Full text of "Thomas Jefferson,s Garden Book"

See other formats

DELHI UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Cl. No. V ^ 1 h’ hi ^ ,1 i U

. >i45“

This book should be returned on 01 befote the date last stamped
below. An overdue charge of 0 0 nP. will be charged ior each
day the book is kept oveitime.

MEMOIRS

The American Philosophical Society

HELD AT PHILADELPHIA FOR PROMOTING
USEFUL KNOWLEDGE

eOQ

VOLUME XXII, 1944

Sciond Priniing

ntIMTED IN THE UNITED DTATIS or AMEItICA

'Vry-'

THOMAS JEFFERSON

Frim the pawiiiti by Thmat SitSy
in tU posttsiim of
Tht dmeriean FkHaJOphiw Society '

THOMAS JEFFERSON’S

GARDEN BOOK

1766-1824

JVith relevant extracts from
his other writings

ANNOTATED BY

EDWIN MORRIS BETTS

/Isthtant Prtfeuor of Biolofff, Millet School of Biology
UniversUy of Virginia

The American Philosophical Society

Independence Square ■ Philadelphia

1944

PREPARATION OF THIS MEMOIR AIDED BY
A GRANT FROM THE PENROSE FUND OF
THE AMERICAN PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY

PREFACE

W HEN Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, he
left behind one of the richest treasures of personal
and public documents in America. He named his
oldest grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, the executor of
his estate, and stated in his will: “My papers of business going
of course to him as my executor, all others of a literary or
other character I give to him as of his own property." Since
Edgehill later became the home of Thomas Jefferson Ran-
dolph, the bulk of Jefferson’s papers were moved there from
Monlicello.

In 1848 a collection of Jefferson’s public papers was pur-
chased by the United States Government and deposited in the
Library of the State Department, to be transferred later to
the Division of Manuscripts of the Library of Congress. The
private papers remained in possession of the Randolph family
until 1898, when Jefferson’s great-grandson, Thomas Jefferson
Coolidge, of Boston, the son of Ellen Randolph and Joseph
Coolidge, purchased about seven thousand pieces and gave
them on June 9, of the same y.eap, te the Massachusetts His-
tprical Society, Among tKeK^tfeHs was the original Garden
Book.

This Gaiden Book contains the most varied entries of all of
Jefferson’s memorandum books. The book that began as a
diary of the garden became a written repository for numerous
interests of Jefferson. The entries range from contracts with
overseers, plans for building roads and fish ponds, and ob-
servations on the greatest Rood in Albemarle, to comments on
Mrs. Wythe’s win'b and figures on the number of strawberries
in a pint measure. Here is revealed what was probably the
most absorbing of all the interests of one who w’as the fore-
most philosopher of his time. Governor of Virginia, Secj:etary
of State In President Washington’s cabinet. Vice President and
President of the United States, President of the American
Philosophical Society for eighteen years, and founder of the
University of Virginia, He was possessed of a love of na-
ture so intense that his observant eye caught almost every

, Preface

passing change in it. And whatever he saw rarely escaped
being recorded. So we know when the first purple hyacinth
blooms in the spring, when peas are up, when they blossom
and pod, and when they arc ready for the table. We are fur-
ther informed that Lunaria and Eastern Mallow are indiffer-
ent flowers, that Mirabilis is very clever, that peaches and
almonds blossom on certain days, and that according to old
Sharpe a bushel of lime will weigh one hundred and fourteen
pounds. One wonders how a man with so many other inter-
ests and with the multitudinous duties of his offices could have
found the time to record all these observations.

The varied entries in the Garden Book not only show us
what Jefferson was doing and planting at Monticello, Poplar
Forest, and his other estates, but also give us a clue as to his
interests in introducing new plants and in improving farming,
horticulture, viticulture, and many other aspects of the rural
life of his time. The gardens and groves at Monticello be-
came experimental plots where new plants were introduced
and nurtured, and if they were found suitable for use or orna-
ment, they were passed on to interested neighbors and friends
in various parts of the country.

That these interests at Monticello were also tied up with
the agricultural and horticultural needs of the United States,
Is shown in part by Jefferson’s attempt ta introduce the culti-
vation of olive trees and dry rice into South Carolina and
Georgia, mainly for the purpose of improving the living con-
ditions of the slaves and saving them from the ravages of
disease that swept the low countries. He was equally inter-
ested in cultivating a grape that would produce a wine com-
parable to those of Europe. Further he invented a “mould-
board of least resistance” and kept improving it over a period
of years so that plowing could be done more scientifically.
Then with the aid of his son-in-law, Thomas Mann Randolph,
he introduced contour plowing at Monticello, an innovation
which soon spread rapidly over the nation. His practice of
sending plants from Europe to America when he was living In
France was a forerunner of what our Division of Plant Ex-
ploration and Introduction has since done with mounting suc-
cess. Even the Lewis and Clark Expedition had as one of its
fundamental purposes the collection of native Western plants
for the purpose of experimental cultivation in the East. Some

Preface ,

vii

of these plants were grown in Jefferson’s gardens at Monli-
cello and in the gardens of Bernard McMahon and William
Hamilton, of Philadelphia. Certain of them, such as Lewisia,
Clarkia, Mahonia, Madura, and a species of Symphoricarpos,
now hold a recognized place in ornamental horticulture.

In summarizing what he considered his most important serv-
ices to man, Jefferson mentions the introduction of the olive
tree and dry rice into South Carolina. He ranks these along
with the writing of the Declaration of Independence, his advo-
cating freedom of religion, abolishing the Ijiw of entails, and
striving to diffuse knowledge more widely. He concludes the
note on his effort to introduce dry rice into South Carolina by
saying: “The greatest service which can be rendered any coun-
try is, to add an useful plant to its culture; especially, a bread
grain; next in value is oil.” In a letter to M. Giroud, after
thanking him for the seeds of the bread tree he had sent, Jef-
ferson writes: “One service of this kind rendered to a nation,
is worth more to them than all the victories of the most splen-
did pages of their history, and becomes a source of exalted
pleasure to those who have been instrumental in it.” That
introducing new plants Into cultivation was a passion with him
will be noted throughout the Garden Book.

Jefferson began the Garden Book in 1766 and continued it
until the autumn of 1824, two years before his death. There
were necessarily many lapses in it, caused in part by Jefferson’s
frequent and lengthy absences from Monticcllo. The most
extensive absence occurred from 1784 to 1789, when he served
as Minister Plenipotentiary to France. Even in the years in
which he spent much of his time at Monlicello, the entries are
often irregular. Also, Jefferson used memorandum books
other than the Garden Book in which to record his planting
activities. For instance, the notes on gardening for 1795
and 1796 were jotted down in the Farm Book, while those of
1807 and 1808 were written in the JVeather Memorandum
Book 17^6—1820. Then, too, he often wrote down impor-
tant garden matters on odd sheets of paper. Occasionally
Jefferson took pains to copy into his Garden Book observations
recorded originally in these other memoranda.

In order to get a complete picture of Jefferson’s gardening
and agricultural Interests, one must also continually consult his
correspondence. In his letters Jefferson expressed his theories

vin

Preface

on agriculture and gardening, told what he was planting, in-
quired after the gardens and farms of friends and neighbors,
requested plants from them, and ordered plants and seeds from
nurseries and seedsmen. His correspondents often recipro-
cated with valuable information and on numerous occasions
they sent plants and seeds.

In annotating the Garden Book, I have therefore felt it
necessary to add copious notes. Relevant material has been
taken from the Farm Book, the Weather Memorandum Book
i7'/6-j820, account books, stray memoranda, and letters.
Since the Garden Book is in chronological order, each year is
treated separately, with a brief outline of Jefferson’s principal
activities, followed by notes and letters. An effort has also
been made to fill the gaps in the Garden Book by presenting
all related material from other sources. Additional perti-
nent information has been given in the form of appendices.
Throughout, I have adhered faithfully to Jefferson’s orthog-
raphy. In only a few instances have the annotations been
extended beyond the Garden Book to Jefferson’s other writ-
ings. No attempt has been made to compare the currency
values of Jefferson’s time with those of to-day because of the
constant fluctuation of monetary standards in the Jeffersonian
era. The reader should keep this In mind when he considers
the prices that Jefferson paid for plants and services of various
kinds.

In April, 1939, the American Philosophical Society awarded
the late Rodney H. True, of the University of Pennsylvania,
a grant from the Penrose Fund to edit for publication Jeffer-
son’s Garden Book, Dr. True had long been a student of
Jefferson and was, through his botanical knowledge, especially
fitted tp edit the Garden Book.' Unfortunately, however,
after securing a careful transcription of the text, he lived long
enough to write only the first draft of an introduction, the
principal ideas of which have been incorporated into this
preface. The grant was later transferred to me, with the
request that I prepare a “definitive” edition of the Garden
Book, taking into account Jefferson’s deep interest in general
agriculture as well as in gardening — an interest that appears
constantly not only in his Faun Book but also in his account
books and letters.

Preface

Although a large amount of material has been introduced
here, much of it published for the first time, there still remains
related material not available for publication. Not until this
material is released can there be a strictly definitive account
of Jefferson’s agricultural and horticultural pursuits. Prince-
ton University is undertaking to publish the complete corre-
spondence, writings, addresses, drawings, and miscellaneous
documents of Thomas Jefferson. The project is under the
general direction of a committee with Dr. Douglas S. Free-
man as chairman, and with Dr. Julian P. Boyd as editor.

It is a pleasure to thank the following institutions for per-
mission to publish Jefferson manuscripts: the Massachusetts
Historical Society, for the Garden Book, the Farm Book, the
Account Books 1771, 1772, 1774, 1776-1778, 1783-1790,
1804-1808, 1809-1820, and 1821-1826, and* many of Jef-
ferson’s drawings and letters; the Library of Congress, for
letters, the Weather Memorandum Book 1776-1820, and Ac-
count Books 1767-1770, 1773, and 1779-1782; the Henry
E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery, for drawings, letters,
and the Account Book 1775; the New York Public Library,
for the Account Book 1791-1803; the Yale University Li-
brary, for letters; the Maryland Historical Society, for let-
ters; the Missouri Historical Society, for letters; the Rosen-
bach Company, of Philadelphia, for letters ahd memoranda;
the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, for letters; the
United States Department of Agriculture, for letters ; and the
Alderman Memorial Library, University of Virginia, for let-
ters and memoranda.

It is also a pleasure to thank Brigadier General Jefferson R.
Kean for permission to quote from the Account Book 1767—
1770, which is at present deposited in the Library of Congress.

I wish further to express my appreciation to the following
publishers and individuals who have given permission to quote
excerpts from their published works : Charles Scribner’s Sons,
Dr. Gilbert Chinard, Miss Norma B. Cuthbert, Dr. Cecil
Garlick, Dr. Fiske Kimball, Missouri Historical Society, Miss
Mary Rawlings, Dr. E. G. Swem for Miss Marjorie Warner,
and Mrs. Lyon G. Tyler.

My especial thanks are due the following persons : the staff
of the Rare Book and Manuscript Division of the University
of Virginia Library, for their assistance in securing manu-

Preface

scripts and books, and for helpful suggestions; Miss Norma
B. Cuthbert, of the Huntington Library and Art Gallery, for
aid in securing photostats and for other courtesies; Dr. Fiske
Kimball, for valuable assistance; Mrs. Helen Bullock, for sug-
gestions from her wide knowledge of Jefferson manuscripts;
my colleagues. Dr. Bernard Mayo and Dr. C. William Miller,
for a critical reading of the manuscript; Mrs. Ida D. Swindler,
for typing and checking the manuscript; and my wife, Mary
Hall Betts, for designing and drawing the paper jacket of the
Garden Book and assisting me in Innumerable ways.

Finally I wish to express my deep gratitude to the American
Philosophical Society which made this publication possible. It
was this Society that welcomed Jefferson to membership in
1780. During the following forty-six years he was respec-
tively a Councilor of the society, its Vice President, and from
1797 to 1815 its President. In 18 18 he was again elected a
Councilor and served in that capacity until his death in 1826.
While a member of the Society Jefferson took an active part
in its meetings. He contributed papers to the Transactions,
gave fossils and other objects of natural history to the cabinet,
and books to the library. Since he contributed so generously
to the life of the society and served it so selflessly for many
years, it is fitting that in the bicentennial year of his birth the
society should honor him by publishing the Garden Book in
its Memoirs.

E. M. B.

University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Srpfemher 20, 1943 >■

’ Because of government restrictions on the use of paper, publication
of this work has been deferred of necc}.sitv until 1944.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Preface v

Illustrations xiii

Garden Book for the Years 1766— 1824, with relevant ex-
tracts from Jefferson’s Other Writings

Early Years (1766-1775) i

Revolutionary Period (1776-1783) 69

Minister to France (1784-1789) 103

Secretary of State ( 1790-1793) 148

Monticello Interlude (1794-1796) ao8

Vice President (1797—1800) 253

President (1801-1808) 273

Retirement (1809-1826) 385

Appendix I

Jefferson’s Summary of His Meteorological Journal
for the Years 1810 through 1816 at Monticello . . . 622
Appendix 11

The Water Supply at Monticello 629

Appendix III

Extract of a Letter to Anthony Giannini 632

A List of Plants Sent by Jefferson from Paris about

1786 to Francis Eppes 634

A Memorandum, Probably Left to Edmund Bacon,

about 1808 or 1809 635

Extract of a Letter Written to Henry S. Randall by
Jefferson’s Granddaughter, Ellen Randolph Cool-
idge 636

Xll

Contents

PAGE

Extracts from the Diary of General John Hartwell
Cocke, of Bremo, Fluvanna County, Virginia .... 637

A Statement of the Vegetable Market at Washington 639
Appendix IV

Jefferson’s Scheme for a System of Agricultural So-
cieties, March, 18 1 1 640

Appendix V

Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia: Plants . . . 644
Appendix VI

Jefferson’s Description of His Mouldboard of Least

Resistance in a Letter to Sir John Sinclair 649

Appendix VII

Books and Pamphlets on Agriculture, Gardening, and

Botany in the Library of Thomas Jefferson 655

Bibliography 663

Index 667

ILLUSTRATIONS

Thomas Jefferson, from thp Painting by Thomas Sully

Frontispiece

PLATE FACIKO PACE

I. Page I of the Original Garden Book 2

II. Jefferson’s Original GtffiiifMjBoo/fe, 1766-1824 3

III. Plan of the Monticello House and Rectangu-

lar Flower Beds, Prior to 1772 34

IV. Page 14 of the Original Garden Book . , . . . 50

V. Jefferson’s Earliest Plan of the Vegetable

Garden 51

VI. The Location of Jefferson’s Vegetable Gar-
den and Orchard as It Appears Today . . 66

VII. Jefferson’s Plan of the Orchard, 1778 67

VIII. Jefferson’s Memorandum of the State of the

Fruit Trees, 1778 8a

IX. General Plan of Monticello 83

X. Page 25 of the Original Garden Book 94

XI. The Drawing of Jefersonia diphylla by Ben-

jamin Smith Barton 17a

XII. Page 28 of the Original Garden Book 173

XIII. Jefferson’s Survey of the Fields on the Side

of Monticello Mountain, 1794 ao8

XIV. Plat of the Road to Secretary’s Ford, 1794 209

XV. Jefferson’s Survey of the Fields at 1794 ai8

XVI. Notes on Areas of Fields at Monticello and

Rotation of Crops in Them, about 1794—

95 • ai9

XVII. Page 30 of the Original Garden Book aa6

XVIIL Jefferson’s Memorandum for the Northwest

Offices and Icehouse 227

XIX. Jefferson’s Plans for a Garden or Pleasure

Grounds, about 1804 292

»ii

XIV

Illustrations

PLATE FACING PAGE

XX. Jefferson’s General Ideas for the Improve-
ment of Mo«/icci/o, about 1804 293

XXI. Jefferson’s Plan of the Top of Monticello

Mountain, 1806 316

XXII. Jefferson’s Plan of Monticello Estate, 1806 317

XXIII. Jefferson’s Plan of the Oval and Round

Flower Beds, 1807 334

XXIV. Jefferson's Plan of the Winding or Round-
about Walk, Flower Borders, and Beds,

1807 335

XXV. Jefferson’s Plan of the Winding Walk or

Round-about Walk on the Western Lawn 356

XXVI. Jefferson’s Plan for Laying off Lots for
Minor Articles of Husbandry, and Turn-
ing the Side of the Mountain into a Ferme

ornee, 1808 357

XXVII. Jefferson’s Plan for Laying off Lots for the
Minor Articles of Husbandry, and for a
Ferme ornee, in Relation to the Other
' Parts of the Monticello Mountaintop ... 384
XXVIII. The Western or Rear Entrance to the Mon-

ticello House 385

XXIX. Page 35 of the Orig’inal Garden Book .... 398

XXX. Plan of the Upper Part of Monticello Moun-
tain, 1809 399

XXXI. Page 40 of the Original Garden Book 420

XXXII. Jefferson’s Plan of the Orchard and Garden,

about i8ii 421

XXXIII. Page 45 of the Original Garden Book:

“Arrangement of the Garden," 1812 .... 474

XXXIV. Page 48 of the Original Garden Book 475

XXXV. The Western Lawn and House of Monticello 538

XXXVI. East View of Poplar Forest, Showing the

Main House, Kitchen^ and Smokehouse . . 608

MONTICELLO

I remember you told me when we parted, you would come to see me
at Monticello. and tho’ I believe this to be impossible, I have been
planning what I would shew you : a flower here, a tree there ; yonder
a grove, near it a fountain; on this side a hill, on that a river, indeed
madam, I know nothing so charming as our own country, the learned
say it is a new creation ; and I believe them ; not for their reasons, but
because it is made on an improved plan. Europe is a first idea, a crude
production, before the maker knew his trade, or had made up his mind
as to what he wanted.

Jefferson to Mrs. Angelica Church

Pam, February 77, 77SS

GARDENING

I have often thought that if heaven had given me choice of my po-
sition and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth, well
watered, and near a good market for the productions of the garden. No
occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no cul-
ture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, some
one always comming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by
the success of another, and instead of one harvest a continued one through
the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family table, I
am still devoted to the garden. But though an old man, I am but a
3'oung gardener.

Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale

Poplar Forest, August 20, 18 ii

AGRICULTURE

Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God, if ever
he had a chosen people, whose breasts he has made his peculiar de-
posit for substantial and genuine virtue. It is the focus in which he
keeps alive that sacred fire, which otherwise might escape from the face
of the earth. Corruption of morals in the mass of cultivators is a phae-
nomenon of which no age nor nation has furnished an example.

Jefferson

Notes on the State of Virginia, 1787

\']66

1766 ^ Shadwell “

Mar. 30. Purple hyacinth ® begins to bloom.

Apr. - 6. Narcissus ‘ and Puckoon * open.

13. Puckoon flowers fallen.

16. a bluish colored, funnel-formed flower * in low-
grounds in bloom.

30. purple flag^ blooms. Hyacinth & Narcissus
gone.

May. 4. Wild honeysuckle* in our woods open. — also
the Dwarf flag * & Violets.”

7. blue flower in low grounds vanished.”

II. the purple flag, Dwarf flag, Violet & wild
Honeysuckle still in bloom, went journey to
Maryland, Pennsylva, New York, so observa-
tions cease ”

* 1 ^ 66 . Jefferson reached his twenty-third birthday on
April 13, 1766. He had already passed through many experi-
ences, some of which were to have a profound influence on his
future life. When he was two years old, his family moved to
Tuckahoe, on the north bank of the James River a few miles
above Richmond, the home of his father’s late friend. Colonel
William Randolph, where at five he was placed in an English
Schobl. On the return of the family to Shadwell, he attended

jErrEusoN’s Garden Book

[1766

the school of Mr. William Douglas, a Scotch clergyman, re-
maining there until his father’s death, four years later. Dur-
ing the following years he was a pupil in the school of the
Reverend James Maury, located in Louisa County, fourteen
miles from Shadwell, The greater part of the next seven
years, 1760— 1767, Jefferson spent in Williamsburg, attending
the College of William and Mary during the first two, and
spending the next five in the study of law under his friend,
George Wythe.

He became of age in 1764. In the autumn of 1765 he lost
his favorite sister, Jane. They had often roamed together
over the fields and hills of Shadwell, observing and gathering
the spring flowers. So this spring of 1766 was a poignant
one for Jefferson as he recorded the blooming and the disap-
pearing of the flowers in his garden and the fields about him.
Little is known of his life during 1766, except as recorded in
his Garden Book and in his letters to John Page.

* Shadwell is located in Albemarle County, Virginia, near
the city of Charlottesville. It was the home of Peter Jeffer-
son and his wife, Jane Randolph, and was named Shadwell
after the London parish where Jane was born. Ten children
were born to Peter and Jane Jefferson. The six daughters
were Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Martha, Lucy, and Anna Scott;
the four sons, Thomas, Peter Field, a son still-born, and Ran-
dolph. Thomas, the eldest son, was born at Shadwell on
April 2, 1743, old style, or April 13, 1743, by the present
calendar.

Shadwell, a weather-boarded house, was Jefferson’s home
until it burned on February i, 1770. The following No-
vember he moved to Monticello, his home for the remainder
of his life. All that is known about the flower garden at
Shadwell is that there were flower beds numbered from I to

ri-c.

* Hyacinthus orientalis L.

* Probably Narcissus jonquUla L.

* Satiguinaria canadensis L. Now commonly called blood-
root.

•Probably Mertertsia virginica DC., Virginia bluebells.
This plant grows in the alluvial soil of the Rivanna River,
which flows through the Shadwell estate.

« iruixL. *fSL>

))\»r

r t

I* * 4 fj

•* f *»»v M iJ ^ /ft

< f M rtf >J f to ^ *«■ r tilj eo /

J.-W Ho t«« » 4f^ }/f^a ji'tJUi*.^ f tik^

I * *</. i 4r* tt^t*~ «- r b wji^ ^ H — A^» ^

/ 4 /a /> mL * Wk, \Mj{L*i

W-J -rpUfti^ T V-/*f •£, f** m,

' ■« t f4 l*y / ii <1 ^ t ^L»* <•*/ i> J

PtATE J. — Page I of the original Garden Book,

mmWi

i ■

VzxtB lI.-^eS«noa’t origiiul Gatdtn Book, 1766-18041 no'xr in poeBenion of the
hapMMehuBettf ^torieel SocUtr.

'jnv Gvim Botik i» « mcmorandom book frith leatbeMtrip board covert, 20,3 cm.
bf 160 cm, It epntidiit i j8 leavet, of wt^ 33 an jBUed with Jeffenoa^t notes and
12$ ue bfank. The pages an not- numbered after 49. Paget 33, 34, 37, and 38 are

1766]

Jeffbuson’s Garden Book

^ Iris sp.

^Rhododendron nudiflorutn (L.) Torr. This shrub grows
in abundance in the woods around Shadwell.

“ Iris cristata Ait. The dwarf iris grows in large patches
near Shadwell and makes a lovely carpet on the forest floor of
Monticello Mountain.

“ Viola L. The following species of Viola grow around
Shadwell and Monticello: Vtola cucidlata Ait., V. scabriuscula
Schwein., V. striata Ait., V. palmata L., V. pedata L., V,
canadensis L., V. hastata Michx., V. rafinesquii Greene,

“ Twenty-two days, the blooming period of the blue flower
in the low grounds. This kind of observation was of con-
siderable interest to Jefferson. It will be noticed many times
in the Garden Book.

This was Jefferson’s first visit to Maryland, Pennsylvania,
and New York. He was in Annapolis when the people were
celebrating the repeal of the Stamp Act. Here also, he ob-
served the houses and gardens and wrote to his friend, John
Page ; “The situation of the place is extremely beautiful, and
very commodious. . . . The houses are in general better than
those at Williamsburg, but the gardens are more indifferent.’’
In Philadelphia he stopped to be inoculated for the smallpox.
At New York he lodged at the same boarding-house with El-
bridge Gerry from Massachusetts, who, with Jefferson, was to
play a leading role in the new Republic. He seems to have
made most of the journey in his one-horse chair.

1767

1767 ^

Feb. 20. sowed a bed of forwardest and a bed of midling
peas.®

*500. of these peas weighed 3“—! 8**®.* about
2500. fill a pint.*

Mar. 9. both beds of peas up.

15. planted asparagus seed ‘ in 5. beds of 4.f. width.
4. rows in each.*

17. sowed a bed of forwardest peas, and a bed of
the latest of all.®

23. Purple Hyacinth & Narcissus bloom.®

sowed 2. rows of Celery 9. 1 , apart.®

sowed 2 rows of Spanish onions & 2.d“. of Let-
tuce.®*

Apr. I. peas of Mar. 17. just appearing.

2. sowed Carnations,®* Indian pink,®* Marygold,®*
Globe amaranth,®* Auricula,®* Double balsam,®®
Tricolor,®* Dutch violet,®® Sensitive plant,*®
Cockscomb, a flower like the Prince’s feather,*®
Lathyrus.**

planted Lilac,®* Spanish broom,** Umbrella,**
Laurel,®* Almonds,®’ Muscle plumbs,** Cay-
enne pepper.*® 12. cuttings of Goosberries.*®

1767]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

4. planted suckers of Roses, seeds of Althaea &
Prince’s feather”

6. planted lillies & wild honeysuckles ”

7. planted strawberry roots.”

9. sowed 3. rows of Celery, 2 d". of Lettuce — 2 d*.
of Radish.”

Lunaria ” in full bloom.

16. Sweet Williams ” begin to open.

24. forwardest peas of Feb. 20. come to table ”

25. Asparagus 3. inches high, and branched.**

Feathered hyacinth” in bloom, also Sweet
Williams.

a pink in bed VI.c.“ blooming.

Lunaria still in bloom, an indifferent flower.”

May. 27, sowed Lettuce, Radish, Broccoli,” & Cauli-
flower.”

28. Flower-de luces just opening."

*strawberries come to table, note this is the
first year of their bearing having been planted
in the spring of 1766. and on an average the
plants bear 20. strawberries each. 100 fill half
a pint."

forwardest peas of March 17. come to table."

latest peas of Feb. 20. will come to table within
about 4. days."

Snap-dragon " blooming.

Jeffjsrsom’s Garden Book

[1767

June. 4. Larkspur™ & Lychnis”
bloom & Poppies ™

10. Pinks “ & Hollyhocks “

bloom. .by information of

mfs Carr.”

12. Carnations bloom.*®

1 8. Argemone ®* put out one
flower.

July. 5. larger Poppy has vanished — Dwarf poppy still
in bloom but on the decline, pinks V.c. just
disappear. — pinks in VI.c." still shew a few.

Carnations in full life — Larkspur, Lychnis in
bloom. — a few hollyhocks remaining — Eastern
mallow almost vanished, an indifferent flower.®*

*Col6 Moore*® tells me a hill of artichokes”
generally bears 8. of a year, and they continue
in season about 6. weeks.

18. Lesser poppy still blooming — pinks V.c. a few.
— ^pinks VI.c. a few. — a few Carnations. —
Larkspur in bloom. — Eastern mallow & Lych-
nis in bloom. — Mirabilis” just opened, very
clever. — ^Argemone, one flower out. this is y*
4“ y* year

31. Cucumbers “ come to table.

Aug, 1. inoculated May cherry** buds into 4. stocks of
unknown kind.

2. inoculated English walnut ** buds into stocks of
the Black walnut.

3. inoculated common cherry buds into stocks of
large kind at Monticello.®*

1767] jEFXfERSON’s GaRDKN BoOK

Nov. 22. *8 or 10. bundles of fodder are as much as a
horse will generally eat thro’ the night. 9
bundles X 130. days == 1 170. for the winter.*’'

■

^ Jefferson was introduced to the practice of law at

the bar of the General Court of Virginia in 1767 by George
Wythe. According to his Account Book lySy—i^yo, in which
he registered his law cases, he was employed during the year
in 68 cases, taking him in the fall quarter alone to Staunton,
Orange Court House, Culpeper Court House, Winchester,
Fauquier Court House, and Richmond. Yet, despite these
frequent absences from home, he took an increasingly active
interest In his flower and vegetable gardens.

* Many varieties of the pea, Pisttm sativum L., are men-
tioned in the Garden Book. Forwardest and Middling were
the earliest varieties of this species and were probably varia-
tions of the Charlton Hotspur. (See Garden Book, Feb-
ruary 24, 1768.) Peas were Jefferson’s favorite vegetable.

* Table of Troy Weight

24 grains (gr.) = i pennyweight (dwt.)

20 pennyweights = i ounce (oz. t.) =480 grains

12 ounces = i pound (Ib. t.) =240 pennyweights = 5,760 grains.

* Another kind of detailed observation which delighted Jef-
ferson. It is noted in all of his memorandum books, account
books, and Farm Book, as well as in letters and the Garden
Book. Observations of this kind in the last two centuries re-
veal to us today just how much has been accomplished in im-
proving fruits, seeds, and vegetables.

* Asparagus officinalis L.

* Like the flower garden at Shadwell, there is no plan known
for the vegetable garden. This entry indicates that the gar-
den was divided into beds of a definite size and also that the
beds were planted in rows.

^ Another variety of Pisum sativum L.

* Compared with the blooming record of 1766, purple hya-
cinth and narcissus bloomed seven days earlier. One of Jef-
ferson’s objects in keeping a record of the garden activities

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1767

was to make a comparative study of the blooming, the fruit-
ing, the time the different articles came to the table, and their
disappearance. These discrete observations were summarized
many years later, so that he had an accurate tabulation of the
vegetables, fruits, and flowers at Shadwell and Monticello,

® Apium graveolens L. var. dulce DC. On account of the
hot summers very little celery is raised in Albemarle County
today.

“ Allium cepa L. Spanish onion, any of several varieties
of large-bulbed, mild-flavored onions; in the United States
originally applied only to imported stock but now used more
broadly.

” Lactuca sativa L.

Dianthus caryophyllus L. Although the records do not
show where Jefferson got these seeds, most of them were prob-
ably given to him by neighbors and acquaintances on his many
trips.

” A species of either Dianthus L. or Silene L.

^*Tagetes sp.

“ Gomphrena glohosa L.

“ Primula auricula L., yellow-flowered primrose.

Impatiens balsamina L.

Probably Viola tricolor L., pansy.

Dutch violet. Unidentified.

Mimosa pudica L.

“ Celosia argentea L. No doubt one lacking fasciation.

Either Lathyrus odoratus L., sweet pea, or L. latifoHus
L., everlasting pea.

Syringa vulgaris L.

^*Spartium junceum Lam.

** Magnolia tripetala L. A native deciduous magnolia.

** May be either Rhododendron maximum L., great laurel,
or Kalmia latifolia L., mountain laurel. The native moun-
tain folk often call rhododendron “laurel.”

” PruHus communis Fritsch. ■

** Muscle plumbs. Unidentified.

*• Capsicum frutescens L. var. longum Bailey.

*“ Probably Rihes grossularia L., English gooseberry.

“ Hibiscus syriacus L. Rose-of-Sharon.

** Amaranthus hybridus L. var. hypochondriacus Bailey. *

1767]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

*® Rhododendron nudiflorum Torr.

Fragaria sp. and var.

** Raphanus sativus L.

Lunaria annua L.

Dianthus barbatus L.

®* Forwardest peas, planted on February 20, came up on
March 9 ; they were ready for the table on April 24, a total of
64 days from planting to eating.

®® This asparagus was planted on March 1 5. Asparagus
seeds are rarely planted today by gardeners. New beds are
made by planting roots.

Muscari comosum var. monstrosum L. When JefEerson
moved to Monticello, he carried plants of feathered hyacinths
with him. The descendants of these plants are still growing
in the fields on top of the mountain.

“ The first indication that the flower beds at Shadwell were
numbered in a definite way.

"Jefferson often gave expression to his personal taste in
flowers.

*® Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.

** Identified with no. 43.

*® Fleur-de-lis, flag. A general name for several species of
Iris L. Since the blooming period of this flower is nearly a
month later than that mentioned in the spring of 1766, it is
probably a different species or variety of Iris,

“ So greatly have strawberries increased in site since this
observation was made that today 15 strawberries often fill one
half-pint.

" Peas of March 17 appeared above ground on April l.
They came to the table on May 28, a total of 73 days from
time of planting to eating.

®® February 20 to June 2, 103 days for this variety of pea
to come to table.

" Antirrhinum majus L.

®® Delphinium sp.

Lychnis sp., catchfly.

®® Papaver sp.

®* Dianthus L. Probably Dianthus plumarius L.

®* Althaea rosea Cav.

The carnation seeds were sown on April 2, a total of 72
days from sowing to blooming.

lO Jefferson’s Garden Book [1767

Argemone L. Probably Argemone grandiflora Sweet,
often called prickly poppy.

" Mrs. Carr, whose maiden name was Martha, was the
fourth sister of Jeifcrson. She was married to Dabney Carr,
Jefferson’s inseparable friend, on July 20, 1765. He died on
May 16, 1773, leaving a widow, three sons, and three daugh-
ters. Jefferson took the entire family into his home and
reared and educated the children as his own. (See Henry S.
Randall, The Life of Thomas Jefferson (3 v., New York,
1858), i: 82-84. Hereafter cited as Randall, Jefferson.)

** FI~c, refers to the number of one of the flower beds.

""Probably one of the mallows {Hibiscus sp.) grown from
seed collected at Williamsburg. Mallows are abundant in the
swamps around Williamsburg.

•“Bernard Moore, born in 1720, was a son of Colonel Au-
gustine Moore, of Chelsea, King William County, and Eliza-
beth Todd, his wife. He was a justice and a colonel of the
militia in King William County and served as burgess for the
county from 1744 to 1758 and from 1761 to 1772. He
married Anna Catherine Spotswood, daughter of Governor
Alexander Spotswood. (See Lyon G. Tyler, Encyclopedia of
Virginia Biography (3 v., New York, 191J), 1:294. Here-
after cited as Tyler, Virginia Biography.) Jefferson often
visited his friend, Colonel Moore, on his trips to Williams-
burg.

“ Cynara scolymus L. Since only a few gardeners grow
artichokes in Albemarle County today, one has difficulty deter-
mining the number of artichokes a hill bears.

•* Mirahilis jalapa L. Often called four-o’ clocks or marvel-
of-Peru.

** Cucumis sativus L. No mention is made of the planting
date.

** May cherry. In A. J. Downing’s The Fruits and Fruit
Trees of America (New York and Boston, 1846), the May
cherry is placed under the Morello variety of cherries. He
describes it as one of the smallest, as well as the earliest, of
cherries. The tree is very small and dwarfish, growing
scarcely more than 8 feet high. The fruit is small, round,
slightly flattened, the stalk an inch long, rather slender, and
pretty deeply set. The skin is pale red, or, at maturity, a
rather lively red, with the flesh soft, juicy, and quite acid.

1767]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

English walnut, Juglans regia L. ; black walnut, Juglans
nigra L. Jefferson rarely recorded the results of this kind of
experiment. In the Eastern States, where the English walnut
is not grown commercially, the Paradox, a hybrid between the
black walnut and the English walnut, is used for the stock of
the English walnut today. (See Farmers' Bulletin 1501, Au-
gust, 1926.) Michaux wrote: “By grafting the European
upon the American species at the height of 8 or 10 feet, their
advantages, with respect to the quality of wood and of fruit,
might be united.” (See Cuthbert W. Johnson, The Farm-
er's and Planter's Encyclopedia (New York, 1855) : 1103.)

This is the earliest mention of Monticello in all the writ-
ings of Jefferson. Just when he decided to name his new
home Monticello is not known.

If Jefferson, in his conversations with others, found they
displayed sound judgment and knowledge of the subject, he
entered the information in one or more of his memorandum
books for future reference. This entry, which appears to be
an original observation, reveals his interest in farming opera-
tions and management.

1768

1768"

Feb. 24. sowed a patch of early peas, having first soaked
them. Charlton Hotspur.® ’'•500. of these peas
weighed 2000 filled a pint accurately.

Mar. 5. sowed a patch of Spanish Marotto peas.®

14. peas of Feb. 24. just appearing.*

28. peas of Mar. 5. just appearing.*

" 1768. Jefierson continued the practice of law during
1768. He was employed in 115 cases, with a total profit of
£304 83. 5d. (See Account Book 1767-1770; also Randall,
Jefferson 1: 47-48.)

Jefferson was absent from Shadwell a considerable part of
the year. He went to Williamsburg for several visits, at-
tended to law cases at Staunton, and paid social visits to Rose-
toell, Colonel Moore’s Chelsea, Duncastle, Greenspring, and
Gloucester. While at Williamsburg he not only attended to
his law duties, but also enjoyed the playhouse, musicals, and
other gayeties of the capital.

The Garden Book has only four entries for the year, all of
them made in early spring. Although Jefferson had little
time to record the garden activities at Shadwell, his mind was
constantly on his new home, Monticello, He made specifica-
tions for his new house {Account Book 1767—1770: 26-27)
and made a contract for leveling the top of his mountain:

May 15, Agreed with mf Moore that he shall level 350 f. square on
the tep of the mountain at the N. E. end by Christmas, for which I am
to give 180 bushels of wheat, and 24 bushels of corn, xa of which are

1768]

Jefferson's Garden Book

not to be paid till corn comes in. if there should be any solid rock to
dig we will leave to indifferent men to settle that part between us.

He also bought quarts of seeds to be planted at Shadwell and
Monticello. The following entries from the Account Book
indicate the large number of seeds purchased dur-
ing the year :

June 15. p'*. F. Foxcroft [of Williamsburg] 46/ to purchase white
clover seed in Philadelphia.

June 30. purchased of Sandy 13^ q^*. goose-grass seed for 27/.

July n. purchased at Myrtilla 2 q**. of G.[oose] Grass seeds for 4/.
July 12. bought of N. Meriwether’s Anthony 5. q‘*. & J pint d“. for
10 / 6 .

Aug. 4. bo‘. of N. Meriwether’s Anthony 2 q“. white clover seed
for 4/. • '

Aug. 7. bo‘. of Harry sj q**. G. grass seed, and pints clover seed
12/6.

“ “ , bo‘. of Phill 3 q‘“, G. grass seed 6/.

'* “ . bo‘. of N. Meriwether’s Patrick 2 q“. clover seed. 4/

" “ 2 d". G. grass seeds. 4/.

“ " Anthony 2 d“. clover 4/.

“ “ Thom 3^ pints G. grass 3/6.

Aug. 24. bo‘. of N. Meriwether’s Anthony 5 pints clover S/.

“ 28. bo‘. of N. M.'s Patrick 17 pints clover 17/.

Sept. 13. mem. I have now of clover seeds 23 q**, 4 p*. -f 11.9 q'* =
34 q*'. I pt.

Nov. 21. p**. Sandy in full for seed 20/.

* The Messrs. Lawson say that Hotspur dates back to 1670; and the
name in some of its modifications continued for at least a century. Some
of the Hotspurs or “Hots” headed the list of earlier peas during most of
the century, but about 1750 the variety, or the name, “Early Charlton,”
from the "Charlton Hotspur,” became common, and remained popular
until displaced by Early Frame about 1770. (U. P. Hedrick, Peas of
New York (Albany, pt. I, 1928) : 22. Hereafter cited as Hedrick,
Peas.)

There are the Charlton hotspur, Reading hotspur, and Master hot-
spur, but are very little different from one another. These are the
earliest, and are reckoned much preferable in flavor to any other kind,
. . . The Charlton and Marrowfats may be sown at the same time:
some people soak their Peas before sowing, but this often turns out un-
successfully, for in a wet season they are apt to rot. (John Randolph,
Jt., A Treatise on Gardening (Marjorie F, Warner ed.) (Richmond,
3d ed., 1924) : 39-40. Hereafter cited as Randolph, Gardening. Ran-
dolph’s book was probably published about 1765. There was a copy of
it in Jefferson’s library.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1768

* Spanish Morotto peas. These were advertised for sale
by “William Wills, Chirurgeon in Richmond Town, and John
Donlevy in Petersburg in the Virginia Gazette in March, 1767
& 1768." (Randolph, Gardening: 54.) Jefferson probably
bought his seeds from one of them.

* The Charlton Hotspur requires 19 days to appear above
ground.

" The Spanish Morotto requires 24 days to appear above
ground.

1769

1769,^ Monticello.®

Mar. 14. planted on the S.E. side® of the hill as follows.

On the Ridge beginning at the bottom.

I. row of Pears.^ a^.f. apart 12 in a row.
left vacant.

1. row of d”. ingrafted.

2. rows of cherries intended for stocks to in-
oculation.

2. of New York apples® ingrafted.

I. of Peach* stocks for inoculating almonds.®

I. of d®. . . . for d“. . . . apricots®

^ row of d”. for Nectarines.® — | row of
quinces.^®

In the Hollow.

1. row of Pomegranates” 12J f. apart 12 in a
row.

2. d“. of figs.”

I. d®. Peach stocks for inoculating Apricots.

I. d®. Walnuts.”

July. 27. *a bed of jnortar which makes 2000. bricks
takes 6. hhds. of water”

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1769

*Nich“. Meriwether^® sais that 30. hills of Cu-
cumbers 4.f. apart will supply a middling
family plentifully.

*Nich. Lewis thinks 40.f. square of water-
melons” will supply a family that is not very
large.

*Millar’s Card’s diet®* sais that 50. hills of
Cucumbers will yeild 400. cucumbers a week
during the time they are in season, which he
sais is 5 weeks, so that 50 hills will yeild 2000,
or I. hill yeild 40. cucumbers.

^ 1769. Jefferson increased his law practice during 1769.
He was employed in 198 cases and received £370 ns. in
fees. (Randall, Jeferson i: 47-48.) In this year also he
was elected to the House of Burgesses, convening at Williams-
burg, where he was soon to become an influential member.
While in Williamsburg attending to his duties, he had time for
the playhouse, paid Pelham a/6 for playing on the organ, “p®.
for seeing a hog weighing more than 1050 lbs,” saw a Puppet
Show, and “p®. for seeing a tyger 1/3.”

In spite of the months away from home which Jefferson’s
new oflice required, work at Monticello moved forward
rapidly. The year before, John Moore had leveled the top
of the mountain. This year the actual work of building the
new house began. The northeast end of the clearing became
the site of the house. Jefferson recorded in the Account Book

1767-1770:

four good fellows, a lad and two girls of ab‘. 16. each in 8J hours dug
in my cellar of mountain clay a place 3 f. deep, 8f. wide and 16^ f.
Iong=r4.f cubical yds. under these disadvantages, to wit; a very
cold snowy day which obliged them to be very often warming; under a
coyer of planks, so low, that in about half the work their stroke was not
more than § of a good one; they eat their breakfast in the time which
one of them went to cook; they were obliged to keep one or two con-
stantly hauling away the earth to prevent it’s rolling in again, from

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1769]

[this] I think a midling hand in 12. hours (including his breakfast)
could dig & haul away the earth of 4 cubical yds, in the same soil.

This cellar became the basement for the South Pavilion, the
first building completed at Monticello,

While the South Pavilion was being completed, work on the
grounds was moving forward. By September 20, 1769, Jef-
ferson had cleared a park on the north side of his mountain,
1850 yards in circumference, and had contracted with R. Sor-
rels to mawl 8000 rails for him by Christmas, for which he
was to pay him 20/ the thousand. They were ali-to be chest-
nut, and W. Hickman was to judge if any of them were bad.
They were not to be counted until put up. (Account Book
I767--I770.)

The well was also begun this year. The same Account
Book tells us :

in digging my dry well, at the depth of 14 f. I observe one digger, one
filler, one drawer at the windlace with a basket at each end of his rope
very accurately gave one another full emploiment, but note it was yellow
rotten stone with a great many hard stones as large as a man’s head and
some larger, or else the digger would have had time to spare, they dug
and drew out 8. cubical yds in a day.

And on "Oct. 3, W. Beck has worked in the well 46 days.
We are to settle the price.” The well was located a little
southeast of the South Pavilion. (See appendix II.)

