46 VISIT OF IWAN ALEXIOWITZ 



delighted ; because a diffusive happiness appears in every part, 

 happiness which is established on the broadest basis. The wisdom 

 of Lycurgus and Solon never conferred on man one-half of the 

 blessings and uninterrupted prosperity which the Pennsylvanians 

 now possess : the name of Penn, that simple but illustrious citizen, 

 does more honour to the English nation than those of many of their 

 kings. 



In order to convince you that I have not bestowed undeserved 

 praises in my former letters on this celebrated government, and 

 that either nature or the climate seems to be more favourable here 

 to the arts and sciences, than to any other American province, 

 let us together, agreeably to your desire, pay a visit to Mr. John 

 Bertram, the first botanist in this new hemisphere, become such 

 by a native impulse of disposition. It is to this simple man that 

 America is indebted for several discoveries, and the knowledge of 

 many new plants. I had been greatly prepossessed in his favour 

 by the extensive correspondence which I knew he held with the 

 most eminent Scotch and French botanists : I knew also that he 

 had been honoured with that of Queen Ulrica, of Sweden. 



His house is small, but decent ; there was something peculiar in 

 its first appearance, which seemed to distinguish it from those of 

 his neighbours : a small tower in the middle of it, not only helped 

 to strengthen it, but afforded convenient room for a staircase. Every 

 disposition of the fields, fences, and trees, seemed to bear the marks 

 of perfect order and regularity, which, in rural affairs, always in- 

 dicate a prosperous industry. 



I was received at the door by a woman dressed extremely neat 

 and simple, who, without courtesying, or any other ceremonial, 

 asked me, with an air of benignity, who I wanted ? I answered, " I 

 should be glad to see Mr. Bertram." "If thee wilt step in and 

 take a chair, I will send for him." "No," I said, "I had rather 

 have the pleasure of walking through his farm ; I shall easily find 

 him out, with your directions." After a little time I perceived the 

 Schuylkill, winding through delightful meadows, and soon cast my 

 eyes on a new-made bank, which seemed greatly to confine its 

 stream. After having walked on its top a considerable way, I at 

 last reached the place where ten men were at work. I asked if 

 any of them could tell me where Mr. Bertram was ? An elderly- 

 looking man, with wide trousers and a large leather apron on, look- 

 tile Scottish branch of the family. But the botanist himself, and his immediate 

 connexions, always wrote the name Bartram. 



