+fine plants, including those on the adjoining
+grounds of James S. Huber,
+have retreated before its irresistless
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</span>advance, and the great tree on the
+hill equipped with a swing, like
+“Green’s Meadow,” implanted in the
+memory of every “Smearsburg” girl
+and boy of the last generation, is gone
+forever. Toland’s and Wagner’s and
+Henry’s are holding out “like grim
+death,” but it is only a question of
+time when “Wayne Junction” shall
+overwhelm them.</p>
+
+<p>It is a pity I have often thought that
+fruit trees are not more often planted
+for shade, and native sweet-scented
+flowering plants for bloom, in a
+measure to bring the best of orchards
+and woods to home, and thus more directly
+beauty and utility combine. Our
+wood plants without exception may be
+readily grown if removed at a suitable
+time and properly planted, and I
+have never had failure in growing laurel
+(kalmia latifolia), arbutus (epigaea
+repens), and other of our native
+plants considered difficult to transplant.</p>
+
+<p>Those of us familiar with Main
+street and Chelten avenue 25 years
+ago may remember “Tinker” Frey’s
+famous swamp magnolia (magnolia
+glauca). This is no more, but we have
+now at George Redles’ on Wister
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</span>street; at Dr. Herman Burgin’s on
+West Chelten avenue; near Christ’s
+Church rectory on West Tulpehocken
+street; fine specimens of this common
+in New Jersey swamps, but rare in cultivation,
+plant.</p>
+
+<p>Virginian fringe tree, perfectly
+hardy, and a very beautiful plant in
+bloom, although we have several fine
+specimens, is not common enough in
+gardens, exceptions not subject to this
+criticism being conspicuous and notable
+plants on the grounds of Dillwyn
+Wistar, Wayne street near Coulter
+street; Samuel Emlen, Coulter street
+near Greene street; and Charles M.
+Bayard, Main street near Carpenter
+lane. Fringe tree appears spontaneously
+as far north as the
+southern counties of New Jersey, and
+several years ago it was found by Joseph
+Meehan in the woods near Millville,
+though before this it had been
+collected in the same district by Dr.
+J. B. Brinton. These, with Judas tree
+(cercis canadensis), elder-berry (sambucus
+canadensis) and our native dog-woods
+in variety, are but a few of
+many worthy native plants, but
+enough, I hope, to direct attention to
+the subject.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</span></p>
+
+<p>A creeping yew (taxus adpressa) appears
+in front of “Conyngham House”
+or “Hacker House,” Main street, opposite
+Bringhurst street, but is not equal
+to the famous plant once at Upsala,
+yet, however, there is a most beautiful
+specimen of this rare evergreen in the
+garden of Edward Hacker on Wister
+street. On grounds to the rear of
+Conyngham House are several valuable
+plants for data of which I am indebted
+to Miss Howell.</p>
+
+<p>Here was one of “the first wild flower
+gardens” of later Germantown, containing
+plants from many parts of the
+United States, but a garden of which
+only a trace now remains. Here also
+is “the finest grove of over-cup oaks
+(quercus macrocarpa) about, so Thomas
+Meehan always said,” “and a specimen
+of strange weeping oak” (quercus
+pendula).</p>
+
+<p>“Grumblethorpe,” one of our most
+familiar homes, is now before us, and
+its plants are second only to its other
+possessions. Its occupant and owner
+is Charles J. Wister, to whom credit
+earned fully given would seem but
+empty flattery. Here all his long life
+lived Charles J. Wister the father, a
+man whom his neighbor, John Jay
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</span>Smith, pronounced “the greatest botanist
+living,” and here amidst the
+sanctity of its associations lives the
+son, a most worthy successor. Quoting
+from an article written several
+years ago by William E. Meehan,
+which is sufficiently full for our purpose,
+there is growing at “Grumblethorpe”
+“a number of interesting
+trees, among them three old pear
+trees, two late Catherine and one sugar
+pear. There are records to show
+that these trees are about 150 years
+old. The sugar pear, which still bears
+abundantly, is 50 or 60 feet high, and
+has a girth of six feet. An aged ivy
+has completely overgrown the trunk
+and has climbed almost to the topmost
+branches. A very fine specimen
+of the famous larch of the Alps, familiar
+to every student of Swiss Alpine
+scenery, is also growing on these
+grounds. This tree, knotted and
+gnarled with age, has a trunk 5½ feet
+in circumference, and the tree is
+probably the finest of its kind around
+the city.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp064" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp064.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp064">Charles J. Wister</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>A Japanese Ginko tree, which was
+among the first importations, is also
+among the curiosities of the Wister
+place, and, it may be well to add, this
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</span>is the first recorded ginko in America
+to fruit. “About 1830 Charles J. Wister
+planted one of the first ailanthus
+(ailanthus glandulosus) brought from
+China. This is one of the most rapid
+growers of any known tree, and has
+attained a height of over 70 feet, and
+has a girth of 12 feet 2 inches.”</p>
+
+<p>Here also is a rare specimen of
+papaw (asimina triloba), a tree equaled
+only by one of the same kind at
+“Wyck,” one foot in diameter by 40
+feet high. “A gray poplar (populus
+alba), introduced about the latter part
+of the last century from Italy, is also
+growing in Mr. Wister’s grounds. Its
+trunk measures 10 feet 4 inches, and
+its branches cover a great area of
+ground.”</p>
+
+<p>When we remember that the old
+fruit trees of “Grumblethorpe” have
+lived through the busiest life of our
+town, and yet bear as they did at a
+time when Christopher Saur in a building
+close by printed pamphlets and
+books now highly prized, we may well
+halt for a moment of reverential meditation,
+not for the trees and their
+produce, but for the power which
+gave them life, which sustained them,
+and which has given them to us. Interesting
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</span>trees the garden of “Grumblethorpe”
+suggest, are the Chancellor
+pear, which originated on the
+grounds of William Chancellor, School
+House lane, adjoining Germantown
+Academy, and the original Keiffer
+pear, produced by Peter Keiffer at his
+nursery on Livezey’s lane, west of
+Wissahickon creek.</p>
+
+<p>While in the vicinity of Germantown
+Academy, let us notice there a beautiful
+specimen of blood-leaved maple
+(acer J. atropurpureum), and also one
+of equal worth on the grounds of Miss
+Jane E. Hart, diagonally opposite.</p>
+
+<p>These plants are very fine though
+small,—but superior specimens may
+be noted at Dr. James Darrach’s,
+Greene street, near Harvey street,—and
+at Mrs. Thomas W. Evans’, Cliveden
+avenue and Main street, the latter
+our representative plant.</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to Meehans’ nurseries, we
+have many fine specimens of this
+showy tree about Germantown, and
+among a number known to us one of
+the best is on the grounds of William
+Rotch Wister, Wisteria avenue. Also
+in the garden of Samuel Emlen, West
+Coulter street, among other rare
+plants is the most beautiful specimen
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</span>of cut-leaved maple (acer J. dissectum
+a.) I have ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>Passing the residence and one-time
+garden of the “annalist” John Fanning
+Watson, we now turn in Penn street
+to visit “Ivy Lodge,” the home of John
+Jay Smith, whose long, useful life was
+here lived, where much of his best
+work was done, and from whence he
+departed to the habitations of the “just
+made perfect.” “Ivy Lodge” is of interest
+in many ways, but we shall
+stop only to mention a sun-dial with a
+noted inscription associated with Stenton,
+and one of two original “constable
+boxes” which once did service for the
+“borough,” the other box being preserved
+at Manheim,—and present a few
+plants. Both dial and box are conspicuous
+objects in the garden, and
+surrounding them are some of the
+rarest shrubs and trees in our midst.
+Far more than I am here able to give,
+credit is due Miss Elizabeth P. Smith,
+a daughter of John J. Smith. At “Ivy
+Lodge” is a specially fine specimen of
+weeping beech (fagus H. var. pendula),
+a memorial red oak (quercus rubra)
+planted by Miss Smith’s mother, and
+an immense black oak (quercus nigra).
