196 
The Garden Magazine, May, 1921 
Recent visits to the old arboretum thus planted and still 
appropriately maintained by Mr. W. Hinckle Smith, have revealed 
the fact that many of the original trees are in an excellent state 
of health and vigor. One of the most interesting, because grow- 
ing out of its natural climatic range, is a Pecan (Hicoria Pecan) 
of large size, which bears fruit that is rarely gathered because the 
squirrels always succeed in stripping the tree before the gardener 
does! The coniferous trees, which have reached a large size, 
include the Bald Cypress, Larch, Thuja orientalis, Cryptomeria 
japonica, Oriental Spruce, Cilician Fir, Engelmann Spruce, 
Cephalotaxus Fortunei of shrubby form, and the native White 
Pine and Hemlock. 
Several fine specimens of a rare tree (Zelkova crenata) from 
the Caucasus region are found near the semi-public lane running 
to the left after crossing Ithan Creek; and not faraway are some 
fine examples of the southern Sourwood (Oxydendrum arbor- 
eum), which enjoys congenial conditions for growth in the 
shaded valley of the stream. Several species of Magnolia 
have reached a large size and the arboretum is peculiarly 
attractive when they are in flower. They are the Cucumber 
Tree (M. acuminata), Sweet Bay (M. glauca), Yulan (M. 
conspicua) and large-leaved Magnolia (M. macrophylla). 
Near the edge of the pond, and introduced at an early date from 
the Bartram garden in Kingsessing, is a fine spreading specimen 
of the Franklinia (Gordonia altamaha). It makes a wonderful 
display in late September when covered with its camellia-like 
blossoms. The noteworthy Oaks include a large Willow Oak 
(Quercus Phellos) ; a large Overcup Oak (Q. macrocarpa) ; and a 
Turkey Oak (Q. Cerris), one of the original Evans trees. Other 
catkin bearing trees of the old place are the English Walnut 
(Juglans regia), the Black Walnut (J. nigra), the Red Birch 
(Betula rubra), and the White Birch (B. alba). A splendid 
winged Elm (Ulmus alatus) grows opposite the old black- 
smith shop on the place. A most attractive sight (on May 21st, 
1919,) was the Princess Tree (Paulownia imperialis) then in 
bloom and displaying its trumpet-shaped, fragrant, violet 
flowers. This enumeration gives some idea of the richness of 
the original plantation of John Evans. 
The present owner has done much to beautify the place 
without destroying in any way the initial growth, which re- 
mains as the founder left it at his death on April 15th, 1862. 
A macadamized road ascends the steep hill above the creek by 
easy grades to the modern palatial residence of Mr. Smith. 
Along this roadway a large number of plants have been intro- 
duced and encouraged to lusty growth by the free use of the rich 
leaf-mold of the woods. Here in great profusion we find the 
Wake-robin (Trillium grandiflorum), White Violet (Viola blanda), 
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), native Columbine (Aquilegia 
canadensis), Crested Flag (Iris cristata), Gold-dust (Alyssum 
saxatile), Celandine (Chelidonium majus), Water-leaf (Hydro- 
phyllum virginicum), May-apple (Podophyllum peltatum), all 
appropriately placed. Here and there in the woods along 
the road, rocks have been effectively placed, over and between 
which grow Pachysandra procumbens, Evonymus radicans 
variegata, and Kenilworth Ivy (Linaria Cymbalaria). Native 
Ferns (the Christmas Fern, the Cinnamon, and the Maiden- 
hair) also play their part in the extensive planting scheme. 
A number of showy shrubs in flower break the monotony of the 
woods, wherever they could be introduced without destroying 
the harmony of the wilder planting. The Golden Chain 
(Cytisus Laburnum), Rhododendrons, Laurels, Azaleas, Roses, 
and Viburnums have been used advantageously. 
A formal garden is found on the slopes of the hill below the 
fine new house, built on the plateau overlooking the rolling 
country beyond. It consists of a number of terraces each 
dignified by architectural features and appropriately planted. 
The flower area occupies the upper flat terrace to the left of the 
house, and it is characterized by a large central pool, or fountain. 
When I visited them toward the end of May, the beds nearest 
the fountain were resplendent with the elongated spikes of that 
striking member of the Lily family, Eremurus robustus. A pool 
on the terrace below is devoted to the summer growth of 
Victoria regia, and is reached by a flight of steps flanked with 
large terra-cotta vases. A garden house at one side of the upper 
terrace provides shelter in case of sudden showers. The up-to- 
date greenhouses are found at the left of the lower terrace. 
Altogether there are few places which have so successfully 
combined the old with the new. The old arboretum undoubt- 
edly possesses great historic, botanic, and horticultural interest, 
while the new garden demonstrates what a landscape gardener 
can do to modernize an old place without destroying the charm 
of the natural surroundings. 
VIEW FROM THE HOUSE 
This sweep of Pennsylvania landscape has a remarkable natural beauty which has been enhanced, without feeing in the least 
altered in character, through wise planting by its owners past and present. Its serenity is perhaps the secret of its appeal 
