115 



The Castle and grounds, are free to every member for a 

 private party at all seasons. The Governor's permission 

 is obtained for a fixed day, and all intrusion or accident- 

 al interference is thus avoided. 



These select private parties afford a delightful treat to 

 the Ladies, particularly in strawberry season. The de- 

 licious fruit and rich cream, is obtained in abundance 

 from the premises, or any of the many vegetable and fruit 

 farms in the vicinity. Here they may amuse themselves 

 pleasantly in rural seclusion, free from all intrusion, either 

 by tripping the light fantastic toe, by promenading over 

 the shady grounds on the banks of the river, or by a water 

 excursion to Gray's Ferry, or to the celebrated and ro- 

 mantic gardens of Bartram, (now Col. Carr's) on the op- 

 posite western shore. 



The character of the Schuylkill Fishing Company is 

 elevated above reproach. Its venerable age and eminent 

 respectability, are its bulwarks against the common enemy 

 of the most exemplary individuals and best society every 

 where, calumnious report. 



Its foundations were laid deep and permanent on a 

 rock by those who cherished the moral, virtues, and were 

 as eminent as citizens of exemplary deportment in civil 

 life, as they and many of their successors were honora- 

 bly conspicuous in patriotism. 



In the TVar of the Revolution, very many of the gentle- 

 men of the Colony in Schuylkill as has been already re- 

 marked, ofiicered or served in the continental army and 

 in the Pennsvlvania militia, viz. 



