336 



THE FRENCH BLOOD IN AMERICA 



Famous 

 Gardeners 



and geniality, a spirit of comradery and lionoui", that 

 made tliem model settlers. They bore hardships with 

 little comiDlaiut, and soon x)nt a new face upon every- 

 thing by their skill. Their plantations were sure to be 

 the best and most attractive. Their gardening was justly 

 famous, and their taste was manifest. They were not too 

 busy wrestling with the virgin soil for livelihood to culti- 

 vate flowers and gratify their esthetic natures. In all 

 these respects they differed materially from the Puritan 

 type. Yet they were as devoutly and staunchly religious, 

 as the fact of their exile proved. They generally bought 

 lands, and some of them had means of purchasing large 

 tracts, which they portioned out and sold at a low price 

 to their distressed brethren. ' ' We do not hear of any 

 instance of oppression among them," says Allen, " either 

 exercised towards each other or Americans." 

 Their Religion j^ gouth Carolina they very generally adopted the 

 ' Episcopal mode of worship. The French Calvinistic 

 church in Charleston adhered to its peculiar worship. It 

 was built about 1G93. The time of worship was regu- 

 lated by the tide, for the accommodation of the members, 

 many of whom came by the river from the settlements 

 around. We can hardly imagine anything more pic- 

 turesque than these little boats, borne on the water and 

 filled with noble and daring beings, who had endured 

 danger and suffering, and risked their lives, for the spir- 

 itual life of the soul. "Often the low chant was dis- 

 tinguished amidst the dashing of the oars, and sometimes 

 an enthusiastic strain swelled on the ear, like those which 

 proceeded from the lijis of the martyrs when the flames 

 curled around them." 



Their conduct was not marked by rash enthusiasm ; 

 theirs was a religion founded on principle. They were 

 free from fanaticism and exaggeration. Their memorials 

 to the government are simple and concise, and bear every 

 evidence of truth. When they petition for their rights, 

 it is done in a calm, conciliatory manner ; and this is 



Founded on 

 Principle 