During the late summer and early fall of the year Jefferson
bought over 85 quarts of clover seed from his neighbors and
others. His own crops of dover and grass were successful,
for he records; "Sept. 7, gathered for myself this year 8 q**.
cloverseed, also 52 + 18 = 70 qfs goose grass seed” (Ac-
count Book 1767—1770).

* Monticello is an Italian word which means Little Moun-
tain. Its origin as used by Jefferson is not known. As men-
tioned above, the first use of it in all of his surviving manu-
scripts was in the Garden Book in 1767. In the Account
Book 1767-1770, at the end of July, 1769, he used a short-
ened form of the word, Moncello, as if not quite sure what

form he wished to use.

July 31, tob“. made at Moncello in 1768 978?

W. Hickman's part (a^ shares out of i2|) 1727

My part 10^ shares 8060 lb.

Note, I think another year I shall allow him but 2. shares.

1 8 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1769

In his third attempt to name Little Mountain, he hit upon the
word Hermitage; but he had no sooner written that word than
he crossed it out and made the hnal decision to call his estate
Monticello. {Account Book 1767—1770.) See last para-
graph, 1770.

* This is the first planting plan for Monticello. The south-
eastern exposure was an ideal one for fruit trees. The fact
that he planted the trees 25 feet apart showed his knowledge
of the proper spacing of fruit trees. (See plate VII for loca-
tion of these trees.)

* Pyrus communis L.

® Malus pumila Mill.

* Prunus persica Batsch.

^ Prunus communis Arcang.

* Prunus armeniaca L.

® Prunus persica var. nucipersica Schneid.

“ Cydonia oblonga Mill.

“ Punica granatum L. Pomegranates are rarely grown in
Albemarle today.

Ficus carica L.

Probably Juglans nigra L. for inoculating the English
walnut.

Jefferson's mountaintop was a busy place in the summer
of 1769. An orchard had been started, a garden was in
preparation, and bricks were being made by the thousands.
Water was scarce. The only source of it was the springs on
the sides of the mountain. The well was probably not yet
supplying water. It was therefore important for Jefferson
to figure accurately the amount of water needed for making
brick, since it had to be carried a considerable distance. In
the Account Book 1767-1770, we find; “July 16, Mem.
George Dudley began on Friday 14th inst. about my brides.
I am to give him 3/ p* 1000 for mould* and burning, and 4/
a week for diet.”

Nicholas Meriwether, a neighbor and friend of Jefferson,
was the eldest son of Thomas Meriwether and Elizabeth
Thornton, his wife. He married Margaret Douglas, the
daughter of the Reverend William Douglas, a native of Scot-
land, then rector of the parish of St. James, Northam, Gooch-
land. This Mr. Douglas was an early teacher of Jefferson.
(See Edgar Woods, History of Albemarle County in Virginia

1769]

Jefferson's Garden Book

(1901): 272-274. Hereafter cited as Woods, Albemarle
County.)

“ Nicholas Lewis was a son of Robert Lewis, who married
Jane, the daughter of Nicholas Meriwether.

Nicholas lived at the Farm, adjoining Charlottesville on the east, a
gift from his grandfather, Nicholas Meriwether. He was a public
spirited man, a captain in the Revolution, a magistrate, Surveyor and
Sheriff of the county, possessed of a sound judgment and kindly spirit,
appealed to on all occasions to compose the strifes of the neighborhood,
the trusted friend of Mr. Jefferson, and the advisor of his family dur-
ing his long absences from home. He married Mary, the eldest daughter
of Dr. Thomas Walker, and died in 1808. (Woods, Albemarle County;

252.)

Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.

“ Philip Miller (Jefferson used the spelling Millar, instead
of Miller, also in the catalogue of his books, 1783) was born
at either Deptford or Greenwich, England, in 1691. He died
near Chelsea Churchyard, December 18, 1771. He was head
gardener at Chelsea Gardens for many years and probably
had more influence on gardens and gardening than any man of
his time. His greatest work was The Gardener’s Dictionary,
published in 173 1, in London. It went through eight editions
during Miller’s life. It was not until the seventh edition, pub-
lished in 1759, that Miller used the Linnaean system. An-
other popular book by Miller was The Gardener*s Kalendar
(London, 1732). This volume ran through twelve editions.
{Diet. Nat. Biog. (63 v.. New York, 1885-1900), 37: 420-
422.)

At least three of Miller’s works were in Jefferson’s library:
Dictionnaire des Jardiniers, tr. de I’anglois par M. DeChazel-
les, avec notes, etc., par M. Hollandre, 5 v. 4®, Paris, 1785;
Gardener's Dictionary, folio, London, 1768; Gardener’s Cal-
endar, 8°, London, 1765.

1770

1770* Jefferson made no entries in the Garden Book dur-
ing 1770. The memorandum book for the year, too, is al-
most silent on the activities going on at Monticello. His law
practice continued to absorb much of his time; he was em-
ployed in 1 21 cases and received fees amounting to £421 5 s.
lo^d. (Randall, Jefferson: 47—48.) During the sessions of
the House of Burgesses he was in Williamsburg. Trips were
made also to Tuckahoe, Chelsea, The Forest, in Charles City
County, the home of his future wife, and Staunton.

Two important events occurred this year: Shadwell was
burned, and Jefferson moved to Monticello. In the burning
of Shadwell he lost most of his possessions. The most cher-
ished of them were his books. Fortunately the Garden Book
and some of the memorandum books were saved. The Gar-
den Book was probably at his unfinished house at Monticello,
where his garden activities were being recorded. In moving
to Monticello on November 26, X770, he established a home
Trhich was to be among his chief joys for the remainder of his
life. Although he was destined to be absent from his beloved
mountaintop for many years, it was a place where he always
longed to be and where he was happier than at any other place.

In the early part of the spring of 1770, Jefferson sent Wil-
liam Beck to Williamsburg to bring back Bantam pomegran-
ates and nectarines from George Wythe {Account Book 1767—
1770). Mr. Wythe, in sending them on March 9, wrote:

I send you some nectarines and apricot graffs and grape vines, the
best I had; and have directed your messenger to call upon Major Talia-
ferro [he lived near Williamsburg] for some of his. You will also re-
ceive two of Toulis’s catalogues. Mrs. Wythe will send you some
garden peas.

You bear your misfortune [burning of Shadwelll so becomingly, that,
p I am convinced you will surmount the difficulties it has plunged you
into, so I foresee you will hereafter reap advantages from it severS ways.
Durate, et vosmet servate secundis. {Jefferson Papers, Massachusetts
Historical Society. Hereafter cited as Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

1770] Jefferson’s Garden Book 21

A few days later Jefferson wrote: “Work to be done at
the H e rmi to g e Montlcello. plant raspberries, gooseberries —
Currans — strawberries — asparagus — artichokes — fill up trees
— sow grass — henhouse — cherry tree — Lucerne — road — ^wag-
goning wood and sand — lop cherry trees." {Account Book
1767-rjyo.) We are not told whether this program was
carried out during the spring. Jefferson was away from home
a good part of the summer. On September 9, he “bo‘. of
neg. of Walker’s 4 q** grass seed & p** 5/” and also
‘‘bo‘ of N. M’s [Meriwether’s] Anthony 3 q**.” {Account
Book lydy-jjjo.)

1771 -"
Mar. 6.

7 -

II,

25.

28.

29.

30*

May. 8.
IS-
26.

1771

Monticello.

sowed a patch of peas after steeping them in
in water 24. hours, (note the seed came from
J. Bolling’s *)

rain snow & hail with an Easterly wind for 4.
days.’

cleared up cold with a North West wind.

replanted all the pomegranates * in their proper
row. also planted 4. others on S.E. edge of
garden.’ also a Medlar Russetin.’

in the row of Peach trees for Apricots planted
4. apricot trees, viz. the 1“. 2’. 4*’. & 5*''. count-
ing from S.W. end.^

peas up.®

planted 5. grapes from N. Lewis’s on S.E. edge
of garden.

sowed peas, (from T, Morgan’s ’)
planted 2. beds of Asparagus seed,
cold easterly wind, rain & hail,
eat peas at Barclay “ in Charles-City,
eat strawberries at Docf . Rickman’s “
the greatest flood ” ever known in Virginia.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1771]

30. peas of Mar. 6. come to table.“

Sep. 7. *Cart. H. Harrison^* tells me it is generally
allowed that 250 lb green pork makes 220. lb
pickled, he weighed a ham & shoulder when
green, the one weighed 24. lb. the other 17. lb.
after they were made into bacon each had lost
exactly a fourth, they were of corn-fed hogs.”

II. ^Stephen Willis” sais it takes 15. bushels of
lime to lay 1000. bricks.

*OId Sharpe ” sais a bushel of Lime-stone will
weigh 1 14 lb and if well burnt will make 2.
bushels of slacked lime.

30. *John Moore’s ” ford over the Rivanna “ cost
28. £ on accurate estimate.

Shrubs ” not exceeding lo.f. in height. Al-
der®’ — Bastard indigo, flowering. Amorpha*’
— B arberry — Cassioberry. Cassine.®* — Chin-
quapin.” — ^Jersey tea. Flowering. Ceanothus.”
— Dwarf cherry. F. — Cerasus.®’ 5. — Clethra”
— Cock-spur hawthorn, or haw. Crataegus.*®
4. — Laurel *® — Scorpion — Sena. Emerus.®’ —
Hazel.®* — ^Althaea.®® F. — Callicarpa.®* — Rose.*®
— Wild-Honey-suckle.®® — Sweet-briar.'* —
Ivy.®*

Trees. Lilac.'® — ^wild Cherry.*® — Dog- wood.**
— Red-bud.** — Horse-chestnut.** — Catalpa.** —
Magnolia.*' — Mulberry.*' — Locust.** — Honey-
suckle, — essamine.** — Elder.*® — Poison oak.®®
—Haw.'*

Climbing shrubby plants. Trumpet flower.'* —
Jasmine " — Honey-suckle.®*

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1771

Evergreens. Holly."®— Juaiper."*— Laurel ® —
Magnolia Yew.®*

Hardy perennial flowers. Snapdragon —
Daisy ®® — Larkspur. — Gilliflower “ — Sun-
flower.** — Lilly** — Mallow — Flower de luce.
— Everlasting pea ** — Piony.*® — - Poppy. —
Pasque flower." — Goldy-lock. Trollius.*” —
Anemone— Lilly of the valley.®*— Primrose.*®
— Periwinkle " — ^violet — Flag.

- ... ■

* /yy/. Jefferson’s reputation as a lawyer increased to such
an extent that he was employed by many of the distinguished
citizens of the colony. His profits also increased. The law
cases, as before, took him to many sections of the colony. He
continued to spend much time at Williamsburg, where he met
old friends, attended the playhouse, and enjoyed the other op-
portunities of the capital. Also Mrs. Martha Skelton's home.
The Forest, was near by. The Account Book ITJt relates
that he was a frequent guest there during the year.

Work at Monticello continued with alacrity. There was a
reason — he was to marry Mrs. Skelton the first day of the
next year. The Garden Book records a few of the spring
plantings but tells nothing of what was done during the sum-
mer and fall. Jefferson talked to different men on the sub-
ject of farming, building, and the like, and jotted down what
might be of use later, ft made no difference to him whether
the information came from a Harrison or Old Sharpe. His
only criterion was whether or not it would be of value later.

Sometime during the year, the date not given, he ordered
seeds of peas, celery, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, and cab-
bages from N. Campbell. On August 4 he bought of Nicholas
Meriwether’s Patrick 5 quarts of grass seeds, and 7 quarts of
timothy seeds. On the 17th following he bought from Meri-
wether’s Abraham 23 quarts of goose grass seeds. {Account
Book I'fyx.')

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1771]

On September 7 Jefferson “wrote to Alex M^Caul, Glas-
gow to send me a gardener from 10 to 15^ a year, indentured
for five years” {Account Book I77i)- He did not state
whether Mr. McCaul complied with his request.

At the end of the Account Book ijji, Jefferson set down
elaborate plans for the development of the grounds at Monti-
cello. Some of these plans were fanciful and never carried
out; others were gradually incorporated into his working
plans. They are interesting in showing how deeply his Little
Mountain had gripped his imagination. They also show his
talent for landscape planning and planting. Why he wrote
the plans in his Account Book 1771, instead of in the Garden
Book, is not known. Randall suggests that they were prob-
ably written away from home and were cogitations of unfilled
hours on circuit, perhaps to wear off a dull evening at a coun-
try tavern. However, it is difficult to believe that Jefferson
ever spent a dull evening, certainly not at this time of his life.
The only part of the plans that he transferred to the Garden
Book was that entitled, “The Open Ground on the West — A
Shrubbery.”

Here are Jefferson’s plans as they appear in the Account
Book:

choose out for a Burying place some unfrequented vale in the park,
where is, 'no sound to break the stillness but a brook, that bubbling
winds among the weeds; no mark of any human shape that had been
there, unless the skeleton of some poor wretch. Who sought that place
out to despair and die in.’ let it be among antient and venerable oaks ;
intersperse some gloomy evergreens, the area circular, ab‘. 60 f. diam*
eter, encircled with an untrimmed hedge of cedar, or of stone wall with
a holly hedge on it in the form below. [He makes a drawing of a
spiral on the margin to illustrate this.] in the center of it erect a small
Gothic temple of antique appearance, appropriate one half to the use
of my own family, the other of strangers, servants, etc. erect pedestals
with urns, etc., and proper inscriptions, the passage between the walls,
4 f. wide, on the grave of a favorite and faithful servant might be a
pyramid erected of the rough rock-stone; the pedestal made plain to re-
ceive an inscription, let the exit of the spiral at (a) [this a refers to
spiral diagram] look on a small and distant part of the blue mountains,
in the middle of the temple an altar, the sides of turf, the top of plain
stone, very little light, perhaps none at all, save only the feeble ray of
an half extinguished lamp.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1771

Jane Jefferson

'Aht Joannoj puellarum optima/

Ah! aevi virentu fiore praerepta!

Sit tibi terra laevis!

Longe, longegue valetol’

at the spring on the North side of the park.

a few feet below the spring level the ground 40 or 50 f. sq. let the
water fall from the spring in the upper level over a terrace in the form
of a cascade, then conduct it along the foot of the terrace to the West-
ern side of the level, where it may fall into a cistern under a temple,
from which it may go off by the western border till it falls over another
terrace at the Northern or lower side, let the temple be raised a. f. for
the first floor of stone, under this is the cistern, which may be a bath or
anything else, the i"‘ story arches on three sides; the back or western
side being close because the hill there comes down, and also to carry up
stairs on the outside, the a** story to have a door on one side, a spacious
window in each of the other sides, the rooms each 8. f. cube ; with a small
table and a couple of chairs, the roof may be Chinese, Grecian, or in
the taste of the Lantern of Demosthenes at Athens.

the ground just about the spring smoothed and turfed; close to the
spring a sleeping hgure reclined on a plain marble slab, surrounded with
turf; on the slab this inscription:

Httjui nympha loci, sacri custodia fontis
Dormio, dum blandae tentio murmur aquae
Farce meum, quisquis tangis cava marmora, sommum
Rumpere; si bibas, she lavere, tace.

near the spring also inscribe on stone, or a metal plate fastened to a
tree, these lines: 'Beatus Ule qui procul negotiis, Ut prisca gens mor-
talium, Paterna rura bobus exercet suis, soluius omni foenore; Forumque
vitat et superba civium Potentiorum limina. Liget jacere modo sub
autiqua ilice, mado in tenaci gramine: Labuntur altis interim ripis
aquae; Queruntur in silvis aves; Fontesque lymphis ohstrepunt man-
antibus, somnos quod invitet leves.' plant trees of Beech and Aspen
about it. open a vista to the millpond, river, road, etc. qu, if a view
to the neighboring town would have a good effect? intersperse in this
and every other part of the ground (except the environs of the Burying
ground) abundance of Jesamine, Honeysuckle, sweet briar, etc. under
the temple, an Aeolian harp, where it may be concealed as well as covered
from the weather.

This would be better.

the ground above the spring being very steep, dig into the hill and
form a cave or grotto, build up 3 ie sides and arch with stifi clay,
cover this with moss, spangle it with translucent pebbles from Han-
overtown, and beautiful shells from the shore at Burwell’s ferry, pave
the floor with pebbles, let the spring enter at a corner of the grotto,

1771 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

pretty high up the side, and trickle down, or fall by a spout into a basin,
from which it may pass oii through the grotto, the figure will be better
placed in this, form a couch of moss, the English inscription will then
be proper.

Nymph of the grot, these sacred springs I keep,

And to the murmur of these waters sleep;

Ah/ spare my slumbers/ gently tread the cave/

And drink in silence, or in silence lave!

The ground in General

thin the trees, cut out stumps and undergrowth, remove old trees
and other rubbish, except where they may look well, cover the whole
with grass, intersperse Jessamine, honeysuckle, sweetbriar, and even
hardy flowers which may not require attention, keep in it deer, rabbits,
Peacocks, Guinea poultry, pigeons, etc. let it be an asylum for hares,
squirrels, pheasants, partridges, and every other wild animal (except
those of prey), court them to it, by laying food for them in proper
places, procure a buck-elk, to be, as it were, monarch of the wood ; but
keep him shy, that his appearance may not lose its effect by too much
familiarity, a buflalo might be confined also, inscriptions in various
places, on the bark of trees or metal plates, suited to the character or
expression of the particular spot,
benches or seats of rock or turf.

The Open Ground on the West — a shrubbery

Shrubs — (Not exceeding a growth of 10. f.). Alder — Bastard indigo,
flowering Amorpha — ^Barberry — Cassioberry. Cassinc. — Chinquapin —
Jersey-tea. F. Ceanothus — Dwarf Cherry. F. Ccrasus. 5, Clethra —
Cockspur hawthorn, or haw. Crataegus. 4. Laurel — Scorpion Sena,
Emerus — Hazel. — ^Althea F. — Callicarpa — ^Rose — ^Wild honeysuckle
— Sweet-briar — ^Ivy.

Trees. — ^Lilac — ^Wild Cherry — ^Dogwood — ^Redbud — Horse chestnut —
Catalpa — Magnolia — Mulberry — ^Locust — Honeysuckle — Jessamine
— ^Eldcr — Poison oak — Haw — Fig.

Climbing shrubby plants. — ^Trumpet flower — Jasmine — ^Honeysuckle.
Evergreens. — ^Holly — ^Juniper — ^Laurel — Magnolia — Yew.

Hardy perennial flowers. — Snapdragon — ^Daisy — ^Larkspur — Gilliflower
— Sunflower — ^Lily — Mallow — ^Flower de luce — Everlasting pea— -
Piony — Poppy — ^Pasque flower — Goldy-lock, Trollius = Anemone —
Lilly of the Valley — Primrose — PeriwinUe — ^Violet — Flag. — {Ac-
count Book 1771-)

* John Bolling was a son of Colonel John Bolling, of Cobbs,
He lived first in Goochland County, from which he was a dele-
gate in the House of Burgesses in 1766-1768. Afterwards,
in 1778, he was a member of the House of Delegates from

jg Jeffbrson’s Garden Book [1771

Chesterfield County. He married Mary, a sister of Thomas
Jefierson. He \va8 born June 24, 1737, and died in 179-.
(Tyler, Virginia Biography i: 189.) Jefferson was at Mr.
Bolling’s home several times during 177 ^;

® Weather conditions were of the first importance to Jeffer-
son tending a garden on top of a mountain. He began his
systematic record of the weather in the year 1776, while in
Philadelphia to attend the Continental Congress. From this
year through 1816, he kept an almost continuous weather
record. This record was taken not only at Monticello but
wherever he was located.

“ These pomegranates were probably the ones sent by
George Wythe the year before. (See letter of George Wythe
to Jefferson, March 9, 1770.)

“ This is the first mention of the garden. Where it was
located is not known. It was not until March 31, i 774 > that
Jefferson mentioned laying off ground for a permanent garden.

* Mespilus gertnanica L.

' See plate VII.

‘Twenty days for peas to come up. They were planted
March 6.

’ T. Morgan was hired by Jefferson to work at Monticello.
Just what kind of work he did is not clear. In the Account
Book for the year there are several references to paying him,
similar to this one: “July 31, settled with T. Morgan, and I
owe him of the wages of 1770 £4.10, I am to continue his
wages £8. this year, and afterwards he is to maintain himself
till the mill is ready for him.”

“ Barclay (= Berkeley) , the home of Benjamin Harrison,
the Revolutionary statesman, Governor of Virginia, and signer
of the Declaration of Independence. He was born ini726(?)
and died on April 24, 1791. Jefferson here intends by his ref-
erence to peas to compare the time that peas came to the table
at Charles City with the time of their appearance on the table
at Monticello. Jefferson’s peas came to the table on May 30.
There was a difference of 22 days.

” Probably Doctor William Rickman, a surgeon, who was
appointed by Benjamin Harrison, or through his influence in
Congress, as Physician and Director General to the Conti-
nental Hospital in the colony. (John Daly Burk, The His-
tory of Virginia (4 v., Petersburg, 1804-1816) 4: 155.)

i77i] Jefferson’s Garden Book 29

“The flood of May 26, 1771, evidently did tremendous
damage in Virginia. Jefferson referred to it many times.

“ The peas of March 6 were up on March 25 and came to
the table on May 30. Eighty-six days elapsed from the time
of planting to eating.

“ Carter Henry Harrison (1727-1793 or 1794) was a son
of Benjamin Harrison, of Berkeley, and a brother of Benjamin
Harrison, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. He
attended William and Mary College, resided at Clifton, Cum-
berland County, was chairman of the county committee of
safety, and on April 22, 1776, drafted and submitted to the
people assembled at Cumberland Court House tha first ex-
plicit instructions in favor of independence adopted by a pub-
lic meeting in any of the colonies. He was later a member of
the House of Delegates under the new constitution of Vir-
ginia. (Tyler, Virginia Biography 2: ii— 12.)

“ Jefferson often wrote information of this kind in several
different places. One -would expect to find this type of in-
formation in the Farm Book, but instead it occurs in the Gar-
den Book and the Account Book 1771, The statement in the
Account Book differs slightly from that in the Garden Book:

Sept. 7, Carter H. Harrison tells me that it is generally allowed that
350 lb. green pork makes 220 lb. pickled pork, he made a trial on a
ham and shoulder, the one weighing 24 lb. and the other 17 lb. green.
When made into bacon they had lost nearly one fourth, they were
cornfed.

“ Stephen Willis began to work for Jefferson on August 4,
1771 {Account Book 1771, September il).

Probably Robert Sharpe from whom, on March 29, Jef-
fersoh purchased

one acre of limestone land on Plumb tree branch other wa3rs called
Scale’s creek to be laid off as I please, under these restrictions. I am
not to enter his fence on the Southside of the road, nor to include his
spring on the N. side of the road. I give him 40/3 for it Watt MouS-
Icy present at making the bargain. {Account Book 1771.)

“ John Moore was evidently a man of means and fine busi-
ness capacity. At different times he owned more than 5,000
acres in the county. From the fact that it was through his
land east of the town that the road to the river was made.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1771

it is surmised that the name of Moore’s was given to the
ford, which crossed just below tlie site of the Free Bridge.
(Woods, Albemarle County: 283-284.)

Rivanna River.

Rivanna was in use from the first, according to the fashion then in
vogue, of honoring Queen Anne with the names of rivers recently dis-
covered. In the earliest patents and deeds it was more frequently called
the north fork of the James, as the James above the Rivanna passed
under the name of the South Fork, or more cuphuistically, the Fluvanna.
In some instances the Rivanna was simply termed the North River, and
the Fluvanna the South. The crossing of the Rivanna at the Free
Bridge was known as Moore’s Ford, or Lewis’ Ferry, according to the
stage of wstfer. (Woods, Albemarle County: 20.)

It is interesting to compare Jefferson’s use of words in de-
scribing the same information recorded in different account
books. In this case, in the Garden Book, he speaks of an
“accurate estimate,’’ while in the Account Book lyfi he
writes; “Mr. Moore’s ford on a nice estimate cost £28.’’

** For a comparison of this with the Account Book 1771,
see above, “The Open Ground on the West — a shrubbery.’’

“ Probably Alnus rugosa Spreng. This is the common
alder in Albemarle County.

** Amorpha fruticosa L.

” Either Berberis canadensis Mill, or Berberis vulgaris L.

** Ilex vomitoria Ait.

Castanea pumila Mill.

“ Ceanothus americanus L.

Prunus cerasus L.

“ Clethra alnifolia L.

Crataegus crus-galli L.

'® Either Rhododendron maximum L. or Kalmia latifolia L.

Coronilla emerus L.

'® Corylus americana Marsh.

®® Hibiscus syriacus L.

“ Callicarpa americana L.

‘® Rosa spp.

^'‘Rhododendron nudiflorum Torr.

Rosa rubiginosa L. or Rosa eglanteria L.

** Native mountain people often call Kalmia latifolia L.

1771] Jefferson’s Garden Book 3 1

*“ Either Syringa vulgaris L. or S. persica L. Persian lilac.

Either Prumis serotina Ehrh. or P. virginiana L. Jeffer-
son called the latter wild cherry, in his Notes on the State of
Virginia.

Cornus florida L.

** Cercis canadensis L.

Aesculus hippocastanum L.

Catalpa bignonioides Walt.

Magnolia tripetala L. Umbrella tree. Probably this
deciduous magnolia, since he mentions magnolia again imder
evergreens.

"Either Mortis alba L., M. nigra L., or M. rubra L.

" Robinia pseudoacacia L.

Gelsemium sempervirens Ait. f. This is called jessamine
in the Southern United States. However, it is a vine. We
do not know why Jefferson included this and poison oak under
trees. It may have been because these two plants often climb
to the tops of tall trees.

" Either Sambucus canadensis L. or 5 . racetnosa L.

“ Rhus toxicodendron L.

Viburnum prunifolium L.

Either Tecoma radicans (L.) Juss. or Bignonia capreolata
L.

“ In Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, yellow jas-
mine is called Bignonia sempervirens; it is called today Gel-
semium sempervirens Ait. f.

In Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, trumpet
honeysuckle goes by the name of Lonicera sempervirens L.

Either Ilex opaca Ait., American holly, or I. aquifolium
L., English holly.

Juniperus virginiana L., red cedar.

See note 30, above.

Magnolia grandifiora L.

Taxus baccata L., English yew, or Taxus canadensis
Marsh., American yew.

** Beilis perennis L.

*’■ Mathiola incana R. Br, It is also called stock.

Helianthus annuus L.

•® Lily, Lilium (various species).

•* Lathyrus latifolius L.

3 ^^

jEFfERSoff’s Garden Book

[1771

•“ Probably Paeonia albiflora Pallas.
*• Anemone pulsatilla L.

Probably Trollms asiaticus L.
Convallarta majalis L.

Primula vulgaris Huds.

” Finca minor L.

1772

1772 ."

Jan. 26. the deepest snow we have ever seen, in Al-
bemarle it was about 3.f. deep.*

Mar. 30. sowed a patch of latter peas.®

other patches were sowed afterwards.

July. 15. Cucumbers came to table.®
planted out Celery.®
sowed patch of peas for the Fall.®
planted snap-beans.^

22. had the last dish of our spring peas.®

31. had Irish potatoes* from the garden.

* Julius Shard fills the two-wheeled barrow in

3. minutes and carries it 30. yds. in i J minutes
more, now this is four loads of the common
barrow with one wheel, so that suppose the

4. loads put in in the same time viz. 3. minutes,
4. trips will take 4 X minutes = 6' which
added to 3' filling is = 9' to fill and carry the
same earth which was filled & carried in the
two-wheeled barrow in 4^'. from a trial I
made with the same two-wheeled barrow I
found that a m^ would dig & carry to the
distance of 50. yds 5. cubical yds of earth in a
day of 12. hours length. Ford’s Phill “ did

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[177a

it; not overlooked, and having to mount his
loaded barrow up a bank a.f. high & tolerably
steep.^®

Aug. 20. *the waggon with 4. horses & the driver with-
out any assistant brought about 300 yds wood
which measured 4, 8, & 19J f. i.e. nearly £.
cords calling a cord 4, 4, & 8. in one day. it
took 10. loads.”

*the waggon brings 28. rails at a load up a
steep part of the mountain.”

*Ry. Randolph’s mason cuts stone @ 8'. the su-
perficial foot, the blocks being furnished to his
hand, provision found, but no attendance.”

*park-paling,” every other pale high, the tall
pales to have 5 nails, the low one 4. nails is
worth but 30/ the 100. yds, out and out. cal-
culated by Skip Harris.”

*a coach & six will turn in 80. feet.

Octob. 8. gathered 2. plumb-peaches at Monticello.”

Nov. 12. *William Gillum” sais it will take a bushel of
Lime-stone (which he sais is equal to 2. bushels
of slacked lime.) to a perch of stonework 18.I.
thick.” — ^but Anderson” sais 3. bushels of
Lime.

*in making the Round-about walk,** 3 hands
would make 80. yds in a day in the old feild,
but in the woods where they had stumps to
clear, not more than 40. & sometimes 23. yds.

' , -I-

m. — Plan of tile Mofiiicello house and rectangular flower “beds, prior to 177a- So far as known,
were never laid out and planted. {JeffeTs<m Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

177a]

^ 1772. In the Account Book 1771, Jefferson wrote : “Dec.
30, inclosed to M. [Mordecai] Debnam for marriage license
40/.” On the first day of January, 1772, he was married to
Mrs. Martha Skelton, widow of Mr. Bathurst Skelton, and
daughter of John Wayles, of The Forest, in Charles City
County. Jefferson’s marriage was for him the supreme
event of the year and, one might say, for all years. It pro-
foundly affected every phase of his life then and thereafter.
The wedding was celebrated with happy festivities. The
couple made a leisurely journey to Monticello, visiting friends
along the way, arriving finally on January 25. Mrs. Ran-
dolph, Jefferson’s eldest daughter, wrote years later an ac-
count of Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson’s trip to Monticello:

They left the Forest after a fall of snow, light then, but increasing in
depth as they advanced up the country. They were finally obliged to
quit the carriage and proceed on horseback. Having stopped for a short
time at Blenheim, where an overseer resided, they left it at sunset to
pursue their way dirough a mountain track rather than a road, in which
the snow lay from eighteen inches to two feet deep, having eight miles to
go before reaching Monticello. They arrived late at night, the fires all
out and the servants retired to their own houses for the night. The
horrible dreariness of such a house, at the end of such a journey, I have
often heard both relate. (Randall, Jefferson i: 64.)

On January 26 Jefferson recorded in the Garden Book: “the
deepest snow we have ever seen, in Albermale it was about
3. f. deep.’’

Jefferson’s law cases continued to take him from home. He
was in Williamsburg several times during the year, attending
the meetings of the General Court and looking after other
affairs. He did not neglect his cultural interests. He was
often at the playhouse and on May 14 paid 2/6 for hearing
musical glasses. On another visit to Williamsburg he “p**.
rev^. mr Gwatkin for 10 months schooling Rand[olph] Jef-
ferson [his only brother] JEio. p*. d*. for rev*, mr John-
son entrance money for d*. in Grammar school 20/.’* {A(‘

count Book 1772.)

However, things were happening at Monticello. From
computations of various kinds made in the Garden Book, and
in the Account Book for the year, there was much building,
clearing and leveling of new ground, and making of new roads.
On March 28, a few days before leaving for Williamsburg,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1772

Jefferson got an estimate for cleaning and burning the fruitery ;
“James Lackey on view of the ground in my fruitery sais it is
worth 18/ an acre & an acre may be done by one man in a
week, to be grubbed cleaned & burnt, p” Rich* Sorrels 40/
which is his wages till Apri. 4. and settles all our account. He
agrees then immediately to grub, clean & burn my fruitery @
18/ the acre.” And on August 23 he wrote: “Old Sharpe
tells me a bushel of limestone will weigh 114 lb. and if well
burned will make 2 bushels of lime” {Account Book 1772).

In the latter part of the year a daughter, Martha Wayles,
was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson. She was destined to
play a conspicuous part in Jefferson’s life.

The Account Book mentions only a few seeds bought this
year;

Aug. 16. p^. Gill for potato seed 2/.

Aug. 23. p**. N. M’s Tom for 54 q‘*. clover seed. 6/ioi.

Sept. 20. bo* of N. M’s. Abram. 5 p*‘. clover seed.

Sept. 20. gave mfi Wills's Sam, ord. on mf Anderson for 11/3 for
18 p‘*. clover seed.

Nov. 2. p* a gardener for seeds 17/6.

‘This snow, like the flood of 1771, was often referred to
by Jefferson. It is interesting to note that in recording this
event he used the pronoun we instead of I. On July 22 Jef-
ferson speaks of our peas.

• A later variety of Pisum sativum L. Randolph {Garden-
ittg: 39) lists rouncivals, the Spanish morotto, and the mar-
rowfat or Dutch admiral as the later kind. He writes;
“These . . . are intended to come in succession, when the
forward kind are gone. You should sow your Peas cveiy
fortnight, and as ^e hot weather comes on the latter sort
should be in a sheltered situation, otherwise they will burn up.”

‘Entries of this kind, and there are many of them in the
Garden Book, indicate that Jefferson planted seeds without
entering the date of planting.

•July was the proper time to plant out into trenches the
crop of celery for autumn and winter use.

• See note 3.

• A variety of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

• The spring peas were planted around March 30. This
was a long bearing time for peas.

1772] Jefferson’s Garden Book 3 y

” Solarium tuberosum L. This is the first mention of the
Irish potato in the Garden Book,

Julius Shard, one of Jefferson’s workmen at Monticello.
He is mentioned several times in the account books.

Phill, another one of Jefferson’s workmen. He was evi-
dently owned by Bartlet Ford, of Albemarle.

The relative efficiency of the two-wheeled barrow over the
one-wheeled barrow was of considerable interest to Jefferson.
This was rightly so, for there were great quantities of earth
to be moved in leveling and building cellars and roads. The
entry about Julius Shard is found also in the Account Book
I'jjz and in the Farm Book (1774-1822). The entry in the
Account Book was made on July 23 and is somewhat fuller in
expression, but the same in content. The one in the Farm
Book is synoptic but includes some data not found in the other
two entries. Here is the entry from the Farm Book:

Wheel Barrows

the two-wheeled barrow carries 4. loads of the single one at once,
it is loaded & carried 30 yards in 3' -J- i4's=!4i'.
it will do then exactly double the work in the same time, loading being
equal.

a man digs & carries 50 yds. 5 cubical yards of earth in a day of 12
^hours.

a man carries 75. brick with the old lime sticking to them, say 500. lb.
in the two wheded barrow on level ground. 24 cubic yards of very
solid earth made 12a. loads which is 3^ cub. feet to a load.

This entry appears in the Account Book as follows:

Aug. ao, 1772. The wagon with 4. horses and only the driver (Phil)
brought from that part of the cleared ground next the Thoroughfare in
one day wood which measured 4, 8, & 19^ feet, that is nearly 5. cords
calling a cord 4, 4, & 8. it took 10. loads.

^*In the same Account Book this entry reads: “he [Phil]
brings 28 rails at a load up a part of the ground somewhat
steeper.”

Ryland Randolph was the third son of Colonel Richard
Randolph and Jane Bolling, of Curls, Henrico County. He
inherited lands in the fork of the Appomattox in Goochland
and Amelia Counties, and at Bush River and Falling Creek,
Amelia County, also stocks thereon. (See Virginia Mag.

^8 Jefferson’s Garden Book [177a

Hist, and Biography 22: 441-443, 1914.) This entry oc-
curs in the Account Book 1772, also, under August 20.

” The park, which these palings were to inclose, was laid
out on the north side of the mountain in 1769. (See note i,
under 1769, and plate XIIL) The entry in the Account
Book 1772 is as follows;

July 23, park paling, every other pale high, the tall pales to have 5
nails, the low ones 4. nails is worth, but 30/ the 100 yds, taking every
individual thing into consideration, assisted by Skip Harris in making
the calculations.

” Skip Harris, a workman at Monticello.

” This is the first fruit, of which there is a record, gathered
at Monticello. The tree was probably planted in 1769, when
a large number of fruit trees was set out. We have been un-
able to identify a plumb-peach. This entry in the Account
Book 1772 reads: “Oct. 8, this day gather' 2, plumb peaches
at Monticello.”

” William Gillum, spelled Gillam in the Account Book, was
a workman at Monticello. He is mentioned several times in
the acount books.

"This entry also occurs in the Account Book 1772, Jef-
ferson does not there mention Anderson.

“ There were many Andersons in_Albemarle County. Jef-
ferson had business dealings with several of them. It is not
known which one he refers to here. ("Sept. 14. 1775. p'.
old Anderson (Mason) 6/” {Account Book 1775).)

** There were four Round-about roads, which completely
encircled the mountain at different levels. These roads were
connected by oblique roads. This is the first mention of
Round-abouts, This entry is found in the Account Book 1772
and in the Farm Book. In the former it is the same, in the
latter it is fuller. From the Farm Book;

177a. Nov. in making the Upper Roundabout, 3 hands made 80. yds
a day in the old field = 26 yds a day, but in the woods where they had
stumps to take away, not more than 40 & sometimes 25 yds. ss 13, or 8.
this walk is 926. yds *= .5261 mile in circumference.

(See plates XXI, XXII, and XXX.)

1773

1773 -'

♦Gordon, the Mill-wright, sais where the work-
man is found & every thing brought into place,
he should make a double armed water-wheel
for 12 / the foot, & the cog-wheel for 15/ the
foot in diameter, and the shaft and Gudgeon
supporters into the bargain, and a single-
armed water wheel for 20/ the foot.“

*mfs Wythe * puts tV very rich superfine Mal-
mesey to a dry Madeira and makes a fine wine.‘

Mar. 12. sowed a patch of Early peas,® & another of
Marrow fats.*

31. grafted 5. French chesnuts ’’ into two stocks of
Common chesnut*

sent Patrick Morton * the following slips of
fruits from Sandy point.“

N". I. Green Gage plumb.“

2. Almonds.

3. Carnation cherry.”

4. Duke cherry.”

5. forward pear.”

6. late d*.

7. fine late large pear.

jEfFERsoN’s Garden Book

C1773

8. New'town pippins.”

9. French chesnut.

10. English Mulberry.”

11. Broadnax’s cherry,”

12. very fine late cherry.

Apr. I. both patches of peas up.

set out strawberries.

2. planted 50. vines of various kinds from the
Forest,

3. sowed a patch of Early peas & another of
Marrow-fats.

May. 22. first patch of peas come to table, note this
spring is remarkeably forward.

May. 22. *2. hands grubbed the Grave yard ” 8o.f.sq. =
^ of an acre in 3J hours so that one would have
done it in 7. hours, and would grub an acre in
49. hours == 4. days.

*Ry. Randolph’s fencing chain weighs 4 Ih per
foot, and is 3 f. 3 I. from the ground.

•articles for contracts with overseers.”

he shall let his emploier have his share of grain
if he chuses it at a fixed price.

he shall not have his share till enough is taken
out to sow.

and then only of what is sold or eaten by meas-
ure.

1773]

Jefferson’s Garden Book 4 1

allow J a share for every horse, & the same for
a plough-boy.

to have at the rate of a share for every 8. hands,
but never to have more than 2. shares if there
be ever so many hands.

provision 400, lb pork if single. 500 lb if mar-
ried.

to be turned off at any time of year if employer
disapproves of his conduct, on paying a pro-
portion of what shall be made, according to
the time he has staid.

to pay for carrying his share of the crop to
market.

to pay for carriage of all refused tobS.
to pay his own levies.

to pay his share of liquor & hiring at harvest,
and never to bleed a negro.

^ I 77 S' Two sad events happened in 1773, which affected
the personal life of Jefferson. On May 16 Dabney Carr died.
He had been Jefferson’s most intimate friend since boyhood.
He married Jefferson’s sister, Martha. After Carr’s death,
Jefferson cared for her and their six children at Monticello,
Jefferson was at Williamsburg when his friend died. On ac-
count of a mutual promise made when they were students to-
gether, to the effect that the one who survived should see that
the body of the other was buried at the foot of a favorite oak
tree on Mottticello mountain, Jefferson had Carr’s body re-
moved from Shadwell, where he was buried, to the graveyard
at Montkello. The preparation of the graveyard was begun

Jefferson's Garden Book

[i77i

on May 22, the day after Jefferson returned from Williams-
burg. (See entry in Garden Book, May 22, 1773.) The
body of Carr was probably moved soon after and was the first
to be interred in the graveyard at Monticello.

The second event was the death, on May 28, of Mrs. Jef-
ferson’s father, John Wayles, of The Forest. By his death
Mrs. Jefferson inherited about 40,000 acres of land and 135
slaves. The land included Poplar Forest, in Bedford County,
a favorite estate of Jefferson. (Randall, Jefferson i; 66.)
He later built a house there, which he loved almost as well as
Monticello.

Politically, the year was important for the part Jefferson
played in the House of Burgesses on the Committee of Corre-
spondence and Inquiry. (Randall, Jefferson ir 78—82.)

Jefferson recorded little about the garden for this year. He
was away from Monticello for long periods of time, returning
long enough to plant and eat his favorite pea. He attended
the meetings of the House of Burgesses and was employed in
law cases as in previous years. He was not idle, however, on
his mountaintop. In 1772 he had contracted with George
Dudley to make in the next two years 100,000 workable bricks,
some of them stock brick and the others place brick. He was
to make “50. M. bricks in 1773.” {Account Book 1773.)
He planted fruit trees from Sandy Point and 50 vines from
The Forest. On one of his trips to The Forest he “p" Jamey
for two Mock* birds 11/6” (ibid.). The mocking bird was
JeEerson’s favorite among birds. He considered it far su-
perior to the nightingale of Europe. On September 8 he
made his first trip to Poplar Forest to look after his lands in
Bedford County.

“Jefferson owned two mills on the Rivanna. One he in-
herited from his father, and the other he built during his
presidency, Gordon, the millwright, probably built the mills,
or set up the machinery for them, along the watercourses in
Albemarle County.

* Mrs. Wythe, the wife of George Wythe of Williamsburg.
She was Elizabeth Taliaferro, daughter of Colonel Richard
and Eliza Taliaferro, of Powhatan, James City County, and
married George Wythe about 1755. (JJict. Am. Btog. so:

586-589-)

1773]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

• Jefferson was in Williamsburg and its environs during
most of January and February, so he no doubt drank of this
new wine made from Madeira and Malmesey.

• An early variety of Pisum sativum L. Probably one of
the Charlton Hotspur. They were up on April i and came
to the table on May 22.

• Marrowfats belong to the later varieties of peas. Jeffer-
son did not record the first planting of Marrowfats. They
appeared above ground on April i.

^ Castanea sativa Mill. This is more commonly called
Spanish chestnut.

• Castanea dentata Borkh., American chestnut. It was a
common practice to graft the European chestnut onto the
American one. Johnson (Farmers Encyclopedia: 3Zt) says:
“It may be budded on the common chestnut, but is apt to over-
grow the stock.”

• Patrick Morton worked for Jefferson at Monticello. In
the Account Book i'j 6 y~s'j'jo is found this entry; “July 23,
p* Patrick Morton for 5 days work iz/€P Jefferson wrote
on the Plan for Orchard, 1778 (pi. VII) ; “Newtown pippins,
from Sandy Point, Medlar Russeting, Golden Wildings, in-
grafted by Patrick Morton in 1773. & planted out in 1778.”
(See Garden Book, March 9, 1778.)

“ Sandy Point, Charles City County. It was near The
Forest.

“ A variety of Prunus domestica L.

The Green Gage is universally admitted to hold the first rank in flavor
among all plums, and is everywhere highly esteemed. During the last
century, an English family by the name of Gage, obtained a number of
fruit trees from the monks of Chartreuse, near Paris. Among them was
a tree of this plum, which, having lost its name, was called by the gar-
dener Green Gage. (Downing, Fruits; 276.)

