492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



The following extracts, from the Preface of Pursh's North 

 American Flora, tend to illustrate his character, as a lover and 

 cultivator of the Science of Plants : 



" My first object, after my arrival in America [in 1799], was to 

 form an acquaintance with all those interested in the study of 

 Botany. * "I next visited 



the old established gardens of Mr. Marshall, author of a small 

 Treatise on the Forest Trees of North America. This gentleman, 

 though then far advanced in age, and deprived of his eyesight, 

 conducted me personally through his collection of interesting trees 

 and shrubs, pointing out many which were then new to me, which 

 strongly proved his attachment and application to the science in 

 former years, when his vigour of mind and eyesight were in full 

 power." 



The tenor of the correspondence with Humphry Marshall will 

 indicate the subjects on which his mind was habitually engaged ; 

 and will show that he was a man of an active, persevering disposi- 

 tion, taking a lively interest in all the concerns of civilized life, 

 more especially those connected with the advancement of society, 

 the security of human rights, and the highest state of intellectual 

 refinement. 



In conclusion, the editor is gratified in being able to state, that 

 the Toivn Council of the Borough of West Chester have recently 

 manifested a becoming sense of what was due to the character and 

 memory of Humphry Marshall, by adopting the following pre- 

 amble and resolution : 



" Whereas it has been deemed expedient and proper to improve 

 the public Square, on which the upper reservoir connected with 

 the Water-works of the borough is situated, by laying out the 

 same in suitable walks, and introducing various ornamental trees 

 and shrubbery : And whereas it will be convenient and necessary 

 to designate the said Square by some appropriate name : And 

 whereas the late Humphry Marshall of Chester County was one 

 of the earliest and most distinguished horticulturists and botanists 

 of our country, having established the second botanic garden in 

 this republic ; and also prepared and published the first treatise 

 on the forest trees and shrubs of the United States, and diffused 

 a taste for botanical science which entitles his memory to the 

 lasting respect of his countrymen : 



