HISTORICAL NOTICES. 555 



planted. The landscape and the character of the 

 country in the neighborhood of Medary, though defi- 

 cient in the bolder outlines of many of our more 

 northern places, yet has, what we confess is a great 

 attraction to us, the quiet sylvan beauty of English 

 scenery that pastoral look, which seems to suggest the 

 presence of animated nature ; and Mr. Ingersoll has, 

 with great good taste, we think, taken advantage of 

 this hint, by the introduction of fine cattle, which 

 harmonize most pleasingly with the character of the 

 place. There is here a pretty flower-garden, plant- 

 cabinet, green-house, vinery, and some new peach and 

 orchard-houses. 



Brookwood the residence of Charles Henry Fisher, 

 Esq. a very extensive and complete establishment, 

 w^ith a great amount of glass, most charming views, and 

 a great deal of well-kept, ornamental ground, will, in a 

 few years, be one of the most striking places near Phila- 

 delphia. 



Alverthorpe the residence of J. Francis Fisher, Esq., 

 is another superb place, where a vast deal has been 

 accomplished, both with house and grounds. The park- 

 like view from the front is extensive and exceedingly 

 striking. An effective architectural appearance is pro- 

 duced in connecting the mansion and green-houses by 

 a sort of cloister, or gallery. The collection of trees 

 and shrubs at this place is also large and very choice. 



Fern Hill nearer town, is the residence of J. Pratt 

 McKean, Esq., and is another of those remarkably fine 

 and imposing houses which have been erected in the 

 neighborhood of Philadelphia within a few years. 

 Here, also, are fine ranges of glass, and extensive and 

 interesting views, and a great work in process of being 

 accomplished. 



There are many other places near Philadelphia (and 

 we think the vicinity of no other city abounds in so many 

 costly country residences) which we shall be compelled 