*• A variety of Prunus cerasus L. Downing divides the va-
rieties of cherries into four classes: Heart Cherries, Bigarreau
Cherries, Duke Cherries, and Morello Cherries. He places
Carnation Cherries under the last group. He describes it as
“a very handsome, light red, large cherry, highly esteemed
here for brandying and preserving” (Downing, Fruits: 194).
See plate VII for location of Carnation Cherries. This was
Jefferson’s favorite cherry. (Sec letter, Jefferson to James
Barbour, March 15, 1816.}

44 Jefferson’s Garden Book Ci773

Downing lists six Duke Cherries. It is impossible to tell
which one of them Jefierson planted here.

Probably belonging to the summer pears. Sec plate VII
for location of these pears.

“ Newton Pippin, a variety of Malus pumila Mill.,

stands at the head of all apples, and is, when in perfection, acknowledged
to be unrivalled in all the qualities which constitute a high flavoured des-
sert apple, to which it combines the quality of long keeping without the
least shrivelling, retaining its high flavour to the last. . . . This variety
is a native of Newtown, Long Island. (Downing, Fruits; ii8.)

“ The English mulberry, Morus nigra L.

” Broadnax’s Cherry. (See plate VII.)

^'As mentioned above, the graveyard was prepared to re-
ceive the body of Dabney Carr, who had died on May i6 of
this year. Since then it has been the resting place of all of
Jefferson’s immediate family and many of his descendants. It
has been increased many times since the original 8o feet square
were grubbed. Jefferson died July 4, 1826, Soon after his
death there was found among his papers the following inscrip-
tion which he had written for his tombstone :

Here was buried
Thomas Jefferson,

Author of the Declaration of American Independence,

Of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom,

. And Father of the University of Virginia.

Born April 2, 1743, O. S.

Died

The original graveyard was surrounded by weeping willows.
In a memorandum, about 1808, to Edmund Bacon, his over-
seer, Jefferson told him to plant a hedge of weeping willows
around the graveyard. The original tomb of Jefferson was
so mutilated by vandals and souvenir-hunters that the Govern-
ment of the United States erected the present obelisk and sur-
rounded the graveyard with a tall iron fence. Although the
Monticello estate has passed through several hands, the grave-
yard belongs to Jefferson’s descendants. They have organized
the Monticello Graveyard Association, which looks after its
upkeep. They meet annually at Monticello during the month
of May. (See plate XXI for location of graveyard.)

1773 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

In the Farm Book, under the heading Hoes, Jefferson wrote
the following about grubbing :

a laborer will grub from half an acre to an acre a week of common
bushy land in winter.

2 . .hands grubbed the grave yard 8 o f. sq. = 4 in 34 hours,
I d®. will grub acre a week in summer of the worst woodlands, in-
closed lands in thicket are worse.

the price of grubbing is 24/ p'. acre in Augusta, & cutting down &
cutting up the large timber ready for burning is 16/.

In addition to the articles for contracts with overseers,
in the Garden Book, Jefferson wrote similar articles for con-
tracts in the Farm Book and in the Account Book 1773. They
are given here because of their importance in showing his atti-
tude toward contracts with laborers. All of them vary in
certain minor ways.

From the Account Book 1773:

Hints for contracts with Overseers,

pay part of harvest expenses, liquor & reaping

he shall let his employer have his share of grain at a fixed price.

he shall not have his share till enough is taken out to sow.

allow a share for every plough boy & horse, or for every two horses

where no boy.

to have at the rate of a share for every 2 hands til it gets 2.

shares, and never to have more.

allowances 400 lb. pork if single, 500 lb. if marr”.

to be turned off at any time of year if misbehaves, on paying 30/

per month for the time past.

to pay for carrying own tob®. to market,

to pay for carriage of all refused tobacco.

From the Farm Book:

Overseers

Articles for contracts with them.

the employer to have his share of g;rain at a fixed price at the end of the
year if he chuses it.

not to share till seed-grain is taken out, & then of what is sold or eaten
by measure only.

allow 4 R share for every horse, & the same for a plough boy,
a share for every 8. hands as far as 16. but never more than 2. shares.
provision 400 lb. pork if single, 500 lb. if married.
to be turned off at any time of the year if his employer disapproves of

4$ Jefferson’s Garden Book [1773

his conduct on paying a proportion of what shall be made according to
the time he has staid.

to pay for carrying his share of the crop to market.
to pay the carriage of all refused tob°.
to pay his own taxes & levies.
to pay his share of liquor & hiring at harvest.

to exchange clear profits with his employer at the end of the year, if the
employer chuses it

not allowed to keep a horse or goose, or keep a woman out of the crop
for waiting on them.

1774

1774 -'

Mar. lo. sowed a bed of Early & a bed of Marrow-fat
peas.*

12. planted in the S.W. border of the garden* the
following stones.

N®. I. a Virginian Almond. — ^N“. 2 — to 13.
Almonds * from the Streights ®

N®. 14. 15. 16. Apricots. — ^N®. 16. a Filbert.®

15. sowed the following seeds ^ & distinguished
them by sticking numbered sticks in the beds.
Aglio di Toscania. Garlic.®

N®. 15.

Radicchio di Pistoia. Succory, or
Wild Endive.®

26.

Cipolle bianche di Tuckahoe,** the
Spanish Onion of Miller.**

31-

Savoys.**

33-

Salsafia.**

34-

Cabbage.*®

35-

Lettuce.*'

36.

Lettuce (different)

38.

Radishes.*®

39-

Pepper grass.*"^

[1774

Jefferson’s Garden Book

40. [Cancelled.]

41. Salvastrella “ di Pisa.

42. Sorrel. Acetosa di Pisa.^'

18 46. Coclearia di Pisa. (Scurvy grass

or perhaps Horse-radish.*®)

47. Cavol Capuccio Spagnola di
Pisa.*^

56. Prezzemolo. parsley.®*

58. d®.

21. Peas of Mar. 10. are up.®*

23. sowed the following seeds distinguished by
numbered sticks.

N“. 12. Cluster peas, or Bunch peas.**

13. Windsor beans.*'

14. Green beans *® from Col5 Bland.*^

16. Vetch.**

37. Spinaci. Spinach.®*

45. Carote di Pisa.*® Carrots.

48. Cavol broccolo Francese di Pisa.**
Broccoli.

49. Carote. Carrots.

51. Beans. D'. Bland.**

34, Lattuga. Lettuce.

55. Cipolle. Col. Cary.** Onions.

1774]

Jeffersok’s Garden Book 49

57. Parsnips “ CoL Cary.

59. Parsnips, mf Eppes.”

60. Salmon radishes.”

61. Carrots.

72. Siberian wheat."

24. sowed the following things distinguished by
numbered sticks

N“. 8.‘

9 -.

28.

early & later peas from Col. Cary.

small Lentils."

25. ...N". 29. green Lentils

5*: — Italittn - Gf e 9 9e» .

•73, — Garden ' Cre ss es i — m^Webb - .

4. Black eyed peas" which yeild
two crops. Colo R. Randolph "

26 seven rows, of Grano Estivo*^ from

Tuscany.

N®. 50. Nasturcium" in 35.'
little hills.

29. Cresses
23. Celery

[■in the meadow."

Radichio. the same as
N*. 15, . . ,

28 Solid Celery." in the Meadow.

29 -

Mar. 31.

jByFBUSON’s Garden Book [i774

N". 18. Asparagus.

5. Beans D'. Clayton."

Peach trees at Monticello in general bloom

laid off ground to be levelled for a future gar-
den." the upper side is 44.f. below the upper
edge of the Round-about and parallel thereto,
it is 668. feet long, 80 f. wide, and at each end
forms a triangle, rectangular & isosceles, of
which the legs are 8o.f. & the hypothenuse 113.
feet, i t- w i ll b e- b e tt e r to - ttdd - g T f; - 4 n width - on
th e- upp e r -^ id e ^ -which will - p fr rn»it b e d under
ttpp e r - wall to b e 8>f»

planted the following seeds, trees, etc.

twenty four apple trees.

nineteen cherry trees . . .

N®. 3. a doz. sweet almonds" with smooth
rinds, 8 of which were cracked, the
others not

5. a doz. d®. with hairy rinds. 8. cracked,
the others not

7, a doz. d®. with hard shells. 8 cracked.

10. 32. bitter almonds. 20. cracked.

13. 20. Meliache e Albicocche " (2 diff*.
kinds of apricots) 12 of them cracked,
the others not.

8. 4. Ciriege corniole." (a particular
kind of cherry.) 2 of them cracked.

1 from the Mountain
f plains "

« 77 «r^

■*» • ,

m^J^ft^ek^ I? >»<

*V£a^

' 4 a /Ci* fio^ i^,»^

y«vm< J». jliA«^,r«5^*'»‘f‘*^"^*^“^''

>f<

i^tk^Kt, BoJ i

/IC

tiuvwJu*^ c4\An^ f*"***^ — ■' ^

.ri..>-:«3fcAC«,rv^ unJ^^fW^ ^V

UllLjtA^ £v 4 ^t-C. ->\Vt

^ Aaaa^ '«/ f»A r%A^

7* <.a^ Ka^ S 6*t^A/»S^

f$ fl-<>

/ft jL^ ^'U.^uukAjc. e.

i? 4 Cwn.*^ fcdVTvtff^ 1

*^i j t * ■ «ji Z * fl* /I ^ i1

/jf aA*>^j^ iS*f rtuMjji^TM <t

_^jf jdunvp«Tu» “SieJfritvrtJU ./«*iy<»v 3 /wfcv

. ^Ufri^j1t»uA*ntu(^fft-MMS^ZtrKa

4>«i> 1j

£a 4Aii^.

irti).ttf<m itir*«M«fciJli<Wt miifilirifetiii

4»

M4a^

Plate IV.— Page 14 of the original Garieo Poojf. Note the first mention of
laj'ing off a garden, and also the use ^ Italian names for vegetables.

Plate V,— Jeffer?on *8 earliest plan of the vegetable gatden. He probably drew
lie plan about ma, at the time he laid off the ground for a garden. 1516 garden Whs
later regraded and leveled, and the namber of squares was increased to aa. Note the
outhouses above the garden. (Jefmon Papers, M. H S.)

1774]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

I. 198 Cherries of different kinds from
Italy."

14. about 1 500 olive stones ”

44. Lamponi, Raspberries, (the seeds) in
3. rows.

30. Fragole Alpine. Alpine strawberries
(the seeds) 3. rows,

22. Fragole Mazzese. May Strawberries
(the seeds.) 3. rows.

43. Fragoloni di giardino. large garden
strawberries, (the seeds.) i. row.

a bed of parsley.

62. red Cabage.®*

Radishes.

Apr. I. sowed & planted as follows.

N*. 53. turneps."* D'. Bland.

25. Fagiuoli d’ Augusta."

19. d®. verdi coll’ occhio bianco.®* D.
Hylton.®^

71. Bonny-Bess.'* Colo Bland.

70. Snap-beans. Colo Bland.

2. Fagiuoli coll’ occhio di Provenza."
7. d®. bianchi di Parigi **

6. Cetriuoli.*® Webb.** monticini.*®

5. d®. Eppes," 12. monticini.

[1774

Jefferson's Garden Book

4. the peas of Mar. 24. come up.

5. Cucumbers, the same as N“. 6. only that these
were steeped in water from Mar. 31. till this
day when they were sprouted.®" 10. hill

d". same as N“. 5. only soaked as before. 17.
hills.

N”. 63. Piperone."® John Wood.*^

52. Cayenne Pepper. D'. Bland.

24. Purple beans.®® Ja‘. Donald.®®

17. White & purple d®. d®.

21.' Sugar beans.’'®

I. Fagiuoli bianchi di Toscana.’'^

6. N®. 65. Hotspur peas. Monticello.”

66. Marrow fat d®. d®.

Planted 30. vines just below where the new
garden wall’'* will run, towards the Wester-
most end. 8 of them at the Westermost end of
the row were Spanish Raisins from Colo
Bland’s, next to them were 16. native vines
from Winslow’s in New Kent,” and at the
Eastermost end were 6. native vines of Monti-
cello. they were planted by some Tuscan
Vignerons ” who came over with mf Mazzei.**
the manner was as follows.

Apr. 6. A trench 4.f. deep and 4.f. wide was dug. at
the bottom were put small green bushes, and
on them a thin coat of dung and earth mixed,
which raised the bed to within 2 ^ feet of the

1774 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

surface, the cuttings which were from 3^ to
6.f. long, apd which had been hitherto buried
in the earth, were then produced, about 18.I.
of their butts were dipt into a thick paste made
of cowdung and water and then planted in the
bottom, the Raisins 3.f. apart the rest about
2.f. having a stick stuck by each to which it was
bound with bear grass in order to support it
while the earth should be drawn in. the earth
was then thrown in, the mould first, and after-
wards the other earth in the same order in
which it was dug, leaving the bottom clay for
the last, the earth was thrown in very loose &
care was taken to avoid trampling in it. the
trench was not quite filled, but left somewhat
hollowing to receive & retain the water, & the
superfluous earth was left on each side without
the trench, then the supporting sticks were
drawn out and would have served for the other
rows had the plantation been to be continued,
in such a case, the rows are to be 4 f. apart, so
that in fact the whole surface is taken up to the
depth of 4.f. the best way of doing it is to dig
every other trench, and leave the earth which is
thrown out exposed for a twelve month, then
the vines may be planted at any time from the
middle of November to the first week in April,
afterwards dig the other alternate trenches, and
leave the earth of these also exposed for a
twelvemonth, when the latter trenches are
planted, leave the superfluous earth in ridges
between the rows of vines till by the subsidence
of the earth it becomes necessary to pull it into
the trenches, if any of your grapes turn out
illy, cut off the vine & ingraft another on the

Jbffbrson's Garden Book [i774

stock, an acre in vines where they are 2^ f
apart in the row will admit 4316. in all.

7. sowed, planted etc as follows.

N“. I. Cocomere di Pistoia.” Watermel-
ons. 34. hills.

2. Cocomore di seme Neapolitane.”
37. hills.

12. Zatte di Massa.'" Canteloupe mel-
ons. 18. hills.

1 8. Popone Arancini di Pistoia.”
Musk melons, ii. hills

64. in the Meadow. Rice **

8 [7. Zucche bianche. white pumpkins.

22. monticini

^ 8. Zucche nere. black d”.'* 42. hills.

1 9. d". di Monacho. 8. monticini.

^ 10. d®. Lauri.*® 9. monticini

II. d“. da Pescatori.** 3. d®.

II. ’•in making a stone wall” in my garden I find
by an accurate calculation that 7^ cubical feet
may be done in a day by one hand who brings
his own stone into place and does every thing.

25. sowed 4. rows of forward peas.

2. d®. of*’'

30. sowed N®, 67. white beet**

68. red beet.

from England.

1774] Jefferson’s Garden Book 55

69. Scarlet radishes.®® Tuckahoe.
May. 2. sowed N®. 3. Carrots.

6. Spinach.

10. Curled Parsley.®*

II. Peas.

ifromD'
20. Rap». Brown’s “

32. Savoys
73. Coleworts ®*

75. Broccoli
40. Ice Lettuce **

May. 4. the blue ridge*® of mountains covered with
snow.

S- a frost which destroyed almost every thing,
it killed the wheat, rye, corn, many tobacco
plants, and even large saplings, the leaves of
the trees were entirely killed, all the shoots of
vines, at Monticello near half the fruit of
every kind was killed; and before this no in-
stance had ever occurred of any fruit killed
here by the frost, in all other places in the
neighborhood the destruction of fruit was total,
this frost was general & equally destructive
thro the whole country and the neighboring
colonies.®®

14. cherries ripe.

16. first dish of pease from earliest patch.®^
26. a second patch of peas come to table.’*

^6 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i774

June. 4. Windsor beans come to table.®*

5. a third & fourth patch of peas come to table.”®

13. a fifth patch of peas come in.

July. 13. last dish of peas.

18. last lettuce from Gehee’s/”^

23. Cucumbers from our garden.

31. Watermelons from our patch.”*

Aug. 3. Indian corn comes to table.*®*

black eyed peas come to table *®*

Nov. 16. this morning the Northern part of the Blue
ridge is white with snow.

17. the first frost sufficient to kill any thing.*®*

^ i'^ 74 > Jefferson was at Monticello during the months of
March and April of this year, so that he was able to make the
most complete record of the spring plantings since the Garden
Book was begun. The record was made more interesting by
the fact that a large number of the plant names were written
in Italian, This interest in Italian plant names came from the
association of Jefferson with Philip Mazzei, an Italian who
came to Virginia in the latter part of 1773, to raise grapes and
other plants. He brought with him many seeds and plants
from Europe, some of which he gave to Jefferson in time for
the spring planting. Mazzei, while searching for a tract of
land to carry on his agricultural schemes, stopped off at Monti-
cello to see Jefferson. Since Jefferson had an intense interest
in agriculture, he persuaded Mazzei to settle on a tract of land
adjoining Monticello on the east, of about 2,000 acres, which
Jefferson gave him. Mazzei named his place Colie, and while

Jefferson’s Garden Book

I7H]

the house was being built, he lived with Jefferson at Monticello.
It was during his sojourn there that the Italian names were
used in the Garden Book. (See Richard Cecil Garlick, Jr.,
Philip Mazzei, Friend of Jeferson (Baltimore, 1933) : 41.
Hereafter cited as Garlick, Philip Mazzei.)

Meanwhile events other than gardening were taking place
at Monticello. On “Feb. 21, at 2;ii P. M. felt a shock of
an earthquake at Monticello. it shook the houses so sensi*
bly that everybody ran out doors.” {Account Book 1774.)
This quake was felt over a large part of Virginia, for John
Blair, of Williamsburg, wrote to Jefferson on March 2 : “The
21**. ult. about 2 in the afternoon (some say Hour later)
we had a very moderate trembling of the Earth, so moderate
that not many perceived it, but Dr. Gilmer informed me it
was a pretty smart shook with you; & by all acc‘*. it was
more severe as you advance to the West" {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.) And on “Mar. 6. a flood in the Rivanna i8 1 .
higher than the one which carried N. Lewis’s bridge away &
that was the highest ever known except the great fresh in
May 1771" {Account Book 1774) •

Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson’s second daughter, Jane Randolph,
was born on April 3. This approaching event was probably
the cause for Jefferson remaining home much of the early
spring.

We do not know how much of the main house at Monticello
was completed by this year. Workman continued to burn
brick. On June 2, Jefferson “agreed with William Pond to
make brick for me this summer, he is to have 2/6 a thousand
for making & burning the place brick, the price of the stodc
bricks is to be fixt by Stephen Willis." {Account Book I774 > )

The Revolutionary Period was approaching. Jefferson was
playing an important part in shaping its policies. This year
he and other patriotic leaders had the House of Burgesses pro>
claim a “Fast Day," as Virginia’s reply to the Boston Port
BiU. He also wrote the draft of “Resolution of Albemarle
County."

* “Mar. 10. p* mr Cole’s Ned for a gall” of peas 5/" {Ac-
count Book 1774).

* The location of this garden is not known. The permanent
garden, located on the southeastern slope, was not laid off until
March 31 -of this year.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1774

* A variety of Prunus communis L.

® Probably the Strait of Gibraltar or the Strait of Messina.
Around these areas the almond is grown extensively and ex-
ported to all parts of the glohe. These almond stones as well
as the stones of apricots and the filberts were given to Jeffer-
son by Mazzei.

* Corylus avellana L.

’’ Most of the plants, written with Italian names, were given
to Jefferson by Mazzei, but occasionally Jefferson supplied the
Italian name to plants he had already.

* Translated, garlic from Tuscany, Italy. Allium sativum

* Translated, succory from Pistoia, Italy. Cichorium inty-
bus L.

’■"Translated, white onion from Tuckahoe. Mazzei had
probably given this onion to Mr. Randolph, at Tuckahoe, and
he in turn had given it to Jefferson. Tuckahoe, in Goochland
County, was the home of the late Colonel William Randolph.
Jefferson spent several years of his early childhood there.

This white onion was called Spanish Onion by Philip Mil-
ler, in The Gardener's Dictionary (London, 1759).

“ A kind of blistered and puckered cabbage, Brassica oler-
acea var. capitata L., from Savoy.

Tragopogon porrifolius L. Called also salsify and oyster
plant.

“ Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.

Laetuca sativa L.

Raphanus sativus L.

" Lepidium sativum L.

“ Pimpernel, used as a salad by man and as a forage for
animals.

Rumex acetosa L. Translated, sorrel from Pisa, Italy.

** Translated, scurvy-grass from Pisa. Cochlearia offici-
nalis L., scurvy-grass. {Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., horse-
radish.)

’’ Translated, Spanish cabbage heads from Pisa.

” Petroselinum hortense Hoffm.

•• Twelve days for peas planted March 10 to germinate and
come above ground.

**A variety of Pisum sativum L. Probably the same as
Bush Pea and akin to the Tom Thumb group of peas.

1774 ] Jefferson’s Garden Book 59

*“ The Windsor Bean is a variety of the English Bean, Vicia
faba L.

** Probably the Green Windsor Bean, a longer bearer than
the Windsor.

” Colonel Richard Bland ( 1710 - 1776 ), born in Williams-
burg, Virginia, was the son of Richard Bland and Elizabeth
(Randolph) Bland, of Jordans Point, Prince George County.
He was educated at William and Mary College and at the
University of Edinburgh. After 1748 he was for many years
a leading member of the House of Burgesses. He was a dis-
tinguished Revolutionary patriot, holding continued public of-
fice until his death. (Tyler, Virginia Biography a: 4—5.)

*® Vicia sp.

Spinacia oleracea L.

*® Translated, carrot from Pisa, Italy.

Translated, French broccoli from Pisa.

Doctor Theodorick Bland ( 1751 - 1790 ) was a son of
Colonel Theodorick Bland of Cawsons, Prince George County.
At the age of eleven he was sent to England and studied at
Wakefield, in Yorkshire, afterwards pursuing a medical course
at the University of Edinburgh, and in 1764 he returned to
America. He was among the first in Virginia who opposed
the practice of medicine without a license. He continued his
profession until the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, when
he volunteered for service. He was appointed first a captain,
later a lieutenant-colonel, and afterwards a colonel. In 1779 -
1780 he was in command of the troops stationed at Albemarle
barracks, in Virginia. He was later a member of Congress
and served his country conspicuously in many ways. (Tyler,
Virginia Biography 2 : 5 .)

** Colonel Archibald Cary ( 1721 - 1787 ) was the son of
Henry Cary of Ampthill, Chesterfield County, and Anne Ed-
wards, his wife. He was educated at William and Mary Col-
lege, and later was a member of all the assemblies from 1756
to 1776 , and of the Revolutionary conventions of 1774 , 1775 ,
and 1776 . He was the first speaker of the Senate in 1776
and remained its presiding officer until his death. (Tyler,
Virginia Biography 2 : 8 .)

** Pastinaca sativa L.

6o Jefferson’s Garden Book [i774

®* Francis Eppes (1747-1808) married Elizabeth Wayles,
daughter of John Wayles, of The Forest. He lived at Ep-
pington, Chesterfield County. His son, John Wayles Eppes,
married Jefferson’s daughter Maria, who was his cousin. Jef-
ferson and Francis Eppes were close friends and correspond-
ents for many years.

•* Salmon radish, a variety of Raphanus sativus L.

Triticum aestivutn L. Siberian wheat is a variety of this.

•* Lens esculenta Mocnch. The small and green lentils are
varieties of Lens esculenta. They resemble each other, par-
ticularly in the habit of growth. The principal distinction is
in the color of the seeds. Lentils are used as food for man
and cattle.

*• A variety of Vigna sinensis Endl. This pea is mainly a
field pea and is grown extensively in the South, where it is con-
sidered one of the choice peas. It is cooked when green or
dry.

" Probably Colonel Richard Randolph, of Henrico County,
who

owned land in Albemarle. ... To Dr. Thomas Walker, as trustee of
the county, he sold a thousand acres ... on which in 1762, Charlottes-
ville, the new court house, was established. (Woods, Albemarle
County: 302-303.)

“ Translated, summer wheat.

** Tropaeolum majus L.

" The location of this meadow has not been determined.

** The celery, Apium graveolens var. dulce L., is divided into
those with hollow stems and those with solid stems. The solid
celery is either red or white.

The beans here mentioned probably came from the home
of John Clayton, the botanist, who had died in December of
the previous year. John Clayton lived at Windsor, his home
in Gloucester County. “He was an eminent botanist; member
of some of the most learned societies of Europe ; president of
the Virginia Society for Promoting Useful Knowledge, 1773;
and author of Flora Virginica, He was for fifty years clerk
of Gloucester County, and had a botanical garden at his estate,
Windsor." (Tyler, Virginia Biography 1; 212.)

“The vegetable garden was located on the southeastern
slope of the mountain, just below the first Round-about. This

1774] JrFFERSON’s Garden Book 6 1

is the first mention of laying out a garden on Monticello moun-
tain. It was not completed until after Jefferson’s retirement
from the Presidency in 1809. (See plates V, VI, XXI, XXII,
and XXX for the location of the garden.)

Mountain Plains was the plantation of Michael Woods
on Mechum’s River and Lickinghole, Albemarle County.

“ The sweet almond and those mentioned in Numbers 5, 7,
10, are varieties of the almond, Prunus communis L. The
classification is based mainly on the sweetness or bitterness of
the kernel. It is interesting to note, in each case, the larger
proportion of cracked shells planted over those not cracked.
Jefferson did not indicate which method gave the better results.

" Translated, applelike apricots.

Cinege is the Italian word for cherry. Corniole is a spe-
cial variety of Italian cherry.

These were given to Jefferson by Mazzei.

“ Olea europaea L. This was the beginning of Jefferson’s
intense interest in growing the olive tree in the United States.
He wished and tried to make it one of the important crops of
the South. The climate was too severe for its successful cul-
ture at Monticello.

” A red-leaved form of Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.

'* Brassica rapa L.

“ Jefferson is here translating the phrase “beans from Au-
gusta County, Virginia” into Italian. These beans were prob-
ably given to Thomas Adams, Mazzei’s adviser, who was at
this time building a house in Augusta County. Mr. Adams
gave them to Jefferson.

“* Translated, green beans with white eyes.

” Daniel L. Hylton was a prominent merchant in Richmond,
Virginia. Jefferson corresponded with him, and referred to
him frequently in his account books.

“ Probably a variety of bean or pea.

*• Translated, beans with the eye from Provence.

*“ Translated, white beans from Paris.

Translated, cucumber.

Probably George Webb, of Charles City, Virginia, who in
1737 patented upwards of 7,000 acres of land, near a moun-
tain north of Earlysville, Albemarle County, still called by his
name. (Woods, Albemarle County: 7.)

*® Translated, 9 little hills.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1774

“ Francis Eppes. See note 35 for this year.

*’ Another one of Jefferson’s experiments with soaking seeds.
Farmers in Albemarle County today rarely soak cucumber
seeds, certainly not for 6 days.

Translated, pepper.

*’ Probably John Wood of Albemarle County. Woods
{Albemarle County) lists several people by the name of John
Wood.

•* A variety of the English bean, Vida faba L.

*’ William and James Donald were merchants and shipown-
ers, of Greenocks, Scotland. They carried on an extensive
trade with Virginians.

Probably Pisum sativum L. var. macrocarpon Ser.

“ Translated, white beans from Tuscany.

” These Hotspur peas came from Jefferson’s plants grown
at Monticello,

” This garden wall separated the vegetable garden from the
terraced orchard helow. (See plate VII.)

“ A variety of the grape, Vitis vinifera L. “A large and
showy grape, ripening late, but requiring a good deal of heat.

. . . Bunches large; berries very large, oval; skin thick, dark
red, flavour tolerably sweet and rich.” (Downing, Fruits:
238.)

” Winslow’s, New Kent County. Unidentifled.

"Philip Mazzei brought over with him from Italy ten
vignerons. They landed in Virginia late in 1773. In the
summer of 1774 six others arrived from Luca, Italy. (Gar-
lick, Philip Maszei: 39-43.)

The Triumph, captain Rogers, arrived in James river near 3 weeks
ago, from Leghorn, addressed to Mr. Mazzei: By this vessel, we under-
stand, Mr. Mazzei has received sundry seeds, vine cuttings, plants, &c.
together with several Italian emigrants, consisting of husbandmen and
mechanics; and by her we also learn that the presents of birds, seeds,
and plants, sent by Mr, Mazzei, to the grand duke of Tuscany, were
graciously received, and that his highness was pleased to order his thanks
to be given Mr. Mazzei for his attention and kindness, and to assure him
of his royal favour and protection, on all occasions, that may contribute
to his advantage and success. {Virginia Gazette (Rind), Thurs., July
38, 1774.) (Courtesy of Dr. Cecil Garlick, Jr.)

”Plulip Mazzei was bom on December 25, 1730, in
Tuscany. He died on March 19, 1816, at Pisa.

1774]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

63'

He was successively physician, merchant, horticulturalist, Virginia’s
Agent in Europe during the last years of the American Revolution,
author of the first accurate history of America in French, Intelligencer
in Paris to the King of Poland for the first three and a half years of the
French Revolution, and Private Adviser to the King of Poland just
prior to the Second Division of that unfortunate State. Although he
was a native of Tuscany, he lived for a number of years in Smyrna,
London, and Paris, and for a shorter length of time in twenty odd other
cities of importance in both the Old and New Worlds, was a naturalized
citizen of Virginia, and later a naturalized Pole. Though a bourgeois
by birth, he became the personal friend of six rulers, and was aquainted
with six more. He had the distinction, not to say misfortune, of being
present at the three great national upheavals of the late eighteenth cen-
tury: the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Second
Division of Poland. (Garlick, Philip Maxxei: 7.)

On January 25, 1793, Jefferson wrote to Albert Gallatin
the following concerning Mr. Mazzei:

Mr. Legaux called on me this morning to ask a statement of the ex-
periment which was made in Virginia by a Mr. Mazzei, for the raising
vines and making wines, and desired 1 would address it to you. Mr.
Mazzei was an Italian, and brought over with him about a dozen
laborers of his own country, bound to serve him four or five years. . . .
We made up a subscription for him of 2000 pounds sterling, and he
began his experiment on a piece of land adjoining to mine. His inten-
tion was before die time of his people should expire, to import more from
Italy. He planted a considerable vineyard, and attended to it with
great diligence for three years. The war then came on, the time of his
people soon expired, some of them enlisted, others chose to settle on
other lands and labor for themselves; some were taken away by the
gentlemen of the country for gardeners, so that there did not remain a
single one with him, and the interruption of navigation prevented his
importing others. In this state of things he was himself employed by
the State of Virginia to go to EutOpe as their agent to do some par-
ticular business. He rented his place to General Riedesel, whose horses
in one week destroyed the whole labor of three or four years ; and thus
ended an experiment which, from every appearance, would in a year or
two more have established the practicability of that branch of culture in
America. This is the sum of the experiment as exactly as I am able to
state it from memory, after such an interval of time. (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 9; 14-15.)

” Translated, watermelons from Pistoia, Italy. CitruUus
vulgaris Schrad.

Translated, watermelon seeds from Naples.

** Translated, cantaloupe melons from Massa. Cucutnis
melo var. cantalupensis Naud.

64 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i774

Translated, muskmelons from Pistoia. Cucumts melo L.

®* A variety of Oryza saliva L.

®® Cucurbita pepo L. The black and white pumpkins were
varieties of this species. No. 9, translated, black pumpkin
from Monaco.

Translated, black pumpkin from Lauri.

®® Translated, black pumpkin used by fishermen in Italy.

®® Probably the stone wall below the garden terrace. This
is the first mention of building the garden wall. .

*’ Jefferson failed to mention what he planted in these two
rows.

®® White and red beets are varieties of Beta vulgaris L.

®“ Varieties of Raphanus sativus L.

®® A variety of parsley, Petroselinum hortense var. crispum
Bailey.

Brassica napus L.

®' Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC. In the South these
are called collards.

®* Jefferson was probably planting either Ice Cos lettuce or
Ice Cabbage lettuce.

** Probably Dr. William Brown, of Alexandria, Virginia, a
friend of Jefferson. He was born in 1752 in Haddington-
shire, Scotland, where his father was studying for the ministry.
He received his medical education in the University of Edin-
burgh, where he received his M.D. degree in 1770. After
graduation he returned to America and settled in Alexandria,
Virginia, where he soon established a reputation as a physician.
He was appointed a surgeon in the Revolutionary War, and
while serving brought out the first pharmacopeia published
in the United States. He died on January ii, 1792, and
was buried in the Old Pohick Churchyard, near Alexandria.
{Diet. Am, Biog. 3: 157.)

'‘The Blue Ridge Mountains present a magnificent pano-
rama from MonticellOf and at no time during the year are they
more impressive than when covered with snow. Jefferson
often recorded this fact.

"The frost that killed almost every plant that had come
into leaf itMonticello, also killed all of Mazzei’s plants lately
set out at Colie. It was so Severe at Williamsburg that it
killed all of the grapes in the public vineyard. (See Garlick,
PhUip Mazzei: 43.)

1774]

Jefferson’s Garuen Book

These peas were sown March 10, were up by March 21,
and came to the table May 26, making 78 days from time of
planting to eating.

Probably the cluster peas sown on March 23.

The Windsor beans were sown on March 23, making a
total of 74 days.

On June 5 the third and fourth patch of peas came to the
table; on June 13, a fifth patch; and on July 13 the last dish of
peas came to the table. By planting the peas in succession,
Jefferson was able to have fresh peas on the table from May
16 to July 13.

Jefferson is evidently writing of William McGehee, who,
in 1768, patented nearly 200 acres on Henderson’s Branch,
and near Secretary’s Ford. Jefferson bought from McGehee
193 acres near Colie, in 1774. (Memorandum April 4, 1774,
Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.) This lettuce was probably some
that Gehee (McGehee) had planted.

Today watermelons in Albemarle County do not ripen at
so early a date.

mays L, Jefferson did not indicate when it was

planted.

The black-eyed peas were sown on March 25, a period of
132 days from planting to serving at the table.

In Albemarle County the average first killing frost comes
on November 5.

1775

1775 ."

Feb. 25. sowed a bed of Early and a bed of Marrowfat
peas.

Mar. 10. the peach trees at Monticello in blossom.

we have had the most favorable winter ever
known in the memory of man. not more than
three or four snows to cover the ground, of
which two might lie about two days and the
others not one. the only weather which could
be called any thing cold was for about a week
following the frost before noted Nov. 17.

some time in this month (the particular time I
omitted to note) there came very cold weather
& frosts every night for a week, which killed
every peach at Monticello. they were gener-
ally killed in — (tho’ not universally) in the
neighborhood also, apples & cherries were
also killed, this was the first instance since
Monticello was seated of the fruit being totally
killed; as the frost of May. 5. 1774. was the
first of a partial loss.”

Sep. 21. this morning the Northern part of the blue
ridge (to wit from opposite to Monticello
Northwardly as far as we can see) is white
with snow.”

LATS VI — The location of Jefferson’s v^etaUe garden and orchard as it ajmears todajr The v^etahles were planted in 24 squares
: part, wlule the orchard occujned the sloping hiU to the lefL The trees and the foundation of an outhonse are on the side of “Muibeny
inse in the nght background is the South j^yilion, the first house completed at MonitetUo

Plate VII.— Jefferaon’s plan of tlieorchard, 1778. This ivas tlie fiist plan of iJie oidiard to show the location of fruit trees, bemes, and lines
See plate Vlll. (jt^aum 'Papers, M. B. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

I 77 S]

^ ^ 775 * Jefferson recorded only one planting for the gar-
den in 1775. This was his favorite pea, which was planted 14
days earlier than in 1774. Although no records were kept,
there were evidently many seeds of vegetables planted to take
care of the ever-increasing family. Randall says that Jeffer-
son’s family in 1775 consisted of 34 free persons and 83 slaves.

This was a very busy year for Jefferson. Early in the
spring he was in Richmond attending the convention at which
he was elected to the Continental Congress. He was twice in
Williamsburg for the meetings of the House of Burgesses, and
in Philadelphia in June and October for the Continental Con-
gress. He was a member of many of the important commit-
tees. In spite of these meetings his mind was constantly at
Monticello. He was busy making additions to the house and
improving the grounds and roads.

Although Jefferson’s Account Book 1775 does not mention
any seeds or plants bought during the year, it does show that
he was reading books and talking to people about garden mat-
ters. The following are some of the observations on garden-
ing and farming that he wrote down at the beginning of the
Account Book 17751

27 head of cattle convert 65 loads of straw & haulm (besides what they
eat of it) into about 300. loads of dung, horses well littered yeild from
12. to 17. loads of dung per horse. 88. fat hogs converted 5. loads of
straw & 4 of stubble into go loads of very rotten dung, but they had not
litter enough, they would have made 12. or 15. loads into manure,
this is much the best of dungs, the above from Young’s rural aeconomy.

A pint of cotton seed contains of good seed goo

consequently a bushel will contain 57600

put 4. in a hill, and it will plant hUls 14400

if hills are 2.f. apart, an acre will contain ab^ II025

so that a bushel of seed will plant acres.

Feb. 8. a large plough with 4. oxen ploughed 24. furrows half a mile
long 10. 1, broad & 6. 1. deep in a day, which is about acres.

Feb. 8. calves which fall after the i*‘. June should be killed. W*".
Fitzhugh. lambs that fsdl after the first of May. a lamb whether ewe
or ram should not be permitted to breed till the season after it is two
years old. the ram not run with the ewes till the rutting season comes on.

Feb. 8. Wheat in high land should be sown as early as August,
(note corn is laid by about the last of July generally or first of August)
Wheat in low grounds should be sown about the middle of September.
W. F., T. M, R.

68 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1775

Dr. Walker sals he remembers that the years 1724 & 1741 were great
locust years, we all remember that 1758. was and now they are come
again this year 1775. it appears then that they come periodically once in
17 years, they come out of tlie ground from a prodigious depth, it is
thought that they eat nothing while in this state, laying their eggs in the
small twigs of trees seems to be their only business. The females make
a noise well known. The males are silent.

two waggons bringing stone from the quarry to Monticello went from

the house to the quarry in 15'

loaded both of them in 25'

came up in 30^

unloaded both in lo'

so that to fetch 2 loads takes in the whole 80'

* At Charlottesville, where a continuous weather record has
been kept for the past 40 years, the killing frost average>dates
are April 6, the last in the spring, and November 5, the first in
the fall. (See 1941 Yearbook of Agriculture, Climate and
Man: 1159.)

* This was an early date for the Blue Ridge Mountains to
be covered with snow.

i77<5

1776.* Jefferson seems to have been too busy to make any
recordings In the Garden Book for 1776. This was unusual,
for he was at Monticello most of the spring, and the Account
Book was filled with the usual detail. His mother died on
March 31. He had the responsibility of settling her estate.
He left for Philadelphia on May 7, and remained there until
September 3. The important event of the year was the adop-
tion of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. It is in-
teresting to note from the Account Book 1776—1778 some of
his minor interests preceding this eventful day.

May 34. p* Hillegas for fiddlestrings 27/.

May 28. p* for a Doll 2/.

June I. p* for seeing a monkey i/.

July 4. p" for 7 p'. women’s gloves, 27/.

Also on July 4, he “p** Sparhawk for a thermometer £3-15,”
and recorded the temperature four times. At 6 A. M. the
temperature was 68°, at 9 A. M. at i P. M. 76“, and at 9
P. M. 73^°. From July i, of this year, until the end of 1816,
Jefferson kept an almost continuous record of the weather.
This record was made not only at Monticello, but wherever he
was located. On July 8, he paid Sparhawk £4—10 for a ba-
rometer and on September 15, after his return to Monticello,
he made several barometrical observations on the top of
Monticello and in the surrounding country. (See Account
Book 1776—1778.) During a part of the fall he was in Wil-
liamsburg attending the Assembly.

Building continued at Monticello. On September 13 he
“agreed with Randolph Johnson, a bricklayer, to work @ £4.
a month, he begins tomorrow” {Account Book 1776—1778 ) .
On February 8 he bought a deer from a man named Reynolds
for 20/, and on September 19 he bought a fawn from the same
for 12/6. This was the beginning of stocking his park with
deer. (Sec plate XIII for location of park.)

* This year not represented in the Garden Book,

1777

i777-‘

the fall of the last year was fine.® the first
snow fell the 20“*. of December, but did not
lay a day. the day before Christmas the
weather set in cold. Christmas night a snow
fell 22 I. deep, and from that time till the
7“*. of March was the coldest weather & upon
the whole the severest winter remembered,
from the 20“. Dec. to the 6“. of March fell
ten snows to cover the ground, and some of
them deep, the 9*. of March I think was the
first rain in this year, the rivers all that time
so low that there could be no water trans-
portation above the falls.* the 10”*. of March
is the first day we can do any thing in the
garden, scarce any appearance of vegeta-
tion yet. -e xcept in som e daffodils

March. 10. sowed a patch of forward & a patch of latter
peas.

II. sowed Cavolo Romano Paonazzo* (purple
cabbage) in lower division of the upper-
most triangular bed.®

sowed Neapolitan cabbage* in the division
next above.

& Cavolo Romano a broccolini ^ (Cabbage)
in the next above that.

sowed also lettuce & radishes.

1777]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

12. planted 2 beds of strawberries.

sowed in an upper long bed Cavolo nero
(Coleworts) in the one next below it Russia
curled greens.*

13. planted another bed of strawberries.

21. peas up.*

26. sowed patch of peas. qu.“ whether forward
or latter, in N.Westermost beds.

April. I. Peach trees & Cherry trees at Monticello
begin to blossom."

sowed a square of peas, of one kind only,
qu. what ?

7. sowed a bed of peas.

8. peas of March 26. up.”

9. sowed radishes, lettuce, endive, & red mus-
tard.

14. sowed bed of peas.

19. planted Cucumbers, Lima beans, Irish .po-
tatoes

June. 4. forward peas of March 10. come to table.

July. 6. cucumbers come to table.

July. 24, sowed Spinach, endive,” lettuce, cresses” &
peas.

•T. G.” (who was allowed to kill what he
chose) killed only 9 hogs for his own family
& H. Gaines,” for whom he allowed 3 of the

Jefferson’s Garden Book [i777

9. four of them were the smallest we had.
he also had a beef.”

*fauns are cut from 3 to 6 weeks old.

*kid8 are fit for the table from 3 weeks to 3
months old.

*it takes 1 1 lb dble ref**.^ sugar to i lb good
Congo tea.

d^ ” good Congo makes a dish, i.e. 640
dishes to the pound.

*veals are best from 6. to 8. weeks old, but
may do from 5. to 9. weeks.

^ ^ 777 ‘ Jefferson’s continued absence from Montieello
made noticeable gaps in the Garden Book for the year. The
record is partially complete for March and April; after July
24 it is blank. He was in Williamsburg at three different
times attending the Assembly, and each time he stayed there
for many weeks. As at previous Assemblies, he was placed
on many important committees, and upon him fell the weight
of preparing the reports. In addition to his trips to Wil-
liamsburg, he was at Fredericksburg, Richmond, Bedford,
Cumberland Court House, The Forest, and several other
places.

The birth of his only son on May 28, and his death on June
14, must have affected Jefferson profoundly. He recorded it,
however, with the same detail.

The Account Book for -this year throws little light on the
progress of building and other activities taking place on the
mountaintop. On February 13 he “engaged Beckley to saw
me as much plank as will yeild me 1200 f. fine flooring plank
in lengths of 19. & 25 f. I am to take good & bad & shall
allow him as before,” On February 26 he paid Zacharia
Rowland for freight on mahogany, and on April a6 John

1777 ]

Jefferson's Garden Book

Brewer began to make bricks. In August he added a buck to
his deer park. {Account Book lyjd-iyjS.)

* For a record of the temperature for 1777, see the Account
Book for this year. Jefferson wrote from Williamsburg on
June 8, 1778, to John Fabroni, a friend in France, describing
his method of keeping a record of the weather and requesting
particulars about the climate there, in order to make a com-
parative estimate of the climates of the two countries. Since
Jefferson often mentioned the weather in the Garden Book, it
will be of value to quote a portion of this letter here.

