258 
The Carden Magazine, January, 1921 
THE FINEST CALIFORNIA BIG TREE 
IN THE EAST 
This splendid Sequoia gigantea at the edge of 
the Painter farm bordering the highroad has, 
by throwing out a lusty double tip, repaired 
as well as nature will allow the damage done 
it a few years ago by some citizen, who, 
selfishly sentimental, cut out its top for a 
Christmas tree 
On one side: — 
Mv brother, round thy place of rest 
Well may thyonce loved flowers entwine, 
No heart that throbbed in mortal breast 
Was kinder or more true than thine. 
On the end: — 
For thee no more shall vernal Spring 
Renew the leaves on trees and bowers; 
For thee no more shall Flora bring 
Her choicest gifts of rarest flowers. 
It can be truly said that the 
Painter arboretum includes some 
of the best grown and most in- 
teresting trees in cultivation in 
the eastern United States. It has 
become the rendezvous of tree lovers 
and classes in forest botany. The 
writer has led a number of botanic 
classes to the grounds and great 
interest is aroused on the part of 
the students in getting acquainted 
with some of the trees which are 
natives of distant California, China, 
and Japan. 1 'he preservation of 
this remarkable collection of trees 
should be insisted upon. 
and under the protection of the taller trees. A ramble along 
the woodland paths will enable the visitor to notice the presence 
of Spice-bush shrub, Judas-tree, I.eatherwood (Dirca palustris) 
Silver-berry, Oak-leaved Hydrangea, Laurel, Yew, and many 
wild and introduced herbaceous plants. 
Between 1840 and 1850, although the brothers remained at 
home, they were able to obtain many plants bv exchange with 
Thomas Meehan of Germantown, John Evans of Radnor town- 
ship, with the Hoopes Brothers of West Chester, and others. 
The old arboretum to-day is a most fascinating place to visit, 
and fortunately for the preservation of its trees and shrubs, 
it lies ofF from the ordinary lines of travel. 
Minshall and Jacob Painter, its founders, were strong, able 
men physically and mentally. Minshall was rather tall, heavily 
built, broad shouldered, and of fine figure and carriage. Jacob 
was shorter, and quite fat. They were keen observers of nature 
and deeply interested in all human progress, both scientific and 
literary. They spent a considerable time in their little, fire- 
proof library building between the large bank barn, built of 
stone, and their old homestead. On the second floor of this 
building, their books and papers were kept. They read the 
books of Darwin, Huxley, Spencer, Tyndal, Draper, and other 
scientific men of their day. The botanists entertained a good 
many friends during the summer and they enjoyed showing their 
visitors the rare trees and other plants which they had been suc- 
cessful in growing. Dr. Samuel Trimble of Lima, who knew the 
brothers well, savs: “ I shall never forget the pleasure they took 
in showing me around the grounds, calling attention to almost 
every tree and shrub we passed, though it was almost impossible 
to get through the growth in many places.” 
On the death of Minshall Painter of apoplexy August 21, 1873, 
and of his brother Jacob on November 3, 1876, the place passed 
to their nephew, John J. Tyler, who 
though he does not spend any of his 
time there, has succeeded in prevent- 
ing serious depredations of its trees 
and shrubs. The brothers lie buried 
in the Cumberland Cemetery adjoin- 
ing the meeting house they attended. 
A marble monument on the grave of 
Jacob Painter is inscribed with two 
verses which express their love of 
plant life. 