+Also here once grew a notable juniper
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</span>(juniperus squarrata), and several
+specimens of araucaria.</p>
+
+<p>Miss Smith told me her father many times
+here tried to raise araucarias
+(araucaria imbricata) in the open, but
+never succeeded in keeping them over
+three years, this much being “considered
+quite an achievement.” In England
+araucarias of great height are
+quite common, so I doubt not the
+length and severity of our winters is
+responsible for the plant’s non-existence
+in our gardens. At “Ivy Lodge”
+are several fine mahonias (mahonia
+aquifolium) of 35 years’ growth, and
+with the exception of a small specimen
+growing on the grounds of Edward
+Hacker, on Wister street, here
+is the only cedar of Lebanon (cedrus
+libani) to my knowledge growing
+strictly within the town limits. This
+is a fine plant about 25 feet in height,
+and is one of two memorial trees planted
+in 1852 by John Jay Smith and John
+Granville Penn, the latter the last of
+the “proprietor’s” line, in honor of
+William Penn and James Logan. The
+“William Penn” tree, planted by a descendant
+of James Logan, is the plant
+we may see. The James Logan tree
+planted by a descendant of William
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</span>Penn, is no more, having gone the
+way of “all the earth.”</p>
+
+<p>Until a few years ago there was on
+the grounds of Colonel Galloway C.
+Morris, on East Tulpehocken street, a
+very fine cedar of Lebanon, but this
+to make room for improvements was
+destroyed. A “cut” of this plant, however,
+survives, and with a description
+may be seen in Vol. I, page 39, of Meehans’
+Monthly. Our best and most
+notable cedars of Lebanon stand in
+North Laurel Hill Cemetery, and these
+grown under the care of John Jay
+Smith are said not to be excelled in
+America.</p>
+
+<p>I wonder how many who pass up and
+down Main street, or who visit the
+Friends’ Library, notice the trees at
+“Friends’ Meeting.” To me these are
+always a delight, and I love to look
+back into the spacious, restful
+grounds, for here and wherever these
+“meetings” are is a picture of peace.
+We all are apt to know more about
+“green hills” far away than of those
+immediately before us, for the things
+at hand often appear ordinary, while
+those heard of or seen under unusual
+conditions are rated by an exalted
+measure.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</span></p>
+
+<p>Walking in the Wissahickon upon
+two occasions with men of travel, I
+asked, “Did you ever see a more beautiful
+place?” One answered, “It is
+very much like the scenery of New
+Zealand, but it is better.” Another
+said, “I have traveled throughout Europe,
+and the only place that will compare
+at all with it is the Trossachs in
+Scotland, but in extent it is insignificant
+compared to this.” Henry Carvill
+Lewis, who “circled the globe” before
+attaining his “majority,” told me
+in all his travels he saw nothing that
+in his estimation approached the beauty
+of the Wissahickon, and others who
+have traveled far and who lived long
+abroad have told me “the Wissahickon
+is incomparable.”</p>
+
+<p>So we may know much about “Bartram’s
+cypress,” a plant 9 feet in diameter
+and 120 feet high, while we
+may not have noticed the beautiful
+cypress at “Fairfield;” the specimen
+at David Peltz’s, on Nicetown lane;
+the exceedingly fine specimen 2 feet
+in diameter and 80 feet high at James
+E. Caldwell’s, on Manheim street;
+specimens at Henry’s, Main street, opposite
+Fisher’s lane; at David Hinkle’s,
+on Main street, near Penn street; at
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</span>“Ivy Lodge;” at Vernon; at Town Hall
+Square; at several points on West
+Walnut lane, at Pomona; and the
+group of three very fine cypress
+trees we passed at Friends’ grounds.</p>
+
+<p>There are many other fine cypress
+trees with us, but our
+most noted ones are on Main
+street, above Washington lane, where
+at Ellwood Johnson’s is a group of
+three trees of unusual height, and one
+solitary plant 5 feet in diameter by
+100 feet high, conspicuous by its size.
+These plants grow upon “Honey Run,”
+on ground once owned by Peter Keyser,
+whose son of the same name, a
+“preacher” and tanner, brought them
+from South Carolina, and under his direction
+about the year 1800 were here
+planted by Israel Haupt, so Miss Elizabeth
+R. and Ellwood Johnson informed
+me.</p>
+
+<p>At the Deshler-Morris home, owned
+and occupied by Elliston P. Morris, is
+one of our finest gardens, possessing
+several of our largest and finest trees.
+Mr. Morris wrote me:</p>
+
+<p>“The exact age of some of my fine
+old trees is uncertain, the family tradition
+is that some of them were planted
+by my grandfather, or members of
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</span>his family. I doubt not some of the
+older trees were there when it was
+President George Washington’s residence
+during the yellow fever epidemic
+of 1793. The great storm two years
+ago with its wind and sleet sadly
+spoiled my most attractive trees, and
+in some cases left me but skeletons of
+their former beauty, notably a 70-year-old
+elm tree planted by my father,
+Samuel B. Morris, which stands in the
+middle of my grounds.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp072" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp072.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp072">Elliston P. Morris</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Those who view the garden of Mr.
+Morris wonder at its freshness, and
+proceeding with its owner:</p>
+
+<p>“The great secret of my lawn is the
+unbroken expanse of grass, and the
+planting in conformity with established
+rules of landscape gardening. I
+have still some choice specimen trees,
+notable an immense English horse-chestnut
+(aesculus hippocastanum),
+with a girth I should think of some
+10 feet; a hybrid English walnut (juglans
+regia) and butternut (juglans
+cinerea) very unusual, about 70 feet
+high and a girth of say 8 feet; a pretty
+specimen of the lovely cut-leaved
+beech (fagus S. heterophylla); a 70-year-old
+magnolia glauca, a fine box
+tree (boxus arborescens), and some
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</span>100-year-old box-bushes (boxus sempervirens),
+and a good variety of
+shrubbery, with its ever changing
+bloom.”</p>
+
+<p>With us are many exceptional gardens,
+and these, with the beautiful
+garden of Mr. Morris, I trust may be
+presented at another time.</p>
+
+<p>We have also many rare “wild garden
+plants,” and such native rare and
+notable plants as Goldie’s spleen-wort,
+climbing fern, walking fern, Nuttall’s
+spleen-wort, Scott’s spleen-wort, Wister’s
+coral plant, obolaria, Adam and
+Eve plant, cancer root, and others exceedingly
+scarce and valuable, which
+we may only in this way refer to.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp074" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp074.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp074">R. Robinson Scott</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>On Main street, opposite Armat
+street, in a house occupied by Edward
+Manley, a one time preceptor of mine,
+once lived Christian Lehman, scribener,
+surveyor, notary public and nurseryman,
+and here in the old “nursery” is
+an English walnut to remind us of the
+first local importer of this valuable
+tree. The present specimen belongs to
+a later period, but is doubtless a product
+of an original planting of surrounding
+grounds. From a much used
+advertisement of the Pennsylvania
+Gazette of April 12, 1768, we learn
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</span>that there was “to be sold—a choice
+parcel of well grown young English
+walnut, as well as pear and apricot,
+and a curious variety of the best and
+largest sorts from England of grafted
+plumb trees fit for transplanting this
+spring or next fall, as well as a great
+variety of beautiful double hyacinth
+roots and tulip roots, next summer
+season, and most other things in the
+flower or fruit nursery way, by Christian
+Lehman.”</p>
+
+<p>“Vernon,” although its native
+charms vanished with its open stream,
+meadow, spring-house and protecting
+shrubbery, yet preserves much to hold
+and interest us. The ground now covered
+by Vernon include the estate of
+Melchior Meng and part of that of
+Henry Kurtz, both plant lovers possessing
+fine gardens, which were enriched
+by cultivations of Matthias Kin,
+a celebrated plant collector.</p>
+
+<p>Here is the locally known “Meng’s
+magnolia” (magnolia macrophylla)
+procured by Kin, the first magnolia of
+its kind cultivated in North America,
+and here are oak and hemlock trees
+planted by John Wister in the early
+part of the last century. Several noted
+trees once here have gone. One
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</span>was an immense buttonwood with a
+trunk having a diameter of 5 feet;
+another was a weeping willow (salix
+babylonica) located near the spring-house,
+and others were a large horse-chestnut
+which shaded the front of
+Kurtz house, and a large linden (tilia
+Americana) once prominent on the
+street before the door of Melchior
+Meng. Many doubtless may recall
+Meng’s house as “Oliver Jester’s tin
+shop,” until a few years ago standing
+on Vernon’s southern front.</p>
+
+<p>Old gardens, and the grapes of
+which Pastorius wrote have gone, but
+we have in new Germantown, gardens
+superior to any of olden time, and I
+warrant the 8-inch diameter grape
+vine-trunks of middle Wissahickon are
+equal to any the “founder” ever saw. So,
+too, the two gardens of Dr. Christopher
+Witt are no more, and there is
+nothing surviving to suggest them.</p>
+
+<p>On the Geissler-Warner tract, part
+of which was also once occupied by
+Dr. Witt, whereon also he had his first
+garden, stands St. Michael’s P. E.