It might not be unacceptable to you to be informed for instance of the
true power of our climate as discoverable from the thermometer, from
the force and direction of the winds, the quantity of rain, the plants
which grow without shelter in the winter etc. On the other hand we
should be much pleased with the contemporary observations on the same
particulars in your country, which will give us a comparative view of
the two climates. Farenheit’s thermometer is the only one in use with
us, I make my daily observations as early as possible in the morning &
again about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, these generally showing the
maxima of cold & heat in the course of 24 hours. (Paul Leicester Ford,
ed., The Works of Thomas Jefferson (12 v.. New York, 1904) a; 34O.
Hereafter cited as Ford, Jefferson.)

* Jefferson referred here to the falls of the James River,
which are situated at Richmond, Virginia,

* Translated, Roman purple cabbage.

"At each end of Jefferson’s new vegetable garden on the
southeastern side of the mountain was a triangular bed.
These triangular beds were later discarded.

* A cabbage from Naples given him by Mazzei.

^ Translated, a Roman cabbage in the form of small broc-
coli.

* Greens are either young plants raised in the fall, and wintered ex-
pressly for early cutting, as spinach, German kale, &c,, or they are simi-
lar young plants raised in the spring for the same purpose, as spinach,
cabbage, mustard, &c., or they are the first young spring growth of roots
or stems wintered for the purpose of producing them, as kale, cabbage,
dock, &C. (Alexander Watson, The American Home Garden (New
York, 1865); 143. Hereafter cited as Watson, Garden.)

The seeds of the greens mentioned here were probably given
to Jefferson by Mr. Mazzei.

* The peas planted on March lo required 11 days to come

up.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1777

qu. is the abbreviation for query or question.

“ In 1774 the peach trees bloomed on March 29. In 1775
they were in bloom as early as March 10, while this year they
bloomed as late as April i.

“ The peas planted on March 26 required 14 days to come
up.

Cichorium endivia L.

Probably Lepidium sativum L. Garden cress.

“ Thomas Garth.

The first of the Garth family in Albemarle was Thomas. . . . The
next three or four years [after 1770] he was employed by Mr. Jefferson
to buy the Lego estate from William and James Hickman. ... He
owned all the land stretching from near the Staunton Road ... to the
forks of Mechum’s and Moorman’s Rivers. ... He was appointed a
magistrate in 1791, and served as Sheriff in 1807. He died in 1812.
(Woods, Albemarle County 203.)

There are many references to Thomas Garth in Jefferson’s
account books. When Jefferson was in France, Garth was
second to Nicholas Lewis in attending to his affairs.

” Humphrey Gaines. He worked for Jefferson at Monti-
cello. There were several other workmen by the name of
Gaines. In the Account Book for the year, Jefferson wrote:
“July S' P* Humphrey Gaines £19 4. balance due him for 3.
last years as by settlement £34 17 4. Note y* year ended
June 12. agreed in writing to give him £35. for the current
year, & he takes my word that I will give him £5. more.”

” In the Account Book Jefferson wrote a fuller

statement of this entry, *‘Jan* 29, Note T. Garth last year
killed 9 hogs for himself & Humphr. Gaines (for whom he
allowed 3. of the 9) four of them were the smallest we had.
Brock has killed 12 this year.”

“ Double refined sugar, Congo tea, a kind of black tea.

” i pennyweight equals is of an ounce, Troy weight.

1778

1778 ."
Feb. 26.
28.

Mar. 2.
Mar. 7.

9-14.

sowed a patch of Hotspur peas®

planted carrots & Salsafy

sowed lettuce & Madeira onions.*

planted 19 Bubby flower shrubs, calycanthus.*
from the Green mountain,* the only place in
this country I have ever heard of them, they
are said to be very common in S“. Carolina.*

ingrafted, or planted etc. Cherries, viz *Car-
nation, *Duke, •Broadnax’s, *very fine late,
Myrilla.^ Apples, viz. •Newtown pippins,
fMedlar Russetins fGolden wildings, Robin-
son, Codlin, White.® Pears, viz *Forward,
•Late, *fine late large. Sugar d®., 3 kinds of
English d“., 2 other kinds.*

Quinces,

Nectarines, plumb

Plumbs, viz Magnum bonum, Damascene,
horsc,^*

Apricots

Almonds bitter.

for the places see plan of the orchard.”
75

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1778

* these were sent me from Sandy point by
Mordecai Debnam, in slips, March 1773. &
then ingrafted by P. Morton.^®

t these were from Greenspring ”

14. planted in a nursery** the following stones &
seeds

N*. I. choice peaches
N®. 2. an Almond
N“. 3. English Walnuts
N®. 4. a French d®.*'

N®. 5. Mogul plumbs **

N®. 6, Prunes ”

N®. 7. small green plumbs**

N®. 8. Pride of China.**

N". 9. Strawberry tree *®

N®. 10. Apples.

13. sowed Radish seed & Burnet**

14. sowed Charlton & Early pearl peas.** the for-
mer are in the 4. lower rows.

planted out Raspberries, goose berries & cur-
rans."

Peach-trees begin to blossom.**
peas of. .Feb, 26. just appearing.**

Mar. 13. sowed radishes & burnet

1778]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

14. sowed a bed of Early Charlton, and another of
Early pearl peas.

sowed Mazzei’s beans, “ snap beans & parsley,
lettuce of Mar. 2. come up.®^

May. bought two Aegyptian Acacias (Mimosa Nilo-
tica*®) from the Gardner" at Greenspring,
they are from seeds planted March 1777.

Sep. 12. one of the Acacias 23 I. high the other 18 I.

Oct. 12. their heights 28^ I. and 23.I.*®

Oct. 12. brought an olive tree from Colle.” it is a shoot
from an old root, being one of many brought
from Italy in 1773. they stood the winter of
that year and the remarkeable frost of May 5.
1774. also the winters of 1774 & 1775.'* planted
in the open feild & without any cover, in Dc-
cemb. 1775 & Jan. 1776, there was a frost of
four or five weeks duration, the earth being
frozen like a rock the whole time, this killed
all the olives ; the others totally, this one alone
sprung up from the old root, it’s height now
is 2i| I. took a cutting from it & planted it.
when an olive tree is killed in Italy and a new
shoot puts out, it is ten years before it bears.

17. brought from Colle four sour Orange trees,
being new shoots from old roots brought from
Italy in 1775.*® which have been killed to the
root, these are all remaining out of some hun-
dreds the rest being killed totally, they were
planted there in the earth, and sheltered to the
North by a plank wall, and on the top & to the

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1778

South by matts. two of them indeed were
planted at the ends of houses, one to the South,
the other to the East, and protected by matts.
they are now put into boxes of good Virgin
mould, their heights are 6^ I. 6^ I. 16 I. and
i8j I. in S. Carolina the Orange trees were
killed generally by frost in 1771. the shoots
which put out from the old roots begin to bear
this year.

23. the Roundabout walk “ Js
in circumference 926 yds.
by a survey of 1806 Aug. 3.
with a chain very exact it
is 169.16 po. = .529 mile,
from Monticello door ** to
the stone gate

thence to the second gate
by the orchard'

thence to the Overseer’s
house

thence to the stone flood
mark of 1778. by the

river

1760

= I.OOOO

from head of the Canal
along my private road into

2662

= 1.5124

public road by Shadwell

thence down public road
to where the mill road

1175.

= .6676

will come in

660

= -3750

183s

= 1.0426

mile
= .5216

198. yds = .1125
231 == .1312

473 = .2687

1778 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

from head of the Canal
down the same to Walnut
where mill house will

stand

1225

== .6960

thence down the mill
road along river side to
Chapel branch

819

= 4653

thence up Chapel branch
as the mill road is to go
into the public road . . .

616

= .3500

2660

= 1.5113

Oct. 27. planted 59. Aspens." (Populus tremula.)

31. planted 32 Umbrellas.'*

Nov. 5. planted 27. wild crabs.” ii.” transplanted.

14. Pride of China trees." from seed sown in
Nursery.

To inclose all my lands on the S.W. side of the
Thoroughfare road" following the meanders
of the road and in other places following the
line would take in about 400 acres of land, &
require a fence about 1323 poles" long, sup-
pose this to be a dry stone fence 23. 1 thick
at bottom, 19 I. thick at top & 4 f. 3 I.
high, every perch" length of such a fence
is very nearly 5. perch of work, of course
there will be 6615 perch. I think a hand
will lay to perch of brick work a day having
his stone brought into place, one hand then
would lay the whole in 661^ days = i loj weeks
Years Month Weeks"

= 2 1 z

8 o

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1778

Nov. 12. placing the Theodolite ** on the top of the
house, the Eastern spur of the High moun-
tain" intersects the Horizon 19°. Westward
of Willis’s mountain." note the observation
was made on the intersection of the ground
(not the trees) with the horizon.

^ iTjS. Jefferson was principally occupied in 1778 with the
law revision of Virginia, along with George Wythe and Ed-
mund Pendleton, the other members of the Committee of Law
Revisers. He was in Williamsburg three times during the
year, and visited Tuckahoe, Cowles, and Greensprittff. While
in Williamsburg, in early January, he “p” rev* mr Andrews
for Theodolite £45,” which he often used at Monticello for
measuring horizontal and vertical angles. On June 2 he “p*
for hearing organ at church 12/” — an enjoyment he almost
always indulged in when in Williamsburg, and on June J he
“p* Robert Nicholson for a flower. 5/6.” (Account Book
1776-1778.)

On August I the Jeffersons’ third daughter, Maria, was
born, Martha and Maria, affectionately called Polly, were
the only children to survive childhood.

Building on the mountaintop continued with unusual speed
this year. Early in February Jefferson “agreed with W“.
Rice that he shaU make 3 stone columns, to find himself pro-
visions, and assist in quarrying, I am to allow him the caps
and bases which are done, the labor on my two stone-cutters
and give him £10 a column.” On the same day he credited
“John Brewer ninety thousand workable bricks made & burnt
@ 5/ the thousand, the kiln had 36 eyes, & he estimated it
to contain 103,000 bricks, which is 2861 to the eye. he de-
ducted 13,000 for soft outside bricks unfit for use.” (Ac-
count Book 1776—1778.) In the middle of July “two of
Stephen Willis’s people begin to work.” They laid brick
until August 14, when “Willis’s people left off work having
laid 14,120 brides,” (Account Book 1776—1778.)

1778 ] Jefferson’s Garden Book 8i

During the year Jefferson hired several other men to work
for him, the most important of whom was Anthony Giannini,
a vigneron, brought over from Italy by Mazzei to work at
Colle. The following agreement was made with Giannini on
November 2 :

agreed with Anthony Giannini that he shall serve me one year from
the 27^ Inst. I am to give him £50. & hnd him 15 bushels of wheat &
480 lb. meat. i.e. bacon when we have it. if Mazzei undertakes in
writing to pay the expenses of his passage to Italy hereafter, I am to
stand security for it so long as he is in my service. {Account Book

1776-177^-)

A buck fawn was added to Jefferson’s park on October 9.

bought of Charles Goodman a buck faun, it is to be brought home
between Christmas & blossoming time, if I fetch it soon after Christ-
mas I am to pay 40/. if not till near blossoming time 50/. if he brings
it I pay £3.

On December 8 he “p"* B. Harrison (Brandon) in part for
an elk £7.-10” {Account Book 1776-1778).

Jefferson’s planting this year was chiefly in the orchatd and
nursery, although the usual peas and a few other vegetables
were planted in the garden. On September 28 he "p® F.
Eppes for seeds from Mazzei’s 30/,” and on October 10 he
“p* Docf. Walker’s Scipio for Will for 35 pints of greens-
word seed 43/9” {Account Book 1776—1778).

In November Jefferson drew a plan of the orchard, show-
ing the location of the fruit trees and berries, and wrote a
memorandum on “the state of fruit trees, 1778,” to accom-
pany it. (See plates VII and VIII.) The plan and memo-
randum reveal the abundance of fruit trees planted from 1769
to 1778. This was an unusual accomplishment, in view of
the many other activities with which Jefferson was associated.

* See note 2 under 1768.

* A variety of Allium cepa L. “The variety is much prized
for its extraordinary size, and for its mild, sugary flavor. . , .
It requires a long, warm season for its greatest perfection.”
(Burr, Vegetables: 135.)

* Calycanthus floridus L. goes by several , common names:
bubby flower, strawberry bush, sweet-shrub, and sweet Betsy.

“ A range of low mountains in the southwestern part of
Albemarle County. The range is separated from Carter’s
Mountain by the Hardware River.

82 Jefferson's Garden Book [1778

* So far as I have been able to ascertain, Calycanthus is not
native to the Green Mountain today. It is, however, indige-
nous to certain parts of the mountains of Virginia.

^ The cherries mentioned here are varieties of Prunus cerasus
L. Comment has already been made on the Carnation, Duke,
and Broadnax. The Myrilla is probably Jefferson’s spelling
for Morello, which Downing says is a fine fruit.

* All of these apples are varieties of Malus pumila. Com-
ment has been made on the Newtown pippins. Mespilus
germmica L., the medlar russetin, is not included in the apple
group today. The Goldenwilding originated in North Caro-
lina. It was of medium size, yellow color, and a sweet acid
flavor. There are over one dozen Robinson Apples noted in
Ragan’s Nomenclature of the Apple (1905). The codlin,
also spelled codling, “is a favorite apple in England for pies
and stewing; is fit for this use in August, and lasts till Oc-
tober” (T. G. Fessenden, The New American Gardener (Bos-
ton, 1839) : 129. Hereafter cited as Fessenden, Gardener),
Downing says that the fruit of the White apples has a “flesh
white, crisp, tender, sometimes almost melting, and of a mild
agreeable flavor.” He also wrote that it was carried from
eastern to western Virginia by Neisley, a nurseryman, on the
banks of the Ohio, about the beginning of the nineteenth cen-
tury. The White Apple was sent to Jefferson in 1773 from
eastern Virginia.

* All of these pears are varieties of Pyrus communis L.

“ Varieties of Prunus domestica L. The Magnum bonum

is a very popular fruit, chiefly on account of its large and splendid ap-
pearance, and a slight acidity, which renders it admirably suited for mak-
ing showy sweetmeats or preserves. When it is raised in a fine warm
situation, and is fully matured, it is pretty well flavoured, but ordi-
narily, it is considered coarse, and as belonging to the kitchen, and not
to the dessert. (Downing, Fruits; 286.)

The horse plum is “a very common and inferior fruit. . . .
The seedlings make good stocks for the nursery.” (Down-
ing, Fruits: 301.)

See plate VII.

” On March 14 Jefferson wrote in the Account Book 1776-
1778: “p* Patrick Morton 15/6 which balances our acc** to
this day.” Mordecai Debnam was Clerk of Court for Charles
City County, Virginia.

Piatb VIIL— Jefferson’s memorandum, of the state of the fruit trees, 1778. See
plate VII. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

' Plate IX>— General plan of Monticello. The plan of the house was drawn prior
, to l 77 i>^Wl^e addition of shrubs and willows in the semiciide in i^nt of the house
«'^mad^aboiit^i8o8.0T iio^\{Jeftrton Paptn, M- H. S.)

1778] Jefferson’s Garden Book 83

Greenspring, near Williamsburg, was the ancient residence
of Governor Sir William Berkeley, of three Philips Ludwells,
and of William Lee, at one time Minister of the United States
to Holland. It was burned by Federal troops in 1862. Jef-
ferson often visited Greenspring when he was in the Williams-
burg area and bought plants from the gardener. The estate
was celebrated for its three extensive orchards, its vegetable
garden, orangery, and field of indigo.

The location of this nursery not known.

French walnut. Probably another name for English
walnut.

“ Mogul. Unidentified.

A variety of Prunus domestica L.

“ Probably a greengage plum.

Melia azedarach L. Often called chinaberry tree in the
Southern United States.

Arbutus unedo L.

“ Sanguisorba minor Scop. The young leaves are used as
a salad and also for sheep forage.

** An early variety of Pisum sativum. The pearl pea was
also known as the Nonesuch Pea.

*® Either the black raspberry, Rubus occidentalis L., or the
red raspberry, Rubus idaeus L. The gooseberry, Ribes gros^
sularia L. The currant, either Ribes nigrum L., the black
currant, or Ribes rubrum L., the red currant.

“This year the peach trees bloomed earlier than in the
preceding years.

“ It took 17 days for the Hotspur peas, planted on Feb-
ruary 26, to appear above ground.

“ Probably some kind of Italian bean given to Jefferson by
Mazzei.

Thirteen days were required for lettuce to appear above
ground.

** Mimosa nilotica. Now called Acacia farnesiana WiUd.

“ “May 24. p"* a gardener at Greenspring for two Acacias
& a pretended debt of mF Wayles’s 36/.” {Account Book

1776-1778'-)

The Mimosa nilotica was a favorite flower of Jefferson,
Jefferson shows again his keen interest in detail by taking the
measurements of these acacias.

See notes about Colie and Mazzei under the year i774»

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1778

** See Garden Book for the years 1774 and 1775.

•' These orange trees were probably brought back to Vir-
ginia in the ship under Captain Woodford, which Mazzei had
sent to Leghorn to bring back plants and vignerons,

The sour orange, Citrus aurantium L. It is grown ex-
tensively in Southern Europe for the making of marmalade
and perfumery. It is more hardy than the sweet orange and
is often used as a stock for it.

“This Round-about was completed in 1772. See note 22
under that year.

“ See plates XXI, XXII, and XXX.

" This was the beginning of the Aspen Thicket which Jef-
ferson mentioned several times later. No mention was made
of its location. Populus tremula L.

Magnolia tripetala L. Umbrella tree.

®’ Pyrus coronaria L. Wild crab apple.

, “ This figure refers to November 1 1.

“The seeds of the Pride of China trees were sown on
March 14 of this year.

“The Thoroughfare Road ran through Monticello Gap
and is the main road today leading to the entrance of Monti-
cello. For many years the Thoroughfare Road was the only
road by which people of Fluvanna County, south of the Riv-
anna River, could reach Charlottesville.

" A pole is one rod.

“ In measuring masonwork or stone, a perch is usually 24!
cubic feet (ji yards by i foot by feet).

“ Ther£ is no evidence that Jefferson built a dry stone wall
to enclose the lands on the southwest side of the Thorough-
fare. The lands were enclosed by a fence.

^ “ This is the first time that Jefferson mentioned the use of
his theodolite. He bought it in January of this year. See
note I, 1778.

High Mountain, now called Patterson Mountain, was on
the south side of the Thoroughfare Road. Monticello Gap
is between High Mountain and Monticello Mountain,

“Willis Mountain, which has a height of 1,159 feet, is
situated 40 miles southeast of Monticello in Buckingham
County. Because Willis Mountain is an isolated one, easily
seen from Monticello on a dear day, Jefferson used it as the
focal point in calculating the latitude and longitude of various

1778 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

surrounding places. Willis Mountain also fascinated him be»
cause of the optical phenomenon called looming, which he
could observe from Montkello. He wrote :

Having had occasion to nnention the particular situation of Monticello
for other purposes, I will just take notice that its elevation affords an
opportunity of seeing a phenomenon which is rare at land, though fre-
quent at sea. The seamen call it looming. Philosophy is as yet in the
rear of the seamen, for so far from having accounted for it, she has not
given it a name. Its principal effect is to make distant objects appear
larger, in opposition to the general law of vision, by which they are
diminished. I knew an instance, at York-town, from whence the water
prospect eastwardly is without termination, wherein a canoe with three
men, at a great distance was taken for a ship with its three masts. I am
little acquainted with the phaenomenon as it shews itself at sea; but at
Monticello it is familiar. There is a solitary mountain [Willis Moun-
tain] about forty miles off, in the South, whose natural shape, as pre-
sented to view there, is a regular cone; but, by the effect of looming, it
sometimes subsides almost totally into the horizon; sometimes it rises
more acute and more elevated; sometimes it is hemispherical; and some-
times its sides are perpendicular, its top flat, and as broad as its base. In
short it assumes at times the most whimsical shapes, and all these per-
haps successively in the same morning. (Thomas Jefferson, Notes on
the State of Virginia (London, 1787): 135-136.)

1779

1779 -*

March. lo. from where the park® fence crosses the
branch at the upper side of the park to where
a point of land makes in so as to separate the
upper & lower meadow in the park, & forms
a good place for stopping the water with a
short dam the water falls 44 f. 2. I.

C. H. Harrison* sais fauns may be cut the
spring after fauned, or at almost any age.

Ry. Randolph’s* park pales are 8.f. & ii.f,
high.

brought another Aegyptian Acacia ‘ from
Greenspring, it is in blossom.

about the 8**. of Feb. this spring the weather
set in remarkeably mild & indeed hot & so
continued till the middle of March, which
had brought forward the vegetation more
than was ever remembered at so early a
period, then it set in cold; the blue ridge
covered with snow, and the thermometer
, below freezing, this killed all the fruits
which had blossomed forward, the very
few blossoms which were backward escaped.
Monticello seemed to suffer as much as it’s
neighborhood, the weather then again be-
came mild till a thunder storm on the
April, and wind at N.W. brought on sev-

1779]

Jepfbrson’s Garden Book

eral severe frosts, the fruit was too for-
ward to be hurt by them; but the garden suf-
fered extremely, every thing young & tender
being killed, at Monticello nothing was
hurt except the leaves of the trees which had
put out late.* but the forest except near the
tops of the mountains was totally blasted so
as to put on the appearance of autumn, every
leaf being killed on the hardiest trees, dog-
woods & other early budding trees escaped,
all the flax ^ was killed, all the Indian corn
which was up.

Apr, 17. in opening the road from a little above the
Thoroughfare to mf Lewis’s mill * six hands
did about 120. yards a day.

^ /77p. The two events which most vitally afiected life at
Monticello during this year were the coming of the Conven-
tion Troops to Albemarle County in early January, and the
election of Jefferson as Governor of Virginia on June i.

The Convention Troops were British and German soldiers
who had been taken prisoners at Saratoga on the surrender of
Burgoyne in October, 1777. They were first sent to Boston
and then in the early part of 1779 to Charlottesville, Virginia.
Their camp was located on the northern bank of Ivy Creek.
The place has since been known as The Barracks.

The troops were preparing their camp and gardens during
the severe cold spell which Jefferson mentioned in the Garden
Book for this year. Their gardens, along with other gardens
of the county, were almost totally destroyed by the severe frost
which followed the thunderstorm and wind of April 17. This
loss and other unusual hardships caused much suffering to them
and were the reasons for remonstrances and requests to Gov-
ernor Patrick Henry to remove the camp to some other place,
Jefferson did not agree with the officers and men that the camp

88 Jefferson's Garden Book [i779

should be moved and wrote a letter to Governor Henry op-
posing the suggestion. One paragraph from his letter de-
scribes the garden and rural activities carried on at the camp :

The environs of the barracks are delightful, the ground cleared, laid
off in hundreds of gardens, each enclosed in its separate paling ; these are
well prepared, and exhibiting a fine appearance. General Riedesel alone
laid out upwards of two hundred pounds in garden seeds for the Ger-
man troops only. Judge what an extent of ground these seeds would
cover. 'There is little doubt that their own gardens will furnish them a
great abundance of vegetables through the year. Their poultry, pigeons
and other preparations of that kind present to the mind the idea of a
company of farmers, rather than a camp of soldiers. In addition to the
barracks built for them by the public, and now very comfortable, they
have built great numbers for themselves in such messes as fancied each
other ; and the whole corps, both officers and men, seem now happy and
satisfied with their situation. (Woods, Albemarle County: 33.)

Baron and Madame Riedesel, one of the German officers
and his wife, established themselves at Colie, Philip Mazzei’s
home, and a warm friendship grew up between them and the
Jefferson household. On April 29, 1779, Jefferson recorded
in his account book : “Sold my Pianoforte to Gen* Riedesel, he
is to give me £100.“

Friendships were also made between Jefferson and other
soldiers of the camp, especially those with musical talents.
Jefferson, having an intense passion for music, often invited
the men with their instruments to Monticello for a musical
evening. The troops remained in Albemarle County until
October, 1780. (See Randall, Jefferson i: 232-237, and
Woods, Albemarle County: 31—34, for interesting accounts of
the encampment of the Convention Troops in Albemarle
County.)

The election of Jefferson to the Governorship made it im-
perative for him to be in Williamsburg, the capital. Mrs.
Jefferson and their children went with him to Williamsburg,
leaving at Monticello only Thomas Garth (the overseer), the
workmen, and the slaves.

Sept. 3. on settlement of all accH with T. Garth this day the bal-
ana in my favor was 338JE— 4s-3d whereon he gave me up my note
paiable Jan. 14. 1775 & my bond paiable Dec. 25, 1777. which turned
the bailee against me £40-7—9. but in the account no allowance was
made him for his services as steward for 1778, which we have agreed tp
have settled by Nich*. Lewis, James Garland, & James Kerr whose

1779]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

award must be added to the preceding balance & will make up my whole
debit to him. moreover to save the trouble of a second reference we
agreed the same gentlemen should at the same time settle his wages as
steward for this current year 1779. {Account Book ijjg-iySa.)

Jefferson made no entry in the Garden Book about plants in
the garden for the year. But the fact that his garden escaped
the severe frost following the thunderstorm of April 17, indi-
cates that the usual plants were growing in it.

He made a few purchases of trees and shrubs during the
year. From the Account Book i^'^g-iySa:

Jan. a8. p* Tho" Potter for three trees £3.

Aug. 9. p* Tho* Potter for a tree £3. (extravag*.)

Oct. I. p^ gardener at Greenspring for trees £i 1-8.

In the same account book he also mentioned hiring a gardener
from Mr. Prentis, and lending the gardener, Thompson, £50.
Since Jefferson was in Williamsburg at the time these two items
were recorded, they may both concern the gardeners at the
Governor’s Palace.

See plate XIII for location of park. Jefferson is again
making plans for beautifying the grounds at Monticello. This
kind of landscaping linked up with his grandiose plans of 1771.

* Carter H. Harrison. See note 14, 1771.

* Ryland Randolph. See note 15, 1772.

* “Feb. 27. p* for an Acacia £3-6“ {Account Book J779-
1782).

* The southeastern exposure of Jefferson’s garden and its
height above the' valley often saved his fruits and vegetables
from the late frosts.

^ Linum usitatissimum L. This was the first mention that
flax was planted at Monticello. On February 3 of this year
Jefferson wrote; “P'* W. D. Fite, mend* 2 Spinn“ wheels 48/’’
{Account Book 1779-1782) .

* Nicholas Lewis’s mill was on the Rivanna River.

1780

iy 8 o* Jefferson was almost continuously in Williamsburg
during the first three months of the year. On April i the seat
of the state government was moved to Richmond, and since
that date the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia has
been located there. The change of the capital from Williams-
burg to Richmond was a convenience for Jefferson because it
brought him nearer to Monticello. On June i he was re-
elected Governor of Virginia and he remained in office until he
resigned the following year. A fourth daughter was born to
the Jeffersons in Richmond on November 3, They now had
three daughters living, having lost one daughter and one son.
The fourth daughter died the following April.

The year was a difficult one for Jefferson. Mrs. Jefferson’s
health was precarious. The increasing tempo of the war
brought new problems for him to solve. There is little won-
der that no time was left for jottings in the Garden Book,
His visits to Monticello were short, with little time to record
the various happenings on his busy mountaintop. The house
was probably almost completed.

He wrolre in the Account Book for 1780 the following en-
tries :

Mar. 4. p*. Patrick Morton for stocks & grafting J&39.

Mar. a6. Abel 24/. p^. for i quart seed peas £6.

Mar. 27. p^ Gardener at Greenspring for seeds £39.

Jefferson was in Williamsburg when these entries were made,
but since he moved to Richmond on April i, the seeds were
probably carried to Monticello.

A portion of a letter from George Mason, of Gunston Hall,
Fairfax County, written on October 6, shows that his agricul-
tural friends continued to send him plants.

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

1780]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

October 6, 1780

' Fairfax County, Gunston Hall

Dear Sir,

As my very ill Health, at present, makes my attendance at the next
Session of the Assembly rather uncertain, I take this opportunity, by my
son, of sending you a pint of the Portugal, and best Idnd of rare-ripe
peach stones. Almost all my Portugal peaches were stolen this year,
before they were ripe ; but I have saved the few stones I send you myself,
& know they are the true sort. I have observed this kind of peach re-
quires more care than most others, & if the trees are not tended, & the
Ground cultivated, the fruit is apt to be coarse & harsh; with due cul-
ture the peaches are the finest I ever tasted. . . . The sooner the peach
stones are planted the better; if it is deferred ’til late in the winter, very
few will come up next spring; they should be secured from the moles,
by slabs, or some such thing, let into the ground. {Jefferson Papers,
Library of Congress.)

lySi.*

Aug. 7. in making the terrasses which run off level from
the aa* terras, they effected at the rate of 20. feet
in length a day to each hand, the terrasses ” being
from 8. to 10 f. wide.

^ 1781. Jefferson continued as Governor of Virginia until
June 3. The war was converging on Virginia from all sides.
The state was not prepared to repel the enemy, since she had
contributed more than her share to the welfare of the colonies.
The early part of this year was one of the most trying periods
in all of Jefferson’s public career.

He was in Richmond, except for short visits to Westham,
Manchester, and Tuckahoe, until May 14, when he left for
Charlottesville and Monticello. While at Monticello on June
4, he escaped capture by Tarlcton and his troops. Although
the British did practically no damage to Monticello, they al-
most completely demolished Elk Hill, his estate on the James
River.

Late in June, at Poplar Forest, Jefferson fell from a horse
he was riding, and although the injuries were not serious, they
kept him confined to the house for several weeks. It was dur-
ing this confinement that he wrote the greater part of his book,
Notes on the State of Virginia.

This was another year in which only one entry was made in
the Garden Book, despite the fact that Jefferson was at Monti-
cello most of the summer and until early November. This
entry was about the terraces of the orchard.

The Account Book 1770-1782 shows that on March 31 he
“sent Brown gardener at Tuckahoe for garden seeds £150.”

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1781]

He also bought a mockingbird from some one named Jame
for £18, and on November 30 he made a contract with Richard
Gaines to act as overseer over all of his plantations on the
north side of the Rivanna River. Monticello is on the south
side of the river.

* The terraces mentioned here were those of the orchard.

1782

1782/

Feb. 12.* sent to Poplar For.* 6 Apricot trees, 2 large
Morellas,* 2 Kentish cherries * 2. May Dukes.®
2 Carnations, 2 Black hearts,^ 2 White hearts,®
2 Newtown pippings, 2 Russetins, 2 Golden
Wildings, & some white strawberries.®

Feb, 28. a flock of wild geese flying to N.W.

Mar. 30. the Farm second-round-about,^® taking in the
Mulberry- row “ is 4444.4 feet =269.36 po.“
= .84 of a mile.

Mar. 17. Almonds & peaches blossom."

May. 6. Aur. Bor.“ at 9. P.M. a quart of Currant
juice makes 2. blue teacups of Jelly, i quart of
juice to 4. of puree ”

June 10. Raspberries come & last a month.

a. Calendar ** of the bloom of flowets in 178a. Note they were planted this spring,
and the season was very backward.

March. .April May. June, j July Aug. Sep. Octob.

Watdssua Feathe,

Hyadn th”

Jeneuil w

tSiaelnth *» A non "

Hanunc*^

If rrU lris bIeolocW
TuUiirg

gle nrLU.» »

^lEi taLllly .**

Jink

aw.wii.w H
CaUcanthus *

Criihiuftw.Reaen

NaiturtIum.W

Hdly hock*

^ ^fiJUj 0t£j^ a ^ Li T•r^^tta^<ua i r /^ A 1. /ic**/

/*yV^^'/'3 '*--^£l<!*rfA»'4»i-rf •L^fftaUr^ /i/<JUet^

.f .. ii^^, v.x-4 -

^oJ^ "». «•*** 'wvfcAJi.

Jm ^ ^ A^f*^ 4^1 >. « wfl* rr^.tnJt^

- rf* ^jm <//<• ■*-• /•! /X /MW*/*^wl«-^/lt>J'/»»v»/«,»i»JM*-»eA^Hm^«^ny«»<AAW

fi~^ T Ma^ 1 *«<»«. I Kbf ] I ^

_t i K_ 1 _ %«»1 k _ I i.

t*r«fc W _,*> (M. 4

^ < -XnWljU*** u. JL t

■, "i.

f HT •**^»*^-

MfM 7«w .Mit,

iLA

^4^ A ^M/UTUJU 0-e*.J-<AA-^

^TliiAf rt Li^<Aurr%.

, A a aP •>

>7 tfoy^ufvy ' ’ j / /

OTuAf rt LW<Aurr%. ^ /r ( Mk

f wJv<u^^ V //*- ^ tjyJiiLa. >1* <,iMSL p< jJ^i^/C^fUj^

t iv^ /Ad- i'tju L’t\^t-<-^*^r\j^ Tt\^^ ^

/^^//d^TvM' t V ^ ^ y'-u^ /aa- 6\ f \ M.

/*- -^r^rvT**^ 4A&i *^“3 7ltA-«, ^-nd e-^v ^ Tirwri/*^ >-

OV X-s^S^t-AAV^ p fcjPi^a»- TIt ^ p^if^ '*■? ,
l4tk* ^ (n J S^ ^ * fG ir^d^iC^ Vf 4\,-i J

J L. Ljl ..u ^

'“•'^3 ;r /

... . u^

^ ^ >jx /c<i

/jftf /*rt-rfrf>-^J Jjf •'AiruX^ Lr

/(iw yk^ ■rtv^xl. * ^ yi »vr r ./7\fl •r«rtr»xA. *</ ** **" >

- - fjiA^yr^ <^A d,ystfVfiud^

r/t<e>s. --.1/ H A/ AV-V^ *<- f

^^trcA^J /4t-T»v*.^ (fii^ c^-^mA^av difi0ri^^ar\^ /i\£^ i-^ f

Hjt /*rt-rfrf>-xJ jjf X-d ‘'Ad-uX? ^ tm. Jr>a'^4.fJT^ n^

i. . l.y. -KlkA^r* f 4l '4 v14«4 a. k^a* ^ J’TUl •r*.»»»* ✓/ /^A. /^.'

Plate X. — ^Page as of the original Garden Book, Of special interest is Jefferson s
chart for noting the tune and duration of bloom of certain flowers.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1783]

Sep. II. a quince weighed I7”,-I7®’'‘ ®®

W. Hornsby’s ** method of preserving birds.

Make a small incision between the legs of the
bird ] take out the entrails & eyes, wipe the in-
side & with a quill force a passage through the
throat into the body that the ingredients may
find a way into the stomach & so pass off
through the mouth, fill the bird with a com-
position of f common salt & ^ nitre pounded
in a mortar with two tablespoonfuls of black or
Indian pepper to a pound, hang it up by it’s
legs 8 or 10. weeks, & if the bird be small it
will be sufficiently preserved in that time, if it
be large, the process is the same, but greater
attention will be necessary, the seasons also
should be attended to in procuring them, as the
plumage is much finer at one time of the year
than another, see 5. Buffon” 194. another
composition for external washing.

Oct. 22. seventeen bushels of winter grapes®* (the stems
first excluded) made 40 gallons of vinegar of
the first running, & pouring water on, yeilded
gallons ” of a weaker kind

20 bushels of peaches will make 75 gall®, of
mobby ** i.e. of it’s bulk.

* 1782. Jefferson appears to have been at Monticello from
the first of January through the first of November except for a
short trip to Poplar Forest in July, where he agreed to have
Bennet continue in Bedford County as his overseer for the
following year.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1782

The delicate condition of Mrs. Jefferson’s health in the
spring had caused Jefferson such concern that he abandoned
practically all of his activities except that of watching after
her comforts.

Their sixth child, and their fifth daughter, was born on May
8. She was the second daughter to bear the name of Lucy
Elizabeth. After the child’s birth, Mrs. Jefferson’s health
rapidly declined. She died on September 6, leaving her hus-
band with three daughters, the youngest four months old.
Mrs. Jefferson’s death was the tragedy of Jefferson’s life, one
from which he never fully recovered.

On November 6 Jefferson was in Richmond attending the
Assembly, and on November 12 he was appointed Peace Com-
missioner to Europe. He left Monticello for Philadelphia in
December, preparatory to undertaking this mission.

There were several varied entries in the Garden Book for
the year, the most interesting being the “Calendar of bloom of
flowers In 1782.” This was the first time in several years that
he had mentioned the garden flowers planted and their bloom-
ing period. The only purchase of seeds, according to the Ac-
count Book 1782, was on August 4, when he “p'* Dr. Walker’s
Trim for q**. clover seed 6/8.”

The Marquis de Chastellux visited Monticello in the spring
of 1782, and sketched In his Travels in North America (2;
48) a charming description of Monticello and the Jefferson
family. We quote only one paragraph from the book, to
show that Jefferson had carried out at least one phase of his
landscaping plans of 1771, namely his deer park.

Mr. Jefferson amused himself by raising a score of these animals
[deer] in his park; they are become very familiar, which happens to all
the animals of America; for they are in general much easier to tame than
those of Europe, He amuses himself by feeding them with Indian corn,
of which the; are very fond, and which they eat out of his hand. I fol-
lowed him one evening into a deep valley, where they are accustomed to
assemble towards the close of the day, and saw them walk, run, and
bound ; but the more I examined their paces, the less 1 was inclined to
annex them to any particular species in Europe. Mr. Jefferson being
no sportsman, and not having crossed the sea could have no decided opin-
ion on this part of natural history; but he has not neglected the other
branches.

1782]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

® Jefferson sent the fruit trees to Poplar Forest by Jupiter,
one of his slaves. In order to get to Poplar Forest he had to
pass over the James River by ferry. Jefferson wrote in the
Account Book 177^—1^82: “Feb. 12. gave Jup. for ferrge to
Pop. For. 3/."

® Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s other home, is in Bedford
County, Virginia. The land on which the house was built was
left to Mrs. Jefferson by her father at his death. The house,
which is still in a fine state of preservation, was begun in 1806,
but not completed until several years after Jefferson retired
from the Presidency in 1809. A portion of a letter, written
to Mr. Randall in 1856 by one of the granddaughters, gives a
charming description of the house and the life there during
Jefferson’s visits.

The house at Poplar Forest was very pretty and pleasant. It was of
brick, one story in front, and, owing to the falling of the ground, two in
the rear. It was an exact octagon, with a centre-hall twenty feet square,
lighted from above. This was a beautiful room, and served as a dining-
room. Round it were grouped a bright drawing-room, looking south, my
grandfather’s own chamber, three other bedrooms, and a pantry. A ter-
race extended from one side of the house ; there was a portico in front
connected by a vestibule with the center room, and in the rear a verandah,
on which the drawing-room opened, with its windows to the floor. . . .
Mr. Jefferson, from the time of his return home in 1809, was in the habit
of visiting this Bedford plantation, but it was some years before the
house was ready for the reception of his family. It was furnished in the
simplest manner, but had a very tasty air ; there was nothing common or
second-rate about any part of the establishment, although there was no
appearance of expense. As soon as the house was habitable, my grand-
father began to take the ladies of his family, generally two at a time,
with him, whenever he went. His first visit of a fortnight or three
weeks was in the spring — the second, of about six weeks, in the early or
late autumn. We have staid as much as two months at a time. My
Mother went occasionally — ^not very often — for she had too much to do
at home. I . . . generally accompanied him with one of my younger
sisters. Mr. Jefferson greatly enjoyed these visits. The crowd at
Monticello of friends and strangers, of stationary or ever-varying guests,
the coming and going, the incessant calls upon his own time and atten-
tion, the want of leisure that such a state of things entailed as *a neces-
sary consequence, the bustle abd hurry of an almost perpetual round of
company, wearied and harassed him in the end, whatever pleasure he
may have taken, and it was sometimes great, in the society and conversa-
tion of his guests. At Poplar Forest he found in a pleasant home, rest,
leisure, power to carry on his favorite pursuits — to think, to study, to

p8 JcFFrRSoN’s Garden Book [1782

read — whilst the presence of part of his family took away all character
of solitude from his retreat. (Randall, Jefferson 3 : 342-343-)

See plate XXXVI.

* A variety of the sour cherry, Prunus cerasus L. Downing
says that it is a fine fruit and that its name is said to be de-
rived from the dark purple color of its juice, which resembles
that of the Morus or mulberry.

* A variety of the sour cherry, Prunus cerasus L. This is
probably what Downing calls the Late Kentish, or the Pie
Cherry.

* A variety of the sour cherry, Prunus cerasus L. Downing
says {Fruits: 191): “This invaluable early cherry is one of
the most popular sorts in all countries, thriving almost equally
well in cold or warm climates. This, the Black Heart, and
the Bigarreau, are the most extensively diffused of all the finer
varieties in the United States.”

^ “The Black Heart, an old variety, is better known than
almost any other cherry in this country, and its great fruitful-
ness and good flavour, together with the hardiness and the
large size to which the tree grows, render it everywhere
esteemed" (Downing, Fruits: 169).

® The White Heart also belongs to the sweet cherry group.
Downing writes {Fruits: 173) : “An old variety, long culti-
vated in this country, and one of the earliest, ripening before
the Mayduke.”

* A variety of Fragaria vesca L. The white strawberries
are the white-fruited forms of the Alpine strawberries, which
came from Fragaria vesca L.

This is the first mention of the second Round-about. It
is not known when it was begun or completed. (See plate
XXII.)

The Mulberry Row was also a part of the First Round-
about. It was just above the terraced garden and ran in front
of the Nailery and other outhouses. Its name came from the
mulberries planted along the side. (See plate XXL)

Po. is the abbreviation for poles.

** This was the last time Jefferson mentioned the blossoming
of the peach trees before his departure for France.

^‘Aurora borealis. This was a phenomenon which fasci-
nated Jefferson. He recorded it often in his weather records.

1782]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

Puree here means pulp, i. e., four quarts of pulp to make
one quart of juice.

This Calendar of Bloom is important because it shows the
length of the blooming period of certain flowers. While Jef-
ferson was President, he kept a similar memorandum of the
Vegetable Market of Washington. (See appendix III.)

Muscari comosum var. monstrosum L.

Narcissus jonquilla L.

Hyacinthus orientalis L.

“ Probably Anemone pulsatilla L. This species was grown
at Monticello.

Probably Ranunculus repens L. var. pleniftorus Fernald.
This variety of double buttercup was later planted at Monti-
cello.

** Iris bicolor, a trade-name of uncertain application (L. H.
Bailey, Hortus (New York, 1930) : 328).

““ Tropaeolum majus L.

Tulipa spp.

" Probably Lilium chalcedonicum L. Scarlet lily.

^ Lilium candidum L. Now commonly called Madonna
Lily.

Paeonia sp.

™ Dianthus barbatus L.

*® Althaea rosea Cav.

Calycanthus fioridus L.

" Crimson Dwarf Rose, Rosa sp.

Cydonia oblonga Mill.

See note 3, under 1767, for Table of Troy TFeight.

®* W. Hornsby lived in Albemarle County.

*® Georges Louis Leclerc de Bufion was born at Montbard,
in Burgundy, in 1707. After studying law, he devoted him-
self wholly to science. He was later admitted to the Academy
and in 1739 was appointed director of the Jardin du Roi.
His greatest contribution to science was his Histoire Naturelle
in 15 volumes. He was a friend of JeSerson and carried on a
correspondence with him. Buffon died in 1788. (Funk and
Wagnalls, Standard Encyclopedia (New York, 191a) 5: 171—

** It is diflicult to tell here whether Jefferson is writing of
his own winter grapes or setting down some information he
had obtained from a book or conversation.

100

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1782

" Jefferson failed to write the number of gallons.

In the West Indies tnobby is a spirituous liquor made from
batatas or sweet potato. In America it is the expressed juice
of apples and peaches, used in the distillation of apple and
peach brandy; also the brandy itself. {Oxford English Dic-
tionary 6: 560.)

1783

i783.‘

2*. & 3** September. White frosts which ‘killed vines in
this neighborhood, killed tobo in the N. Gar-
den,* fodder & latter corn in Augusta,* & for-
ward corn in Greenbriar *

^ 1783. Jefferson was at Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rich-
mond, and Tuckahoe during the early months of the year.
He returned to Monticello on May 15.

