[82 



THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST. 



Fig. 2307. Thomas Meehan's Office. 



grounds and conservatories ; during which 

 time also his pen was always busy. 



Meehan's Nurseries. — In the spring of 1854 

 Mr. Thomas Meehan decided upon a bold 

 and independent stroke, and, with the seeds 

 he had collected from time to time and 

 $1000 of his savings as his capital, he rented 

 ground in upper Germantown, and estab- 

 lished what are now so widely known as 

 Meehan's Nurseries. Here was got to- 

 gether the first collection of the beautiful 

 native trees and shrubs of America, which 

 soon required much additional land, until in 

 time some seventy-five acres was completely 

 covered with nursery stock. 



His title of Professor came to him on his 



being appointed State Botanist, and Lec- 

 turer at the University of Illinois. 



Travels. — Thomas Meehan travelled much, 

 including trips to Canada, Alaska, the far 

 West, and in all these his one thought 

 seemed to be the study of his favorite 

 science. His mastery of details was well 

 proven by his ready acquaintance with 

 plants. From every land " Plants, speci- 

 mens, twigs, leaves or flowers," it is said, 

 " were almost daily received at his office for 

 identification, and it was a cause for won- 

 derment to those about him to see him, 

 usually without hesitation, write off the 

 names and possibly add some remarks about 

 their hjstory." 