+Church, and on its rear chancel wall
+is an ivy recently re-planted by E. A.
+Frey. This plant, carefully transferred
+from a former position, is a
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</span>hardy “English ivy” brought originally
+from Sir Walter Scott’s “Abbotsford”
+by Dorsey Cox, and was here planted
+under the direction of the late beloved
+rector, Dr. John K. Murphy.</p>
+
+<p>At this place also grew a white mulberry
+tree (morus alba) of local celebrity,
+one of many which sprang up in
+this neighborhood, the parent tree being
+at the “cocoonery,” Hermann and
+Morton streets. Although Dr. Philip
+Syng Physick, nor his son Philip—who
+was never a doctor—had any direct
+connection with this tree, it is justly
+prized, and I am pleased that in the
+form of a “Canterbury chair,” made
+by George Redles, it now occupies a
+prominent position in the chancel of
+the church, for beyond these associations,
+it was grown in the Warner
+burying ground, where was laid the
+remains of the Warners, Daniel Geissler,
+Dr. Christopher Witt, and perhaps
+John Kelpius, all Mystics and early
+botanists, and we have before us a
+memorial sanctified by the blood it
+contains.</p>
+
+<p>Though the Warner ground mulberry
+was a foundling, we have on the
+original “multicaulis” grounds where
+Philip Physick lived a solitary specimen
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</span>of mulberry of unusual size, 3
+feet in diameter by 40 feet high, now
+in bloom, to remind us of a “South Sea
+bubble” burst, which troubled the investors
+of a generation past.</p>
+
+<p>Among the noted trees of Germantown
+was a pecan once standing on
+the grounds of Dr. William R. Dunton,
+and which was removed after the
+erection of the First Methodist Church.
+This tree was grown from one of several
+nuts which Thomas Nuttall
+brought from Arkansas and presented
+to his friend, Reuben Haines, a prominent
+officer of the Philadelphia Academy
+of Natural Sciences, and at whose
+home in Germantown he was a frequent
+guest. The nut which produced
+Doctor Dunton’s tree was given by Reuben
+Haines to his neighbor, Daniel
+Pastorius, and two nuts were planted in
+his own garden, all developed to plants
+of maturity, but the trees at “Wyck”
+died, while the Pastorius tree reached
+large proportions, bore fruit, and
+it is to be regretted that a specimen
+of so much interest could not
+have been preserved.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp078" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp078.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp078">Thomas Nuttall</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>In many respects a pecan (carya
+olivaeformis) resembles a hickory
+(carya tomentosa), a tree whose name
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</span>occupies an important place in the
+early records of Germantown. From
+our Township line boundaries the ancient
+“hicories” have disappeared, and
+I shall refer only to a notable one
+which stood on Baynton street, west
+of Church lane, a tree Thomas MacKellar
+described as “the finest hickory”
+he ever saw.</p>
+
+<p>“Wyck” throughout the history of
+Germantown has been conspicuous,
+and I regret that present bounds will
+not permit us to enlarge upon it. To
+this attractive spot came the most
+noted naturalists of the last century,
+and following in the path of generous
+culture came Lafayette, who in the
+year 1825 was given here a public reception,
+which is distinctly remembered
+by Robert Thomas and Joseph
+Murter, honored citizens already referred
+to, who attended it. At “Wyck”
+is growing a Spanish chestnut (castanea
+vesca) raised from a tree whose
+parent nut was planted by Washington
+at Belmont for Judge Richard Peters.
+Also here is a white walnut (juglans
+cinerea) grown from a tree planted
+by Lafayette at Belmont, upon his
+“farewell visit” to America. Many of
+us may remember it was an immense
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</span>tree standing on “Wyck” ground, and
+afterwards in the centre of the street
+almost opposite “The Barn,” which
+gave to Walnut lane its name. This
+walnut for many years was permitted
+to keep its place, but in due time became
+a prey to expediency.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp079" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp079.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp079">Wyck</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Likewise it was a noted oak which
+gave name to a familiar “east-side”
+lane, and the circumstances attending,
+were almost identical with those serving
+the Walnut lane dedication.</p>
+
+<p>Among plants rare, though not rare
+plants, are several which have always
+puzzled me that they are not
+more general in cultivation. One of
+these is tamarisk (tamarix gallica), a
+shrub or small tree common enough in
+other parts, but with us scarce. The
+finest specimen of this plant we have
+is one 8 inches in diameter, rising
+with a bushy head to a height of 16
+feet, and growing in the garden of
+Mrs. Frank Cooley, 106 Hermann
+street. Ordinarily tamarisk is of a
+thin, straggling habit, but responding
+to care and liberal pruning this plant
+shows a remarkably heavy, vigorous
+growth, as a cut, page 173 of volume
+12, Meehans’ Monthly, fairly illustrates.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</span></p>
+
+<p>On our way northward, let us as we
+pass Charles Megargee’s mansion, now
+the home of a popular club, recall a
+rare oriental spruce recorded by William
+E. Meehan. Impersonality in
+writing is often its greatest strength,
+but the credit for a large amount of
+city history presented by Mr. Meehan
+I should like to see justly given, for
+much that has appeared and repeatedly
+reappeared belongs to him. The
+oriental spruce (picea orientalis)
+once here was considered a remarkably
+fine one, and belonged to the “most
+northern growing of all the pine tree
+family.” This specimen was brought
+to Philadelphia “by Engineer George
+W. Melville on his return from the famous
+De Long expedition,” the specimen
+being secured “on an island near
+the mouth of the Lena river.”</p>
+
+<p>Among our scarce plants is persimmon
+(diospyros Virginiana),
+though why this should be I do not
+know, for outside our territory, and
+especially in the neighborhood of the
+Perkiomen Valley, it is one of the most
+common of trees. At Stenton; on
+Abbotsford avenue near James A.
+Wright’s place; in the Wissahickon,
+near “Livezey’s Mills;” near Rabbit
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</span>lane and County line, we have meritorious
+if not great persimmons; and at
+Miss Hocker’s, Main street above
+Washington lane; also at Joseph
+C. Channon’s, Main street, above
+Pastorius street, we have at each
+place two specimens, noteworthy
+because being directly upon our main
+highway they serve to remind us of
+farm days and the simple character of
+our one-time village. Here, too, at
+“Channon’s,” under the care of Miss
+Amelia R. Wood, is a lusty Japanese
+persimmon (diospyros kaki) which
+never fails to fruit. Also here, as well
+as at Miss Elizabeth R. Johnson’s near-by,
+are quince, pear and apple orchards,
+survivors of ancient days,
+blossoming as of old.</p>
+
+<p>Townsend Ward, with others before
+him, and followed by Judge Samuel W.