In November of the preceding year he had been appointed
Peace Commissioner to Europe. Soon after, rumors of peace
reached him, so that he spent most of the winter waiting for a
confirmation of it. In the spring of this year a provisional
treaty was signed, and since there was no further need for
Jefferson to go to France, he returned to Monticello and spent
most of the summer there with his children and the Carr
family, who were still making their home with him.

He was elected to Congress on June 6, and on October 16
left Monticello to take his seat in the Congress then meeting
in Trenton, N. J. On November 4 the Congress adjourned
to Annapolis, to meet again on the 26th. He was in Philadel-
phia and Annapolis for the remainder of the year.

Before leaving for Congress, Jefferson had left his two
younger daughters with Mr. and Mrs. Francis Eppes, of
Eppington in Virginia. He took Martha, his oldest daughter,
with him and placed her in a boarding school in Philadelphia.
Monticello was closed until his return to Virginia in Decem-
ber, 1789.

Although Jefferson was at Monticello most of the summer
and fall, there is but a solitary entry in the Garden Book for

101

102 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1783

the year, and this dealt with the frosts of September 2 and 3.
The garden apparently was planted as usual, and the first peas
and other Vegetables came to the table as in former years, for
there was the usual large number of persons to feed. The
account books, which often supplemented the Garden Book,
have practically nothing in them to indicate what was happen-
ing on the mountain.

Three entries in the Account Book lySs-iypo indicate that
men were still being hired to carry on the work. On “May
16. W“. Orr begins to work,” and on September 20 he “agreed
with Joseph Price to serve me a year as carpenter. I give him
£30. 500 lb. pork & fodder for a horse & cow.” Four days
later he “agreed with John Key to serve me as steward an-
other year for £80.”

^ North Garden, a small village about 12 miles south of
Charlottesville.

• Augusta County, Virginia, is west from Monticello, across
the Blue Ridge Mountains.

* Greenbriar County, Virginia. This county is now a part
of West Virginia.

1784

1784* Jefferson was still at Annapolis when the year
opened. On May 7 he was appointed Minister Plenipotenti-
ary to France to act in conjunction with Benjamin Franklin and
John Adams. He accepted this mission and made prepara-
tions to leave Annapolis on May ii for Boston, in order to
sail from that port to France. Martha, his oldest daughter,
was to accompany him.

Jefferson did not return to Monticello before his departure
for Europe. The house remained closed until his return in
1789. Early in the year he made an agreement with Nicholas
Lewis, of Albemarle County, to manage his entire estates with
the aid of Mr. Francis Eppes, of Chesterfield County, while
he was absent. They were to apply all of the profits to the
payment of his debts. (See letter, Jefferson to Alexander
McCaul, London, April 19, 1786. Ford, Jefferson’s Writings
5; 90. Also “Agreement with Nicholas Lewis,” Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

There were no entries in the Garden Book for this year and
the succeeding ones until 1790. We know very little about
what happened at Monticello during Jefferson’s absence.

In the spring of 1784 Jefferson received an interesting letter
from Mr. Ralph Izard, his friend, which reveals in part Jef-
ferson’s reputation as an agriculturist and farmer.

The Elms, South Carolina
27“ April, 1784

Dear Sir,

... I am settled upon an agreeable spot, about 18 miles from Charles
Town. A Plantation long neglected, but pleasantly situated. Sc capable
of great improvement. This 1 am attempting; & my inclination would
lead me never to enter again into public life. 1 have sown Ten Acres of
Lucerne in Drills, at the distance of 40 Inches from each other. This
was done about the loth March, & it is come up very well. I have
lately had a very troublesome piece of work. A quantity of grass, &
weeds got so intimately connected, & combined with the Plants, that the

* This year not represented in the Garden Book,

103

104

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1784

Hoe was of little, or no service, & I was obliged to have the whole hand*
picked, which employed 20 working hands six days. The ground had
lain fallow three or four years; & I was so backward in other parts of
my Farm, that I ploughed & harrowed it only once, which I believe is
the reason of my having so much trouble with it. If it would not be
deemed too selfish, and too injurious to our friends in Virginia, I could
express a wish, which I sincerely feel, that you were settled within a
Mile, or Two of me, that I might have recourse to you for advice on
this, & other occasions.

Ra. Izard

Is there a possibility of having three, or four Hundred young Grafted
Crab apple Trees sent me here from Virginia?

(Jefferson PaperSj L, C.)

Jelierson, with his daughter Martha, sailed from Boston on
July 5, on the ship C^res, His records of the temperature and
observations of the birds and marine life seen each day on the
voyage show his keen interest in nature. They were in Paris
on August 6. By August 26 Martha, or Patsy, as he lovingly
called her, was in school at the Mde de Pmthemnt, On
September 15 he went to see the gardens at Versailles, a beauty
spot he frequented during his stay in Paris. For the re-
mainder of the year he attended to his official duties and en-
joyed the intellectual and artistic life of Paris.

1785

1785* By the beginning of this year Jefferson, who had
been in France nearly six months, had become fully acquainted
with the varied life of Paris. His interests and sympathies
were so broad that he was quick to avail himself of all the
cultural phases of French life. In the early years of his stay
music especially attracted him, and he was a constant attendant
at the concerts. On September 30 he wrote to Carlo Bellini,
professor of modern languages at the College of William and
Mary:

Were I to proceed to tell you how much I enjoy their architecture,
sculpture, painting, music, I should want words. It is in these arts they
shine. The last of them, particularly, is an enjoyment, the deprivation
of which, with us, cannot be calculated. I am almost ready to say, it is
the only thing which from my heart I envy them, and which, in spite of
all the authority of the Decalogue, I do covet. (Randall, Jefferson i:

433-434.)

Early in January Jefferson received word from Virginia
that his youngest daughter, Lucy Elizabeth, who had been left
in Virginia with Mr. and Mrs. Francis Eppes, had died in No«
vember of the preceding year. Jefferson had only two sur-
viving children, Maria in Virginia, and Martha with him in
Paris.

In the spring of the year Dr. Franklin returned to America,
and Mr. Adams went to England as Minister Plenipotentiary
to the British Court. Jefferson was appointed to succeed
Franklin in the same capacity in the Court of France.

There are several entries from the Account Book 1783—
1790 relative to Jefferson’s interest in gardens and gardening:

Jan 29. p*. for a dial. 12 f.

May 22. Petit comes into my service. [Petit was a favorite steward
of Jefferson’s. He later followed Jefferson to Philadelphia and served
him in various capacities.]

June 27. p^ ferrage, breakfast, & coach hire King's gardens 3 f 16.

July 19, p* chair hire at Versailles i f 4.

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

105

Io6 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1785

Aug. 8. p® seeing the windlass plough, 3 f .

Sept. I. for seeds 27-8.

Sept. 9. p^ Noseda for a thermometer, 12 f.

On October 25 Jefferson went to Fontainebleau (^Account
Book iygi—1803). While there he wrote to the Reverend
James Madison, President of the College of William and
Mary, at Williamsburg, Virginia, an illuminating letter on
fruits and fruit trees of France. How many of the trees col-
lected for him were brought back to Virginia is not known.

Fontainebleau, Oct. 28, 1785.

To Reverend James Madison,

. . . After descending the hill again I saw a man cutting fern, I
went to him under pretence of asking the shortest road to town, and
afterwards asked for what use he was cutting fern. He told me that
this part of the country furnished a great deal of fruit to Paris. That
when packed in straw it acquired an ill taste, but that dry fern preserved
it perfectly without communicating any taste at all.

I treasured this observation for the preservation of my apples on my
return to my own country. They have no apples here to compare with
our Redtown pippin. They have nothing which deserves the name of
a peach; there being not sun enough to ripen the plum-peach and the
best of their soft peaches being like our autumn peaches. Their cherries
and strawberries are fair, but I think lack flavor. Their plums I think
are better ; so also their gooseberries, and the pears infinitely beyond any
thing we possess. They have nothing better than our sweet-water ; but
they have a succession of as good from early in the summer till frost.

I am tomorrow to get (to) M. Malsherbes (an uncle of the Chevalier
Luzerne’s) about seven leagues from hence, who is the most curious man
in France as to his trees. He is making for me a collection of the vines
from which the Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Frontignac, and other
of the most valuable wines of this country are made. Another gentle-
man is collecting for me the best eating grapes, including what we call
the raisin. I propose also to endeavor to colonize their hare, rabbit, red
and gray partridge, pheasants of different kinds, and some other birds.
, . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 19: 19-20.)

Toward the dose of the year Jefferson was elected an
honorary member of the South Carolina Society for Promot-
ing Agriculture, an honor which he prized highly. This honor
opened a correspondence between him and members of the so-
ciety, which resulted in Jefferson’s sending great quantities of
olive trees and rice to the society in order to test the possibility
of their culture in the South.

1785 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

107

Charleston, South Carolina
November 23^ 1785
Sir,

As chairnaan of the Committee of the South Carolina Society for pro-
moting & improving Agriculture & other rural Concerns, I am directed
to inform your Excellency, that you are unanimously elected an honorary
member of that Society; and I herewith transmit to your Excellency a
copy of an Address & their Rules, published at their Institution.

, I have the Honour to be with great Respect

Your Excellency’s most obedient & most humble
Servant.

Wm. Drayton

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

1786

1^86.* During January and February, 1786, Jefferson
spent a considerable part of his time replying to a series of
questions on America asked him by the editor of the Encyclo-
pedie Methodique. However, he found time early in January
to write to his friend, David Ramsay, physician and historian
of Charleston, South Carolina, requesting Dr. Ramsay to send
to him plants of Magnolia and Dionaea.

. Paris, Jan. 1786

Dear Sir,

Since writing my letter of yesterday a person whom I am very desirous
of obliging, has asked me to procure from South Carolina some plants of
the Magnolia grandiflora, sometimes called altissima, and some seeds of
the Dionaea muscipula. if you can be instrumental in procuring them
you will gratify me much. I have heard that there is one Watson at
Charleston who furnishes these articles well. I am of the opinion they
had better come to N. York, and from thence to be sent here in the
packet, for I think there is scarcely any direct communication between
Charleston & France, the proper season for sending the plants of
Magnolia must of course be awaited; but the seeds of the Dionaea I
suppose may come at any time. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

In order to Introduce native plants to the gardens of France,
Jefferson often wrote home to his friends to send him certain
plants that he thought would be of interest and value to his
friends in France. Among the first of these requests was one
to his friend, Francis Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, to send him
some nuts of the paccan (pecan) tree. He had described this
tree in his Notes on Firginia, and this no doubt created an in-
terest among his French friends to see it. The tree seemed to
fascinate Jefferson, for he constantly wrote to other friends
for its nuts. When he returned to Monticello, he planted
several hundred of them there.

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

108

1786]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

109

Paris January 3. 1786

Dear Sir,

... the third commission is more distant, it is to procure me two or
three hundred Paccan nuts from the Western country. I expect they
can always be got at Pittsburg, and am in hopes that by yourself or your
friends some attentive person there may be engaged to send them to you.
they should come as fresh as possible, and come best I believe in a box of
sand, of this Bartram could best advise you. I imagine vessels are al-
ways coming from Philadelphia to France, if there be a choice of ports,
Havre would be best. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

The following letter, with a long list of plants inclosed, was
written by Jefferson to John Bartram, Jr., the botanist of
Philadelphia :

Paris Jan. 17. 1786.

By mf Bingham who left Paris about a fortnight ago I took the liberty
of asking your acceptance of a copy of Linnaeus’s Systema vegetabilium
translated into English and enlarged with many new plants furnished by
Linnaeus, the son, and which have never before been published.

Inclosed is a list of plants and seeds which I should be very glad to ob-
tain from America for a friend here whom I wish much to oblige. I
have stated the Linnaean name to every one except those which are men-
tioned otherwise. I will pray you to send me these plants and seeds,
packed in that careful manner which you are so perfectly acquainted,
for the time of the year proper to send them, I leave it to yourself, only
hoping it will be as soon as the proper season will admit, mf F. Hop-
kinson will have the goodness to pay your demand for these things, & the
expense attending them, mf Rob. Morris will have occasion to send
many vessels to France, some of these will probably come to Havre,
this would be the best port to send them to, because they would come
from thence by water, but if no opportunity occurs to that port, let
them come to Nantes or I’Orient. in every case address them to the
care of the American Consul at the port. Your favor herein will greatly
oblige Sir your most obedient humble servant.

Plants. Andromeda arborea.
Clethra.

Geranium maculatum.
Geranium gibbosum.
Itea.

Kalmia latifolia.
Kalmia angustifolia.
Laurus Benzoin.

Laurus Sassafras.

Lilium Canadense.
Magnolia grandiflora.

" glauca.

“ acuminata.

“ tripetala.

Nyssa.

Quercus phellos.
Rhododendron maximum.

110

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1786

Seeds. Annona.

Azalea nudifilora.

Acer negundo.
rubrum.
Fensylvanicum
Cornus florida.
Chionanthus Virginica.
Ceanothus Americana.
Cupressus disticha.
Cupressus thyoides.
Crataegus tomentosa.
Campanula perfoliata.
Campanula Americana oi
Millar.

Diospyros Virginians.
Fraxinus Americana.
Guilandina Bonduc.
Gleditsia triacanthos.
Halesia tetraptera.
Juglans nigra.

Juglans cinerea.

Juglans alba.

Juglans alba, fructu minori cortice
glabro. not described by Linneus.
Juglans cortice squamosa. Clayton.
Juniperus Virginica.

Liriodendron tulipifera. in quan-

ti^.

Liquidambar styraciflua.

Prunus Virginians.

Pinus Balsamea.

Ptelea trifoliata.

Ptelea pinnata,

Phytolacca decandra.

Populus heterophylla.

Quercus Virginians, of Millar.
Rhus glabrum.

Rhus Coppallinum.

Robinia Pseudo-acacia.

Viburnum acerifolium.

Viburnum nudum.

Padus foliis lanceolatis, acute denticulatis, sempervirentibus, called in
America Bastard Mahogany, this description is not Linnaean. per-
haps mf Bartram may know what plant it belongs to. (Jefferson
Papers. M. H. S.)

Towards the close of February Jefferson was urged by John
Adams to come to London to aid in negotiating a treaty with
Portugal and to attend to other important state affairs. This
official visit to London afforded him the opportunity to see the
gardens of England and to observe the English methods of
gardening.

Jefferson used for his guide through the gardens Thomas
WLately’s Observations on Modern Gardening (London,
1770), which he either owned before he came to France or
bought soon after his arrival. His complementary notes on
the gardens described by Whately show that he had studied
the book and was ready to compare his own observations of
them with Whately’ s. This tour of English gardens had a
considerable influence on Jefferson in landscaping his grounds
at Monticello. Although he admired France and her civiliza-
tion, he considered England far superior to all other countries
in gardening. Her naturalistic gardens were to him more de-
sirable for America than the formal gardens of Paris. He

1786] Jefferson’s Garden Book m

wrote to his early friend, John Page, of Virginia, soon after
his return from England to Paris: “The gardening in that
country is the article in which it surpasses all the earth. I
mean their pleasure gardening. This, indeed, went far be-
yond my ideas.” (Randall, Jefferson i: 447.)

Jefferson left Paris on March 5. He was in London on
the nth. For the remainder of the month he busied himself
with state duties. The first of April he started on the tour of
historical places and gardens mentioned above. The follow-
ing are his comments on the gardens he visited.

A Tour to Some of the Gardens of England

(Memorandum made on a tour to some of the gardens in England, de-
scribed by Whateley in his book on Gardening. )

While his descriptions, in point of style, are models of perfect elegance
and classical correctness, they are as remarkable for their exactness. I
always walked over the gardens with his book in my hand, examined with
attention the particular spots he described, found them so justly charac-
terized by him as to be easily recognized, and saw with wonder, that his
fine imagination had never been able to seduce him from the truth. My
inquiries were directed chiefly to such practical things as might enable me
to estimate the expense of making and maintaining a garden in that
style. My journey was in the months of March and April, 1 786.

Chiswick , — Belongs to Duke of Devonshire, A garden about six
acres; — the octagonal dome has an ill effect, both within and without:
the garden shows still too much of art. An obelisk of very ill effect;
another in the middle of a pond useless. [“April 2 , gave servants at
Chiswick (D. of Devonshire’s) 4/6” {Account Book •r78i-r7P0).]
Hampton-Court . — Old fashioned. Clipt yews grown wild. [“April
2, gave servants at Hampton Court 4/6” {ibid,),"]

Twickenham. — Pope’s original garden, three and a half acres. Sir.
Wm. Stanhope added one and a half acres. This is a long narrow slip,
grass and trees in the middle, walk all around. Now Sir Wellbore
Ellis’s. Obelisk at bottom of Pope’s garden, as monument to his mother.
Inscription, “Ah ! Editha, matrum optima, mulierum amantissima. Vale,”
The house about thirty yards from the Thames: the ground shelves
gently to the water side ; on the back of the house passes the street, and
beyond that the garden. The grotto is under the street, and goes out
level to the water. In the centre of the garden a mound with a spiral
walk round it. A rookery. [“April 2, gave servants at Twickenham,
Pope’s garden, 2/” {ibid,)."]

Esher-Place . — The house in a bottom near the river ; on the other side
the ground rises pretty much. The road by which we come to the house
forms a dividing line in the middle of the front ; on the right are heights,
rising one beyond and above another, with clumps of trees; on the

112

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1786

farthest a temple. A hollow filled up with a clump of trees, the tallest
in the bottom, so that the top is quite flat. On the left the ground
descends. Clumps of trees, the clumps on each hand balance finely — a
most lovely mixture of concave and convex. The garden is of about
forty-five acres, besides the park which joins. Belongs to Lady Frances
Pelham. [“April a, gave servants at Esherplace 6/’’ (ibid.).}
Claremont . — ^Lord Clive’s. Nothing remarkable.

Paynshill. — Mr. Hopkins. Three hundred and twenty-three acres,
garden and park all in one. Well described by Whately. Grotto said
to have cost £7,000. Whately says one of the bridges is of stone, but
both now are of wood, the lower sixty feet high: there is too much ever-
green. The dwelling-house built by Hopkins, ill-situated; he has not,
been there in five years. He lived there four years while building the
present house. It is not finished ; its architecture is incorrect. A Doric
temple, beautiful. [“April a, gave servants at Paynshill' T /'' (iiid.).]
JVoburn . — Belongs to Lord Peters. Lord Loughborough is the pres-
ent tenant for two lives. Four people to the farm, four to the pleasure
garden, four to the kitchen garden. All are intermixed, the pleasure
garden being merely a highly-ornamented walk through and round the
divisions of the farm and kitchen garden. [“April 3, gave servants at
Woburn’s farm 6/6" (iWd.).]

Caversham . — Sold by Lord Cadogan to Major Marsac. Twenty-
five acres of garden, four hundred acres of park, six acres of kitchen
garden. A large lawn, separated by a sunk fence from the garden, ap-
pears to be part of it. A straight, broad gravel walk passes before the
front and parallel to it, terminated on the right by a Doric temple, and
opening at the other end on a fine prospect. This straight walk has an
ill effect. The lawn in front, which is pasture, well disposed with
clumps of trees. ["April 4, Caversham, gave servants 3/6" (fiid.).]
fPotton . — Now belongs to the Marquis of Buckingham, son of
George Grenville. The lake covers fifty acres, the river five acres, the
basin fifteen acres, the little rivet two acres — equal to seventy-two acres
of water. The lake and great river are on a level; they fall into the
basin five feet below, and that again into the little river five feet lower.
These waters lie in the form of [^ : the house is in middle of the open
side, fronting the angle. A walk goes round the whole, three miles
in circumference, and containing within it about three hundred acres:
sometimes it passes close to the water, sometimes so far off as to leave
large pasture grounds between it and the water. But two hands to
keep the pleasure grounds in order ; much neglected. The water affords
two thousand brace of carp a year. There is a Palladian bridge, of
which, I think, Whatley does not speak. [“April 5, Wotton (Marquis
of Buckingham's) servants 3/’’ (ibid.),]

Stowe . — Belongs to the Marquis of Buckingham, son of George Gren-
ville, and who takes it from Lord Temple. Fifteen men and eighteen
boys employed in keeping pleasure grounds. Within the walk are con-
siderable portions separated by enclosures and used for pasture. The
Egyptian pyramid is almost entirely taken down by the -late Lord

1786] Jefferson’s Garden Book 1 13

Temple, to erect a building there, in commemoration of Mr. Pitt, but
he died before beginning it, and nothing is done to it yet. The grotto
and two rotundas are taken away. There are four levels of water, re-
ceiving it one from the other. The basin contains seven acres, the lake
below that ten acres. Kent’s building is called the temple of Venus.
The enclosure is entirely by ha-ha. At each end of the front line there
is a recess like the bastion of a fort. In one of these is the temple of
Friendship, in the other the temple of Venus. They are seen the one
from the other, the line of sight passing, not through the garden, but
through the country parallel to rhe line of the garden. This has a good
effect. In the approach to Stowe, you are brought a mile through a
straight avenue, pointing to the Corinthian arch and to the house, till
you get to the arch, then you turn short to the right. The straight ap-
proach is very ill. The Corinthian arch has a very useless appearance,
inasmuch as it has no pretension to any destination. Instead of being an
object from the house, it is an obstacle to a very pleasing distant prospect.
The Grecian valley being clear of trees, while the hill on each side is
covered with them, is much deepened to appearance. ["April 6, Stowe
(Marquis of Buckingham’s) servants 8/’’ (ibid.),]

Leasowesj in Shropshire . — Now the property of Mr. Horne by pur-
chase. One hundred and fifty acres within the walk. The waters
small. This is not even an ornamented farm — it is only a grazing farm
with a path round it, here and there a seat of board, rarely anything
better. Architecture has contributed nothing. The obelisk is of brick.
Shenstone had but three hundred pounds a year, and ruined himself by
what he did to this farm. It is said that he died of the heart-aches which
his debts occasioned him. The part next to the road is of red earth, that
on the further part grey. The first and second cascades are beautiful.
The landscape at number eighteen, and prospect at thirty-two, are fine.
The walk through the wood is umbrageous and pleasing. The whole
arch of prospect may be of ninety degrees. Many of the inscriptions
are lost. [“Apr. 7, Leasowes (Shenstone’s. now Horne’s) serv** 5/’’
(ibid.).]

Hagley, now Lord Wescot's . — One thousand acres: no distinction be-
tween park and garden — both blended, but more of the character of
garden. Eight or nine laborers keep it in order. Between two and
three hundred deer in it, some of them red deer. They breed sometimes
with the fallow. This garden occupying a descending hollow between
the Clent and Witchbury hills, with the spurs from those hills, there is
no level in it for a spacious water. There are, therefore, only some
small ponds. From one of these there is a fine cascade; but it can only
be occasionally, by opening the sluice. This is in a small, dark, deep
hollow, with recesses of stone in the banks on every side. In one of
these is a Venus predique, turned half round as if inviting you with her
into the recess. There is another cascade seen from the portico on the
bridge. The castle is triangular, with a round tower at each angle, one
only entire; it seems to be between forty and fifty feet high. The ponds

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1786

II4

yield a great deal of trout. The walb are scarcely gravelled. [“April
8, Hagley (L« Wescott’s) serv^" 5/.— ent‘. in the village a/6’’ {ibid.).'\

Blenkeim. — ^Twenty-five hundred acres, of which two hundred is gar-
den, one hundred and fifty water, twelve kitchen garden, and the rest
park. Two hundred people employed to keep it in order, and to make
alterations and additions. About fifty of these employed in pleasure
grounds. The turf is mowed once in ten days. In summer, about two
thousand fallow deer in the park, and two or three thousand sheep.
The palace of Henry II. was remaining till taken down by Sarah, widow
of the first Duke of Marlborough. It was on a round spot levelled by
art, near what is now water, and but a little above it. The island was
a part of the high road leading to the palace. Rosamond’s bower was
near where is now a little grove, about two hundred yards from the
palace. The well is near where the bower was. The water here is
very beautiful, and very grand. The cascade from the lake, a fine one ;
except this the garden has no great beauties. It is not laid out in fine
lawns and woods, but the trees are scattered thinly over the ground, and
every here and there small thickets of shrubs, in oval raised beds, culti-
vated, and flowers among the shrubs. The gravelled walks are broad —
art appears too much. There are but a few seats in it, and nothing of
architecture more dignified. There is no one striking position in it.
There has been a great addition to the length of the river since
Whatcley wrote. [“April 9, Blenheim (D. of Marlborough’s) serv“

ir i-ibid,).]

Enfield Chase . — One of the four lodges. Garden about sixty acres.
Originally by Lord Chatham, now in the tenure of Dr. Beaver, who
married the daughter of Mr. Sharpe. The lease lately renewed — not in
good repair. The water very fine; would admit of great improvement
by extending walks, etc., to the principal water at the bottom of the
lawn.

Moor Park . — ^The lawn about thirty acres. A piece of ground up
the hill of six acres. A small lake. Clumps of spruce firs. Surrounded
by walk — separately inclosed — destroys unity. The property of Mr.
Rous, who bought of Sir Thomas Dundas. The building superb ; the
principal front a Corinthian portico of four columns; in front of the
vrings a colonnade, Ionic, subordinate. Back front a terrace, four Co-
rinthian pilasters. Pulling down wings of building; removing deer;
wants water,

Kew. — Archimedes' scr^w for raising water. [He draws a diagram
of this screw and describes it.] ["Apr. 14, gave serv*® at Kew 5/. —
lemonade 6 V (iiW,),] (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 17; 236-
244.)

Before leaving London for Paris on April 26, Jefferson
“left with Col®. Smith for James Lee. Hammersmith for plants
4^-1 5.” These plants, of which a list follows, were to be
sent to Tours, probably for a friend.

1786]

jEFFERsotr’s Garden Book

I15

M'. Jefferson Bought of James Lee & Co.
1786 24 April

number tied

Quantity of

on each sort

each sort

& s C

No I

Cornus florida

.4. 6

Cupressus thyoides

.4. 6

Gleditsia triacanthus ....

.3 . . .

Itea Vir^inica

.4. 6

Juglans alba

.3 . . .

rinfffa

. .4.. 6

Laurus benzoin

. .

.4. 6

Liquidambar Styraciflua .

.4. 6

Magnolia grandiflora ....

. .15 ...

Pinus Balsamea

. I. 6

. . « .1. . ^

Populus heterophylla ....

. 4. 6

Ptelea trifoliata

.3 . . .

Robinia pseudo Acacia . . .

.3 . . .

Viburnum nudum

.3 . . .

Vaccinium Occycoccos . . .

. .18 . . .

Lilium Canadense

.6 . . .

Box package etc.

Carriage to Tours

. .1

£ 4 - 15 ....

{Jefferson Papers, United States Department of Agriculture.)

Jefferson arrived in Paris on May i, beginning soon after
correspondence with friends in America about the exchange of
plants between the two countries. The first of these letters
was to Richard Cary, his kinsman and friend in Virginia.

Paris May 4. 1786.

Dear Sir,

Knowing your fondness for Botany, and meeting with a new edition
of Linnaeus’s systema vegetabilium in English, with many additions fur-
nished the editors by young Linneaus whidi have never yet been in print,
I procurred one for you, and now avail myself of the return of Mon de
la Croix to Williamsburg to convey it to you and ask your acceptance of
it. I saw in the hands of mr Mazzei a list of flower roots & seeds
which you had desired him to send you. 1 have taken a copy of it, and
will endeavor to find an opportunity of sending them when the season
shall be proper, which you Imow will not be till fall, should you here-
after have any other wishes in this line you cannot oblige me more than
by communicating them to me, and I will do my best to execute them,
the only difficulty will be an opportimity by a careful hand in the proper
season, but this chance may be in our favor as well as it may be against
us. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1786

I16

On May 6 he wrote to William Drayton, chairman of the
South Carolina Society for Promoting Agriculture, accepting
membership in that society, to which he had been elected the
preceding year. In his letter of acceptance he wrote:

I send at present by mf M“Queen some seeds of a grass found very
useful in the Southern parts of Europe, & particularly & almost solely
cultivated in Malta, it is called by the names of Sulla, and Spanish S‘.
foin, and is the Hedysarum coronarinm of Linnaeus, it is usually sown
early in autumn. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

He also sent Drayton acorns of the cork oak, a species he
thought should be experimented with in order to find out if it
could be grown profitably in the South. Jefferson attempted
to grow it at Monticello but without success.

In August Jefferson again wrote Richard Cary, sending him
a long list of native plants which he asked to be sent to him.
He wrote detailed instructions about packing them. At the
same time Jefferson reciprocated with some choice plants from
the Continent. This list of plants and the list sent to Bartram
are especially interesting because they reveal Jefferson’s wide
knowledge of native plants.

Pans, Aug. 12. 1786

To R, Cary

^Andromeda arborea
*Azalea nudiflora
Azalea viscosa
*Acer Pensylvanicura
Cornus florida
Ceanothus americana
Cupressus disticha
Cupressus thyoides
Juglans cinerea
the Gloster hiccory
Laurus Benzoin
^Magnolia glauca
*KaImia latifolia
Nyssa

Ftelea trifoliata
Kalmia angustifolia
Ftelea pinnata

Clethra

Campanula perfoUata
Campanula americana
Geranium maculatum
Geranium gibbosum
Guilandina Bonduc
Halesia tetraptera
Itea

Populus hetcrophylla
•Quercus phellos
Qucrcus virginiana of Millar
^Rhododendron maximum
Rhus copallinum
Viburnum acerifolium
Viburnum nudum
*Bignonia sempervirens (yellow
jasmine)

Those marked * are desired in greater quantities <Se particularly in
plants. The others to be in plants where the plant succeeds tolerably,
and seeds of the whole or as many as can be got will be desirable. The
reason of desiring plants is that they may be the sooner enjoyed.

1786]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

I17

... I send you seeds of Ranunculus, Broccoli & Cauliflower, bulbs
of the tulip, having thought it best to put off getting the articles till
the bearer of this was near setting out, they have disappointed me
of Carnations, Auriculas, Tuberoses, Hyacinths, & Belladonna lillies
which I had ordered, the Arno pink seed can of course only be sent
you by Mazzei from Florence if he should ever go there, the Alpine
strawberry I expect you have got from mf Eppes. Mushmelons, such
as are here, are worse than the worst in Virginia, there is not sun
enough to ripen them, & give them flavor, the caper bush would re-
quire a better opportunity than the present, therefore I have not en-
quired whether it can be got here. I do not know what the Nutberry
pine is. I have no Miller’s Dictionary here. You must therefore al-
ways give the Linnaean names.

Method of packing the Plants

Take the plants up by the roots, leaving good roots. Trim off all the
boughs & cut the stems to the length of your box. Near the tip end of
every plant cut a number of notches which will serve as labels, giving the
same number to all plants of the same species. Where the plant is too
small to be notched, notch a separate stick & tye it to the plant. Make
a list on paper of the plants by their names & number of notches.

Take fresh moss just gathered, lay a layer of it at the bottom of the
box a inches thick, then a layer of plants & again moss alternately, finish-
ing with a layer of moss 2 inches thick, or more if more be necessary to
fill the box. large roots must be separately wrapped in moss. (.Jeffer-
son PapeiSj L. C.)

On August 13 a letter went to Mr. Benjamin Hawkins, of
North Carolina, requesting him to send seeds of Dionaea, a
plant Jefferson would have delighted in showing his Paris
friends.

Paris August 13, 1786.

To Mr, Hawkins,

. . . Your attention to one burthen 1 laid on you, encourages me to
remind you of another, which is the sending me some of the seeds of the
Dionaea Muscipula, or Venus fly-trap, called also with you, I believe,
the Sensitive Plant. This can come folded in a letter. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson S? 390.)

Jefferson, always interested in encouraging trade between
America and Europe, wrote to Dr. Ramsay in October, seek-
ing the reason why so little rice came to France from South
Carolina and Georgia, despite the fact that the people in
France consumed large quantities of it and that the rice from
the South was superior to that they imported from other
countries.

Il8 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1786

Paris Oct. 27. 1786.

To Dr. Ramsey,

. . . Having observed the immence consumption of rice in this coun-
try, it became matter of wonder to me why so few ships come here with
that article from S. Carolina & Georgia, the information I received
on my first inquiry was that little Carolina rice came here, because it was
less dean & less good than what is brought them from the Levant, fur-
ther enquiry however has satisfied me of the inexactitude of this informa-
tion. the case is as follows, about one half the rice consumed in France
is from Carolina, the other half is chiefly from Piedmont, the Piedmont
rice is thought by connoisseurs to be best au gras, the Carolina rice best
au lait. yet the superior whiteness of the latter is so much more pleas-
ing to the eye as to compensate with every purchase it’s deficiency in
quality. Carolina rice sells at Havre by wholesale at 22, 23, 24, livres
Ac French quintal, the livre being 10* sterling & the French quintal
10 g the English, at the approach of lent it rises to 27 livres. it is re-
tailed in Paris 6 to 10 sous the French pound according to it's quality
being sorted. Piedmont rice sells always at 10 sous (5'‘ sterling the
pound, in the wholesale it is 3 or 4 times the quintal dearer than Caro-
lina rice, it would supplant that of Piedmont rice if brought in suffi-
cient quantity, & to France directly, but it is first carried Sc deposited
in England, & it is the merchant of that country who sends it here
[making] a great profit himself, while the commodity is moreover [also]
subjected of double voiage. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Although letters passed frequently between Jefferson and
Mr. Nicholas Lewis, his manager in Albemarle, little was
written about gardening and plants. When farm affairs were
mentioned, the discussion dealt mainly with the financial out-
look. Jefferson did, however, write to Mr. Lewis about plants
in a letter dated December 19, in which he said;

I am much obliged to you for your attention to my trees & grass the
latter is one of Ae principal pillows on which I shall rely for subsistence
when I shall be at liberty to try projects without injury to any body.
... I shall endeavor to send with Ab a packet of the seeds of trees
whiA I wish Anthony to sow in a large nursery noting well their names.
There will be a little Spanish S‘. foin, represented to me as a very
precious grass in a hot country. I would have it sowed in one of the
vacant lots of my grass ground.

He also sent Spanish broom, yellow-flowered locust, bladder
senna, and Thuja. (I ef arson Papers, L. C.)

Earlier in the year Jefferson had requested Francis Hopkin-
son to send him some paccan nuts. Hopkinson, not knowing
which species Jefferson desired, wrote him concerning them.
Jefferson in his reply wrote : “The Paccan nut is, as you con-

1786] Jefferson’s Garden Book 1 19

jecture the Illinois nut, the former is the vulgar name South
of the Potomac as also with the Indians & Spaniards, and en-
ters also into the Botanical name which is Juglans Paccan”
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

In a reply to Ferdinand Grand about plants to send Ben-
jamin Franklin, written late in December, Jefferson gave him
a valuable comparison between the plants grown in Europe
and America.

Paris Dec. 28. 1786.

(Jefferson to Ferdinand Grand.)

... I did not answer in the instant the letter you favored me with
yesterday, because I wished to reflect on the article of seeds for Dr.
Franklin, on which you were pleased to ask my opinion, we import
annually from England to every part of America garden seeds of all
sorts, you may judge therefore that these & what we raise from them
furnish garden vegetables in good perfection, the only garden vegetable
I find here better than ours, is the turnep.

Of fruits, the pears, & apricots alone are better than ours, and we
have not the Apricot-peche at all. but the stones of good apricots & of
the peach-apricot would answer well, the fruits of the peach-class do
not degenerate from the stone so much as is imagined here, we have so
much experience of this in America that tho* we graft all other kinds of
fruits, we rarely graft the peach, the nectarine, the apricot or the almond,
the tree proceeding from the stone yields a faithful copy of its fruit, &
the tree is always healthier. . . .

P. S. I must add that tho’ we have some grapes as good as in France,
yet we have by no means such a variety, nor so perfect a succession of
them. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

The Account Book I'jSs-iygi gives a few entries concern-
ing Jefferson’s interest in gardens and gardening in France.

June 7. p* Marc, garden utensils 64-3.

Jfune a8. p* seeing Hermitage. 4 f 4. d®. Audinot’s garden 2 f 8.

July 10. p® Petit — garden — 1-4.

1787

1787.* Two events occurred this year which gave Jeffer-
son unlimited pleasure. One was the arrival of Maria, his
younger daughter, come from Virginia to join Martha and
him in France; the other was a tour through southern France
and northern Italy.

During the journey, which incidentally Jefferson took alone
in his carriage and post horses, he kept a journal of what he
saw and did. This record, supplemented by pertinent details
from the ever faithfully kept account books, presents a full de-
scription of his movements and interests. Concerning the
journal Randall remarks:

Like his journal in England, it is chiefly occupied with practical de-
scriptions; but in this case agriculture and wine-making, instead of gar-
dening, receive the principal share of his attention. In regard to these,
his information is extensive, and oftentimes almost exact enough for the
directions of those about to engage, without previous practice, in the cul-
ture of vineyards and the production of the different varieties of wine.
Spirited sketches of scenery occur in the journal, but they are brief, and
are only intended to show what kind of a country, topographically speak-
ing, is adapted to this or that kind of culture. (Randall, Jefferson i:

467.)

Jefferson took notes on almost every phase of agriculture as
he passed through the rural sections of France and Italy —
soils, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even the living conditions
of the farmers. Rice and olives received his closest attention.
He was interested first of all in finding a dry rice to supple-
ment or supplant the wet rice of the Carolinas and Georgia,
because he thought wet rice “a plant which sows life and death
with almost equal hand.” Secondly, he considered the olive
_ the worthiest plant to be introduced into America. He re-
marks of the olive;

Of all the gifts of heaven to man,, it is next to the most precious, if it
be not the most precious. Perhaps it may claim a preference even to

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

lao

1787]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

121

bread, because there is such an infinitude of vegetables, which it renders
a proper and comfortable nourishment.

Jefferson sent rice, olive trees, and seeds to South Carolina
and Georgia for experimental culture. The rice flourished,
but the olive-growing experiments were failures. In 1813
Jefferson wrote from Monticello to his friend, Mr. James
Ronaldson :

It is now twenty-five years since I sent them [his southern fellow
citizens] two shipments (about 500 plants) of the Olive tree of Aix, the
finest Olives in the world. If any of them still exist, it is merely as a
curiosity in their gardens, not a single orchard of them has been planted.
(Ford, Jefferson 11: 272,)

On February 7 Jefferson sent a list of plants, similar to the
ones he had sent the previous year to Mr. Bartram and to Mr.
Cary, to Mr. John Banister, Jr. The list of plants was ac-
companied by detailed instructions on packing and sending
them. (Letter and list of plants, Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Shipping plants from America to Europe in Jefferson’s day
involved great difficulties. Usually more plants died in trans-
port than survived, either because the shipments were allowed
to stand for months on the wharves awaiting adequate shipping
space, or because they were unable to weather the lengthy sea
voyage, often of several weeks or months. On account of this
uncertainty Jefferson usually preferred his friends sending him
seeds rather than plants. A letter from Jefferson to Andrew
Limozin, his agent in Havre, France, shows the difficulties in-
volved in sending plants.

Paris Feb. ii, 1787.
Sir,

A friend in S. Carolina sent a letter & a box of plants for me to mf.
Otto, charge des affaires of France at New York, the letter came by
the packet the Courier de I’Europe, and was sent to me from I’Orient.
I presume Mr. Otto sent the box of plants by the same conveiance, but
as the packet received orders on her arrival at I’Orient to repair immedi-
ately to Havre, she landed only her passengers and letters, and proceeded
to Havre, where I suppose she is now and that she has there the box of
plants for me. I leave Paris the 16*“. instant, and it is very interesting
for me to receive that box before I go. you will oblige me extremely if
you can have it sought out in the instant of receiving this, & forwarded
by the first Diligence to me here, I beg your pardon for troubling you
so much: but these plants are precious, & have already come from S.
Carolina -to N. York, from N. York to Lorient, & from Lorient to

122

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1787

Havre. There is danger therefore of their losing their vegetative power
by delayi and my departure renders that delay still more interesting.
I am with very much esteem & respect Sir your most obedient & most
humble serv‘. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

For biographical information on Madame de Tesse, whose
name appears frequently in the correspondence from this point
on, see page 398, note 26.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1787

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Paris Feb. 6. 1787

Sir —

I had the honour of addressing you on the of May last by mf
Me Quin, and of sending you by the same gentleman some seed of the
Sulla, or Spanish foin. I hope it has succeeded, as some seeds of the
same parcel which I sowed in my garden here vegetated well and gave
me an opportunity of seeing that it is a most luxuriant grass, it’s suc-
cess in the climate of Malta seems to ensure it with you. the present
serves to inform you that I send with it, to the care of your delegates in
Congress, some acorns of the Cork oak. I am told that they must not
be covered above two inches deep, their being pierced by the worm will
not affect their power of vegetating. I am just setting out on a journey
to the South of France, should any objects present themselves in the
course of my journey which may promise to forward the views of the
society, I shall with great pleasure avail you of them. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Madame de Tesse.)

Paris Feb. 2a. 1787

... 1 have had the pleasure to learn from Mr. Berard of Lorient
that he has our box of Magnolia & Dionaea safe ; that he will send it by
the first Diligence. . . . My servant will carry them to you the moment
they arrive, as well as any other parcels of seeds or plants, should any
other escape thru all the dangers & difficulties which beset them. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, Missouri Historical Society.)

(Jefferson to William Short.)

Nice, April I2, 1787.

... At Marseilles, they told me I should encounter the rice fields of
Piedmont soon after cr<»sing the Alps. Here they tell me there are
none nearer than Vcrcelli and Novarra, which is carrying me almost to
Milan. I fear that this circumstance will occasion me a greater delay
than I had calculated on. However I am embarked in the project, and
shall go through with it. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 6: no.)

1787]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

123

(Jefferson to John Jay.)

Marseilles, May 4, 1787.

. . . Among other objects of inquiry, this was the place to learn some-
thing more certain on the subject of rice, as it is a great emporium for
that of the Levant and of Italy. I wished particularly to know whether'
it was the use of a different machine for cleaning, which brought
European rice to market less broken than ours, as has been represented
to me by those who deal in that article in Paris. I found several per-
sons who had passed through the rice country of Italy, but not one who
could explain to me the nature of the machine. But I was given to be-
lieve that I might see it myself immediately on entering Piedmont. As
this would require but about three weeks, I determined to go and ascer-
tain this point, as the chance only of placing our rice above all rivalship
in quality, as it is in color, by the introduction of a better machine, if a
better existed, seemed to justify the application of that much time to it.
I found the rice country to be in truth Lombardy, one hundred miles
further than had been represented, and that though called Piedmont rice,
not a grain is made in die country of Piedmont. I passed through the
rice fields of the Venellese [= Vercellese?] and Milanese, about sixty
miles, and returned from thence last night, having found that the machine
is absolutely the same as ours, and of course, that we need not listen more
to that suggestion. It is a difference in the species of grain, of which
the government of Turin is so sensible, that, as I was informed, they pro-
hibit the exportation of rough rice on pain of death. I have taken meas-
ures, however, which I think will not fail for obtaining a quantity of it,
and I bought on the spot a small parcel, which I have with me. As
further details on this subject to Congress would be misplaced, I pro-
pose, on my return to Paris, to communicate them, and send the rice to
the society at Charleston for promoting agriculture, supposing that they
will be best able to try the experiment of cultivating the rice of this
quality, and to communicate the species to the two States of South Caro-
lina and Georgia, if they find it answer. I thought the staple of these
two States was entitled to this attendon, and that it must be desirable to
them to be able to furnish rice of the two qualifies demanded in Europe,
especially, as the greater consumption is in the forms for which the
Lombardy quality is preferred. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 6:
lia-113.)

(Jefferson to John Adams.)

Paris July i. 1787.

