THE BOTANISTS OF PHILADELPHIA. 287 



been rather to secure the attention of the severely practical 

 student of horticulture, and induce a more lively interest 

 in those who rarely look beneath the surface of plant 

 problems. With this view, he was for many years connected 

 with the New York Tribune, and it is to be hoped that his 

 efforts to explain some of the mysteries of plant-life, as 

 recorded in its columns, may have borne good fruit. 



As an aid to a better acquaintance with the resinous 

 trees, about twenty or more years ago, he selected a suitable 

 lot of ground, wherein was tested specimens of every known 

 species and well marked variety of this important order, 

 this being perhaps the first effort of the kind in the United 

 States. The task proved far greater than most would sup- 

 pose, as the tender and uncertain class of trees required 

 constant attention to preserve their health, and although at 

 the present time, a large number have succumbed to the 

 vicissitudes of our variable climate, there still remain many 

 very beautiful specimens which are at once the joy and 

 pride of their owner. His love for trees and plants, thus 

 early shown in life, was the main inducement for him to 

 engage in the propagation and sale of these commodities, so 

 that after forty-three years of business life, as a nurseryman, 

 he feels that possibly the time may not have been misspent, 

 and that the result may prove a more enduring and bene- 

 ficial monument to his memory, than could otherwise have 

 been devised. 



Twenty years ago Mr. Josiah Hoopes planted in con- 

 nection with his nursery in AVest Chester, a pinetum with 

 a view of testing the hardiness and adaptability of his 

 favorite plants to the climate of the Middle States. The 

 collection, which was made as complete as possible, was 