+Pennypacker, have given accounts of
+a great but almost unknown man who
+had the confidence to address Cromwell
+upon his plans, a religious writer
+of wide influence, the founder of a successful
+community, which existed
+nearly 200 years before that of the
+more widely known Brook Farm of
+New England. This man was Peter
+Cornelius Plockhoy, and his colony
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</span>was located on the Delaware river,
+where the town of Lewes now is. Ward
+records: “In 1694 there came to Germantown
+an old man and his wife. He
+was blind and poor, and his name was
+Cornelius Plockhoy, the founder and
+last survivor of the Mennonite colony
+broken up 30 years before at the
+Hoorn Kill by Sir Robert Carr. The
+good people of Germantown took pity
+on him;” and continuing with Judge
+Pennypacker, “they gave him the citizenship
+free of charge.” They set
+apart for him at the end street of the
+village by Peter Klever’s corner a lot
+12 rods long and one rod broad whereon
+to build a little house and make a
+garden; in front of it they planted a
+tree. Jan Doeden and William Rittenhouse
+were appointed to take up “a
+free will offering” and to have the
+house built.</p>
+
+<p>I refer to this because Plockhoy,
+more than he is, should be identified
+with Germantown, because a tree in
+this early life of the colony was
+considered of sufficient importance to
+name, and also because this house and
+tree stood upon Kyser’s lane within
+sight of the homestead owned and occupied
+by Miss Elizabeth R. Johnson,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</span>in whose charming garden situated
+at the northwest corner of Main
+street and Washington lane, we shall
+stop for awhile to “sit at her feet”
+while she entertains us with accounts
+of her historic plants. Among the
+rare treasures here is a fine
+Persian lilac (syringa persica) planted
+in 1771, which continues vigorous
+and spreads its sweetness upon
+the receptive air. A curious fig (ficus
+carica) here is the development of a
+shoot which for 4 years after the removal
+of the parent tree did not appear,
+but is now, as figs go, a stately
+plant. Here also on the southern exposure
+of the mansion is the first wisteria
+(wisteria speciosa) planted in
+Germantown, and one of the first
+planted in America, a plant of immense
+proportions, and whose numerous
+runners overspreading two near-by
+trees weighted them to earth.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp083" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp083.png" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp083">Johnson Homestead</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Many fine wisteria plants we have,
+and at Ellwood Johnson’s fascinating
+retreat adjoining there is a most beautiful
+specimen; another is at “Grumblethorpe;”
+another at William Rotch
+Wister’s on Wisteria avenue, and yet
+another at Dr. Herman Burgin’s on
+West Chelten avenue; also at David
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</span>McMahon’s on East Chelten avenue
+are two handsome wisterias grown as
+standards. All these are notable
+plants, and conspicuous among an innumerable
+company which help beautify
+our town.</p>
+
+<p>At the Johnson homestead are several
+fine box trees planted in the year
+1800, and these bring to mind other
+superior box trees; plants on Hermann
+street, near Baynton street; at Hacker
+house, on Main street; at Vernon,
+and at many other points in our territory.</p>
+
+<p>At Ellwood Johnson’s we shall halt
+for a moment to partake of his sparkling
+spring water, and note a pear tree
+of Revolutionary days which yet
+spreads its branches over a charming
+spring-house. Here until the storm
+which overthrew Christ Church steeple,
+stood an old willow (salix babylonica)
+with a trunk 5½ feet in diameter,
+and one of the first weeping willow
+trees planted in America, a notable
+specimen which outliving its
+strength was felled by the great wind
+of the storm referred to, but now a
+scion from its roots has risen to preserve
+its memory.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</span></p>
+
+<p>Also here among many notable
+plants is a fine specimen of the rare
+clammy locust (robinia viscosa), and
+the largest hazelnut (corylus Americana)
+I have ever seen, a plant of 20
+feet in height, and covering a large
+area.</p>
+
+<p>Passing Concord School, its nature-loving
+pupils, George Lippard and William
+E. Meehan, with other associations
+of interest to plant students, we
+halt at “Pomona Grove” to present a
+plant which should not be forgotten,
+for “Pomona” and its charms are now
+a memory. At the northeast corner
+of what is now Baynton street and Pomona
+terrace once stood a yew, which
+by those competent to judge was considered
+remarkable. No one has been
+able to definitely state where this tree
+came from, nor when it was planted.
+All agree that it was a mature
+imported plant and was placed at
+“Pomona” by Col. Thomas Forrest.
+There need be no mystery, however,
+for it is well known a yew grows rapidly
+for 20 or more years, more slowly
+for a hundred years, after which period
+it exists in a practically stationary
+condition.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</span></p>
+
+<p>Prof. Thomas Meehan pronounced
+the Pomona yew the finest he had
+ever seen, and his ripe knowledge and
+wide travels gave a distinct value to
+the opinion. This plant was in perfect
+condition, covered a circle of 13
+feet diameter, and stood at a height of
+20 feet.</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+  <div class="poetry">
+    <div class="stanza">
+      <div class="verse indent0">“Alas, that vandal hands should tear away</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">The ancient landmarks dear to other days,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">And spoil the verdurous temples in a day,</div>
+      <div class="verse indent0">Which nature took so many years to raise!”</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<p>It is to be forever regretted that the
+efforts of our Germantown Horticultural
+Society to secure this gem for
+Market Square failed, for it rather
+than objectionable intrusions now
+there, would better serve the purposes
+for which the block was set apart.</p>
+
+<p>We have, however, near Market
+Square in the garden of Elliston P.
+Morris, a small, but perfect and very
+beautiful specimen of English yew,
+identical in variety with the plant so
+unfortunately lost.</p>
+
+<p>Continuing—we pass Miss Arrott’s
+select school, which was once a barn,
+and Leonard Stoneburner’s house and
+farm, he an active citizen, whose pride
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</span>lay rather in the speed of his horses
+than in “crops” and trade and politics,
+all of which claimed a large share of
+his attention; also passing Naaman K.
+Ployd’s garden, and his numerous
+plants of more than local interest—we
+soon reach “Cliveden,”
+first occupied as a country seat
+by Chief Justice Chew in the year 1763.
+This is the battleground’s centre, and
+is sacred because of the men who died
+there; but while appreciating this, let
+us work and pray for a time when war
+shall be considered a crime, and the
+taking of human life for any cause,
+murder. At “Cliveden” there are now
+no plants of the Revolutionary period,
+and many of its finest shrubs have
+been planted within my memory.</p>
+
+<p>“Growing close against the Chew
+mansion a beautiful rose of Japan.
+It is certainly at least 75 years
+old, and has delighted all who
+have seen it by the quality and beauty
+of its large red blossoms,” so noted
+William E. Meehan. Mrs. Chew wrote
+me: “There were a number of magnificent
+English elms, a row along the
+front of the place near the street, extending
+as far as Upsal street, and
+another row along Cliveden street.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</span></p>
+
+<p>Near the barn there is at present an
+elm (ulmus campestris), a sole representative
+of the trees indicated. The
+street “trees were killed by wanton
+boys when the family temporarily left
+the place about 40 years ago,” and by
+the fathers I doubt not of the “Dog-towners,”
+who stoned every Rittenhouse
+School boy of my own
+class reckless enough to venture
+alone into the reserved precincts
+of “Beggarstown.” Here is a
+beautiful specimen of European larch
+(larix Europaea), and to continue with
+Mrs. Chew, “the tulip poplars on the
+west side of the house were planted
+by Blair McClanachan during the few
+years after the battle that he owned
+the property. The oak on the lawn in
+front of the house was planted about
+70 years ago by one of the family.”</p>
+
+<p>The pine tree (pinus rigida) on
+the front lawn “may be accounted for
+in the following way, I think, although
+I do not positively know. Mr. Chew,
+the son of the Chief Justice, owned a
+number of very fine farms in New Jersey,
+and his tenants there were of the
+same family for generations, and they
+were on the most kind and friendly
+terms with Mr. Chew. I imagine that
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</span>this tree when very small may have
+been brought as a gift to Mr. Chew
+by one of his tenants, and there planted
+by Mr. Chew himself.”</p>
+
+<p>Surviving on Upsal street is a companion
+pine, which from its position
+gives strength to this opinion, for
+these trees appear to have been twins
+planted in “Cliveden” equi-distant.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp088" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp088.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp088">Cliveden</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>“Upsala,” opposite, which we all
+know well by name, possesses several
+of our finest and most notable plants.
+Miss Sally W. Johnson, who owns and
+occupies it, generously gave me an
+account of its rare home plants, which
+we may now only present in outline.
+Among these plants were grapes
+planted and cared for by Dr. Johnson,
+a very large white flowering camellia,
+a white flowering sweet jasmine, a
+laurestinas, a daphne, not equal to the
+one which Miss Ann Chew had in her
+hall by the front window. Of her garden,
+Miss Johnson’s account is so interesting
+that I cannot deny myself
+the pleasure of quoting. In it “there
+were in summer Bordeaux lilies, and
+varlotta purpurea, a handsome red
+clustered lily, and agapanthus with
+their odd shade of lavender blue; funkias,
+vincas, oriental poppies in garden
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</span>beds, and the ‘York and Lancaster’
+rose still blooms, though it is a curious
+dwarf. The Marie Louise, a sweet light
+pink rose, has lived on all through the
+garden for I am sure the past hundred
+years. I try to replace the trees or
+plants that have died. There was once
+a double row of white Hawthorn to
+the Johnson street entrance. The red
+berries were so bright, and made a
+charming English decoration for
+Christmas. A double pink hawthorne
+was a very fine tree.”</p>
+
+<p>“The fringe tree was an old favorite,
+arching gracefully over the middle
+walk, and when gone was replaced
+by another, and a group of tartarian
+honeysuckle is still blooming every
+spring after the daffodils and cowslips
+and double low buttercups with their
+mottled shiny leaves, periwinkles and
+lilies of the valley were in every shady
+spot, and the late summer was gorgeous
+with phlox—the hardy—and
+Drummondii, larkspurs, tritoma, trumpet
+vine, and the like.”</p>
+
+<p>Though many of “Upsala’s” best
+trees are no more, here yet are several
+of which we may be justly proud.
