II 
tion was in the Schoolkil in the infancy of the colony, had 
with ordinary cultivation, from one grain of English barley, 
70 stalks and ears of that corn. 'Tis known from one bushel 
sown here to reap 40, often 50, and sometimes 60. Three 
pecks of wheat covers an acre. The woods are adorned with 
flowers, excellent, both for colours, greatness, figure and 
variety. German Town is a corporation of high and low 
Dutch. There are about 200 houses in it. Peach trees are 
planted all along before the doors, which in the time of 
bloom, make a beautiful road for a mile together. The town 
is very pleasant and airy, being wonderfully cleared from 
trees." 
These observations were confirmed by other writers, and 
will prove sufficient to show the interest and vocations of the 
early settlers. Beyond doubt, the virgin soil was prolific, for 
Pastorius recorded: "When I dined with William Penn on 
the 25th of August, after the meal was finished, a single 
root stalk of barley was brought in, which had grown here 
in a garden, and had on it 50 green stalks. However all 
single seeds do not yield in such proportions." 
As previously noted, there came to German Town in 
the year 1694, John Kelpius, with a company of followers, 
who for a time dwelt in the village, but being Pietists or 
Mystics, and believing the "still small voice" within, spoke 
more frequently, more directly, more purely, without the 
assistance of an intermediary, sought the seclusion of the 
woods for liberty, meditations, and prayer. This company >, 
disciples of Philip Jacob Spener, with Daniel Geissler > 
Christian Warmer, and Dr. Christopher Witt of German- 
Town, located, and dwelt in lower Wissahickon woods near 
Schuylkill River, upon grounds to the west of what is now 
known as "Hermits' Glen," and there planted a garden which 
was conducted as an experimental garden for the study of 
plants, thereby becoming so far as known, the first Botanical 
Garden in America. Kelpius's garden is supposed to be the 
one referred to in George Webb's "Bachelor Hall," published 
in 1729, wherein it is stated that: — 