... I had expected to satisfy myself, at Marseilles, of the causes of
the difference of quality between the rice of Carolina, and that of Pied-
mont, which is brought in quantities to Marseilles, not being able to do
it, I made an excursion of three weeks into the rice country beyond the
Alps, going through it from Vercelli to Pavia, about sixty miles. I
found the difference to be, not in the management, as had been supposed
both here and in Carolina, but in the species of rice; and I hope to enable

124

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1787

them in Carolina, to begin the cultivation of the Piedmont Rice, and
carry it on, hand in hand, with their own, that they may supply both
qualities; which is absolutely necessary at this market. . . . (Jefferson
Papers 1 L. C.)

(Jefferson to E. Rutledge.)

Paris. July 14. 1787.

... I found their machine exactly such a one as you had described to
me in Congress in the year 1783- there was but one conclusion then to
draw, to wit, that the rice was of a different species, and I determined to
take enough to put you in seed j they informed me, however, that its ex-
portation in the husk was prohibited, so I could only bring off as much
as my coat and surtout pockets would hold. I took measures with a
muleteer to run a couple of sacks across the Apennines to Genoa, but
have not great dependence on its success, the little, therefore, which I
brought myself, must be relied on for fear we should get no more; and
because, also, it is genuine from Vercelli, where the best is made of all
the Sardinian Lombardy, the whole of which is considered as producing
a better rice than the Milanese. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis.)

Paris July 29. 1787.

... I will put into this letter some more seeds of the Spanish Sainfoin
lest those formerly sent should have miscarried. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L.C.)

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Paris, July 30, 1787.

Sir, — Having observed that the consumption of rice in this country,
and particularly in this capital, was very great, I thought it my duty to
inform myself from what markets they draw their supplies, in what
proportion from ours, and whether it might not be practicable to in-
crease that proportion. This city being little concerned in foreign com-
merce, it is difficult to obtain information on particular branches of it in
the detail. I addressed myself to the retailers of rice, and from them re-
ceived a mixture of truth and error, which I was unable to sift apart in
the first moment. Continuing, however, my inquiries, they produced at
length this result : that the dealers here were in the habit of selling two
qualities of rice, that of Carolina, with which they were supplied chiefly
from England, and that of Piedmont; that the Carolina rice was long,
slender, white and transparent, answers well when prepared with milk,
sugar, &c., but not so well when prepared au gras; that that of Pied-
mont was shorter, thicker, and less wjiite, but that it presented its
form better when dressed au gras, was better tasted, and, therefore, pre-
ferred by good judges for those purposes; that the consumption of rice,
in this form, was much the most considerable, but that the superior

1787]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

125

beauty of the Carolina rice, seducing the eye of those purchasers who are
attached to appearances, the demand for it was upon the whole as great
as for that of Piedmont. They supposed this difference of quality to
proceed from a difference of management; that the Carolina rice was
husked with an instrument that broke it more, and that less pains were
taken to separate the broken from the unbroken grains, imagining that it
was the broken grains which dissolved in oily preparations; that the
Carolina rice costs somewhat less than that of Piedmont ; but that being
obliged to sort the whole grains from the broken, in order to satisfy the
tastes of their customers, they asked and receive as much for the first
quality of Carolina, when sorted, as for the rice of Piedmont; but the
second and third qualities, obtained by sorting, are sold much cheaper.
The objection to the Carolina rice then, being, that it crumbles in certain
forms of preparation, and this supposed to be the effect of a less perfect
machine for husking, I flattered myself I should be able to learn what
might be the machines of Piedmont, when I should arrive at Marseilles,
to which place I was to go in the course of a tour through the seaport
towns of this country. At Marseilles, however, they differed as much
in account of the machines, as at Paris they had differed about other cir-
cumstances. Some said it was husked between mill-stones, others be-
tween rubbers of wood in the form of mill-stones, others of cork. They
concurred in one fact, however, that the machine might be seen by me,
immediately on crossing the Alps. This would be an affair of three
weeks. I crossed them and went through the rice country from Vercelli
to Pavia, about sixty miles. I found the machine to be absolutely the
same with that used in Carolina, as well as I could recollect a descrip-
tion which Mr. E. Rutledge had given me of it. It is on the plan of a
powder mill. In some of them, indeed, they arm each pestle with an
iron tooth, consisting of nine spikes hooked together, which I do not re-
member in the description of Mr. Rutledge. I therefore had a tooth
made which I have the honor of forwarding you with this letter; ob-
serving, at the same time, that as many of their machines are without
teeth as with them, and of course, that the advantage is not very palpable.
It seems to follow, then, that the rice of Lombardy (for though called
Piedmont rice, it does not grow in that county but in Lombardy) is of
a different species from that of Carolina; different in form, in color and
in quality. We know that in Asia they have several distinct species of
this grain. Monsieur Poivre, a former Governor of the Isle of France,
in travelling through several countries^of Asia, observed with particular
attention the objects of their agriculture, and he tells us, that in Cochin-
China they cultivate six several kinds of rice, which he describes, three of
them requiring water, and three growing on highlands. The rice of
Carolina is said to have come from Madagascar, and De Poivre tells us,
it is the white rice which is cultivated there. This favors the probability
of its being of a different species originally, from that of Piedmont ; and
time, culture and climate may have made it still more different. Under
this idea, I thought it would be well to furnish you with some of the
Piedmont rice, unhusked, but was told it was contrary to the laws to
export it in that form. I took such measures as I could, however, to

126

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1787

have a quantity brought out, and lest these should fail, I brought, myself,
a few pounds. A part of this I have addressed to you by the way of Lon-
don; a part comes with this letter; and I shall send another parcel by
some other conveyance, to prevent the danger of miscarriage. _ Any one
of them arriving safe, may serve to put in seed, should the society think
it an object. This seed too, coming from Vercelli, where the best rice
is supposed to grow, is more to be depended on than what may be sent
me hereafter. There is a rice from the Levant, which is considered as
of a qu^ity still difierent, and some think it superior to that of Pied-
mont. The troubles which have existed in that country for several
years back, have intercepted it from the European market, so that it is
become almost unknown. I procured a bag of it, however, at Marseilles,
and another of the best rice of Lombardy, which are on their way to this
place, and when arrived, I will forward you a quantity of each, sufficient
to enable you to judge of their qualities when prepared for the table. I
have also taken measures to have a quantity of it brought from the
Levant, unhusked. If I succeed, it shall be forwarded in like manner.
I should think it certainly advantageous to cultivate, in Carolina and
Georgia, the two qualities demanded at market ; because the progress of
culture, with us, may soon get beyond the demand for the white rice;
and because too, there is often a brisk demand for the one quality, when
the market is glutted with the other. ^ I should hope there would be no
danger of losing the species of white rice, by a confusion with the other.
This would be a real misfortune, as I should not hesitate to pronounce
the white, upon the whole, the most precious of the two, for us. The
dry rice of Cochin-China has the reputation of being the whitest to the
eye, best flavored to the taste, and most productive. It seems then to
unite the good qualities of both the others known to us. Could it sup-
plant them, it would be a great happiness, as it would enable us to get
rid of those ponds of stagnant water, so fatal to human health and life.
But such is the force of habit, and caprice of taste, that we could not be
sure before hand it would produce diis effect. The experiment, how-
ever, is worth trying, should it only end in producing a third quality,
and increasing the demand. 1 will endeavor to procure some to be
brought from Cochin-China. The event, however, will be uncertain
and distant.

I was induced, in the course of my journey through the south of
France, to pay very particular attention to the objects of their culture,
because the resemblance of their climate to that of the southern parts
of the United States, authorizes us to presume we may adopt any of their
articles of culture, which we would wish for. We should not wish for
their wines, though they are good and abundant. The culture of the
vine is not desirable in lands capable of producing anything else. It is
a species of gambling, and of desperate gambling too, wherein, whether
you make much or nothing, you are equity ruined. The middling crop
alone is the saving point, and that the seasons seldom hit. Accordingly,
we see much wretchedness among this class of cultivators. Wine, too, is
SO cheap in these countries, that a laborer with us, employed in the cul-
tqte of any other article, may exchange it for wine, more and better than

1787]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

127

he could raise himself. It is a resource for a country, the whole of
whose good soil is otherwise employed, and which still has some barren
spots, and surplus of population to employ on them. There the vine is
good, because it is something in the place of nothing. It may become a
resource to us at a still earlier period; when the increase of population
shall increase our productions beyond the demand for them, both at home
and abroad. Instead of going on to make an useless surplus of them, we
may employ our supernumerary hands on the vine. But that period is
not yet arrived.

The almond tree is also so precarious, that none can depend for sub-
sistence on its produce, but persons of capital.

The caper, though a more tender plant, is more certain in its produce,
because a mound of earth of the size of a cucumber hill, thrown over the
plant in the fall, protects it effectually against the cold of winter.
When the danger of frost is over in the spring, they uncover it, and
begin its culture. There is a great deal of this in the neighborhood of
Toulon. The plants are set about eight feet apart, and yield, one year
with another, about two pounds of caper each, worth on the spot sixpence
sterling per pound. They require little culture, and this may be per-
formed either with the plough or hoe. The principal work is the gather-
ing of the fruit as it forms. Every plant must be picked every other day,
from the last of June till the middle of October. But this is the work
of women and children. This plant does well in any kind of soil which
is dry, or even in walls where there is no soil, and it lasts the life of man.
Toulon would be the proper port to apply for them. I must observe,
that the preceding details cannot be relied on with the fullest certainty,
because, in the canton where this plant is cultivated, the inhabitants
speak no written language, but a medley, which I could understand but
very imperfectly.

The fig and mulberry are so well known in America, that nothing
need be said of them. Their culture, too, is by women and children,
and, therefore, earnestly to be desired in countries where there are slaves.
In these, the women and children are often employed in labors dispro-
portioned to their sex and age. By presenting to the master objects of
culture, easier and equally beneficid, all temptation to misemploy them
would be removed, and the lot of this tender part of our species be much
softened. By varying, too, the articles of culture, we multiply the
chances for making something, and disarm the seasons in a proportion-
able degree, of their calamitous effects.

The olive is a tree the least known in America, and yet the most
worthy of being known. Of all the gifts of heaven to man, it is next to
the most precious, if it be not the most precious. Perhaps it may claim
a preference even to bread, because there is such an infinitude of vege-
tables, which it renders a proper and comfortable nourishment. In
passing the Alps at the Col de Tende, where they are mere masses of
rock, wherever there happens to be a little soil, there are a number of
olive trees, and a village supported by them. Take away these trees,
and the same ground in corn would not support a single family. A

10.8

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1787

pound of oil, which can be bought for three or four pence sterling, is
equivalent to many pounds of flesh, by the quantity of vegetables it will
prepare, and render fit and comfortable food. Without this tree, the
country of Provence and territory of Genoa would not support one-half,
perhaps not one-third, their present inhabitants. The nature of the
soil is of little consequence if it be dry. The trees are planted fiom
fifteen to twenty feet apart, and when tolerably good, will yield fifteen
or twenty pounds of oil yearly, one with another. There are trees which
yield much more. They begin to render good crops at twenty years old,
and last till killed by cold, which happens at some time or other, even in
their best positions in France. But they put out again from their roots.
In Italy, I am told, they have trees two hundred years old. They afford
an easy but constant employment through the year, and require so little
nourishment, that if the soil be fit for any other production, it may be
cultivated among the olive trees without injuring them. The northern
limits of this tree are the mountains of Cevennes, from about the
meridian of Carcassonne to the Rhone, and from thence, the Alps and
the Apennines as far as Genoa, I know, and how much farther I am not
informed. The shelter of these mountains may be considered as equiva-
lent to a degree and a half of latitude, at least, because westward of the
commencement of the Cevennes, there are no olive trees in 43-i“ or even
43® of latitude, whereas, we find them now on the Rhone at Pierrelatte,
in 44i“, and formerly they were at Tains, above the mouth of the Isere,
in 45®, sheltered by the near approach of the Cevennes and Alps, which
only leave there a passage for the Rhone. Whether such a shelter exists
or not m the States of South Carolina and Georgia, I know not. But
this we may say, either that it exists or that it is not necessary there, be-
cause we know that they produce the orange in open air ; and wherever
the orange will stand at all, experience shows that the olive will stand
well, being a hardier tree. Notwithstanding the great quantities of oil
made in France, they have not enough for their own consumption, and,
therefore import from other countries. This is an article, the consump-
tion of which will always keep pace with its production. Raise it, and it
begets its own demand. Little is carried to America, because Europe has
it not to spare. We, therefore, have not learned the use of it. But cover
the southern States with it, and every man will become a consumer of
oil, within whose reach it can be bought in point of price. If the
memory of those persons is held in great respect in South Carolina who
inteoduced there the culture of rice, a plant which sows life and death
with almost equal hand, what obligations would be due to him who
should introduce the olive tree, and set the example of its culture I
Were the owner of slaves to view it only as a means of bettering their
condition, how much would he better that by planting one of those trees
for every slave he possessed I Having been myself an eye witness to the
blessings which this tree sheds on the poor, I never had my wishes so
kindled for the introduction of any article of new culture into our own
counti^, ^ South Carolina and Georgia appear to me to be the States,
wherein its success, in favorable positions at least, could not be doubted.

1787]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

129

and I flattered myself it w6uld come within the views of the society for
agriculture to begin the experiments which are to prove its practicability.
Carcassonne is the place from which the plants may be most certainly
and cheaply obtained. They can be sent from thence by water to
Bordeaux, where they may be embarked on vessels bound for Charleston.
There is too little intercourse between Charleston and Marseilles to
propose this as the port of exportation. I offer my services to the society
for the obtaining and forwarding any number of plants which may be
desired.

Before I quit the subject of climates, and the plants adapted to them,
I will add, as a matter of curiosity, and of some utility, too, that my jour-
ney through the southern parts of France, and the territory of Genoa,
but still more the crossing of the Alps, enaUed me to form a scale of the
tenderer plants, and to arrange them according to their different powers
of resisting cold. In passing the Alps at the Col de Tende, we cross
three very high moutains successivdy. In ascending, we lose these
plants, one after another, as we rise, and And them again in the contrary
order as we descend on the other side; and this is repeated three times.
Their order, proceeding from the tenderest to the hardiest, is as follows :
caper, orange, palm, aloe, olive, pomegranate, walnut, fig, almond. But
this must be understood of the plant only; for as to the fruit, the order
is somewhat different. The caper, for example, is the tenderest plant,
wt, being so easily protected, it is among the most certain in its fruit.
The almond, the hardiest, loses its fruit the oftenest, on account of its
forwardness. The palm, hardier than the caper and orange, never pro-
duces perfect fruit here.

I had the honor of sending you, the last year, some seeds of the sulla
of Malta, or Spanish St. Foin. Lest they should have miscarried, I now
pack with the rice a cannister of the same kind of seed, raised by myself.
By Colonel Franks, in the month of February last, I sent a parcel of
acorns of the cork oak, which I desired him to ask the favor of the Dele-
gates of South Carolina in Congress to forward to you. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson 6: 193-204.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins.)

Paris, August 4, 1787.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of March the 8*^ and
June the 9*”, and to give you many thanks for the trouble you have taken
with the dionaea muscipula. I have not yet heard anything of them,
which makes me fear they have perished by the way. I believe the most
effectual means of conveying ^em hither, will be by the seed. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 6: 231.)

(Jefferson to Richard Cary.)

Paris Aug. 13. 1787.

... I shall be sending a box of books directed to mf Wythe, in
this I will put the seeds & bulbs which I was disappointed in sending

130

Jefferson’s Garden Book.

[1787

you last year, as well as a repetition of those I sent. • • • I will send
you also some plants of the melon apricot, a vaiiety of fruit obtained in
France only 8. or 10. years ago & as yet known no where else, it is an
Apricot with the high flavor of a mushmelon, & is certainly the best fruit
in this country, you have never yet told me what seeds etc, you wish for
most, so I am obliged still to go on the old edition in Mazzei s hands.

. . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Andrew Limozin.)

Paris Sep. 2. 1787.

By the inclosed paper I presume there are arrived for me on board
the packet three small boxes of seeds or plants, and a large box, the con-
tents of which I know not. I will beg the favor of you to pay for me
the freight & other expenses, and to send the three small boxes by the
Diligence, as to the large one, I conjecture it may contain bones &
other objects of Natural history which should come by water, as the
motion of a carriage would destroy them. I will therefore pray you to
send the large box up here by water, taking such precautions as are neces-
sary to prevent their being stopped at Rouen, perhaps the plumbing the
box may be necessary ; in which case I will take particular care to return
any Acquit a caution you may be so kind as to enter into for me. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis.)

Paris Sept. 17. 1787.

... I cultivate in my garden here Indian corn for the use of my own
table to eat green in our manner, but the species I am able to get here
for seed, is hard with a thick skin, & dry. I had at Monticello a spe-
cies of small white rare ripe corn which we ciill Homony-corn, and of
which we used to make about 20 barrels a year for table use, green, in
homony, & in bread, great George will know well what kind I mean.
I wish it were possible for me to receive an car of this in time for the
next year. I think it too might be done if you would be so good as to
find an opportunity of sending one to mf Madison at New York, and
another to mf A. Donald at Richmond, more at your leisure I would
ask you to send me also an ear or two of the drying corn from the
Cherokee country, some best watermelon seeds, some fine canteloupe
melon seeds, seeds of the common sweet potato (I mean the real seeds &
not the roots, which cannot be brought here without rotting,) an hun-
dred or two acorns of the willow oak and about a peck of acorns of the
ground oak or dwarf oak, of the kind that George gathered for me one
year upon the barrens of buck island creek, as these will be of some
bulk, I will ask the favor of you to send them to mf Donald of Rich-
mond who will find a conveinnee for them to Havre. (Jefferson Papers,
li, C.)

17873

Jefferson’s Garden Book

131

(Jefferson to the Delegates of South Carolina.)

Paris Sept. 18. 1787.

I take the liberty of sending to your care the third and last parcel of
Piedmont rice, addressed to mr Drayton, and will beg favor of you
to have it forwarded. I divided it into three separate parcels that the
chances of some one of them getting safely to hand might be multiplied.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to Madame la Comtesse de Tesse.)

Paris Octob. 17, 1787

The last parcel of seeds which 1 had the honor of sending you,
Madam, overburthened you in quantity, and stinted you in variety. I
now enclose you a list which has exactly the contrary faults, the variety
is great, the quantities small, in some instances there is not more than
one, two, or three grains. Your goodness will pardon this, as you know
the difficulties which attend the obtaining supplies of seeds from America.
These have been very long detained on their passage. . . . The packages
are all numbered in correspondence with the list inclosed. The second
order of numbers from i to 39 are distinguished on the packages by the
letter H meaning the Herbaceous plants. . . . {Jefferson Papers, Mis-
souri Historical Society.)

(Ralph Izard to Jefferson.)

South Bay, Charleston, Nov. io*’>, 1787

Your letter of 1'^ August came to my hands several weeks before
Mr. Drayton received his on the subject of Rice, olives, & etc, to which
I was refered. We are much obliged to you for the trouble you have
taken, & for the information you have given. When I was in Italy, the
Rice of that Country appeared inferior to ours. 1 had been several years
absent from America, & the difference did not then appear to me so
great as it does now. The Seed which you have sent, & which you say
is of the best kind, will bear no comparison with ours; & I am surprised
to learn that the price is nearly equ^. You say that our Rice dissolves
when dressed with Meat: this must be owing to some mismanagement in
dressing it, I have examined my cook on the subject, & find that as
meat requires to be longer on the fire than Rice, they must be dressed
separately, until each is nearly done, & then the combination is to be
made. The water must boil before die Rice is put into it, or the grains
will not be distinct from each other. The rice you have sent will be
planted. I hope great care will be taken to keep it at a distance from the
other Rice Fields ; for if the Farina should blow on them, it may be the
means of propagating an inferior species among us. For that reason I
should be glad that you would not send any more of it. As the quality
of our rice is inffnitdy superior to that of Italy, I am persuaded it will

132

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1787

annually gain ground in France, & finally exclude the other entirely.
This is a considerable object to us, & will likewise be of service to the
manufacturers of France. I believe Italy receives money from France
in return for her Rice. We should want Negroes, Cloth, Blank &
implements of Husbandry as articles of absolute necessity ; besides many
others of convenience, & some of Luxury. . . . {Jefferson Papers,h.C,)

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Paris Dec. a 8 . 1787.

I have this day received your favor of the ig*** instant and avail
myself of the first post to pray you to send the second couffe of rice of
Egypt by the American brig Nancy, Capt. Shewell, consigned to mr
Wm. Drayton Chairman of the .society for Agriculture at Charleston in
South Carolina, writing a line to him at the same time to inform him of
it, & that it comes from me. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

The following entries from Jefferson’s Account Book 1^83-
If go supplement his letters about agricultural, gardening, and
botanical pursuits during the year:

Jan. 10. p* Petit for garden seeds — 10-10.

Feb. 5. p*" I’Abbe Arnoud portage of cork acorns 12 f 10.

Apr. 8. Hieres. seeing gardens 2 f 8.

Apr. 10. Nice, seeing King’s garden I f 4.

Apr. 20. Vcrcelli. rough rice 3 f.

Apr. 23. Casino, see rice mill i f. teeth for Rice pestil 5 f 10.

Apr. 23. Pavia, seeing botanical garden etc. 3 f.

May II. S‘. foin seed 8 f.

July 19. p* John Lamb for Cathalan, for rice 8s f 5*

Sept. 30. p* at King’s garden 18*.

Oct. I. p"* Mr. Short 1200 f. charge him also 86.35 dollars p* by C,
Thomson for plants for M**® de Tesse and 23 H-ia &-6 d.
p* for their freight = 476 H-18 s-6 d.

Oct. 20. p* portage of boxes of plants & bones from Havre 18 f.

Nov. 1. p* Limozin’s bill for freight of plants & bones 1 60 H-7.

1788

iy 88 .* On March 4 Jefferson left Paris for a trip to
Amsterdam intent on official duties. On the return journey to
the French capital he took a tour of the Rhine as far as Stras-
burg. He related his observations in a journal (“Memo-
randum on a Tour from Paris to Amsterdam, Strasburg, and
back to Paris." Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 17: 244-
290) and in his Account Book Randall says of

this journal :

It is as dry and utilitarian in its tone and topics as his previous pro-
ductions of the same class. It gives precise and oftentimes minute de-
tails in regard to the topography, agriculture, population, architecture,
mechanical arts, etc., of the country passed through. (Randall, Jeffer-
son x: 500.)

Jefferson discussed rice and olives in his letters to friends,
and again sent to them seeds and plants, as in 1787. In re-
turn he recj^ived more seeds and plants from America. Early
in January Jefferson made the following disbursements to M.
Limozin, his agent, for seeds and fruits:

1788, Jan. II, Disbursements on a barrel of rice 36-17-6.

Jan. 27, Disbursements on 2 boxes of seeds sent by J. Madison
12-18.

Disbursements on 4 barrels of fruit & i caisse of trees
rcc*. by the Packet 59—1—3.

{Jefferson 'Papers, M. H. S.)

Letters and Extracts op Letters, 1788

(Jefferson to Andrew Limozin.)

Paris Jan 13, 1788.

By the Carrossa which goes from hence to Havre I have forwarded a
package of rough rice addressed to you. 1 am in hopes it may arrive in
time to go with the inclosed letter by the Juno Capt, Jenkins. I will
beg the favour of you to put on it this address ‘For Mr. William Dray-
ton, Charleston : to the care of the Delegates of S. Carolina in Congress,’

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

133

134

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1788

and to pay the freight for me. ... I have had the rice brought from
Egypt, to furnish S. Carolin.-i with a species of that grain which it does
not possess. I wish the captain of the vessel therefore would so place it
as that it may not be e.xposed neither to heat or moisture, which would
destroy it's vegetative power. . . . (Je/ferson Paper*. L. C.)

(Jefferson to the Delegates of South Carolina.)

Paris Jan. 13, 1788.

In hopes that a Gouffe of rough rice which I have just received from
Egypt may reach Havre in time to go by the Juno Capt, Jenkins, I have
sent it off for that port, it is .addressed to mr Drayton at Charleston
& I take the liberty of recommending it to your care, to be forwarded so
as that it may arrive in time for the season of sowing, if possible. {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Paris Jan. 13, 1788.

By Capt. Shewell, who is sailing about this time from Marseilles for
Charleston I directed to be forwarded to you one of two Couffes of
rough rice which 1 had had brought from Egypt, the other came to me
here, and will be carried from Havre to New York addressed to you to
the care of the delegates of S. Carolina in Congress. I wish both may
arrive in time for the approaching seed time, and that the trials with
this, & the Piedmont rice may furnish new advantages to your agricul-
ture. I have considerable hopes of receiving some dry rice from Cochin-
China, the young prince of that country lately gone from hence, having
undertaken that it shall come to me. but it will be some time first,
these are all but experiments ; the precept however is wise which directs
us to 'try all things, & hold fast that which is good.’ {Jefferson Papers,

L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Rutledge, Jr.)

Paris, January 19, 1788.

... I must press on you, my dear Sir, a very particular attention to
the climate and culture of the olive tree. This is the most interesting
plant in existence for South Carolina and Georgia. You will see in
various places that it gives being to whole villages in places where there
is not soil enough to subsist a family by the means of any other culture.
But consider it as the means of bettering the condition of your slaves in,
South Carolina. Sec in the poorer parts of France and Italy what a
number of vegetables are rendered eatable by the aid of a little oil, which
vrould otherwise be useless. Remark very particularly the northern
limits of this tree, and whether it exists by the help of shelter from the
mountains, etc. I know this is the case in France. I wish to know
where the northern limit of this plant crosses the Apennines ; where it
crosses the Adriatic and the Archipelago, and if possible what course it

*788]

Jefferson's Garden Book

135

takes through Asia. The %, the dried raisin, the pistache, the date, the
caper, are all very interesting objects for your study. Should you not in
your passage through countries where they are cultivated inform yourself
of their hardiness, their culture, the manner of transporting, etc., you
might hereafter much repent it Both then and now I hope you will
excuse me for suggesting them to your attention ; not omitting the article
of rice also, of which you will see species difierent from your own. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 7: 51-52.)

(Jefferson to Andrew Limozin.)

Paris Jan 22. 1788.

I am much obliged to you for your care of the rice, & hope will arrive
in time for the sowing season. ... by the packet latdy arrived he [Mr.
James Madison] has sent me

a box of plants
2. barrels of apples.

2. barrels of cranberries.

be so good as to send the box of plants by the Diligence or by a Roulier
as you shall see best. I had rather by the Diligence unless it be very
heavy indeed & of course too expensive for the object, the barrels of
Apples & Cranberries can come by water only, as the motion of land
carriage would reduce them to mummy.* (Jefferson Papers^ L. C.)

(Stephen Cathalan to Jefferson.)

Marseilles, 25 Jan. 1788

Invoice of Sundries-Provisions sent as follows p. order & For acet. of
his excellency Thos. Jefferson Esq. of Paris.

T. J. 2 Couffes Egyptian Rice, unshielded, and sent to his address by
land at Paris.

W D I loaded on the vessel Nancy Capt. Rob‘. Shewell, to the ad-
E C dress of William Drayton Esq. president of the Society of Agri-
culture at Charleston. Amounting as to Invoice

£ 108.14.

(Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Paris Feb. 6. 1788.

I wrote you last on the ao“. of December since which yours of the
same day and of the have come to hand, the apples and cranberries
you were so kind as to send at the same time were all spoiled when they
arrived at Havre, so that probably those articles will not keep during
die passage, the box of plants is arrived at the Custom house here, but
I shall probably not receive them till after I shall have sealed my letter.

*The apples and cranberries had spoiled when Jefferson received
them. — ^Ed.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1788

136

they are well chosen, as to the species, for this country. I wish there
had been some willow oaks (Quercus Phellos Linnaeus) among them,
either the plants or acorns, as that tree is much desired here, & abso-
lutely unknown, as the red-birds & opossums are not to be had at New
York, I will release you from the trouble of procuring them elsewhere,
this trouble, with the incertainty of their coming safe, is more than the
importance of the object will justify, you omitted to inclose Princes’s
catalogue of plants which your letter mentions to have been inclosed.
I send herewith two small boxes, one addressed to mf Drayton to the
care of the S. Carolina delegates, with a letter, will you be so good as
to ask those gentlemen to forward the letter & box without delay, the
box contains cork acorns, & Sulla, which should arrive at their destina-
tion as quick as possible, the other box is addressed to you, & contains,
cork acorns, Sulla, and peas, the two first articles to be forwarded to
Monticello to Col“. Nicholas Lewis, taking thereout what proportion
of them you please for yourself, the peas are brought me from the
South of France and are said to be valuable, considering the season of
the year I think it would be best to sow them at New York, and to send
the produce on next winter to such persons as you please in Virginia, in
order to try whether they are any of them better than what we already
have, the Sulla is a species of S‘. foin which comes from Malta, and is
proof against any degree of drought. I have raised it in my garden
here, and find it a luxuriant & precious plant. . . .

I will beg the favor of you to send me a copy of the American philo-
sophical transactions, both the 1“, & a®, volumes, by the first packet.

, . . (.Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Andrew Limoxin.)

Paris Feb. 6. 1788.

The box of plants you were so kind as to forward me arrived at the
Douane. I shall send for them tomorrow morning. [See letter Janu-
ary 22.] (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Paris Feb. 6. 1788.

... I now send a small box containing cork acorns of the last year,
a small paper of Sulla-seed from Malta, and a larger one of the same
species of seeds from plants growing in my own garden. I am persuaded
from what I see and have heard of this plant that it will be precious for
your climate. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Monsieur de Bertroux.)

Paris Feb. 21, 1788.

I am now to acknowledge the receipt of the letter you did me the
honor to write me on the 2xst. of January, together with the book on
the culture of the olive tree. This is a precious present to me, and I
'pray you to accept my thanks for it. I am just gratified by letters from

1788]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

137

South Carolina, which inform me that in consequence of the information
I had given them on the subject of the olive tree, and the probability of
its succeeding with them, several rich individuals propose to begin its
culture there. This will not interfere with the commerce of France,
because she imports much moie oil than she exports, and because the
consumption of oil in the United States at present, is so inconsiderable,
that should their demand be totally withdrawn at the European market,
and supplied at home, it will produce no sensible effect in Europe. We
can never produce that article in very great quantity, because it happens
that in our two southernmost States, where only the climate is adapted
to the olive, the soil is so generally rich as to be unfit for that tree, and
proper for other productions of more immediate profit. I am to thank
you, also, for the raisins of Smyrna, without seed, which I received from
you through Mr. Grand. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 6: 431.)

(Jefferson to William Short.)

Amsterdam Mar. 2g. 1788.

My friend Bannister must have been negligent if his plants are not ar-
riving by this time. I have written from hence to Limozin to send them
on by the roulier or Diligence the moment they arrive, you will be so
good as to mention this to Madame de Tesse, with my respects to her &
Mad* de Tott. some few of the plants & seeds I intended for another
friend but it is impossible for me to direct any partition from hence.
(^Jefferson Papers. L. C.)

(Jefferson to Francis Coffyn.)

Paris April 28. 1788.

Your favor of March 22. arrived during my abstence on a journey to
Amsterdam from which I am but lately returned. I thank you for your
attention to the 4. boxes of plants and have to ask the favor of you to
send them by the first conveiance by sea to Havre to the care of M.
Limozin. I have reason to believe there arc some seeds also, if these
are packed in a separate box I will beg of you to send them (that is, the
seeds) by the Diligence immediately, or indeed if they are in the same
boxes with the plants, if you can get at them readily without disturbing
the plants I will thank you to pack them in a box and send them by the
Diligence, because there is not a moment to lose for putting them into
the ground, be so good as to write me the amount of the expences these
things may cost you, & tell me if you have any correspondent at Paris to
whom I may pay it. if not, I can send' it to you by Mr. Rotch who' is
here from Dunkirk. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis.)

Paris July ir, 1788.

... I thank Mrs. Lewis kindly for the ears of corn & the seeds ac-
companying them which are safely come to hand. The homony corn is

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1788

138

a precious present. The corn of this country and of Italy, as far as I
have seen it, cannot be eaten, either in the form of corn or of bread, by
any person who has eaten that of America. I have planted some grains
which may perhaps come to maturity as we have still 3 months & a half
to frost. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 5: 417*)

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Paris July 17. 1787 [=1788].

My letters of Jan. 13. & Feb. 6. informed you that I had sent to your
address i. a couife of Egyptian rough rice by capt Shaw — all bound from
Marseilles to Charleston. 2. another d®. by the Juno capt. Jenkins
bound from Havre to N. York. 3. a box with cork acorns & Sulla
seed by the Packet from Havre to N. York, a letter from the delegates
of S. Carolina dated New York Apr. 25. announced to me the safe ar-
rival there of the couife, and their hopes of getting it to you before
the seed time would be over.

I am now to acknolegc the receipt of your favor of Nov. aS- 1787
which did not get to my hands till April 24. 1788. in consequence
thereof I wrote to a mf. Cathalan at Marseilles to engage a gardener
to prepare a large number of olive plants, of those which yeild the
best Provence oil, & to have them in readiness to be sc’nt by any vessels
which may occur, bound to Charleston: & besides this, to send a great
quantity of olives to be sown in order to raise stoeb. these stocks would
yeild a wilding fruit, & worthless: they are only to serve therefore to en-
graft on from the plants which will go, & which will yeild cuttings, this
is the quickest way of procuring extensive plantations, & it is the best also,
mf. Cathalan writes me word he will charge a gardener to do this, but
that as the objects cannot be sent from Marseilles till the last of January,
it will be March or April before you can receive them. Mess". Brails-
ford & Morris have remitted to me 726. livre tournois for this object
which have been duly paid. M'. Rutledge, the son of Governor Rut-
ledge, having lately set out from this place on a tour which will take in
Italy Sc the South of France, I recommended to him to pay very par-
ticular attention to the character & culture of this tree, as also to the
caper, dates, hg, raisin, pistache and also to the article of rice. I am in
hopes he will be able to enrich you with much more particular details
than it has been in ray power to do. — I shall be happy to be further in-
strumental in promoting the views of the Agricultural society, and of
executing their commands at all times. . . . (.Jefferson Papers^ L. C.)

(Madame de Tesse to Jefferson.)

A Chaville, le 8 aout [1788].

Monsieur JeEerson aiant eu la bontd de faire connaitre d Mde de
Tessd t[ue ce moment qr ctoit convenable pour demander des plans et
des graines de Virginie, elle prend la liberte de lui adresser une petite
notte de ce qu’elle ddsire plus particulierement et plus abondamment.

1788]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

139

Elle y ajoute quelque chose pour la Caroline dans le cas ou Monsieur
Jefferson se trouveroit devoir ecrire a Charles-Town, et souhaiterait bien
qu’il s’adresse aiix correspondens de Mr. Short, bien preferable a ceux
qu’il emploie en ce qu’on re(;oit leurs memoires. . . .

Plants de Viroinie *

Quercus rubra maxima.

Quercus rubra ramosissima.

Quercus rubra nana.

Quercus Phellos of all sorts.

Fagus castanea, pumelo dit chinquepin.

Stewartia Malacodendron. Get arbuste d’une grande beaute ne crott
qu’en Virginie et dans le Maryland. II est tres rare meme en Angle-
terre, et les marchands de Philadelphie n’en mettent qu’une graine ou
deux dans leurs assortimens.

Graines de Viroinie

Pinus palustris.

Cupressus Disticha.

Liriodendrum Tulipifera.

Diospyros.

Plants de Caroline

Populus cordifolia. Populus heterophylla. Linn,

Pinus Palustris. Pinus picea,

Annona glabra. Papaw of Virginia.

Andromeda arborea.

Andromeda plumata 9.

Laurus nova 9.

Laurus estivalis.

Callicarpa Americana.

Sydeioxilon. Not in Virginia, qu [oere] if in America,

Gardenia or Tothergille [= Fothergilla], this grows in Florida only,

(Gilbert Chinard, Trois Amities frangaises de Jefferson (Paris, 1927) :
' 104-106.)

(Jefferson to J. Banister, Jr.)

Paris Aug. 9. 1788.

I am to return you many thanks for the trouble you gave yourself in
collecting & sending me the plants, a concurrence of unlucky circum-
stances has in a considerable degree defeated the effect of your goodness,
the ship on arriving at Havre in Feb. or Mar. was obliged to go instantly
to Dunkirk, my correspondent at Dunkirk immediately wrote to me
for orders. I had just set out on a journey to Holland & Germany &
did not return till April, St then they had to come here by land, which

* Les mots en italique sont de la main de Jefferson.

140

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1788

circumstance with the lateness of the season had destroyed a great part
of them. I must trouble you once more for the same ladyi who asks me
to procure her what is contained in the inclosed list, be so good as to
collect & pack them as soon as the season will admit, & being thus held
in readiness they can be put on board the first vessel from Appomattox
or James river for Havre addressed to Mons^ Limozin merchant at that
place for me, & ‘in case of my absence for Madame la Comtesse de Tesse
4 Paris.’ the latter precaution is necessary lest I should be absent. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(List inclosed in letter to J. Banister, Jr., Aug. 9, 1788.)

Quercus rubra maxima, large red oak.

Quercus rubra ramosissima. Branchy red oak.

Quercus rubra nana. Dwarf red oak.

do we know these kinds of red oak in Virginia?
is the last of the three what we call Ground oak?

Quercus Fhellos, willow oak. the several varieties.

Chinquapin.

Stewartia melacodendron. Soft wood. See Millar’s diction-
ary & Catesby’s Carolina Appendix 13.

Populus hetcrophylla. a kind of Poplar described in Catesby’s
[illegible] 34. & in Millar’s diet. Populus. 5.

Populus [illegible] it is called Black poplar, [illegible], see
Millar. Pinus. 14.

Annona glabra, the Common Papaw of Virginia.

Andromeda arborea. Catesby Appendix. 17. calls this the
Sorrel tree.

Andromeda plumata. I do not know what this is.

Laurus nova 9. I do not know what this is.

Laurus estivalis. Summer bay, a. Catesby a8. Millar. Laurus.

8 .

Callicarpa Americana, a, Catesby 47.

Gardenia or Fothergilla.

t Pinus picea. Black pine or Pitch pine.

Cupressus disticha. Cypress.

Liriodendron tulipifera. Common Poplar.

Diospyros. Persimmon, send the seeds. I think they will
come best in the fruit,

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Paris Aug. 13. 1788.

. . , when the nurseryman to whom you have been so good as to
employ to prepare the olives & olive plants to be sent to Charleston, shall
be executing that Commission, I shall be glad if he will at the same time
prepare a few plants only of the following kinds:

1788]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

14I

Figs, the best kind for drying, a few plants,

Raisins, d".

Cork Trees, a few plants.

Pistaches) ^

Capers \

{Jefferson Manuscript^ L. C.)
(Jefferson to Francis Hopkinson.)

Paris, December ai, 1788.

... I received letters from Marseilles this morning informing me the
winter is more severe there than it was in 1709, when they lost all their
olive trees. They apprehend the same calamity now; and it will take
twenty years to replace them. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 19 :
51-Sa.)

From the Account Book lyS^-i^go:

Jan. 7. p^ portage from Marseilles, viz. of rice etc. 84II.

July 12. rec". from M. Petrie 726I1 on a bill of Brailsford and Morris
sent to me on account of the Agricultural society of S. Caro-
lina to be employed in sending them olive trees.

1789

1789* This year marked the end of Jefferson’s stay in
Europe. The preceding year Jefferson had asked Congress
for a leave of absence, but when he did not receive a favorable
reply, he wrote directly to General Washington, urging him to
grant his leave. This General Washington did in June, but
Jefferson did not receive confirmation of it until the end of
August. He left Paris on September 26, for Havre, arriving
there on the 28 th. He was detained in Havre until October
8, when he went by packet to Cowes, where he and his two
daughters boarded the Clermont for Norfolk, Virginia.
They arrived in Virginia on November 23, and after a lei-
surely visit with relatives and friends along the route, reached
Monticello on December 24.

While stopping a few days at Eppington, the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Francis Eppes, he wrote the following to a friend :
“Tomorrow I go on with Mr. Skipwith to his house, and then
plunge into the Forests of Albemarle.” (Letter written to
William Short, December 14, 1789, from Eppington^ Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

Jefferson and his daughters had been absent from Monti-
cello for almost seven years. Jefferson returned to it with-
mingled feelings of joy and sadness, for he bad lived at Monti-
cello only a few months since Mrs. Jefferson's death. Still, to
see his mountaintop again, brought a new light into his life.

This year, as in other years of Jefferson’s stay in Paris, he
continued his correspondence with friends and agents about
plants, especially about rice and olives. One of his chief in-
terests during the last months of his stay in France was to
secure the seeds of 3 dry rice, a variety of rice that would
grow on the uplands, where a constant supply of water was
not available.

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

142

1789]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

143

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1789

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Paris, January 12, 1789.

... I have just received the Flora Caroliniana of Walter, a very
learned and good work. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 7: 270.)

(Jefferson to Monsieur de Malesherbes.)

Paris March n. 1789.

Your zeal to promote the general good of mankind by an interchange
of useful things, and particularly in the line of agriculture, and the
weight which your rank and station would give to your interposition,
induce me to ask it for the purpose of obtaining one of the species of
rice which grows in Cochin-China on high lands, and which needs no
other watering than the ordinary rains, the sun and soil of Carolina
are sufficiently powerful to ensure success of this plant, and Monsieur
de Poivre gives such an account of it’s quality as might induce the Caro-
linians to introduce it instead of the kind they now possess, which requir-
ing the whole country to be laid under water during a certain season of
the year, sweeps off numbers of the inhabitants annually with pestilential
fevers. If you would be so good as to interest yourself in the procuring
for me some seeds of the dry-rice of Cochin-China you would render the
most precious service to my countrymen on whose behalf I take the
liberty of asking your interposition. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Benjamin Vaughan to Jefferson.)

London, Mar. 26, 1789.

I have the honor to send you by this conveyance three sorts of dry
rice seed.

1. Padee Coccos ballam; the finest sort, )

2. Padee Laye ; the best for a crop I- from Sumatra

3. Padee Undallan; the ordinary sort . . .]

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Paris May 7. 1789.

... 1 own to you that I have exceedingly at heart the introduction
of this tree [olive tree] into Carolina & Georgia being convinced it is
one of the most precious productions of nature and contributes the most
to the happiness of mankind. . - . Plants sent by Mr. Cathalan:

44 figuiers, de 3. especes. (The Marseilles-fig is admitted to
be the best in the world)

144

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1789

43 pieces de vigne (I ordered the Muscat of which the dried
raisens are made.)

16. prunieres (I ordered the plumb called Brugnol for drying.

I presume this is it.)

12. poirieres ^

12. pecheres
10. pommiers
12. abriestiers

Some of these may prove agreeable additions
to the species you possess.

.4. juries Lier»j

4. Meuriers feuillie a la seine (the best kind for the silk
worm)

3. pistachieres. Ordered merely for experiment.

(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan.)

Paris May 17. 1789.

I . . . return you abundant thanks lor your attention to the article of
Dry rice, and the parcel of seeds you sent me. Ais is interesting, be-
cause even should it not take place of the wet rice in S, Carolina, it
will enable us to cultivate this grain in Virginia, where we have not
lands disposed for the wet rice. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Paris July 27. 1789.

... I have not seen the gardener who you said you should employ to
complete the Commission from South Carolina, and who was to come to
Paris. I must interest your friendly & exact attention to the sending of
the articles to Charleston this fall, and let the olive plants, & olive seeds
be considered as the important object, sending but little of the other
articles before noted to you. I could wish one half to be sent from
Marseilles by sea for Charleston directly, the other half thro’ the canal
of Languedoc to Bordeaux to the care of mr John Bondfield there ; un-
less there should happen two vessels bound from Marseilles to Charles-
ton, which would give an equal opportunity of dividing the risk between
two different conveyances, & would be preferable to the sending any
part through the canal. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan.)

Paris Sept, 13, 1789.

I am still to thank you for the grains of dry rice, the copy of the corn
report, and N* of the repository, the latter I gave to mr Stuart ac-
cording to your desire, as I had one before, should the age of the rice
have destroyed it’s vegetative prindple, I shall still hope, from the other
resources you have been so good as to apply to, as well as the measures I
have taken & shall still take myself that I may get the seed somewhere,
. . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

1789]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

145

(Jefferson to Mr. Ralph Izard.)