+The once well-known creeping yew is
+gone, and the silver fir planted in 1800,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</span>which reached 100 feet in height, a
+plant figured and described in A. J.
+Downing’s “Landscape Gardening,”
+was removed several years ago, and a
+memorial apolinian fir was planted in
+its place.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp80" id="i_fp090" style="max-width: 37.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp090.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp090">Upsala</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Here is a famous American yew, a
+plant distinct from English yew; a
+noted catalpa, a dwarf spruce, a handsome
+tulip-poplar, a number of towering
+white pines, an exceedingly fine
+cryptomeria or Japan cedar, which
+greatly excels specimens at “Fairfield,”
+at Edward Hacker’s on Wister
+street, at Peter Keiffer’s on Livezey’s
+lane; and here is a California redwood
+or “big-tree” (sequoia gigantea),
+a plant now about 25 feet in height,
+the rarest, and so far as known to me,
+the only specimen of a size worthy of
+consideration in Philadelphia. This
+tree, now showing the effects of last
+winter’s unusual frost, stands directly
+in front of the mansion, and my prayer
+is that “Upsala” unaltered, and its
+owner in health and “perpetual youth,”
+may continue until it attains the proportions
+of its most illustrious progenitors.</p>
+
+<p>Time presses upon us, so we shall
+pass rapidly Billmyer house, where
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</span>are beautiful specimens of locust
+(robinia pseudacacia), walnut and
+honey-locust (gleditschia triacanthos);
+Peter Leibert house, where are fair
+Norway spruce, horse-chestnut and
+silver maple; the Church of the Brethren
+grounds, where grow four of our
+finest trees, two larch trees, each 2
+feet in diameter and 60 feet high, and
+two coffee trees of magnificent development,
+plants 2 feet in diameter by
+80 feet high each; several striking
+plants of merit at Peter D. Hinkle’s;
+St. Michael’s Lutheran Church
+grounds, where is a superb specimen
+of Irish yew (taxus, var. Hibernica),
+resembling, but in beauty far exceeding,
+similar plants at St. Vincent de
+Paul’s Church, and Lower Burying
+Ground; Phil-Ellena, the one-time residence
+of George W. Carpenter, whose
+garden of home gardens, if not the
+greatest, was at least the one most
+widely known, but its rare plants are
+now distributed and its notable trees
+in the main leveled to accommodate
+“Pelham,” a late product of capital
+and change.</p>
+
+<p>At George Hesser or William M.
+Bayard house, opposite, is a number
+of fine box-bordered walks, an impressive
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</span>linden resembling the linden in
+Concord Burying Ground, and a picturesque
+white pine, but these without
+further mention we shall neglect to
+stop briefly at Joseph Meehan’s, on
+Pleasant street, and at Meehans’ nursery
+on Main street, the latter once located
+at the southeast corner of Meehan
+avenue, where numerous plants
+now beautifying home streets and gardens
+were first grown.</p>
+
+<p>Among Joseph Meehan’s “wild
+plants” is a handsome aster, discovered
+by this botanist near Gettysburg,
+Pa., a plant which for several years
+has been growing in his garden. As
+yet the “authorities” have not decided
+upon a name, so we shall present it as
+aster Meehani.</p>
+
+<p>Here also is a specimen of the rare
+Franklin tree (gordonia pubescens),
+and with the exception of a like specimen
+at Meehans’ nurseries, and another
+near Horticultural Hall, also one
+raised by William De Hart and now
+growing near Lansdowne, it is the finest
+specimen I know.</p>
+
+<p>In our “Flora,” I have referred to
+the parent of this tree, which was a
+scion of the plant brought from South
+Carolina by William Bartram. The
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</span>original plant, abused at Bartram Garden
+after the retirement of Colonel
+Carr, was rescued and revived by William
+De Hart at his garden on Darby
+road, where it grew for several years.
+It was then presented to Joseph Meehan,
+on whose grounds, its energy
+spent, it struggled through a precarious
+existence to an honored death—truly
+an interesting record of the most
+remarkable plant in botanical nomenclature.</p>
+
+<p>From Main street nursery Thomas
+Meehan removed to “Hongs’ Farm,”
+on Chew street. His partner, William
+Saunders, located first on Johnson
+street, near Greene street, and later
+took charge of the experimental gardens
+at Washington. At the Chew
+street nurseries are many of the choicest
+and most notable plants in America,
+specimens from which plates of
+the “Flowers and Ferns of the United
+States” were figured; indeed so many
+“new and rare plants” that I shall
+leave them, trusting that Joseph Meehan
+may favor us with a paper upon
+the same, and at present we shall be
+content with reference to a few valuable
+ones I think him likely to ignore—namely,
+cut-leaved plum (prunus
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</span>myrobolana, var. dissectum); halesia
+Meehani or silver-bell, a species of
+shrub or small tree bearing beautiful
+white bell-shaped flowers; weeping
+dog-wood (cornus F., var. pendula),
+and rose-flowering dog-wood (cornus
+F., var. flore rubro), all distinct varieties
+originating at these widely known
+and justly famed nurseries.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp094" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp094.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp094">Joseph Meehan</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>I had thought to completely cover
+our territory, but within the “time
+limit” this I have found impossible.
+There are many “estates” of merit
+with us to which I have not referred,
+and on them and elsewhere near
+are many deserving plants and odd
+growths I should like to introduce and
+enlarge upon, such as a cherry (prunus
+serotina) of immense proportions,
+situated on Fisher’s lane, near Lower
+Burying Ground; a very fine silver-bell
+tree on the grounds of George W.
+Russell, Seymour street near Morris
+street; two beautiful elms on
+Spencer’s Farm, and standing near the
+site of “Roberts’ mill” on Church lane,
+near Township Line road; the Henry
+Lenhart memorial stone in Market
+Square Church grounds, which since
+the year 1830 has been enveloped by
+the root growth of a silver maple, and
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</span>in its vise-like grip is supported vertically;
+several commemorative trees,
+emblems of affection, such as the purple
+beech and white pine trees planted
+on Greene street near Coulter street
+by “Dr. Rivinis, a grandson of the botanist
+for whom Rivinia or rouge
+plant” was named; and the “Mollie Middleton,”
+“Helen T. Longstreth” and
+numerous other marked trees in the
+Wissahickon; an exceedingly fine
+American aspen on the grounds of Dr.
