Saturday, August 23rd, 1823 -
In the morning I visited the vegetable market etc. [DD’s horticultural
background coming to the fore again!] I found the supply finer than that of New
York and the produce so likewise. The peaches, apples etc. look superior in
every respect; they have not that sickly appearance which is found among the
fruit of New York. I made a visit to
Landreth, near the city, who has got a great many fine plants. In front of his house he had his greenhouse
plants; oranges were particularly fine indeed.......Grapes thrive well here, running
up poles or on trellises.
This would be the seed company
established in Philadelphia in 1784 by David & Cuthbert Landreth. One of
the oldest companies in the USA, it is still in the seeds and horticulture business.
Just four years after Douglas’s visit The Landreths
were founder members of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, still extant
and thriving today.
Sunday, August 24th, 1823 – Today I was shown the
principle places in and near town…..plants are cultivated in this city with a
good deal of taste.
Monday & Tuesday, August
25th & 26th, 1823 - This morning at 4 o'clock I set off in company with
Mr Hogg to Chester, State of Delaware, fifteen miles from Philadelphia, said to
be good for the neatness of its gardens etc. From thence to Wilmington,
Newcastle & Newport. We saw nothing different from what we had already
seen, only in fine order in point of management.......On the morning of Tuesday
we got to town again, called at Woodlands four miles from town, where saw what
might be said to be the finest American establishment. The whole place has the
appearance of nicety.
I sense that Douglas may be growing a little
bored with looking at a series of well-kept gardens - "We saw nothing
different from what we had already seen" - and may be chafing for some
action!
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