Paris Sept. 18, 1789.

... I wish the cargo of olives spoken of in the inclosed letter, &
which went to Baltimore, may have got on safe to Carolina, & that the
one he is about to send may also arrive safe. This my dear friend
should be the object of the Carolina patriot. After bread, I know no
blessing to the poor, in this world, equal to that of oil. But there
should be an annual sum steadily applied to that object: because a first
and second essay may fail. The plants cost little; the transportation
little. It is unremitting attention which is requisite. A common coun-
try labourer whose business it should be to prepare and pack his plants
at Marseilles & to go with them through the canal of Languedoc to
Bordeaux and there stay with them till put on board a ship to Charles-
ton, & to send at the same time great quantities of the berries to sow for
stocks, would require but a moderate annual sum. He would make the
journey every fall only, till you should have such a stock of plants taken
in the country, as to render you sure of success. But of this too we will
talk on meeting. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 6: 15-16.)

(Jefferson to E. Rutledge.)

Paris, September 18, 1789.

... I have obtained from different quarters seeds of the dry rice;
but having had time to try them, I find they will not vegetate, having
been too long kept. I have still several other expectations from the East
Indies. If this rice be as good, the object of health will render it worth
experiment with you. Cotton is a precious resource, and which cannot
fail with you. I wish the cargo of olive plants sent by the way of Balti-
more, and that which you will perceive my correspondent is preparing
now to send, may arrive to you in good order. This is the object for
the patriots of your country; for that tree once established there, will be
the source of the greatest wealth and happiness. But to insure success,
perseverance may be necessary. An essay or two may fail. I think,
therefore, that an annual sum should be subscribed, and it need not be a
great one. A common country laborer should be engaged to make it his
sole occupation, to prepare and pack plants and berries at Marseilles, and
in the autumn to go with them himself through the canal of Languedoc
to Bordeaux, and there to stay with them. till he can put them on board
a vessel bound directly for Charleston; and this repeated annually, till
you have a sufficient stock insured, to propagate from without further
importation. I should guess that fifty guineas a year would do this,
and if you think proper to set such a subscription afoot, write me down
for ten guineas of money, yearly, during my stay in France, and offer
my superintendence of the business on this side the water, if no better
can be had. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 7: 465-466.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1789

146

(Benjamin Hawkins to Jefferson.)

Warrenton, N. C., Oct, 6, 1789.

I have never had It in my power, until now, to procure for you the
seed of the Dionaea muscipula. The gentlemen who had promised to
get some for me had been too late both years in their endeavors. This
year on my return from Wilmington, I discovered it was in bloom on
the b*** of June, pointed it out to a farmer who knew it well and at my
request he some days past sent the seed which I enclose. I could not dis-
cover any of the plants farther north than about Lat. 35 - 30 ' They
grow in piny moist lands, and appeared to grow best when somewhat
shaded. I have some plants which 1 brought with me in a box having
carefully taken up the dirt with the roots ; I put them in a part of my
garden exposed to the sun all day and buried the box level with the
surface of the earth, after a drought of near four weeks they appeared
quite dead, the box was then taken up and accidently left under a pear
tree. The weather being seasonable one third of them put forth leaves,
and there they remain ever since.

I am to have some more of the seed sent to me in November. I will
then enclose you a further supply. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

The following list of plants was requested of Jefferson on
the eve of his departure for America (1789) by la comtesse
d’Houdetot. The names in italic written on both margins are
in Jefferson’s hand.

Liste des arbres et arbustes d’Amerique
que demande M"" la C*"® d'Houdetot.

Gladitsia

Attdrom. polufolia

M^rka cerifera
Bignonia semperv.
Azalea pudiss.

Acer rubra

Magn. grandifl.
Papulus bahamifera
Plaianus oceideniatis
Gaiyc.

Pt. trifoliata

Accacia triacantos ou [ ] d’Amerique.

Amandier d’Amerique.

Andromeda Polifolia,

Arhre dc cire.

Bignognia ou jasmin de Virginie.

Chevrefeuillc de Virginie Lorkera \==Loni-

cera'\ Py.

Chevrefeuillc du nord de I’Amerique.

Cletra major Not in America.

Epine a bouquet Astragalus tragacantha.

Erable de Virginie a Jlcurs rouge.

Framboisier de Canada Rubus Canadensis.
Glauca

Laurier tulipier ou Magnolia granda flora.
Peuplier beaumier dc Virginie ou dc la Caroline.
Platane de Virginie.

Pompadoura Calycanthus floridus.

Ptflea.

Arbre d’or du Canada Rhododendron. Maz 4.

1789]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

147

Laur, sassafr. Sassafras.

Liriod Tulipier de Virginie ou Loriendendron.

Tulipif. Tuliper fcra.

Mde d’Houdetot.

(Gilbert Chinard, Les Amities americaines de Madame d’Houdetoi
(Paris, 19*4) ; 49-50O

From the Account Book 1783-17^0:

May II, p* Petit for Abbema k co. by order of Cathalan 132®.
Note this paitnent to Abbema is for mf Drayton of S. Carolina for
trees to be credited against the 726^ rec*. by me July 12. 1789. for the
Agricultural society of S. Carolina.

July 1. p‘ Fraser for 2. quarts grass seed 96°,

1790

1790 ."

March, a cold wind in this month killed all the peaches
at Monticello. the other species of fruits
escaped tolerably well.

Octob. in making the road from where it begins to rise
i.f. in 10. a little above the negro houses, up to
the upper roundabout in front of the house
(N.E.) 5. hands did 127. yds the i“. day and
165. yds the second, it was I2.f. wide, and
they crossed three or four considerable gullies
which they filled up with stone.*

* lygo. Soon after Jefferson arrived in America from
France, he was invited by President Washington to become
Secretary of State in his new Cabinet. After much delibera-
tion he accepted. He left Monticello on March i, for New
York, the seat of the government at that time, and was there
until September i ; he was back at home by September 1 9.
His stay at Monticello was a busy one because he had to at-
tend to his long neglected private affairs and set his mountain-
top in order. He left Monticello again on November 8, for
Philadelphia, now the new seat of the federal government.

The most important event to affect Jefferson’s life at Montu
cello during the year, other than that of becoming Secretary
of State, was the marriage of his daughter, Martha, to her
second cousin, Thomas Mann Randolph, of Tuckahoe. (For
biographical data, see p. 398, note 23.)

There is no record in the Account Book for the year or in
the Garden Book about garden activities at Monticello dur-
ing 1790. The two entries in the Garden Book are about

148

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1790]

149

other matters. Jefferson continued to write to friends about
rice and olives, and continued to exchange plants with them at
home and across the ocean. It is in these letters that we get
additional glimpses of Jefferson’s interest In plants and learn
what plants he sent to Monticello.

While In Richmond in March, on his way to New York, he
drew up the following agreement with Nicholas Lewis to
serve as his attorney during his absence from Albemarle ;

Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Jefferson of Monti-
cello in the county of Albemarle & Commonwealth of Virginia do . . .
constitute & appoint Col® Nicholas Lewis of Albemarle my attorney
during my absence from s* Commonwealth. Mar. 7. 1790,

And on the same day he wrote to Thomas Garth, also of Albe-
marle, that in case of Mr. Lewis* death he was to take charge.
(Letter and agreement in Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Mr. and Mrs. Randolph stayed at Monticello during the
spring, but whether Mr. Randolph acted as his agent is not
clear. Probably Mr. Lewis attended to all matters of the
estate.

* Jefferson also recorded this entry in another form in the
Farm Book:

1790. Oct. in making the road from where it begins to rise 1. f. in 10.
a little above the Antient field to the upper Roundabout, 5 hands did
127. yds. the first day, & 165. yds the second, = 25 to 33 yds. a day. it
was 12. f. wide & they crossed 3. or 4. considerable gullies which they
filled with stone. [See plate XXII.]

Letters and Extracts op Letters, 1790

(Jefferson to his brother Randolph Jefferson.)

Monticello Feb. 28. 1790

. . . I will give the orders you desire to George, relative to peach stones.
I send you by Orange some very fine Apricot & Plumb stones to be
planted immediately & to be cracked before they are planted. . . . {Jef-
ferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Countess de Tesse.)

Alexandria. March ii. 1790

Being here on my way from Monticello to New York and learn^
that there is a vessel here bound to France, I cannot omit the opportunity
of informing you of my proceedinp in the execution of your botanieJ
commission. I arrived at home about the end of the old year, the first
days of the new were taken up in receiving visits from my neighbors &

150

Jbffkrson’s Garden Book

[*790

friends, so that before I could possibly attend either to your business or
my own there came on a frost which rendered it impossible to take a
plant out of the earth till the middle of February, from the first
moment of the thaw till the last day of February I had persons employed
in collecting the plants you had desired ; & on that day 1 attended myself
to the padking of them, they are as follows :

No. 1. Nyssa aquatics.

2. Magnolia tripetala.

3. Liriodendron.

4. Kalmia latifolia.

5. Juniperus Virginians.

6 . Gleditsia triacanthos.

7. Laurus Sassafras.

8. Prunus Coronaria.

9. Diospyros Virginiana.

10. Cornus florida,

11. Juglans nigra.

12. Quercus Phellos, both
plants & acorns.

13. Quercus pumila.

14. Magnolia glauca.

15. Acer Tubrum.

16. CalycanthuB floridus.

the plants were young, in most perfect condition, & well packed in fresh
moss, and over every layer of plants is a stick numbered as above, going
across the plants and indicating what those are which are next under the
stick, you will find the highest numbers uppermost, because we begun
with N°. I, at the bottom. I carried the box with me to Richmond &
there desired a friend to send it to Norfolk to his correspondent with
orders to ship it by the first ship sailing to Havre or Dunkirk. I now
write to Mons'. Lamotte of Havre Sc mr Coffin of Dunkirk to receive
& forward the box to you at Paris by a waggon, after all I lament
that this commission could not have been sooner executed and that it is
still liable to further delay should there be no vessel going immediately
to France, but it shall be followed by another containing the same
things in the fall. I should have observed that 1 had ordered a dozen
of each kind of plant but as they got more of some of them in order to
chuse the best, I thought the best was to put them all in. so you will
find from 12 to ao of every kind. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to Francis Coffyn.)

Virginia March ir. 1790.

I have sent to Norfolk to be forwarded by the first vessel to Havre or
Ostend a box of plants addressed to 'Madame la Comtesse de Tesse a
Paris.’ should they come to your port, I beg you to receive & forward
them to their address by some of the Tourgons which go from thence to
Paris, . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

New York, May 30, 1790.

... I have, therefore, to answer your two favors of April 23 and
May 3, and in the first place to thank you for your attention to die
Paccan, Gloucester and European walnuts, which will be great acqui-
sitions at Monticello, . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 8: 29.)

1790 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

151

(Jefferson to George Wythe.)

New York June 13. 1790.

... I enclose a few seeds of high-land rice which was gathered last
autumn in the East Indies, if well attended to, it may not be too late
to sow & mature it after you shall receive it. I have sowed a few seeds
in earthen pots, it is a most precious thing if we can save it. . . . {Jef-
ferson Papers j L. C.)

(Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis.)

New York June 13. 1790.

... I enclose a few grains of high-land rice which I received yester-
day from England, & was gathered in the East Indies last f^l. it may
perhaps yet ripen in Virginia tho’ very late. . . . {Jefferson Papers,

L. C.)

(Jefferson to Maria Jefferson.)

New York, June 13th, 1790.

, . , We had not peas nor strawberries here till the 8th day of this
month. On the same day I heard the first whip-poor-will whistle.
Swallows and martins appeared here on the a 1st of April. When did
they appear with you? and when had you peas, strawberries, and whip-
poor-wills in Virginia? Take notice hereafter whether the whip-poor-
wills always come with the strawberries and peas. . . . (Sarah N. Ran-
dolph, The DomeHic Life of Thomas Jefferson (New York, 1871):
185. Hereafter cited as Randolph, Jefferson.)

(Maria Jefferson to Jefferson.)

Eppington, , 1790.

. . . We had peas the loth of May, and strawberries the 17th of the
same month, though not in that abundance we are accustomed to, in
consequence of a frost this spring. As for the martins, swallows, and
whip-poor-wills, I was so taken up with my chickens that I never at-
tended to them, and therefore cannot tell you when they came, though I
was so unfortunate as to lose half of them (the chickens), for my cousin
Bolling and myself have raised but thirteen between us. . . . (Ran-
dolph, Jefferson, 186-187.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan.)

New York June 27. 1790.

Your favor of March 27. came duly to hand on the 12“* inst. as did
your very valuable present of the dry rice brought from the Moluccas
by Lieut. Bligh. I immediately sent a few seeds to Virginia where I am
in hopes there would still be force of summer sufficient to mature it. ^ I
reserve a little for next spring besides sowing some in pots, from which

Jefferson’s Garden Book [i790

I have now 23. young plants just come up. I fear however there is not
summer enough remaining here to ripen them without the uncertain aid
of a hot-house, upon your encouragement I think I shall venture to
write to Mr. Hinton Este of Jamaica on the subject.

Though large countries within our union are covered with the Sugar
maple as heavily as can be conceived, and that this tree yields a sugar
equal to the best from cane, yields it in great quantity, with no other
labor than what the women & girls can bestow, who attend to the draw-
ing off & boiling the liquor, & the trees when skillfully tapped will last
a great number of years, yet the ease with which we had formerly got
cane sugar, had prevented our attending to this resource, late difficul-
ties in the sugar trade have excited attention to our sugar trees, and it
seems fully believed by judicious persons, that we can not only supply
our own demand, but make for exportation. I will send you a sample
of it if I can find a conveyance without possessing it through the ex-
pensive one of the post, what a blessing to substitute a sugar which re-
quires only the labour of children, for that which it is said renders the
slavery of the blacks necessary. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis.)

New York July 4, 1790.

... 1 cannot, therefore, my dear Sir, omit to press, for myself, the
going into that culture [of wheat] as much as you think practicable. In
Albemarle, I presume we may lay aside tobacco entirely ; and in Bedford,
the more we can lay it aside the happier I shall be. . . . It is vastly de-
sirable to be getting under way with our domestic cultivation & manu-
facture of hemp, flax, cotton & Wool for the negroes. (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 8: 58-59.)

(Jefferson to Maria Jefferson.)

New York, July 4th, 1790.

. . . How many chickens have you raised this summer? . . . Tell me
what sort of weather you have had, what sort of crops are likely to be
made. . . . (Randolph, Jefferson, 185—186.)

(Jefferson to A. Donald.)

New York Aug. 39. 1 790.

. . . Our crops of wheat are good in quantity & quality, & those of
corn very promising, so far also this (I hope our last) crop of tobacco
looks well, little will be done in that way the next year, & less and less
every year after. . . . (Jefferson Papers L. C.)

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Philadelphia Sept. 7. 1790.

. . , The object of the present is merely to enquire into the execution
of the commission for sending olives Ic olive trees to Charleston, of this

1790] JiiFiurson's Garden Book

I have heard nothing from >ou since I left France; nor anything very
particular from Charleston, the gentlemen from that state only saying
to me in general that they have not heard that any were arrived, if
they be not already sent to the amount foimerly desired, I must beg of
you my dear Sir, to have it done in such season, and by such conveyance
as will promise the best success, the money for the purpose tvill be
furnished by Mr. Short at Paris, & I feel myself bound in point of
honour to have this object effectually fulfilled for the persons who have
confided it’s execution to me. be so good as to inform me by a line
(sent through Mr. Short) what is done, and what shall be done. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Samuel Vaughan, Jr., to Jefferson.)

St. James’s Jamaica 4 OcP. 1790.

Sir, My father lately sent me a Note of your’s requesting some seeds of
the Mountain Rice. I am sorry I cannot accommodate you as you
would wish, but I do what I can by sending you 40 Seeds by two differ-
ent opportunities. Inclosed is 20 of them. In the Middle Parts of
Hispaniola it is in great plenty, and I had a promise of a Barrels. A
scarcity of Provisions first, and then the Disturbances have disappointed
me in my Expectations. If ever they are sent I shall amply supply you.

The seeds I have at present came from the Island of Timor in the
East Indies, brought by the unfortunate Capt. Bligh. I had near 200
of them thro my Brother from Sir Joseph Banks : I have given them in
small Parcels to the Mountain settlers and have the pleasure to find it
succeeds both with them and myself remarkably well. . . ,

[Enclosure]

Directions to be observed with the Mountain Rice

It is to be sown like Indian Corn, three Seeds in a Hole. In the East
they do not cover the Holes with Earth but leave them exposed. If they
are covered it should be very lightly. They should be sown in spring as
they do not bear the winter — or in a Hothouse. The Plants may be
transplanted & separated & planted at greater distances when young.
Great Care must be taken to prevent Fowls getting at it when ripe.
New Land is the best for it, but it succeeds here in Jamaica on Ridges
and in Glades. It will not live under Water. (Worthington Chauncey
Ford, ed., Thomas Jefferson Correspondence (Boston, 1916): 44-45.
Hereafter cited as Ford, Jefferson Correspondence.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Georgetown, Nov. 12. 1790.

I inclose you some wheat which the President assures me from many
years experience to be the best kind he has ever seen, he spread it
through the Eastern shore of Maryland several years ago, and it has
ever been considered as the best of the white wheat of that state so much

154

JsPFBRSON’a Gakqek Book

[1790

celebrated, it is said to weigh 62. 63. 64 to the bushel, the grain,
tho’ small, is always plump, the President is so excellent a farmer that
I place full confidence in his recommendation, will you be so good as
to make George (under your directions & eye) set it out in distinct holes
at proper distances so as to make the most seed from it possible? the
richest ground in the garden will be best, and the partition fence they
are to make will guard it. after harvest we will divide the produce.
I imagine the rows should be far enough apart to admit them to go be*
tween them with the hoes for the purpose of weeding. {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Nov. 33. 1790.

... I believe I asked your attention to the upland rice. I have re-
ceived a few more grains of that of the Moluccas from mr Samuel
Vaughan of Jamaica, with a note of which the enclosed is a copy. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to J. B. Cutting.)

Philadelphia Nov. 26. 1790.

. . . The cask of mountain rice came also safely* for which precious
present accept my grateful thanb. 1 have already distributed it into so
many hands as to ensure a fair experiment whether it may not be raised
in the lands and climates of the middle states and so render it useless to
poison the air with those inundations which sweep oft annually so many
of our fellow-creatures. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Samuel Vaughan, Jr.)

Philadelphia Nov. 27. 1790.

We have lately had introduced a plant of the melon species which
from it's external resemblance to the pumpkin, we have called a pumpkin,
distinguishing it specifically as the potatoe-pumpkin, on account of the
extreme resemblance of its taste to that of the sweet-potatoe. it is as
yet but little known, is well esteemed at our tables, and particularly
valued by our negroes, coming much earlier than the real potatoe, we
are so much the sooner furnished with a substitute for that root. I
know not from whence it came; so that perhaps it may be originally
from your islands, in that case you will only have the trouble of
throwing away the few seeds I enclose you herewith, on the other hand,
if unknown to you, I think it will probably succeed in the islands, and
may add to the catalogue of plants which will do as substitutes for bread.
1 have always thought that if in the experiments to introduce or to com-
municate nw plants, one species in a hundred is found useful and suc-
ceeds, the nine^ nine found otherwise are more than paid for.

i79o] Jefferson’s Garden Book Ijfj

My present situation and occupations are not friendly to Agricultural
experiments, however strongly I am led to them by inclination, but
whenever I shall be more free to indulge that inclination I will ask per-
mission to address your quarter, freely offering you reciprocal services in
the same or any other line in which you will be so good as to command
them. . . . (Jefferson Papers, h. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Dec. i6. 1790.

... I send herewith some seeds which I must trouble you with the
care of. they are the seeds of the Sugar maple and the Paccan nuts,
be so good as to make George prepare a nursery in a proper place and to
plant in it the Paccan nuts immediately, and the maple seeds at a proper
season, mf. Lewis must be so good as to have it so inclosed as to keep
the horses out. there is also in the same tin box some seeds of the
Cypress vine for Patsy. (Jefferson Papers. L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Dec. 23d, 1790

. . . Perhaps you think you have nothing to say to me. It is a great
deal to say you are all well ; or that one has a cold, another a fever,
etc. : besides that, there is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting
to me. . . . (Randolph, Jefferson: 192.)

From the Account Book I'/Ss-iygo:

June 8. heard the first whip-poor-will. [New York.]

June 12. p** 2 flower pots 2/6.

June 23. p"* subscription for Bartram’s travels 16/. [New York]
July 23. the first kildees I have seen this year. [New York]

1791

1791 /

Sep. 28. Estimate of a road rising i.f. in lo.f. from the
Secretary’s ford.*

begun at the point of a ridge making into old
road at head of little wet meadow

stepped rising i.f. in lo.f. by guess as nearly as I
could.

to the upper end of a rock 414 yds. [this rock
dropping far down the hill & being impassible,
it would be better to begin here & work down-
wards & upwards from it’s head.]

to the plantation fence 264. y 3 § [so far thro’
woods.]

into the road about 200 yds above Overseer’s
house 426. yds thro’ the open feild. in all 1 104
yds. & from where it enters the road up to the
house about 700 yds. in all about 1900. yds from
Secretary’s ford to the house.

it would probably be about 85 days work *

30. on trial with the level, descending from the rock
above mentioned i.f. in 10

would have crossed the antient country road half
way up the hill from the Secretary’s ford.

156

1791 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

157

rising from the rock i.f. in 10. to the right, it
struck the fence opposite the stone spring,* 376
yds from the rock.

^ I 7 gi. Jefferson continued in office as Secretary of State
in Washington’s Cabinet during the year. On May 17 Jef-
ferson and Mr. James Madison set out on a month’s excursion
to the North. They visited, among other places, Albany,
Ticonderoga, Springfield, Hartford, and New York. In
Bennington, Vermont, Jefferson gave close study to the sugar
maple industry. One of their most enjoyable experiences was
a boat trip on Lake George. In the following letters to his
son-in-law and to his daughter, Martha, Jefferson gave glow-
ing descriptions of the lake and the plant life surrounding it.

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Lake Champlain, May 31st, 1791.

My dear Martha:

I wrote to Maria yesterday while sailing on Lake George, and the
same kind of leisure is afforded me to-day to write to you. Lake
George is, without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw;
formed by a contour of mountains into a basin thirty-five miles long, and
from two to four miles broad, finely interspersed with islands, its water
limpid as crystal, and the mountain sides covered with rich groves of
thuja, silver fir, white pine, aspen and paper birch down to the water-
edge ; here and there precipices of rock to checker the scene and save it
from monotony. An abundance of speckled trout, salmon trout, bass,
and other fish, with which it is stored, have added to our other amuse-
ments, the sport of taking them. . . . Our journey has hitherto been
prosperous and pleasant, except as to the weather, which has been sultry
hot through the whole as could be found in Carolina or Georgia. I sus-
pect, indeed, that the heats of northern climates may be more powerful
than those of southern ones in proportion as they are shorter. Perhaps
vegetation requires this. . . . Strawberries here are in the blossom or
Just formed. With you I suppose the season is over. On the whole, I
find nothing anjwhere else, in point of diraate, which Virginia need envy
to any part of the world. Here they are locked up in ice and snow for
six months. Spring and autumn, which make a paradise of our country,
are rigorous winter with them. And a tropical summer breaks on them
all at once. When we consider how much climate contributes to the
happiness of our conditions, by the fine sensations it excites, and the pro-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

158

[1791

ductions it is parent of, we have reason to value highly the accident of
birth in such a one as that of Virginia. (Randall, Jefferson a : 20-21.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Bennington, in Vermont, June S> * 79 **

. , . We were more pleased, however, with the botanical objects which
continually presented themselves. Those either unknown or rare in
Virginia, were die sugar maple in vast abundance. The silver fir, white
pine, pitch pine, spruce pine, a shrub with decumbent stems, which they
call juniper, an azalea, very different from the nudiflora, with very
large clusters of flowers, more thickly set on the branches, of a deeper
red, and high pink-fragrance. It is the richest shrub I have ever seen.
The honey-suckle of the gardens growing wild on the banks of Lake
George, the paper-birch, an aspen with a velvet leaf, a shrub-willow with
downy catkins, a wild goose berry, the wild cherry with single fruit,
(not the bunch cherry,) strawberries in abundance. ... I think I asked
die favor of you to send for Anthony in the season for inoculation, as well
as to do what is necessary in the orchard, as to pursue the object of
'inoculating all the spontaneous ‘cherry trees in the fields with good fruit.
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 8: 304.-206.)

Jefferson remained 'in Philadelphia during the summer,
being unable to leave for Monticello until September 2. He
had been away from Monticello for almost a year. On the
day he left for Virginia he “p* Leslie for an odometer 10. D,”
This odometer he attached to the wheel of his carriage, and
kept a tabular record of the distance from Philadelphia to
Monticello. He arrived home on September iz, and observed
the following details about the accuracy of the odometer:

These measures were on the belief that the wheel of the Phaeton
made exactly 360. revolutions in a mile, but on measuring it accurately
at the end of the journey it’s circumference was 14 ft. jo^ I. and conse-
quently made 354-95 revol'” in a mile, these numbers should be greater
then in the proportion of 71 : 72 or a mile added to every 71.

(Sec Account Book lygi—iSo^ for the record of the trip.)

Petit, Jefferson’s faithful steward in France, arrived in
Philadelphia on July 19. He no doubt accompanied Jefferson
to Monticello in September. During the following years he
was to play a conspicuous part in Jefferson’s comfort and to
serve him in various ways.

Jefferson’s interest in olive trees and rice continued unabated
during the year, as letters quoted below will show. He sent
rice and olives to Sooth Carolina with the same zeal.

i79i] Jefferson’s Garden Book

Since Jefferson was absent from Monticello during the
spring and summer, there were no entries in the Garden Book
about plants and gardening. He was, however, by no means
idle. He placed orders with William Prince, of Long Island,
New York, for a large shipment of plants to be sent to Monti-
cello. They were received at Monticello and planted by Mr,
Randolph.

Jefferson’s new interest this year was the attempt to estab-
lish sugar maples at Monticello. He hoped and believed that
sugar maples would be grown as profitably at Monticello as in
Vermont. In order to try the experiment at Monticello, he
bought over one hundred maple trees from William Prince,
and also bought many maple buds for inoculation from a man
named Elsworth. His maple trees never flourished. He was
doomed to failure with this experiment as he was with his
other two plant experiments, rice and olives, in South Carolina
and Georgia.

” The great highway for stage travel from Richmond to
Charlottesville followed the Rivanna River, and passed
through Shadwell, and crossed the river at Secretary’s Ford,
just below what is now the Charlottesville Woolen -Mills.
The fVeekly Chronicle of Charlottesville for February 19,
1870, under the heading of "Old Records of Albemarle
County," gives the following interesting account of the origin
of the name:

The ford is situated below Piraeus, and an opinion has prevailed to
some extent that it was named in honor of Thomas Jefferson, when
Secretary of State under President George Washington, as well as the
Secretary road along which he is .said to have travelled. But this is an
error; here is the record which is to be found on the County Court
Record :

At a court held for this county of Albemarle on the fourth Thursday
and 28th day of March, 1745 ; Present Joshua Fry, Peter Jefferson, Wil-
liam Cabell, and Thomas Bellew, gentlemen Justices. Charles Lynch,
gentleman, is appointed surveyor of the highway from the late Secre-
tary’s ford to number 12, and likewise of the road to the said Lynch’s
Ferry, and the same male citizens, that formerly worked under the said
Lynch are ordered to clean both roads.

Mr. Jefferson at the time of this entry was not quite two years old.
In the years 1744 and 1745 there are several entries which speak of
Secretary Ford, Secretary Mountain, Secretary Mill, etc., and one of
these says of the late Secretary. The gentleman for whom the Secre-
tary’s Ford, mill. Road, etc., were named was Charles Carter, some-

l6o Jefferson’s Garden Book Ci79*

times called King Carter, His Majesty’s Colonial Secretary. He owned
a vast body of land in this section of country, and had here large plan-
tations settled with negro slaves. His line tree is now standing. The
land from Fluvanna, along both sides of Carter’s Mountain, and south
side of the county and in Nelson and Amherst was his. {The W eekly
Chronicle, Charlottesville, Va., 5 (13): 1, Feb. 19, 1870.)

See plates XIV and XXII for location of Secretary’s Ford.

« See plate XXII.

*One of the springs on the north side of Monticello moun-
tain. See plate XXII for location of this spring.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1791

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan le fils.)

Phila. Jan. *5. 179X.

. . . He [Cathalan le fils’ father] desires me to say whether I still wish
to have the commission executed as to the olives. I wish it, Sir, ex-
tremely. my honour is somewhat compromitted in that matter with the
State of Soudi Carolina, as it was on my earnest sollicitations they under-
took it, and sent me about 30. Louis for that purpose; the balance of
which (after paying the parcel you sent) has laid at Paris ever since.
I must entreat you then at the Commencement of the proper season to
send one half the adventure of olive berries & olive plants to Bordeaux
to mf Fenwick American consul there to be forwarded directly to
Charlestown, and to endeavor to find for the other half a vessel coming
from Marseilles to Charlestown direct, let the two adventures make
up thirty Louis with what you have furnished before, & draw for the
balance on mf Short. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Feb. 9th, 1791.

. . . You will be out in time to begin your garden, and that will
tempt you to be out a great deal, than which nothing will tend more to
give ]ipu health and strengdi. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a: 15.)

(Jefferson to Maria Jefferson.)

Philadelphia, Mar. 9th, 1791.

. . . On the ayth of February I saw blackbirds and robin-redbreasts,
and on the 7th of this month I heard frogs for the first time this year.
Have you noted the first appearance of these things at Monticello? I
hcqie you have, and will continue to note every appearance, aniidal and
vegetable, which indicates the approach of spring, and will communicate
them u> me. ^ By these means we shall be able to compare the climates
of Philadelphia and Monticello. Tell me when you sh^ have peas, etc.,

1791 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i6i

up; when everything comes to table; when you shall have the first
chickens hatched ; when every kind of tree blossoms, or puts forth leaves ;
when each kind of flower blooms. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 2: 16.)

(Martha (Jefferson) Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello March 22. 1791.

. . . Polly and myself have planted the cypress vine in boxes in the
window and also date seeds and some other flowers. 1 hope you have
not forgot the collection of garden seed you promised me. . . . {Jeffer-
son Papers, M. H. S. )

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Mar. 24, 1791.

... I suppose you are busily engaged in your garden. I expect full
details on that subject as well as from Poll, that I may judge what sort
of a gardener you make. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 21 17.)

(Jefferson to Maria Jefferson.)

Philadelphia, Mar, 31st, 1791.

... I wrote you in my last that the frogs had begun their songs on
the 7th; since that the blue-birds saluted us on the 17th; the weeping-
willow began to leaf on the i8th; the lilac and gooseberry on the 2Sth,
and the goldenwillow on the 26. I enclose for your sister three kinds
of flowering beans, very beautiful and very rare. She must plant and
nourish them with her own hand this year in order to save enough seeds
for herself and me. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a: 17-18.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Apr. 6. 1791.

... I have received my daughter’s letter, and will execute her wish
for the calash for herself, & seeds for her friend. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, April 17, 1791.

... I hope your garden is flourishing. . , . (Randall, Jefferson a:
18).

(Maria Jefferson to Jefferson.)

Monticello, April iSth, 1791.

. . . The garden is backward, the inclosure having but lately been
finished. . . . (Randolph, Jefferson: 199.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

l 6 i

[1791

(Jefferson to Maria Jefferson.)

Philadelphia, April 24, 1791.

I have received, my dear Maria, your letter of March 26; I find I
have counted too much on you as a Botanical and Zoological corre-
spondent, for I undertook to affirm here that the fruit was not killed in
Virginia, because I had a young daughter there who was in that kind of
correspondence with me, and who, I was sure would have mentioned it,
if it had been so. However, I shall go on communicating to you what-
ever may contribute to a comparative estimate of the two climates, in
hopes that it will induce you to do the same to me. , . .

April 5. Apricots in bloom.

Cherry leafing.

9. Peach in blossom.

Apple leafing.

II. Cherry in blossom. . . .

(Randall, Jefferson 2: 18-19.)

Thomas Mann Randolph, in a letter to Jefferson, written
from Monticello on April 30, gave him a detailed account of
the weather for the month and listed the blooming time for
the following plants:

April I, Violae 1, 2, 3.

2, Leontodon taraxacum.

4, Silene, Fragaria vesca.

30, Chionanthus virg[inica.] Cypripedium Calc[eolus], Crataegus
crus ga[lli], Morus Rubra, Aquilegia canad [ensis,] Prunus
virg[iniana]. Magnolia 3 sp. Hyacin[thus] com[osus].

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Messrs. Robert Gilmore & Co.)

Phila, May i. 1791.

I am just informed that there is arrived at Baltimore addressed to you
by mr Cathalan of Marseilles 6. barrels containing olive trees, and a
chest containing olives to sow, for me. 1 must beg the favor of you to
send them by the first vessel to Charleston (S. C.) addressed ‘to Mes-
sieurs Brailsford & Morris for mr Wm. Drayton.* as the success of this
endeavor to introduce the culture of the olive into the U. S. depends on
the plants arriving at their destination in due season, h that is now pass-
ing fast away, I must beg your attention to send them by, the very first
vessd. bound from your port. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

1791 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

163

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia May i. 1791.

. . . We are still sitting before fires here. The fruit in this country is
untouched. I thank you for having replaced my dead trees. It is
exactly what I would have wished. I shall be glad to hear how the
white wheat, mountain rice, Paccan & Sugar Maples have succeeded.
Evidence grows upon us that the U. S. may not only supply themselves
sugar for their own consumption but be great exporters. I have re-
ceived a cargo of olive trees from Marseilles, which I am ordering on to
Charleston, so that the U. S. have a certain prospect that sugar and oil
will be added to their productions, no mean addition. I shall be glad to
have a pair of puppies of the Shepherd’s dog selected for the President.
A committee of the Philosophical Society is charged with collecting ma-
terials for the natural history of the Hessian fly. I do not think that of
the weavil of Virginia has been yet sufficiently detailed. What do you
think of beginning to turn your attention to this insect, in order to give
its history to the Phil, society? It would require some summer’s ob-
servations. — ^Bartram here tells me that it is one & the same insect which
by depositing it’s egg in the young plumbs, apricots, nectarines & peaches
renders them gummy & good for nothing. He promises to shew me the
insect this summer. I long to be free for pursuits of this kind instead
of the detestable ones in which I am now labouring without pleasure to
myself, or profit to others. In short I long to be with you at Monticello.
(Ford, Jefferson 6: 250-251.)

(Jefferson to William Drayton.)

Philadelphia May i. 1791.

my Mortification has been extreme at the delays which have attended
the procuring the olive plants so long ago recommended by myself, so
long ago agreed to by the agricultural society, & for which their money
has been so long lying in the hands of a banker at Paris. I assure you
Sir that my endeavors have been unremitting, in addition to the first
small pared which were sent soon after the* receipt of your orders, I have
now the pleasure to inform you that a second cargo is arrived at Balti-
more consisting of 6. barrds which contain 40. young olive trees of the
best species, to afford grafts, and a box of olives to sow for stocks, this
I order on immediately to Charleston to the care of Mess”. Brailsford ic
Morris for you, and I inclose herewith a copy of the directions given for
the manner of treating them, a third cargo is on it’s way from
Bordeaux, but for what port I have not learned, this consists of 2.
barrds containing 44. olive trees of which 24 are very young. — ^I shall
immediately write to my correspondent at Marseilles to send another
cargo the ensuing winter. — I delivered to mr Izard a barrd of Moun-
tain rice of last year’s growth, which 1 reedved from the island of
Bananas on the coast of Africa & which I desired him to share with
you for the use of the society, the attention now paying to the sugar-

Jefferson's Garden Book

164

[1791

maple tree promises us an abundant supply of sugar at home: and I
confess I look with infinite gratification to the addition to the products
of the U. S. of three such articles as oil, sugar, & upland rice, the last I
value, in the hopes it may be a complete substitute for the pestiferous
culture of the wet rice. . . .

Memorandum for the Olive Trees

If the olive trees arrive safely on the ground where they are intended
to be planted, before the end of the month of May next, they may yet be
planted one foot depth in the earth above the root & from 15 to 18 feet
distance one from the other in a Square. If on the contrary they arrive
after the month of May, they will open a trench in the earth of the
depth of the barrels in which they will place the barrels near each other,
taUng out the hoops and 3 or 4 staves and filling the hole all round with
earth. They will water 3 or 4 times in summer all the trench 'till the
water penetrates below the bottoms of the barrels. They will shade
them from the sun during the great heats & in convenient season they
will be planted as above.

As for the chest of olives for sowing. They will make a hole of 3
feet depth in the earth put the chest in it, as it is, cover it over with the
same earth and water it well afterwards. They will then leave the
whole so 'till next February, when they will uncover the chest without
deranging it & take some of the Olives which they will break to see if
. the almond has germinated ; if it has not yet swelled they will cover it
again & leave it for one year more. If they have swelled they will sow
them at an inch depth in the earth cover them again with earth & put on
them horse dung one inch watering them with a watering pot then they
will sprout out in 2 or 3 months or perhaps not till the ensuing year.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Philadelphia May i. 1791.

... A Mr. Noble has been here, from the country where they are
busied with the Sugar maple tree. He thinks Mr. Cooper will bring
3000 jB’s worth to market this season, and gives the most flattering cal-
culations of what may be done in that way. He informs me of another
very satisfactory fact, that less profit is made by converting the juice
into a spirit than into sugar. He gave me specimens of the spirit, which
is exactly whiskey,

I have arrived at Baltimore from Marseilles 40 olive trees of the best
kind from Marseilles, & a box of the seed. The latter to raise stocks, &
the former cuttings to engraft on the stocks. I am ordering them in-
stantly to Charleston, where if they arrive in the course of this month
they will be in time. Another cargo is on it's way from Bordeaux, so
that I hope to secure the commencement of this culture, and from the
best species. Sugar & oil will be no mean addition to the articles of our
culture. ♦ . . (Ford, Jefferson 6: 253,)

1791]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

165

(Benjamin Hawkins to Jefierson.)

Warren in N. C. of May 1791.

I had the pleasure to receive the letter you did me the honor to write
to me of the of April enclosing some of the scarlet blossom beans
... for which I request you to accept my thanks. I wish you and M”.
Trist may have been as fortunate with your beans as I am with mine,
the largest and middle sized are up and promising; I imagine the largest
to be the Caracalla. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Maria Jefferson.)

Philadelphia, May 8 ‘^ 1791.

. . . April 30th the lilac blossomed. May 4th the gelder-rose, dog-
wood, redbud, azalea were in blossom. Wc have still pretty constant
fires here. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 2: 19.)

(Jefferson to David Rittenhouse.)

Philadelphia, May 8. 1791.

. . . The diary of the flowering plants and appearance of birds may
amuse you a minute. I observe the martin appeared there the 14*** of
April, here it was the ai“‘. this year, & exactly on the same day at
New York the last year, the object of this diary is to show what birds
disappear in winter & when, & also to enable us to form a comparative
view of the climates of that & this place, for I was to have kept a similar
diary here; but a town situation does not admit it. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Vaughan.)

Philadelphia May ii. 1791.

. . . The parcels of mountain rice from Timor came to hand too late
in the last season to produce seed. I have sowed this spring some of idle
same, but it has not yet come up. I was fortunate in receiving from the
coast of Africa last fall a cask of mountain rice of the last year’s growth.
This I have dispersed into many hands, having sent the mass of it to S.
Carolina. The information which accompanied this cask was that they
have there (on the coast of Africa) 3. kinds of Mountain rice, which
sowed at the same time, comes to harvest a month distant from each
other. They did not say of which kind that is which was sent to me.
The kind which ripens quickest will surely find sun enough to ripen in
our middle states. (Ford, Jefferson 6: 259-260.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, June ai. 1791.

... I am sorry we did not bring with us some leaves of the different
plants which struck our attention [on their northern trip], as it is the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1791

166

leaf which principally decides specific differences. You may still have
it in your power to repair the omission in some degree. The Balsam
tree at Govr. Robinson’s is the Balsam poplar, Populus BaUamifera of
Linnaeus. The Arolea [Azalea} I can only suspect to be the viscosa,
because I find but two kinds the nudiflora [and] viscosa acknoledged
to grow with us. I am sure it is not the nudifiora. The white pine is
the Pinus Strobus. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 6: 272.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, July 6. i 79 t"

... I received safely the packet by cap*. Sims. The Guinea corn is
new to me, & shall be taken care of. My African upland rice is
flourishing. . . .

P. S. If you leave N. York, will you leave directions with Mr. Elsworth
to forward to me the two parcels of Maple buds, & that of the Birch
bark respectively as they arrive. The last I think had better come by
water. (Ford, Jefferson 6: 277-278.)

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello, July 7, 1791.

... In a late letter you desire us to let you know our success vrith
the seeds you sent from Philadelphia. The sugar maple has failed en*
tirely, a few plants only having appeared which perished almost immedi-
ately. The yellow rice failed allso from the badness of the seed, but
the dark colored came up tolerably well & the plants are thriving. The
first kind was transmitted to Colo. i«wis on your account by a Gentle-
man in Jamaica, the 2**. you left in one of the niches in the parlour here.
For both of these & the maple we preferred the flat ground below the
pack on the little stream which passes thro’ it, being the natural situa-
tion of the latter, & more suitable to the former than the garden. The
Paeans have not appeared as yet. Thinking that they would not bear
transplantation I took the liberty to place them partly on each side of the
new way leading from the gate to the house & partly in the garden.
Several of those in the garden were destroyed unluckily by the hogs be-
fore it was enclosed. The white wheat did poorly. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Wm. Prince.)

Philadelphia July 6. 1791.

When I was at your house in Jime I left with you a note to furnish
me with the following trees, to wit;

Sugar maples, all you have

bush cranberries, sdl you have

3. balsam poplars.

6 . Venetian sumachs.

12. Btirsd pears.

Jefferson’3 Garden Book

1791]

167

To these I must now desire you to add the following; the names of
which I take from your catalogue, to wit

6. Brignole plumbs.

12. apricots. I leave to you to fix on three or four of the best kinds,
making in the whole 12 trees.

6. red Roman nectarines.

6. yellow Roman nectarines.

6. green nutmeg peaches.

6. large yellow clingstone peaches ripening Oct. 15.

12. Spitzenberg apples. I leave to you to decide on the best kind, as
I would chuse to have only one kind.

6. of the very earliest apples you have.

Roses Moss Provence, yellow, rosa mundi; large Provence, the
monthly, the white damask, the primrose, musk rose, cinnamon
rose, thornless rose. 3 of each, making in all 30.

3. Hemlock spruce firs.

3. large silver firs.

3. balm of Gilead firs.

6. monthly honeysuckles.

3. Carolina kidney bean trees with purple flowers.

3. balsam of Peru.

6. yellow willows

6. Rhododendrons.

12. Madeira nuts.

(12?) fill-buds.

according to your estimate & the prices in your catalogue these will be
covered by 30. dollars • which sum you will receive herewith. I must
trouble you to send them yourself to Richmond, addressed to the care of
m' James Brown merch‘. of that place, who will receive them & pay
freight &c. Send them to no other port of that country, for I shall
never get them, and there are vessels going from New York to Rich-
mond frequently, be so good as to forward them as soon as the season
wall admit. I am. Sir. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.) (Published
in Fiskc Kimball, Jefferson s Grounds and Gardens at Monticello, n.d.)

♦"July 6, Ci79i]i gave order on bank for Prince for trees, also for
100 lb. Maple sugar, etc. on acc^ making 60.D Sc inclos'* to him.”
{Account Book ijgi—1803.)

(Joseph Fay to Jefferson.)

Bennington [Vermont] 9"* August 1791.

