of Gardening in the Canadas. 65 



earliest dawn, I took shelter for the night in the centre of a thick group of 

 Jsclepias tuberosa, which aliounded here. Many were my anxious looks for 

 the return of day; and when it arrived I resumed my botanic rambles, and the 

 sun had nearly sunk once more below the horizon, ere I could tear myself 

 away from this enchanting place. 



London. — London stands within the forks of the river Thames, where both 

 branches of the river meet. The Thames is a lovely stream, abounding with 

 scenes at once delightful and enchanting. London is centrally situated, and 

 a very flourishing place ; the most eligible that Iknow in the provinces, for the 

 establishment of a nursery, &c., there being nothing of the sort within 150 

 miles at the lowest calculation. Had I been disposed to adopt a local habita- 

 tion in the Canadas, this would be the spot which I most certainly should 

 prefer. In all probability the Thames will soon be rendered navigable for 

 steam-boats to the very town of London, which will give a great impulse to 

 its trade, and assuredly its natural capabilities must soon be brought into ope- 

 ration in this improving age. 



St. Thomas's is twenty miles from London. Here I found a fair prospect 

 of future excellence ; several spots wei'e gaily ornamented with vines and 

 creepers ; and a considerable number of showy plants decorated various gar- 

 dens. My mind was cheered with these trifles ; I recollected 



" The noblest states from small beginnings rise, 

 The nestling eagle flutters ere it flies." 



Brentford. — This is a place of considerable size. I found one practical 

 gardener had established himself here, but received no encouragenient. Need 

 I add more as to its gardening propensities. Major Winnet has a respectable 

 garden, but his example does not seem to have had much influence. 



Ancaster. Simmons, Esq., Dr. T. Rolph, and several other gentle- 

 men, have given a considerable impulse to gardening in this village. Mr. 

 Simmons has introduced various fruit trees, ornamental trees and shrubs, 

 through Mr. George Charlwood, of Covent Garden, London ; and here, as at 

 several other places in America, I had the m.ost convincing proof of that gen- 

 tleman's extreme care and successful mode of packing. A very large quantity 

 of trees were shown me by Mr. Simmons, jun., which had been ordered from 

 Mr. Charlwood some years ago. They had arrived too late for the inland 

 navigation that fall, and consequently had to remain at New York for the 

 winter. When forwarded in the spring, they arrived at Ancaster in most 

 excellent order, and several were, when I saw them, in a bearing state, healthy, 

 and vigorous. The seat of Mr. Sutor, from Morayshire, Scotland, is near to 

 Ancaster, situated in a lovely dale. Mr. Sutor has a very good garden, in 

 which both trees and vegetables grow most luxuriantly ; and the ornamental 

 department has not been neglected. A large collection of flowers were well 

 grown, and judiciously arranged. 



Hamilton. — Sir Allan Napier M'Nab has a garden of considerable size, and 

 is now forming various terraces, shrubberies, flower-gardens, and all the other 

 ornamental appendages to a large establishment ; Sir Allan's being, I suppose, 

 the most extensive in either of the Canadas. The kitchen-garden is large, and 

 contained some well-grown crops. Near to Sir Allan's, another gentleman, 

 whose name I unfortunately have forgotten, has extensive grounds. Consi- 

 derable taste is displajed in laying out the place; and method and arrange- 

 ment are prominent features. The kitchen-garden was in most excellent order, 

 the weeds were decidedly below your economic point ; the crops excellent, 

 and the whole concern did great credit to Mr. Gordon, the gardener. I may 

 here remark that I never had a more convincing proof of the benefits derived 

 from selecting trees from a nursery in a more northern latitude than that in 

 which they are to be planted, than came under my observation while examining 

 the trees in this garden. The proprietor had selected the choicest fruits from 

 nurseries in the IJnited States, and at Montreal ; and, although the trees from 

 the latter place were not so vigorous when they arrived at Hamilton, no sooner 

 1840. Feb. f 



