The Wilmingtonian., 1886-08-21
The Florists Convention.

Through the courtesy of Mr.. George W.
Childs the members of the National Florists
Convention were given a reception at Mr..
Childs beautiful country mansion, Wootton,
near Bryn Mawr yesterday. Complimeuta-
ry invitations had been sent to the promi-
nent journals of Philadelphia aud vicinity.
A special train from Philadelphia took the
members of the Convention and the press
representatives to WootJon at 2 10 P. NJ.
most enjoyable time was experienced,
some notice of which will be found else
where in these columns.
We are indebted to Ashmead History of
Delaware, County for the following descrip.
tion of "Wooton''
One of tue most effective, Extensive, and
elaborate improvements in Radnor is that
made by George w. Childs, in Wootton, his
country home. Mr.. Childs selected the pres.
ent site with view to its prospective EN-.
bellishment and ornamentation. 1t is ex.
ceedingly well adapted to the purpose EN-.
bracing fine views, woods and streams ol
flowing water, and consisting in part Of
cleared land and in part of forest, and slop.
ing gradually towards the avenue which
leads westwardly from Bryn Mawr Station,
on the Pennsylvania Railroad, through the
rich and beautifully diversified country Of
Upper Mer on aud Radlor
MIR. Chllds bought the property aud began
improvements upon it in the summer of 1880
and it seems almost incredible that such fin.
ished work, such perfection of detail as
Wootton exhibits, could have been accom-
! plshed in the brief period that has elapsed
since then.
/ The most comprehensive view Of WOottor
is to be obtained from the hills on the oppo
site side Of the little valley, ia which the
house and grounds are set like jewels. The
great expanse of lawn, beautifully kept the
house and other buildings, look from thi.
height like painters study of art and ma
tlre, so perfectly are tn, beauties of botl
combined.
Viewed in detail the charms Of Woottor
enlarge in proportion to their number. Tht
visitor, approaching from the railroad, has /
| pleasant drive or walk along the picturesque
roadway, nicely graded and thoroughly
macadamized for distance of a little NOR,
than a mic, and then finds himself at tn,
main carriage entrance, marked by hand
some and hospitable lodge. The drive grad
ually ascends the knoll or hill and reaches
the house under handsome porte cochere
The house is good example of the Queer
Anne style. and is perhaps less extensive
than enc might expect but if there is any
fault in this particular it is more than com
pensated for by the perfection Of detail ant
the elaboration of the surroundings.
broad terrace in front, adorned and mad,
TROPICAL in appearance by ceutury-Old leath
er palms, bordered 10y wall and railing o
massive and artistcaly-cut stone, half con
cealed by climbing vines forms.the immedi
ate environment OF the house, aud from thii
to the road slopes the broad cxpause of lawn
dotted along its borders with a wealth o
evergreen and other shrubbery, and richl,
studded with immense masses Of gorgeou
foliage plants. Few lawns in America hav
the breadth and smuothness and beautifu
slope of this, and none are better cared 70
OF more yelvety iu texture. At one side