THE BOTANISTS OF PHILADELPHIA. 75 



but has not yet taken possession of, land adjoining on the 

 north, and it has shortly acquired more of the Eastwick 

 property adjoining on the south. 



The first step toward reclaiming the gardens was taken 

 October 18, 1895, when Chief Eisenhower, Professor Mac- 

 farlane, of the University of Pennsylvania, John F. Lewis, 

 Forester of Fairmount Park, Talcott Williams and Eugene 

 Ellicott visited the historic spot with an eye to restoring it. 

 As a result of the visit Chief Eisenhower called on Provost 

 Harrison, of the University, and secured from Mr. Harrison 

 the promise of co-operation. The work of cleaning up the 

 place was begun under the supervision of Dr. Macfarlane, 

 of the University, who did much toward improving the 

 place. 



Early in April, 1896, a Committee of City Councils 

 reported favorably a bill to take the Eastwick tract adjoin- 

 ing Bartram Park, as an addition to the Park. The only 

 other historical fact of interest in connection with this 

 historic place that need be mentioned in closing this account 

 is the fire which occurred May 29, 1896. 



" The uppermost floor and most of the roof of the East- 

 wick Mansion, which is just south of Bartram's Garden, on 

 the Eastwick property, that Councils have just decided to 

 purchase for the city, were destroyed. The damage is esti- 

 mated at $12,000, which is covered by insurance.* 



" The mansion is a commodious three-story structure, 

 containing about thirty-five rooms. There were three 

 families residing in the house, presumably as caretakers of 

 the place. 



" The alarm was sent in at 8.52 o'clock, but before the 



* Public Ledger, May 30, 



