LANCASTER COUXTY. 189 



game ; in return, they looked for nothing but bread and 

 milk, of which they were very fpnd. When their supply 

 of flour run low, they had to hide their bread. The 

 Indians had no idea of any thing being withheld; 

 whilst either party had it, all should partake." The 

 descendants of these pioneers still reside in the county. 

 This settlement ^on attracted the attention of others. — 

 Repugnant as they are in feelings, the Irish and Germans 

 soon afterwards established themselves as neighbors, 

 living on terms of ii>timacy for a while. In newly 

 settled countries all is sociability, and perfect friendship 

 prevails. Former distinct nationalities are not cherished; 

 yet never forgotten. German and Irish are opposites. 



The land back from the river was settled principally 

 by Germans: Forrys, Stricklers, Garbers, and others.^- 

 Their first purchase was, it is said, from an old woman 

 named Mary Ditcher,'' who used to go through the 

 country making what was called improvements — a few 

 sticks piled together, a fire kindled, and a pot hung over 

 it, constituted a first right. Those who could pay for the 

 land had first choice, but these improvements were 

 generally bought for a trifle by those able to pay for the 

 lands. 



This old Mary Ditcher seems to have been rather a 

 singular personage. She is described as wandering 

 through the woods, leading an old horse, her only 

 property, with her knitting in her hand, and clad in a 

 garment chiefly of sheep-skin. 



Hempfield township was so called from the great quan- 

 tity of hemp raised there. Manor, from lands reserved by 

 the proprietors. The settlers adjoining Barber's and 

 Wright's, were Irish families, named Patton, who gave 

 name to the hill and the current below, called Patton's 



♦Haz. Reg. IX. 113. 