+Daniel Karsner, Tulpehocken and
+Greene streets; a group of large pine
+trees at Adams street and Washington
+lane; the wild goose lily treasured by
+Ellwood Johnson, a unique plant resembling,
+but quite distinct from Hemerocallis
+Flava of our gardens; a
+valuable and perfectly formed
+Norway maple, situated on Chew
+street, near Washington lane, a tree
+which always leads its kind in leaf
+and flower; an immense hawthorn
+(crataegus oxyacantha) on Magnolia
+street, near Johnson street; individual
+paulownia (paulownia imperialis),
+catalpa (catalpa bignonioides), and
+smoke trees (rhus cotinus) of merit,
+conspicuous in many places throughout
+our domain; a celebrated Irish
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</span>yew once standing beside the Carpenter
+Mansion at Phil-Ellena; a white
+oak of remarkable growth showing
+a trunk 5 feet in diameter,
+a height of 60 feet, and having
+an immense limb tapering from
+2 feet in diameter, 32 feet long,
+projecting horizontally for its entire
+length, and completely spanning Rabbit
+lane, east of E. Rittenhouse Miller’s
+place; a magnolia, the product of
+skill if not art, flourishing on James
+E. Gowen’s grounds at Main street and
+Gowen avenue, a monstrosity formed
+by the union of a circle of plants
+drawn together at about 3 feet above
+the earth and united, rising in a central
+trunk, reminding one of Alexander
+Pope and his strange fancies at
+Twickenham; a curious seat at “The
+Cherries” at Spring-bank, naturally
+supported by the outgrowth of two
+oak trees,—and near the same spot, a
+storm-cleft chestnut tree, which
+strangely has renewed itself; many
+rare and beautiful magnolias, such as
+may be seen at Mrs. Taws’, West Tulpehocken
+street, at Thomas Meehan’s,
+at “Wyck,” at William Heft’s, and in
+general distribution throughout our
+territory; “cut-leaved” plants in variety,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</span>such as may be seen on Baynton
+street, near Walnut lane, at Chelten
+avenue and Godfrey street, and at
+many places elsewhere; Kilmarnock
+willows and “weeping plants” innumerable;
+rare plants at Miller &amp;
+Yates’; the celebrated “paragon chestnut”
+of William L. Schaeffer, a variety
+of Spanish chestnut (castanea vesca)
+which originated on what is now the
+Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
+grounds, and obtained wide celebrity;
+fern-leaved beech (fagus, var. asplenifolia)
+at Edward S. Buckley’s, and
+weeping beech (fagus, var. pendula)
+at C. B. Dunn’s, with another noted
+one at Thomas C. Price’s, all of Chestnut
+Hill; Caleb Cope’s garden “grotto”
+and valuable plants; the “new garden”
+of John T. Morris on Wissahickon,
+a botanical garden in every respect
+save name; and many unique
+plants stationed throughout the length
+and breadth of the Wissahickon region.</p>
+
+<p>But among our superabundance it
+has been possible only to mark a few
+guide posts to point the way to all
+who care “to lead or follow” to a possession
+which in other parts is suggested
+only by such rich old settlements
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</span>as Alexandria, West Chester
+and some New England towns, but
+not any of which, so far as I have been
+able to observe, is able to approach
+the treasure ever present with us.
+Much that we desire to present we
+thus are obliged to curtail or ignore,
+and with one more thought we shall
+conclude.</p>
+
+<p>When visitors of distinction called
+upon George W. Childs at “Wootten,”
+they invariably were requested to
+plant a tree. The custom is a pleasing
+one, worthy of imitation, and should
+be encouraged. Wrote Thomas Meehan:
+“trees are associated with our
+dearest memories and most important
+events.” Abroad memorial and historic
+trees are so numerous that we
+refer to them only for illumination,
+and in our own country we have the
+“Charter Oak” of Connecticut, the famous
+“Elm of Cambridge,” and the
+“Treaty Tree” of Philadelphia. Other
+trees quite as important, but not so
+well known, are the “Liberty Tree” of
+Newport, the mulberry tree of Maryland
+under which the first settlers met
+to establish a government, and the
+plane tree of Burlington, to which
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</span>New Jersey colonists tied ship before
+the founding of Philadelphia.</p>
+
+<p>Stop soon we must, and passing
+many home plants of tender associations,
+I shall select one, and close
+with mention of a memorial tree near
+Kitchen’s bridge in the Wissahickon,
+a pin oak (quercus palustris), planted
+“Arbor Day, 1903, by the pupils of Andrew
+G. Curtin Public School in memory
+of Thomas Meehan, the friend of
+boys and girls.” No truer words than
+these were ever penned, but let us not
+limit, for Thomas Meehan was a
+friend to all—the world is better because
+he lived, and there is no one in
+Germantown this day who does not
+enjoy the fruit of his great work.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp50" id="i_fp100" style="max-width: 22em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i_fp100.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+    <a href="#c_fp100">Prof. Thomas Meehan</a>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>So we pass, and although our list of
+plants is indicative only, and those
+named but meagrely “presented,” yet
+we trust enough has been noted to direct
+attention to the beautiful creations
+placed before us to enjoy. We
+have no need to covet or compare, for
+in a magnificent fullness we have what
+others have not, and while we envy
+not nor desire another less, let us for
+ourselves strive to deserve the favors
+so bountifully given us, and take lesson,
+for false accumulations are vanity,
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</span>so let us spurning the selfishness
+of the few who ignore the rights of
+the many, find pleasure in pursuits
+which no abuse is able to restrict nor
+monopoly to control, for when schemers
+and their usurpations are no more,
+nature incorruptible and unalterable
+will continue steadfast on her way.</p>
+
+<p>Now as I go about our “village,”
+developed to a full-fledged town, I rejoice
+that we have so much for the
+enjoyment of the many, and so little
+that is not as free as our own desires.
+As of old, our common highway follows
+its tortuous course, and although
+peach and weeping willow and lombardy
+poplar trees of long ago have
+vanished, other trees of sturdier
+mould have risen to take their place.
+Large, substantial houses in the ripeness
+of age continue with us, but
+those who built them sleep in our
+shaded graveyards, and we may decipher
+their names on bleached and
+weather-beaten decomposing stone.
+Lofty trees planted by those who
+“have gone before,” in “the fullness of
+time” stand as monuments to them,
+and as friends to us to shade and protect.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</span></p>
+
+<p>Time “may come, and time may go,”
+for nature is change, and change nature,
+but to us “Providence has been
+very kind,” and the past though hardly
+pressed, yet dominates the present.</p>
+
+<p>Mansions and plantations justly
+venerated have become the property
+of all, and now among us we have
+“Vernon” and “Stenton,” “Waterview”
+and “Cliveden” as public parks,
+not great nor finished as yet, but ours,
+while behind looming up in the possibilities
+of “pleasure grounds” is
+“Fernhill,” and with us forever secure
+is the peerless Wissahickon.</p>
+
+<p>Though slowly, the character of our
+town alters, “orders old giving place
+to new,” but I rejoice that we have
+so much to remind us of days gone by—“Cliveden”
+and “Upsala,” “Grumblethorpe”
+and “Wyck,” to any of
+which an enforced change would be a
+catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>Logan, Huber’s, Spring Alley, “Tinker”
+Frey’s, Vernon and Chew springs
+have gone, but Wister, Cope and Johnson
+springs continue to remind us of
+rural long ago. Henry’s, Vernon and
+Methodist lane pumps, once with never-tiring
+handles traveling uncomplainingly
+“neath earth and sky” for
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</span>the public good, have been retired,
+but “Manheim street pump” unfailingly
+dispenses to who so e’er will wait.
+Toll-gate, Conestoga and stage-coach
+have disappeared from our turnpike
+road, and the trolley has “followed after,”
+yet in spite of “all temptation”
+we cling to the past, and the “Germantown
+wagon” undaunted waits
+upon us to do us service.</p>
+
+<p>Change truly is in the air, but there
+is a remarkable blending of the old
+with the new. The curse of war has
+passed from among us, “swords have
+been beaten into plough-shares, and
+spears into pruning hooks,” “peace
+and plenteousness” reign within our
+borders. No more the cannon’s thundering
+roar disturbs our homes, and
+“storied groves of Johnson’s lane,
+where Washington the bold led Freedom’s
+sons on British guns in the
+brave days of old” are free of strife.</p>
+
+<p>Now from many gardens on our
+“Appian Way” the perfume of blooming
+plants “maketh glad the heart of
+man;” native birds frequent, charming
+with enlivening song, our Main street
+lawns, and from above, falling upon
+never-tiring ears, “the great bell still
+tolls the hours,” as one by one they
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</span>round to remind us of youth and age
+and the “vast forever,” while over
+the “belgian block,” heedlessly perhaps,
+“the noise of traffic rolls.”</p>
+
+<p>Days come and go, the wheel turns.
+With us, “too soon, too soon, the noon
+will be the afternoon, to-day be yesterday.”
