Add to this the prospect of financial gain for one's backers, and the chase for useful knowledge was on. Jane Colden was the daughter of a New York governor, himself a distinguished scientist, who made impressions of leaves on paper using printer's ink. William Bartram, a botanist and philosopher and son of America's first botanist, John Bartram, was a student at the Philadelphia Academy when his talent for drawing natural objects became obvious. In England the ownership of horticultural rarities became a significant status symbol, the Bartrams being the major, but not exclusive, seed agents in America. John Ellis, the King's agent for West Florida in 1767, promoted drug, fiber and dye plants as those that would garner the most profit in the Colonies.
Admission is free.
Group tours can be arranged by calling 764-2347.