in the United States of America. 285 



from many gentlemen during this and my former tour, is a 

 most honourable-dealing man. He showed every attention to 

 me during my stay at his nursei'y, which I regret was so 

 limited, as I am conscious many rich gems must have escaped 

 my observation. 



The gardens round Philadelphia are apparently neatly 

 kept. I saw some which were laid out with great taste, and 

 well stocked with choice plants. That of Mr. Pratt, about 

 four miles from Philadelphia, has long been noted for its 

 choice collection of plants. It was there Pursh made his 

 first attempt at collecting the American flora ; and his exer- 

 tions were amply rewarded. I trust it will not be deemed 

 presumption in me to state, that, although I consider his work 

 of the greatest utility, as it respects American botany, still it 

 abounds with errors, particularly with regard to the plants of 

 the southern states, part of which Pursh never visited ; Georgia 

 (although so rich in plants), for instance. I will not say more 

 upon the subject ; but at some future day, when I have reaped 

 more experience, I may send you some corrections. 



I returned from Philadelphia to New York, and thence again 

 to Albany ; but, on the 1st of December, hoary winter appear- 

 ing in his rigorous hue, I bent my way to the south, and landed 

 in Charleston, South Carolina, on the 7th. The last fevp 

 years have wonderfully changed the features of gardening in 

 Charleston ; and the number of botanists to whom I was in- 

 troduced was a convincing proof that this delightful science 

 is duly appreciated in that beautiful city, while the surround- 

 ing' country furnishes them with ample resources for their 

 exertions. There are two seedsmen in Charleston, Mr. James 

 Wilson, and a relation of the Messrs. Landreth of Philadel- 

 phia. The only nurseryman is M. Noisette, brother to the 

 celebrated nurseryman of that name at Paris. But for me to 

 describe the beautiful specimens his ground contains would 

 occupy a whole magazine. Camellias 16 and 20 ft. high, and 

 20 ft. in circumference ; a most splendid Cycas revoluta, at 

 least 20 ft. in circumference, in the open ground, with all our 

 plants of the same nature and habits in equal proportion. I 

 cannot pass over some beautiful specimens of the Noisette 

 rose. I venture to assert that few, if any, ever saw s-uch 

 beautiful specimens of that excellent variety of that delightful 

 genus as are in this garden : but I must drop the subject; I 

 am not competent to do it justice. This garden must be seen, 

 to be duly appreciated. M. Noisette has a most thorough 

 knowledge of the plants in the southern states ; and there are 

 many varieties, strangers to our gardens, which it would be 

 highly, gratifying to possess, and which few but himself can 

 furnish. His indolence in this respect is most unpardonable. 



