THE MAURY GARDENS 

 FREDERICKSBURG 



IN 



ATTHEW FONTAINE MAURY! The name 

 scintillates in the realm of science in both hemis- 

 pheres. During several periods of his life this 

 great man was a citizen of Fredericksburg. Two 

 of the houses closely associated with him are still 

 here. Perhaps the old frame dwelling on Char- 

 lotte Street, so sadly in need of fresh paint — with the blacksmith 

 shop and the woodyard in juxtaposition — would never attract the 

 attention of the casual passer-by. But if he were keenly alive and 

 discerning, and appreciative of the historic lore of the old town, 

 a certain imperceptible and compelling influence would detain his 

 lingering footsteps. He would pause to read the inscription on a 

 bronze tablet which surmounts the granite block on the pavement 

 in front of this house: 



Home of Matthew Fontaine Maury 



1836-1842 



Pathfinder of the Seas 



Projector of the Atlantic Cable 



Founder of the National Observatory 



Father of Meteorological Science 



Commander C. S. N. 



He would note that the grounds on the east still bear traces 

 of former loveliness. Here is still the broad brick paving, and 

 the riotous tangle of the honeysuckle, with undisputed right of way, 

 usurps the choicest place, in what were once the formal flower 

 borders. Oblongs, ovals, and circles have lost their symmetry, and 



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