+“The night cometh” when
+no man may work. While it is yet
+day, let us remember those who
+“planted and watered” that we might
+benefit, and not forgetting our obligations
+to them, to ourselves and posterity,
+let us appreciate and provide,
+so that generations to come may receive
+with the increase those blessings
+so generously showered upon us,
+that the Germantown of greater opportunity
+to be, may upon the traditions
+and heritage preserved and bequeathed,
+rise to heights not attained,
+because unknown to us.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+  <h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">
+    <i>INDEX</i>
+  </h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<ul class="index">
+  <li class="ifrst">A.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Acacia, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Adam and Eve Plant, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Addison’s Walk, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ailanthus, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Alburger, John, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Alcott, Bronson, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Alcott, Louisa M., <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Armstrong, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Araucaria, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Arbor Vitae, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Arrott’s School, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ashton, Dr., <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Aspen, American, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Aster, Meehan’s, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Awbury, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">B.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Baker, W. E. S., <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Bartram, Wm., <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Barbary, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Barron, Com. James, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Baumann, L. C., <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Bayard, C. M., <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Beech, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Beech">“</abbr> Fern-leaved, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Beech">“</abbr> Weeping, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Beech">“</abbr> Wister’s, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Beggarstown, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Belfield, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Benneville, Dr. Geo. De, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Bethesda Home, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Betton, Dr. Saml., <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Big-tree, California, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Billmyer House, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Birch, Silver, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Blair, Linden, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Blathewood, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Blight, Geo., <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Bonneval Cottage, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Bonsall, E. H., <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Box, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Branchtown, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Brethren, Church of, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Brewster, F. Carroll, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Brickyards, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Brinton, Dr. J. B., <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Brown, Prof. Stewartson, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Bummer’s Cave, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Burgin, Dr. H., <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Butternut, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Button-ball, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Butler Place, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Buttonwood, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Buttonwood Hotel, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">C.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Caernarvon, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Caldwell, Jas. E., <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">California Red-wood, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cancer Root, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Canteloupe, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Carlton, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Catalpa, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cedar, Japan, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cedar of Lebanon, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cedars, The, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Century Plant, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Champlost, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Channon, Jos. C., <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Chancellor, Wm., <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Charter Oak, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cherry, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Chestnut, American, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Chestnut">“</abbr> Horse, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Chestnut">“</abbr> Paragon, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Chestnut">“</abbr> Spanish, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Chew, Chief Justice, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Chew">“</abbr> Mrs., <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Childs Geo. W., <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Christ’s Church, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Clark, E. W., <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Clearfield, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cliveden, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cocoonery, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Coffee Tree, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Concord Ground, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Concord School, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Constabel Martin, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Conyngham House, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cooley, Mrs. Frank, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cope, Caleb, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Cope">“</abbr> Francis R., <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Cope">“</abbr> Thomas P., <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Corvy, The, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cryptomeria, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cucumber Tree, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Cypress, Bartram’s, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Cypress">“</abbr> Swamp, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">D.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Datz, Jacob A., <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Darrach, Dr. Jas., <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Deane, Silas, <a href="#Page_18">18</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">De Hart, William, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Deshler-Morris Garden, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Devil’s Pool, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Dewees, William, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Dial, Logan, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Doeden, Jan., <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Dog-town, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Dog-wood, Common, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Dog-wood">“</abbr> Rose Flowering, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Dog-wood">“</abbr> Weeping, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Downing, A. J., <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Drinker, Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Drinker">“</abbr> Henry, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Dunton, Dr. William R., <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">E.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Elder, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Elm, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Elm">“</abbr> Cambridge, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Elm">“</abbr> English, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Emlen, Samuel, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Evans, Mrs. Thomas W., <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">F.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fairfield, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fair-Hill, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Farm, The, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Farnum, Mrs., <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fern-Hill, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fig, <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fir, Silver, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fisher, Ellicott, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fisher’s Hollow, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Forrest, Col. Thomas, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fox, Miss, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fraley House, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Franklin, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Franklin Tree, <a href="#Page_93">93</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Freas, Philip R., <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Frey, E. A., <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Frey, “Tinker”, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Friends’ Library, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Friends’ Meeting, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Fringe-tree, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">G.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Galvin, Thomas P., <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Gardette, E. B., <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Gardette">“</abbr> Dr. James, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Garret, Andrew, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Garrett’s Hill, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Garrett, Philip C., <a href="#Page_30">30</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Geissler, Daniel, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Germantown Academy, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Germantown">“</abbr> Horticultural Society, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Germantown">“</abbr> Lots, <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Germantown">“</abbr> Maps of, <a href="#Page_12">12</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Germantown">“</abbr> Method of settlement, <a href="#Page_14">14</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Germantown">“</abbr> Old Roads of, <a href="#Page_12">12</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Germantown">“</abbr> Wagon, <a href="#Page_103">103</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ginko, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Godman, Dr. J. G., <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Goldie’s, Spleenwort, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Gowen, James E., <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Grape, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Greens, Meadow, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Grumblethorpe, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Guckes, Philip, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">H.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hacker, Edward, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hacker House, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Haines, Miss Jane, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Haines">“</abbr> John S., <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Haines">“</abbr> Reuben, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Harrison, Alfred C., <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Harrison">“</abbr> George L., <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hart, Miss Jane E., <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hart, John, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Haupt, Israel, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hawthorn 90, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hazel, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Heacock, Joseph, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Heft, Caspar, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Heft">“</abbr> William, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hemlock, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Henry House, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Henry">“</abbr> T. Charlton, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hesser House, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hickok, Dr. William H., <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hickory, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">High St. Station, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hinkle, David, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Hinkle">“</abbr> Peter D., <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hocker, Miss, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Holly, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Holt, John, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Honey-Locust, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Honey-Run, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hongs’ Farm, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Horse-Chestnut, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Horse-Chestnut">“ “</abbr> English, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hotchkin, Rev. S. F., <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Hotel, Buttonwood, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Hotel">“</abbr> General Wayne, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Howell, Miss, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Huber, James S., <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">I.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Indian Mound, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Inn, Ye Roebuck, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ivy, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ivy, Abbotsford, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ivy Hill Cemetery, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ivy Lodge, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">J.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Jansen House, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Jellett, Stewart A., <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Jenkins, Charles F., <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Johnson, Dr., <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Johnson">“</abbr> Miss Elizabeth R., <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Johnson">“</abbr> Ellwood, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Johnson">“</abbr> Miss Sally W., <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Jones, Thomas, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Judas tree, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Juniper, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">K.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kalm, Peter, <a href="#Page_17">17</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Karsner, Dr. Daniel, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Keiffer, Peter, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kelly, Judge William D., <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kelpius, John, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kemble, Fanny, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kew Gardens, <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Keyser, Peter, <a href="#Page_71">71</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Keyser-Rodney House, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kin, Matthias, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kulp, William, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Kurtz, Henry, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">L.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lafayette, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Larch, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Laurel Hill Cemetery, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lawson, Alex., <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Le Boutillier, Roberts, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lehman, Christian, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Lehman">“</abbr> Godfried, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lehman’s Quarry, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lenhart Memorial, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lewis, H. Carvill, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Liberty Tree, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lilac, Persian, <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lily, Wild Goose, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Linden, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Linden, Blair, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lippard, George, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lippincott, J. Bertram, <a href="#Page_26">26</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Locust, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Locust, Clammy, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Locust, Honey, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Logan, James, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lombardy Poplar, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Longstreth Tree, Helen T., <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Loudoun, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lovett Library, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lovering, Joseph S., <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ludwig, Christopher, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Lutheran Seminary, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">M.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Macarthur, Charles T., <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">MacKellar, Thomas, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">McClanachan, Blair, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Magnolia, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Magnolia, Evergreen, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Magnolia">“</abbr> Glauca, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Magnolia">“</abbr> Swamp, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Magnolia">“</abbr> Yellow Flowering, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Mahonia, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Manheim, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Manley, Edward, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Maple, Baumann’s, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Maple">“</abbr> Blood-leaved, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Maple">“</abbr> Cut-leaved, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Maple">“</abbr> Norway, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Maple">“</abbr> Silver, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Market Square, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Mason, James S., <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">McLean, Hugh, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">McKean’s Hill, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">McMahon, David, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Mears, Mrs. Anne DeB., <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meehan, Joseph, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meehan Memorial, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meehans’ Nurseries, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meehan, Prof. Thos., <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meehan, William E., <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Megargee Dam, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Melons, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Melville, George W., <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meng’s Magnolia, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Meng, Melchior, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Middleton Tree, Mollie, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Mifflin, Lloyd, <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Milan, Hans, <a href="#Page_21">21</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Miller, E. Rittenhouse, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Miller">“</abbr> N. Dubois, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Miller &amp; Yates, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Milton’s Walk, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Morris, Bishop, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Morris">“</abbr> Elizabeth, C. 22</li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Morris">“</abbr> Elliston P., <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Morris">“</abbr> Galloway, C., <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Morris">“</abbr> John T., <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Morris">“</abbr> Samuel B., <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Mulberry, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Mulberry">“</abbr> White, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Murphy, D. D., Rev. John K., <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Murter, Joseph, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">N.