anists are familiar with the results of
his patient labors and his pioneer travels in those early days, through
the wilderness of what now constitutes the southeastern states. One who
visited him at his home says: "Arrived at the botanist's garden, we
approached an old man who, with a rake in his hand, was breaking the
clods of earth in a tulip-bed. His hat was old, and flapped over his
face; his coarse shirt was seen near his neck, as he wore no cravat nor
kerchief; his waistcoat and breeches were both of leather, and his shoes
were tied with leather strings. We approached and accosted him. He
ceased his work, and entered into conversation with the ease and
politeness of nature's nobleman. His countenance was expressive of
benignity and happiness. This was the botanist, traveller and
philosopher we had come to see."

William Bartram gave important assistance and encouragement to the
friendless Scotch pedagogue, Alexander Wilson, while the latter was
preparing his American Ornithology for the press. This industrious and
peaceable botanist died within the walls of his dearly-loved home a few
minutes after he had penned a description of a plant. He died in 1823,
in the eighty-fifth year of his age. The old house of John and William
Bartram remains nearly the same as when the last Bartram died, but the
grounds have been occupied and improved by the present proprietor, whose
fine mansion is near the old residence of the two botanists.

Without ample funds to enable him to carry out his bold design,
Alexander Wilson labored and suffered in body and mind for several
years, until his patient and persistent efforts achieved the success
they so richly merited. All but the last volume of his American
Ornithology were completed when the overworked naturalist died.

The old Swedes' Church is the most ancient religious edifice in
Philadelphia, and is located near the wharves in the vicinity of
Christian and Swanson streets, in the old district of Southwark. The
Swedes had settlements on the Delaware before Penn visited America. They
built a wooden edifice for worship in 1677, on the spot where the brick
"Swedes' Church" now stands, and which was erected in 1700. Threading
narrow streets, with the stenographic reporter of the courts, Mr. R. A.
West, for my guide, we came into a quiet locality where the ancient
landmark reared its steeple, like the finger of faith pointing
heavenward. Few indeed must be the fashionable Christians wh