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Naglee Hill, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Naglee">“</abbr> House, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">National Cemetery, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Newhall, Robert S., <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Newington, <a href="#Page_28">28</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Nicholson, George, <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Nixon, Miss, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Norris, Debby, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Norris, Isaac, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Northwood Cemetery, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Nuttall’s Spleenwort, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Nuttall, Thomas, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Nutwold, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">O.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Oak, <a href="#Page_9">9</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Oak, Black, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Oak">“</abbr> Jerusalem, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Oak">“</abbr> Mossy-cup, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Oak">“</abbr> Red, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Oak">“</abbr> Weeping, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Oak">“</abbr> White, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Obolaria, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ogden, Rev. J. C., <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Old Oaks Cemetery, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Oldmixon, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">One Oak, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Osage Orange, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Outalauna, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">P.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pancoast, Charles E., <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pancoast">“</abbr> David, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Papaw, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Papen House, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pastorius, Daniel, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pastorius, Francis Daniel, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Peach, <a href="#Page_16">16</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pear, Catherine, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pear">“</abbr> Chancellor, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pear">“</abbr> Keiffer, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pear">“</abbr> Sugar, <a href="#Page_64">64</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pecan, <a href="#Page_77">77</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Peltz, David, <a href="#Page_70">70</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Penn, J. Granville, <a href="#Page_68">68</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Penn">“</abbr> William, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pennypacker, Judge S. W., <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Persimmon, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Perot Farm, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Peters, Judge, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Phil-ellena, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Physick, Philip, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Physick">“</abbr> Dr. Philip Syng, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pinckney Homestead, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pine, Austrian, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pine">“</abbr> Himalayan, <a href="#Page_29">29</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pine">“</abbr> Jersey, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Pine">“</abbr> White, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Plane Tree, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Plockhoy, Peter, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ployd, Naaman K., <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Plum, Cut-leaved, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Pomona Grove, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Poplar, Gray, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Poplar">“</abbr> Lombardy, <a href="#Page_20">20</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Poplar">“</abbr> Silver, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Poplar">“</abbr> White, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Poplar">“</abbr> Tulip, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Price, Wister, <a href="#Page_49">49</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">R.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rafinesque, C. F., <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Redles, George, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_61">61</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Red-wood, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Reeves, Francis B., <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rittenhouse, William, <a href="#Page_82">82</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rivinus, Dr., <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rhododendron, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Roberts Mill, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rochefoucault, Duke de la, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rock-House, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rodney House, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rogers, Major, <a href="#Page_19">19</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Roset, Jac. M., <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rose of Japan, <a href="#Page_87">87</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Rose, York and Lancaster, <a href="#Page_90">90</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Russell, George W., <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">S.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Sassafras, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Saunders, William, <a href="#Page_94">94</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Saur, Christopher, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Schaeffer, William L., <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Schlatter, Michael, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Scott, Sir Walter, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Scott’s Spleenwort, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Seymour, Widow, <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Shoemaker, Ben. H., <a href="#Page_45">45</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Sibson, John F., <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Silver-bell, <a href="#Page_95">95</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Silver-Pine Cottage, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Silver-Pine">“ “</abbr> Farm, <a href="#Page_40">40</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Smearsburg, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Smith, Miss Elizabeth P., <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Smith">“</abbr> John Jay, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Smoke-tree, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Smyth, Frank, <a href="#Page_27">27</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Solitude, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Spring-Alley, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Spring-Bank, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Spruce, <a href="#Page_80">80</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Spruce, Norway, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, <a href="#Page_75">75</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="St. Michael’s">“</abbr> Lutheran Church, <a href="#Page_46">46</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Steel, Edward T., <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Stiver, Mrs. M. H., <a href="#Page_34">34</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Stokes, James, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Stokes">“</abbr> Thomas P. C., <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Stoneburner, Leonard, <a href="#Page_86">86</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Strawbridge, Dr. George, <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Strawbridge">“</abbr> Justus C., <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Stenton, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Stuart, Gilbert, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Suicides Grave, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Sycamore, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">T.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Tamarisk, <a href="#Page_79">79</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Taws, Mrs., <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Thomas, George C., <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Thomas">“</abbr> Robert, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Toland House, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Tomato, <a href="#Page_52">52</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Torworth, <a href="#Page_56">56</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Treaty Tree, <a href="#Page_99">99</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Tulip Poplar, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_88">88</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Tucker, John, <a href="#Page_47">47</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Turn-pike Bridge, <a href="#Page_23">23</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">U.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Upsala, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">V.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Vernon, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Vinegar Hill, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Virgilia, <a href="#Page_50">50</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Vollmer, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">W.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wagner House, <a href="#Page_61">61</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wagner">“</abbr> John, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wakefield, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wakefield">“</abbr> Little, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wakefield">“</abbr> Mills, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Walnut, Black, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Walnut">“</abbr> English, <a href="#Page_72">72</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Walnut">“</abbr> White, <a href="#Page_78">78</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Walter, John, <a href="#Page_10">10</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Walters, Philip, <a href="#Page_53">53</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Ward, Townsend, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Warner Ground, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Warr, John, <a href="#Page_33">33</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Washington, George, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_72">72</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Watchman box, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Watson, John Fanning, <a href="#Page_67">67</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Weightman, William, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Weiss, Charles, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Welsh, John, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Welsh">“</abbr> Samuel, <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wescott, Thompson, <a href="#Page_24">24</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wharton, Joseph, <a href="#Page_42">42</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wheel-Pump, <a href="#Page_54">54</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">White Cottage, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wild-Garden, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Williams, Alfred, <a href="#Page_41">41</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Willits, Dr. I. P., <a href="#Page_39">39</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Willow, Kilmarnock, <a href="#Page_98">98</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Willow">“</abbr> Weeping, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Willow">“</abbr> White, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wingohocken Creek, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wissahickon, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_98">98</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wistar, Dillwyn, <a href="#Page_62">62</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wister, Charles J., <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wister">“</abbr> Jr., Charles J., <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wister Coral Plant, <a href="#Page_73">73</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wister">“</abbr> Memorial Tree, <a href="#Page_35">35</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wister">“</abbr> John, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wister">“</abbr> William Rotch, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wister">“</abbr> William Wynne, <a href="#Page_51">51</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Wister">“</abbr> Wood, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wisteria, <a href="#Page_83">83</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Witt, Dr. Christopher, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wood, Miss, A. R. 81</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Woodside, <a href="#Page_55">55</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wright, James A., <a href="#Page_48">48</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Wyck, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_65">65</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a></li>
+
+
+  <li class="ifrst">Y.</li>
+
+  <li class="indx">Yew, American, <a href="#Page_91">91</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Yew">“</abbr> Creeping, <a href="#Page_63">63</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Yew">“</abbr> English, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Yew">“</abbr> Irish, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx"><abbr title="Yew">“</abbr> Pomona, <a href="#Page_85">85</a></li>
+
+  <li class="indx">York Farm, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="chapter">
+<div class="transnote">
+  <p class="ph2">
+    TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
+  </p>
+
+
+<p>Typos and extraneous punctuation corrected.</p>
+
+<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been left unchanged.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78370 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/78370-h/images/colophon.png b/78370-h/images/colophon.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4b331b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/colophon.png
diff --git a/78370-h/images/cover.jpg b/78370-h/images/cover.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..095e7c8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/cover.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_dedication.png b/78370-h/images/i_dedication.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ccdd4b0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_dedication.png
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_dropcap.png b/78370-h/images/i_dropcap.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba19a00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_dropcap.png
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp023.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp023.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad7e6f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp023.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp030.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp030.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ae8eb01
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp030.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp033.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp033.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1923e97
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp033.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp044.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp044.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..60132db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp044.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp048.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp048.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b80900d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp048.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp051.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp051.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a6cf095
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp051.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp057.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp057.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d26278e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp057.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp064.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp064.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..628d24a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp064.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp072.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp072.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8ceeee3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp072.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp074.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp074.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f951cf9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp074.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp078.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp078.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d61cc58
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp078.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp079.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp079.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8b91be
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp079.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp083.png b/78370-h/images/i_fp083.png
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f3807e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp083.png
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp088.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp088.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..02b1cd4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp088.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp090.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp090.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ca6e6d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp090.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp094.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp094.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6870747
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp094.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_fp100.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_fp100.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2205fa4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_fp100.jpg
diff --git a/78370-h/images/i_frontis.jpg b/78370-h/images/i_frontis.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dc232d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/78370-h/images/i_frontis.jpg
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6c72794
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6d35fd0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #78370
+(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78370)