I have this day had the honor to receive your letter of the 16*^. of
June, respecting the sugar maple seed, by what means the letter has been
so long detained I cannot account. I had determined to furnish you
had you not written, but the seed does not come to maturity until the
Month of October, when the frost kills the stem of the leaf Sc seed, &
causes them to fall from the tree, this circumstance will prevent my

Jefferson’s Garden Book

l68

[1791

furnishing you so early as you mention, but no time shall be lost in doing
it in the proper season & forwarding them to you.

I have examined my young groves since you left this, & find the
young maple very thrifty & numerous, by calculation nearly one thou-
sand to the acre. I intend to plant an orchard in regular form next
Spring, in hopes to encourage others in the same laudable undertaking
in case I succeed. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. II. S.)

Mr. Prince completed Jefferson’s order of July 6, in No-
vember, and on the eighth of that month sent him the follow-
ing itemized statement, adding that the shipment of trees and
shrubs was being sent to his agent, Mr. James Brown of Rich-
mond. It reached Richmond on December 3, and was soon
after sent to Monticello.

Thomas Jefferson, Esq.

The following trees —

No. 1. — 60 Sugar Maple trees

3. — 6 Cranberry trees

3. — 3 Balsam Poplar

4. — 6 Venetian Sumach

5. — 8 Burre Pears

6. — 4 Brignole Plumbs

7. — 4 Red Roman Nectarines

8. — 4 Large early Apricots

9. — 4 Brussels d“.

10. — 4 Roman (Moor park) d®,

11. — 4 Yellow Roman Nectarines 40 trees

13. — 4 Green Nutmeg Peach at

13. — 4 Yellow October Cling”.

14. — 13 Esopus Spitzenburgh apple

15. — 4 Large early harvest apples

16. — 3 . Moss rose

1 7. — 3. Rosa mundi

18. — 3. Monthly rose

19. — 3. Large Provence rose

30 . — 3. Musk rose

31 . — 3 Prim roses
33 . — 2 White rose

23. — 3 Thornless rose

24. — a Cinnamon rose
33, — a Yellow rose
27. — 3 Hemlock spruce
38. — 3 Silver fir

39.. — 6 Monthly (honey suckle)

Nov. 8, 1791.
Flushing

Bot. of W“ prince

at i/:-3-o-o
3/ !— 0 — 12—0

I/6-O-4-6

I/6-O-9-O

1 / 6 - 0 - 12-0

0 - 6-0

I/6-0-6-0

I/6-3-0-0

0 — 6—0
3 /:-o- 4 -o
3/ 1— o— 4— o
3/ 0-4-0
3/ 0-4-0
i/; 0-2-0
i/: 0-2-0
4 Si— o

i/. 0-3-0
1/6-0-4-6
1/6-0-4-6
1/6— 0—4— 6
0/6-0-3-0

Jefferson’s Garden Book

169

1791]

30. — 3 Balsam of Peru 1/6-0-4-6

31. — 6 Rhododendron i/6-o-g-o

32. — 12 Filbud trees 1/6-0-18-0

Matts the trees are packed in 0-6-0

Carriage oo-i.o

£ I 2-12-0

Gures [?] in No. 33 — ^Lemon Clingstone the largest & best of peaches.
The above trees are in four bundles.

some cuttings of Yellow Willow tyed to one of the Bundles of trees.

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Nov. 27. 1791.

By a letter from Prince, I find that he has forwarded to the care of
mr Brown in Richmond 4. bundles of trees for me, numbered as on
the next leaf. I have written to mr Brown to forward them, & wish
this may get in time for you to understand the numbers before you
plant them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

The list of trees referred to in the letter is the same as the
list sent to Jefferson by Prince, except in this list the price is
left off.

(Jefferson to James Brown.)

Philadelphia Nov. 28. 1791.

By a letter just received from Prince, the nurseryman of Long Island,
I learn he has forwarded 4. bundles of trees for me to Richmond ad-
dressed to your care. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson asked Mr. Brown to send them to Monticello or
Nicholas Lewis, and not to let them freeze.

(James Brown to Jefferson.)

Richmond December 4, 1791.

. . . Yesterday your four bundles of Trees came to hand from New
York. They shall be taken care of and forwarded as you point out. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Dec. 11. 1791.

. . . mr. Brown writes me word that the 4. bundles of trees from
Prince are safe arrived there, so that I am in hopes you have received
them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

170

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1791

From the Account Book i^gi—i8o$i

April 9. Bartratn the 6. Louis M*® de Tcsse had given me [for
plants] for him = 27 D.

April 14, four flower-pots 6/.

April 15. 2 flower-pots .2 •

April 18. 7 flower-pots 3/9.

May 17. heard the first whip-poor-will.

June 8. East Springfield, saw 2 elms 6f. 8 I. & 7 7 h diam.

Dec. 20. p*^ for seeing a lion 21 Months old 1 c.

1792

1792 ."

July I. Sunday, the thermometer at D^. Walker’s*
was this day at 96°. which he says is 3“. higher
than he ever knew it since he lived at the moun-
tains. there was no thermometer at Monticello :
but I have observed when I had one here, that
it was generally about 2“. below D'. Walker’s
& mf Maury’s.® so we may suppose it would
have been at 94“. it was at 97°. at mr Madi-
son’s in Orange® on the same day, and at 99“.
in Richmond, this was probably the hottest
day ever known in Virginia, on the same day
was a violent hurricane from about the capes of
Virginia® Northwardly, it overset vessels &
blew down chimneys & the tops of houses in
Philada & N. York, & destroyed a great deal of
timber in the country.®

Aug. 31. *G. Divers ’ thinks feilds of 50. acres of wheat
the best size.

*he estimates 2. bushels of wheat for every cubic
yard of wheat in the straw when stacked.

Sep. 18. the lower Round-about* measured by the Od-

yds.

ometer* to my Phaeton*® is 4420 feet= 1473I
mile“

= •837-

171

172

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

^ 1792. Jefferson continued as Secretary of State with
great reluctance during 1792, only to oblige and support his
friend, President Washington, during a very critical period.
As early as May 23, Jefferson, wrote to Washington from
Philadelphia, urging him to accept another term in office, but
at the same time making it quite clear that he did not wish to
serve another term as Secretary of State.

I have, therefore, no motive to consult but my own inclination, which is
bent irresistibly on the tranquil enjo3nnent of my family, my farm, and
my books. I should repose among them, it is true in far greater se-
curity if I were to know that you remained at the watch ; and I hope it
will be so. (Randall, Jefferson a: 64.)

Jefferson was in Philadelphia most of the year, except for a
single visit to Monticello, which lasted from July 22 to Sep-
tember 27. Maria, who was with him in Philadelphia, added
much to his enjoyment and relieved him of some of the loneli-
ness which completely engulfed him when he was away from
his family.

On May 18, a paper by Benjamin Smith Barton was read
before the American Philosophical Society, assembled in Phila-
delphia, naming that plant Jefersonia (pi. XI) which previ-
ously had been called Podophyllum diphyllum. After de-
scribing the plant in detail. Barton continues :

From the account which I have given of this plant, I have little doubt
that you will agree with me in considering it as a genus, distinct from the
Sauguinaria and the Podophyllum, to both which, however, it must be
confessed, it bears considerable relation. As I have not found it de-
scribed by any authors, except Linnaeus and Clayton, neither of whom
had seen the flowers, and as it is, certainly, a new family, I take the
liberty of making it known to the botanist by the name of

JEFFERSONIA,

in honour of Thomas Jefferson, Esq. Secretary of State to the United-
States,

I beg leave to observe to you, in this place, that in imposing upon this
genus the name of Mr. Jefferson, I have had no reference to his political
character, or to his reputation for general science, and for literature.
My business was with his knowledge of natural history. In the various
departments of this science, but especially in botany and in zoology, the
information of this gentleman is equalled by that of few persons in the
United-States.

Of the genus which I have been describing, we, as yet, know but one
species, which I call

wv^v *" j "y. ,•

Jefferson’s Garden Book

173

179a]

Jeffersonia Binata.

Barton’s paper was printed the following year in the Trans-
actions of the Ameiican Philosophical Society (3: 334—347,

1793)-

Since Jefferson was in Philadelphia during the month of
May, he was probably an attendant at the meeting when this
honor was conferred upon him. In the spring of 1807 he
planted Jeffersonia in one of the oval beds in front of his
house at Monticello. Jeffersonia binata Bart, is now called
Jeffersonia diphylla (L.) Pcrs.

This was another year in which Jefferson failed to make any
entries in the Garden Book about the activities in the garden.
From letters, and the account book for the year, his continued
interest in olives, rice, and sugar maples is apparent.

Monticello had suffered greatly during Jefferson’s almost
continuous absence of ten years. The house was unfinished,
and there were many changes to be made both indoors and out-
doors. He began his plans for a complete change in the house
this year. In a letter to Stephen Willis, his workman at
Monticello, he wrote :

Philadelphia Nov. 12. 1792.

Having long ago fixed on the ensuing spring for the time of my retir-
ing to live at home, I did, when there the last fall, endeavor to put
things into a tram for resuming my buildings, this winter is employed
in getting framing, limestone, & bringing up stone for the foundation of
the new part to be first erected, the demolition of the walls wherein
the present staircase is run up, & of the Antichamber (about 60,000
bricks) will, with about 20,000 new bricks which I possess, suffice I
hope for the first summer’s construction, building to the water table with
those. I shall begin about the first of April to dig my cellars, & then
do the stonework, and as far as I can judge I shall be in readiness after
that to do the brick-work, but I cannot be certain of it, because I am
not at home to make sure that the winter’s preparations will be com-
pleted. I have thought it best to give you my prospect of asking your
attendance, accoiding to promise, merely that you may, if possible, so ar-
range your engagements as to come to Monticello, if I can get ready for
you, & if I cannot be ready, that it may be no disappointment to you.
I am extremely anxious to do the part of ray house meditated this sum-
mer if possible- my operations of the subsequent years will be more
certain. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H, S.)

Plans were also formulated for putting his farms on a pay-
ing basts. In order to carry out his plans Jefferson needed an

Jefferson's Garden Book

174

[179a

overseer who could give all his labors to Monticello. To do
this work he eagaged Mr. Samuel Biddlei of Elkton, Mary-
land, who had been recommended to him by Mr. Jacob Hol-
lingsworth, also of that town. The agreement was made be-
tween them toward the close of the year.

*Thomas Walker was born in King and Queen in i 7 i 5 i _WR 8 a stu-
dent of William and Mary, and about 1741 married Mildred, the
widow of Nicholas Meriwether. Through her he came into possession
of Castle Hill [^bemarle County]. By profession he was a physician,
but possessed too bold and energetic a nature to be contented with the
ordinary routine of a country doctor. ... He was Commissary of the
Virginia troops under Braddock, and was at that general’s defeat in
1755. More than once he was appointed to treat with the Indians in
New York and Pennsylvania, and in 1778 was one of the Commission
selected to fix the boundary between Virginia and North Carolina.
Without any change of residence, he successively represented the coun-
ties of Hanover, Louisa, and Albemarle in the House of Burgesses, and
in 1763 was the trustee of Albemarle to sell and convey the lots and
outlots of Charlottesville, the new county seat. He died in 1794.
(Woods, Albemarle County; 334 - 335 .)

‘Probably Matthew Maury, son of the Reverend James
Maury, to whose school Jefferson went as a boy. ‘‘Matthew
was an Episcopal minister, and succeeded his father both at
the homestead, and in the parish. He also taught school.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Thomas Walker. He
died in 1808.” (Woods, Albemarle County: 269.)

* President James Madison’s home Montpelier, Orange
County, Virginia.

* Cape Henry and Cape Charles, Virgmia.

•Jefferson was in Philadelphia on July i. He did not
reach Monticello until July 22, so that all of the entry relative
to the weather was written after his return to Monticello.

^Mr. George Divers lived at Farmington, Albemarle
County, now the Farmington Country Club. He and Jeffer-
son, both prominent men of the community, were warm friends
and often visited each other to discuss agricultural matters and
exchange plants and seeds. Mr. Divers married Martha
Walker, daughter of Dr. Thomas Walker, of Castle Hill.
(Mary Rawlings, The Albemarle of Other Days (Charlottes-
ville, 1925): 122-123.)

* The lower Round-about was also called the Fourth Round-
about.

1792] Jefferson’s Garden Book lyj;

•Jefferson bought this odometer on September 2, 1791,
while in Philadelphia. See note i, 1791.

“ Phaeton: a kind of light four-wheeled carriage (with or
without a top) having no sidepieces in front of the seat or
(two) seats.

“From the Farm Book: “1792, Sept. 18. the Orchard
Roundabout, passing above the garden along the mulberry
row, measured by the Odometer of the Phaeton 1473^ yds. =
.837 mile.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1792

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Jan. i, 1792.

... I thank you for your experiment on the Peach tree. It proves
my speculation practicable, as it shews that 5. acres of peach trees at 21.
feet apart will furnish dead wood enough to supply a fireplace through
the winter, & may be kept up at the trouble of only planting about 70.
peach stones a year. Suppose this extended to lo. fireplaces, it comes to
50. acres of ground, 5000 trees, and the replacing about 700 of them
annually by planting so many stones. If it be disposed at some little
distance, say in a circular annulus from 1 00. to 300 yards from the
house, it would render a cart almost useless. — When I indulge myself in
these speculations, I feel with redoubled ardor my desire to return home
to the pursuit of them, & to the bosom of my family, in whose love alone
I live or wish to live, & in that of my neighbors. — ^But I must yet a little
while bear up against my weariness of public ofGce. . . . (Ford, Jeffer-
son 6: 359.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, February 26, 1792.

. . . The season is now coming on when I shall envy you your oc-
cupations in the fields and garden, while I am shut up drudging within
four walls. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 2: 76.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Mar. 30. 1792.

... I inclose you some seeds of the Acacia Farnesiana the most de-
licious flowering shrub in the world, it ,will require to be in boxes, and
to be kept in the house in the winter. I formerly made use of the South
bow room for the same kind of plant, & it was quite sufficient, if they
come up and you will take charge of them next winter, I will take them
off your hands afterwards. ... in vegetation I have but little new for

Jefferson's Garden Book

176

[179a

you. yesterday for the first time I discovered that the gooseberry, the
lilac & weeping willow were leafing, they might have been so two or
three days, the martins appeared here on the 21“ of April the last year,
& on the same day of the year before at New York. {Jefferson Papers,

L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, March 22d, 1792.

. . . The ensuing year will be the longest of my life, and the last of
such hateful labors ; the next we will sow our cabbages to-gether. . .• .
(Randolph, Jefferson: 209.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins.)

Philadelphia, April i, 1792.

At Mrs. Trist’s desire I forward to you about a dozen beans of three
different kinds, having first taken toll of them as she had done before.
They are of the scarlet flowering kind. This is all I know of them.
The most beautiful bean in the world is the Caracalla bean which,
though in England a green-house plant, will grow in the open air in
Virginia and Carolina. I never could get one of these in my life. They
are worth your enquiry. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 19: 93-94.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia April 6. 1792.

... I suppose you are busy in your garden. Shackleford promised me
on his honor to cover it with manure, has he done it? if not, tell him
I have written to enquire. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Nicholas Lewis.)

Philadelphia, Apr. I2, 1792.

. , . Unremitting business must be my apology, as it is really the true
one, for my having been longer without writing to you than my affec-
tions dictated. I am never a day without wishing myself with you, and
more and more as the fine sunshine comes on, which seems made for all
the world but me. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 6: 475.)

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello April 16: 1792.

Your letter containing the seeds of the Acacia came safe to Monticello.
Patsy and Miss Jane, who Have become quite enthusiastic in gardening &
Botany, are much pleased with the charge St promise themselves the
satisfaction of presenting you the shrub reared by their own hands, in
Sepf. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

177

1792] Jefferson’s Garden Book

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia, April 1792.

... I am sorry to hear my sugar maples have failed. I shall be able
however to get here any number I may desire, as two nurserymen have
promised to make provision for me. It is too hopeful an object to be
abandoned. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 6: 480.)

(Mrs. Martha (Jefferson) Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello May 7, 1792.

... You will see that I am a much better gardener than last year
tho in truth old George is so slow that I shall never shine in that way
without your assistance. Tom has been a man of honour with respect
to the manure. We have had some very high winds here lately one of
which blew down 5 large trees, in and about the grove and did some
other mischief, it was accompanied with severe lightning, the noise
of the wind kept us from hearing any thing of the thunder except when
it was extremely loud, we have discovered a very beautiful tree near
the lower round a bout a silver fir I believe, it differs from the com-
mon pine in having a smooth green bark and the bottom of their leaves
white and much finer than the other. • . . {Jefferson Papers j M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Elias Vanderhorst.)

Philadelphia May n. 1792.

I have just received a letter from mr Cathalan of Marseilles inform-
ing me [he] had sent by the same vessel to Baltimore 4. casks containing
lOb. olive trees, and a cask of caper plants, Mr. Sterrett, who happened
to be then setting out for Baltimore promised to send them off immedi-
ately to Charleston. I have taken the liberty of having them addressed
to you as President of the Agricultural society, these trees, as well as
those sent before are of the best kind of Provence olive, and were in-
tended to furnish slips for grafting. I do not know how it happens that
mf Cathalan has not sent the olive berries for sowing in order to raise
stocks, which he was desired to do this being the quickest way of getting
into a large stock.

I cannot help taking the liberty of suggesting to the society the ex-
pediency of adopting some plan of employing a common labourer at
Marseilles to raise plants, and to go annually with them himself through
the canal of Languedoc to Bordeau to see them himself put on board a
vessel for Charleston, with a quantity of the olive berries, then return to
Marseilles to renew his operations, the whole expense might be 50.
guineas a year, & continued for 7. years would fill your state tyith Ais
most valuable of the productions of the earth. . . • (Jefferson Papers.
M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

178

(Jefferson to Doctor George Gilmer.)

Philadelphia May ii. 1792.

... I had rather be sick in bed there, than in health here, the next
spring we will sow our cabbages together. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L.C.)

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Philadelphia, May 16, 1792.

... I have 100 olive trees, and some caper plants, arrived here from
Marseilles, which’ I am sending on to Charleston, where Mr. Pinckney
tells me they have already that number living of those I had before sent
them. (Ford, Jefferson 6: 487.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, June 22^, 1792.

... I suspect, by the account you give me of your garden, that you
mean a surprise, as good singers always preface their performances by
complaints of cold, hoarseness, etc. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a: 76.)

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello June 25. 1792.

. . , The weather for the last fortnight has been very seasonable and
our prospects of Indian Corn are now great. Your harvest commenced
three days ago: the grain is as fair & the crop as heavy as the land ever
bore. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Mrs. Martha (Jefferson) Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello July 2, 1792.

. . . What I told you of my garden is really true indeed if you see it
at a distance it looks very green but it does not bear close examination,
the weeds having taken possession of much the greater part of it. Old
George is so slow that by the time he has got to the end of his labour he
has it all to do over again. 2 of the acacia’s are come up and are
fioutishing. . . . Dear papa the heat is incredible here, the thermom-
eter has been at 96 in Richmond and even at this place we have not been
able to sleep comfortably with every door and window open. I dont
recolect ever to have suffered as much from heat as we have done this
summer. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello, October 7, 1792.

. . . The frost has been severe on this mountain as high as the lower
Roundabout-walk: a few leaves of the sweet-potatoe have fdt it in the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1792]

179

Garden but it has been very slight as yet on the summit. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Joseph Fay to Jefierson.)

Bennington, October 8, 1792.

I have taken the earliest I can to collect a few of the maple seeds
which you will receive herewith by the post ; Should the soil of Virginia
prove friendly you will soon be able to furnish the State, as they produce
very spontaneously. . . . The seeds must be committed to the Earth as
soon as convenient this fall in some place where they will not be ex-
posed to be damaged by fowls 8 c squirrels. . . , {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.)

Philadelphia, October 8, 1792.

I found on my return here three days ago, your favor of April 6th,
and am happy to learn from it that the Agricultural Society has adopted
the plan of employing a person at Marseilles to raise and send olive
trees to them annually. Their success in South Carolina cannot be
doubted, and their value is great. Olive grounds in France rent higher
by the acre than those of any other growth in the Kingdom, which proves
they yield the greatest nett produce. Marseilles is die proper place for
your nurseryman to be fixed, because it is the neighborhood of the best
olives; and Mr. Cathalan the properest person to whom we can commit
the whole superintendence, because he is our consul, is concerned in our
commerce, eager to extend it, is a good man, a wealthy one, and has
offered his services repeatedly in this business. He was brought up in a
counting-house in London, is connected there, and therefore I think that
the most convenient place on which to enable him to draw for expendi-
tures. This may be either by an annual letter of credit to him on some
house there for any sum not exceeding fifty guineas, or a standing letter
of credit for that annual sum till your further orders. ... I am happy
that while I was in the olive country 1 enquired for and procured the
best book on the subject of the olive tree, which I now deliver to Mr.
Smith for the use of the Society. I suspect that the excrescence on your
olive trees, described in your letter, is what they call the leprosy, which
prevails among these plants I believe in every country. (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 8: 41 2-41 4.)

(Charles C. Pinckney to Jefferson.)

Charleston Nov*. 13. 1792.

In consequence of your favour of the 8**^ of October, the Agricul-
tural Society have directed me to inform you that they will instantly
take measures to lodge in the hands of the Mess”. Bird, Savage, & Bird

l8o Jefferson’s Garden Book [1792

merchants In London by the first of January in every year for three
years certain, & thence every year afterwards till countermanded by the
Society the annual sum of Fifty Guineas, to be paid to the order of M'.
Cathalan to procure Olive Plants for the Society in the mode pointed
out by you. M'. Peter Smith their Treasurer will remitt by the first
vessel a Bill to put Mess'". Bird, Savage & Bird in cash for the ensu-
ing January, & great care will be taken to prevent M". Cathalan being
even in advance for the Society. I beg the favour of you to forward
the enclosed Letter to M". Cathalan & to direct such a mode for con-
ducting the enterprize as to you may seem best: but the Society would
prefer, if possible, the transmitting the plants by ships immediately
bound for this port, rather than by vessels destined to other ports of the
Continent. The Society have directed me to return you their best thanks
for your great attention to the objects of their institution, and for the
polite present you have made them of the Traitc de I’Olivier par M".
Couture which has arrived safe. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Philadelphia, December 2, 1792.

The small essay which has been commenced under your kind assistance
for colonizing the olive tree to South Carolina has induced some patriotic
gentlemen of that country to turn their attention further toward its
importance, and to give to their efforts a more steady and permanent
form. I gave it as my opinion to them that the best plan which could
be pursued at a moderate expense, would be to rent, near Marseilles, an
acre of ground, or say your quarterelle, which is something less than an
acre, to employ by the year a laboring man who understands engrafting,
to make it his business to sow olives in this ground, to engraft on them
cuttings from the best kinds, and to send to Carolina in the winter of
every year all the plants he could have in readiness, together with a
quantity of the olive berries to be sown in Carolina in order to be en-
grafted on them.

If before a given day in winter, say the first of January, any ship
should be sailing from Marseilles to Charleston, it should be his busi-
ness to pack properly his olive berries and young plants and put t-hom on
board ; if no vessel should occur before that, or any more convenient day,
it should be his business to proceed himself with his olive berries and
plants, through the canal of Languedoc to Bordeaux, there to remain
(under the patronage of Fenwick) till a vessel should sail from thence to
Charleston, on board of which he should put his cargo and then return
to Marseilles to recommence for the next year the same operation of
sowing, engrafting, packing and dispatching in the same way to Charles-
ton, the olive berries and plants which he could prepare for that year, and
so to continue for a number of years. The first question occurring was
to how small a sum can we reduce this expense annually, so as that it
may be effected and yet not too sensible a burden on the gentlemen.

1792] Jefferson’s Garden Book l8i

I recollect that the price of a quarterelle of the best lands close to
Marseilles was one hundred louis, consequently its rent five louis a year.
The hire of a laboring man six louis a year, his subsistence, considering
he may have to move from Marseilles to Bordeaux, will be more than
if he were always stationary, but still,-if he uses economy which a man
of his condition well understands, it need not exceed fourteen louis a
year, and all together twenty-five louis. Therefore, to cover all errors
of calculation, accidents and contingencies, I proposed double that sum,
to wit: fifty louis. The gentlemen have accordingly appropriated that
sum annually.

The second question arising was whom we should engage to manage
this business at Marseilles? On this there could be but one opinion,
your exertions heretofore, your goodness and your relations to this coun-
try marked you as the person whom we must engage to act there, and to
their entreaties I must add mine in the most earnest degree. After you
shall have put the business under way, that is to say, after you shall
have engaged a proper laborer and piece of ground, I hope you will have
no other trouble than to receive and pay the wages and rent, and to see
the nursery now and then and that the person docs his duty. ’Your re-
ward will be the consciousness of doing good, our thanks, and those of a
grateful posterity, nor can any objections arise from the circumstances of
your own country, as that imports more oil than it exports, and conse-
quently is interested to increase the quantity produced abroad as well as
at home.

I will take it for granted, then, that you will become the father of our
olive colony by superintending whatever is necessary to be done on that
side the water. The plants will be received and their freight paid at
their port of delivery here, which we must entreat to make, in every
possible case, the port of Charleston. Great injury and loss happen in
shipping and unshipping in warehouses, etc., but when a conveyance to
Charleston direct cannot be had without danger of losing the season,
then New York or Philadelphia arc the next best ports. Baltimore is
too uncertain and Norfolk still more so. I enclose you a letter from
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Esquire, of Charleston, who is chairman
of the agricultural society there, which will inform you of the arrange-
ments taken to have the sum of money destined to this object, always
under your order.

To his correspondence on the subject I must refer you for the future
and to such alterations in my plan as he shall please to direct. It may
not be amiss to add annually a few plants of the best figs for drying as
also of the best grapes for making what we call “dried raisins”, and you,
I believe, "des panses only taking care that these be really few, so that
they may in no wise abridge or interfere with the olives which are the
main object. We will take care to procure the patronage of Mr. Fen-
wick at Bordeaux for so much of the business as must be transacted tliere.

I have the honor to be, with great and sincere esteem, dear Sir, your
most obedient and humble servant. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson
19: 9^101.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

l8a

[1792

On November 22 Jefferson had written Mr. Jacob Hollings-<
worth, of Elkton, Maryland, to secure an overseer for Montis
cello. Jefferson received the following letter from Mr. Hol-
lingsworth :

Elkton, 9 Decb'. 1792.

Yours of 22 Novb' I received and should have answered it sooner,-
but could not accommodate you with a young man which I thought
would suit you until yesterday, when I think I have found one which I
have every hopes will, a sartain M'. Samuel Biddle who was born with
in five miles of me he was brought up to farming by his father who is as
neat a farmer as Eny in our neighborhood, and as honest a old gentleman
as Eny at ail, from charactor, tho his Farm is not large nough to employ
his sons as he has a moderat quantoty of negroes now by the industry of
his sons, the young man has been an overseear for three years past and I
expect nows well how to manage negros tho not in a very harsh manar he
says he will undertake to manage them but not with [out] they are reason-
ably fed St clothed, his terms for a year is forty five pounds if your farm
is not more than two hundred miles from this and if more you must pay
his traveling expenses from there untill he reaches the fatme, and he will
be glad to come as soon as possible, if you and he can agree as he expects
New years Day is the common time of entering the years business, as he
expects to be ready then he desires you will commit your terms to
wrighting, and your requests untill he see yous and a full informati of
the -situation and to know whether its a Quarter or a mentioned House
or if the House is reasonably good, and your answer as soon as posable
as he will attend here on Satterdy next for it. And I have every hopes
from the caractor of his famaly, and knowing his father to have brought
him up in the eact mode of farming you want that he will answer every
purpose.

Remain your very Humb' Serv‘
Jacob Hollingsworth

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Samuel Biddle.)

Philadelphia, Dec, 12, 1792.

Having asked the favor of Mr. Hollingsworth to look out for a per-
son in his neighborhood who would be willing to go to Virginia and
overlook a farm for me, he informs me that you will undertake it for a
hundred and twenty dollars a year. He seems to have mistaken me in
the circumstance of time, as he mentions that you would expect to go
about the new year. I had observed to him that I should not want a
person till after the next harvest. The person who now takes care of
the place is engaged for the ensuing year, which finishes with us about
November; but I should wish you to be there by seed time in order to
prepare the crop of the’ following year. The wages are a good deal
higher than I expected, as Mr. Hollingsworth mentioned that the usual

1793] Jefferson’s Garden Book 183

wages in your neighborhood were from £25. to £30. Maryland currency.
However I consent to give them, & the rather as there will be some
matters under your care beyond the lines of the farm. I have a smith
& some sawyers who will require to be seen once a day, and the first year
of your being there I shall have some people employed in finishing a
canal, who will also be to be attended to.

The place you are to overlook is that on which I live, & to which I
shall return in March next. It is 70 miles above Richmond on the
North branch of James River, exactly where it breaks through the first
ridge of little mountains, near the village of Charlottesville, in Albe-
marle County. It is 22 $ miles from Elkton, a southwest course. From
this description you may find it in any map of the country. The climate
is very temperate both summer & winter, and as healthy as any part of
America, without a single exception.

The farm is of about 5 or 600 acres of cleared land, very hilly, origi-
nally as rich as any highlands in the world, but much worried by Indian
corn & tobacco. It is still however very strong, & remarkeably friendly
to wheat & rye. These will be my first object. Next will be grasses,
cattle, sheep, & the introduction of potatoes for the use of the farm, in-
stead of Indian corn, in as great a degree as possible. You will have
from I a to 15 laborers under you. They will be well clothed, and as
well fed as your management of the farm will enable us, for it is chiefly
with a view to place them on the comfortable footing of the laborers of
other countries, that I come into another country to seek an overlooker
for them, as also to have my lands a little more taken care. For these
purposes I have long banished tobacco, & wish to do the same by Indian
corn in a great degree. The house wherein you will live will be about
half a mile from my own. You will of course keep batchelor’s house.
It is usual with us to give a fixed allowance of pork; I shall much rather
substitute beef & mutton, as I consider pork to be as destructive an article
in a farm as Indian corn. On this head we shall not disagree, and as I
shall pass Elkton in March, I will contrive to give you notice to meet
me there, when we may descend to other details. But for the present I
shall wish to receive your answer in writing, that I may know whether
you consider yourself as engaged, so that I need not look out for another.
I leave you free as to the time of going, from harvest till Christmas. If
you will get yourself conveyed as far as Fredericksburg, which is as far
as the stages go on that road, I will find means of conveying you from
thence, which will be 70 miles. So far respects the farm over which I
wish to place you.

Besides this I have on the opposite side of the little river running
through my lands, 2000 acres of lands of the same quality, & which has
been cultivated in the same way, which I wish to tenant out at a quarter
of a dollar an acre, in farms of such sizes as the tenants would chuse. I
would hire the labourers now employed on them from year to year to
the same tenants, at about 50 dollars for a man & his wife, the tenant
feeding & clothing them & paying their taxes & those of the land, which
are very trifling. The lands to be leased for 7 years or more, the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1794

184

laborers only from year to year, to begin next November. I would like
the farms to be not less than aoo acres, because such a farmer would
probably like to hire a man & his wife as labourers, I have mentioned
these circumstances to you, because I have understood that tenants might
probably be got from Maryland, and perhaps it would be agreeable to
you to engage some of your acquaintances to go & settle so near where
you will be. Perhaps you could inform me in what other part of
Maryland or the neighboring States tenants might be more probably
found, and I should willingly incur the expense of having them sought
for. Your assistance in this would particularly oblige me. I would
ease the rent of the first year, that the tenant might get himself under
way with as few difficulties as possible, but I should propose restrictions
against cultivating too great a quantity of Indian corn.

In expectation of hearing from you immediately I am. Sir,

Your humble scv*,
Th: Jefferson.

P. S. There is a market for wheat, rye, &c, in two little towns on each
side of my lands, neither more than two miles & half distant. (Massa-
chusetts Historical Collection, The Jefferson Papers (Boston, 1900),
Seventh Series, i ; 43-46. Hereafter cited as Jefferson Papers, M. H.
C.)

The following agreement was drawn up between Jefferson
and Mr. Biddle, probably towards the close of the month.
There was no date written in. Mr. Biddle arrived at the
stated time.

It is agreed between mr Samuel Biddle & myself that he shall over-
look certain parts of my affairs in Virginia as explained in a letter to
him Dec. la, 1792. for which I am to pay him one hundred & twenty
dollars a year, his wages are to begin the 1®* day of September next, &
he is to proceed to Virginia about the middle of October, he is to carry
his bedding. I promised to provide him half a dozen fly chairs, a table,
pot etc. the carpenters to fix up little conveniences for him, to find him
a horse, 5 or 600 w‘. of pork, or rather mutton etc. equivalent. {Jef-
ferson Papers, M. H. S.)

From the Account Book ijg 1—1803:

May 17. Francis for earth for garden 8/2.

May 17. drayage for olive trees 2/6,

May 17. p* Morris for plants i. D.

May 22. p* drayage of Olive & Caper plants .23.
July 8. p* at Grey’s garden .195.

1793

1793 ."

Octob. gave a greendressing of tob“. suckers to the three
Westernmost squares of the garden, trenching
them lo.I. deep & a.f. wide at intervals of 2 feet,
filling the trenches with green suckers and cover-
ing them over with earth.

covered the three terrasses of Asparagus under
the garden wall with a thick coat of tobacco
suckers, & on that a thick coat of well rotted dog.®

" 1793 ' Jefferson continued in office as Secretary of State
until the end of this year. President Washington had urged
him to remain in office longer, but Jefferson was unyielding in
his determination to resign. He had planned to retire on
September 30, since this was the end of the quarterly accounts
of the Government, but Washington, feeling the need for
more time to select his successor, urged him to stay until De-
cember 3 1 . He agreed to do so, with the permission to go to
Monticello during the early fall to look after his private
affairs. Jefferson and his daughter Maria arrived at Monti-
cello on September 25 and remained until October 25. This
was his only visit to Monticello during the year.

This year in many ways was a disagreeable one for Jeffer-
son. His enemies continued their abuses. The war between
France and England confronted him with many vexatious
problems of neutrality, and he was involved in a long con-
troversy about Edmond C. Genet, the Minister Plenipotentiary
sent by the new French Republic to the United States. And
towards the end of the year the fearful outbreak of yellow

185

l86 Jefferson’s Garden Book Ci793

fever in Philadelphia killed hundreds of its citizens and drove
from the city a large majority of those spared. It was soon
after the outbreak of fever that Jefferson and his daughter
left Philadelphia for Montkello.

There was but one entry in the Garden Book for the year.
Jefferson was not idle, however, for his letters show that he
was making elaborate plans for the development of his farms.
He wrote to Mrs. Randolph from Philadelphia on July 7:
“My head has been so full of farming since I have found it
necessary to prepare a plan for my manager that I could not
resist the addressing my last weekly letters to Mr, Randolph
and boring him with my plans.” Jefferson was enthusiastic
about a new model for a threshing machine which he was to
receive from Mr. Thomas Pinckney, United States Minister
to Great Britain, and showed considerable concern when it
was delayed. There is no mention of olives and rice this
year. Probably the war between France and England had
delayed shipments to such an extent that a passage could not
be found for plants.

Mr. Samuel Biddle, of Elkton, Maryland, came to Monti-
cello as overseer, succeeding a Mr. Clarkson. After an inter-
view with Mr. Biddle, Jefferson described him in a letter to
Mr. Randolph on June 24; “This man is about 30. years of
age, of not a very bright appearance, but seems to be docile,
so that I hope to get my outlines followed by him.” Mr.
Biddle stayed at Monticello as overseer until November i of
the succeeding year. The problem of hiring a successful over-
seer for his different estates was one which Jefferson never
solved satisfactorily. On May 14, 1794, soon after his re-
tirement to Monticello, he wrote to President Washington,
“I find on a more minute examination of my lands than the
short visits heretofore made to them permitted, that a ten
years’ abandonment of them to the ravages of overseers, has
brought on them a degree of degradation far beyond what I
had expected.”

* Since relatively little tobacco is grown in Albemarle County
. today, this kind of greendressing is not used. This is the first
mention that the vegetable garden was divided into squares.

1793 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

187

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1793

The following letters and extracts of letters show to what
extent Jefferson’s “head had been so full of farming.”

(Benjamin Hawkins to Jefferson.)

February i, 1793.

I send you your share of the bent grass, so much valued by Mr. Bas-
sett. I have sent the half of the remainder to the President. {Jeffer-
son Papers, M. H. S.) [See Garden Book, “Objects for the farm,
I794i” for mention of this grass.]

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Mar, 3. I793>

... I informed you in my last of a scheme I had of leasing my lands
on the Shadwell side of the river, since that I have learned that about
the same time two persons from the Head of Elk (the neighborhood
where I was endeavoring to procure tenants) set out to examine my
lands in order to decide for themselves & report to their neighbors, as
they went without any letters from me, I am extremely afraid, as they
may get into hands which may mislead them and on their return, throw
cold water on an operation which bid fair to succeed to any extent 1
might have chosen to carry it. I wish my letter to you may have got to
hand in time for their arrival. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia Mar. 24. 1793.

. . . how do my young chestnut trees? how comes on your garden?
how fare the fruit blossoms etc. I sent to mr Randolph, I think, some
seed of the Bent-grass which is so much extolled. I now enclose you
some seed which mr Hawkins gave me, the name of which I have for-
gotten; but 1 dare say it is worth attention. I therefore turn it over to
you, as I should hope not to reap what would be planted here. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, Apr. 28, 1793.

Yours of the 12th inst is received and 1 will duly attend to your com-
mission relative to the ploughs. We have had su^ constant deluges of
rain & bad weather for some time past that 1 have not yet been able to
go to Dr. Logan’s to make the enquiries you desire, but I will do it
soon. . . . (Ford, Jef arson 7: 301.)

i88

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, May 5. 93.

No letter from you since that of Apr. 12, — I received one from Mr.
Pinckney yesterday informing me he expected to send me by the next
ship a model of the Threshing mill. He had been out to see one work,
which with 2. horses got out 8. bushels of ruheat an hour. But he was
assured that the mill from which my model was taken gets out 8 quarters
(i.e. 64 bushels) of oats an hour with 4. horses. I have seen Dr. Logan.
Your ploughs will be done in a week & shall be attended to. . . . (Ford,
Jefferson 7: 307-308.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, May 19, 1793.

... I expect every day to receive from Mr. Pinckney the model of
the Scotch threshing machine. It was to have come in a ship which ar-
rived three weeks ago, but the workman had not quite finished it. Mr.
P. writes me word that the machine from which my model is taken,
threshes eight quarters (sixty-four bushels) of oats an hour, with four
horses and four men. I hope to get it in time to have one erected at
Monticcllo to clean out the present crop. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson g! 98.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, May 26, 1793.

. . . We are in sight both of Bartram’s & Gray’s gardens, but have
the river between them & us. . . , (Ford, Jefferson 7; 344.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, June 2, 1793.

. . . Bartram is extremely anxious to get a large supply of seeds of
the Kentucky Coffee tree. I told him I would use all my interest with
vou to obtain it, as I think I heard you say that some neighbors of yours
had a large number of trees. Be so good as to take measures for bring-
mg a good quantity, if possible, to Bartram when you come to Congress.

. . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson g: 107.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia, June a, 1793.

• • > We have had here for a considerable time past true winter
weaker, quite cold enough for white frost. Though that accident has
not happened, fires are still kept up, having been intermitted only for

1793]

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

189

short intervals of very hot weather. I have not yet received my model
of the threshing mill. I wish it may come in time for the present crop ;
after so mild a winter as the last we must expect weavil. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 109.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, June 9, 1793.

. . . Your ploughs shall be duly attended to. Have you ever taken
notice of Tull’s horse-houghing plough? I am persuaded that where
you wish your work to be very exact, and our great plough where a less
degree will suffice, leave us nothing to wish for from other countries as
to ploughs, under our circumstances. I have not yet received my thresh-
ing machine. I fear the late, long, and heavy rains must have extended
to us, and affected our wheat. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson g: 121.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

June, 1793.

. . . The motion of my blood no longer keeps time with the tumult
of the world. It leads me to seek happiness in the lap and love of my
family, in the society of my neighbors and my books, in the wholesome
occupations of my farms and my affairs, in an interest er affection in
every bud that opens, in every breath that blows around me, in an entire
freedom of rest, of motion, of thought — owing account to myself alone
of my hours and actions. . . . (Randolph, Jefferson: 218—219.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, June loth, 1793.

... I sincerely congratulate you on the arrival of the mocking-bird.
Learn all the children to venerate it as a superior being in the form of a
bird, or as a being which will haunt them if any harm is done to itself
or its egp. I shall hope that the multiplication of the cedar in the
neighborhood, and of trees and shrubs round the house, will attract
more of them ; for they like to be in the neighborhood of our habitations
if they furnish cover. . . , (Randolph, Jefferson: 221.)

(Jefferson to Gouverneur Morris.)

Philadelphia, June 13, 1793.

. . . Though our spring has been cold and wet, yet the crops of small
grain are as promising as they have ever been seen. The Hessian fly,
however, to the north, and the weavil to the south of the Potomac, will
probably abridge the quantity. . . . (Lipscomb and Ber^, Jefferson g:
125.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

190

(Thomas Mana Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello June 13: 1793.

You will observe by the abstract of my diary that we have had an un-
common proportion of rainy weather this spring; our fields of wheat and
rye from this will give a smaller and a meaner product than we have
hitherto expected from them. The plants, where they were late and
stood close, have “lodged" as the farmers term it and of course cannot
perfect the grain; where this has not happened many of the grains in
every head appear to me to be of smaller size than usual, altho’ the
plants themselves are much larger than the same soil would produce^ in
an ordinary year. There cannot, well, be too much rain for the Indian
corn, but the weather has been so cold that it is but little advanced for
the season ; the last 8 or 10 days however have been so favorable, and it
has improved so much in that time, that we expect an abundant recolte.
We have not prospered in our garden this year altho, for the first
time, our exertions have been sufficiently great. Our young vegetables
have been separated from the root under ground by grubs, or eaten in
the seed-leaf by a very minute tribe of grasshopper, and two species of
still more minute volatile insects, or devoured in whole squares when
farther advanced by immence swarms of insects resembling a good deal
the fire-fly tho wanting its phosphorus. Having once had some little
technical knowledge in Entomology I felt a curiosity to ascertain the
families to which these different insects belong but from the insufficiency
of Linnaeuses descriptions and the smallness of the subjects I have not
been able to satisfy it. The earth is alive with these creatures this
summer owing I suppose to their being spared by the frost last winter.
. , . {^Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia June 24. 1793.

. . . The person engaged for me as a manager, came up from Elk-
ton* to see me last week. He is not yet certain on the subject of
tenants, his mother, who had decided to go as one, having met an ad-
vantageous situation at home, & his cousin, whom I formerly wrote you
was gone to see the place, having been intercepted by another offer. He
still thinks he shall get some, & is to let me know definitively by the last
of August. The time of the tenant’s removing in Maryland is not til
March. This man is about 30. years of age, of not a very bright ap-
pearance, but seems to be docile, so that 1 hope to get my outlines fol-
lowed by him. He agrees in condemning Indian corn & hogs, and in
preferring the potatoe and clover to every other means of feeding all
kinds of stock, even horses. If he does not get tenants for my lands on
the East side of the river I shall perhaps propose to Clarkson to go there,

*June 18. p* Samuel Biddle his expense from & to Elkton 5. D.
(Account Book

1793]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

191

unless I could find a person more kind to the labourers & with a smaller
family. ... I begin to be uneasy at not receiving my threshing machine.
It cannot now be on time for this harvest. My fear is that it may have
been in some vessel which is captured. I condole with you on the mis-
fortunes of your garden. From a feeling of self interest I would pro-
pose a great provision of Celery plants to be made. (Ford, Jefferson 7:
409-410.)

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Philadelphia, June a8, 1793.

I should have taken time ere this to have considered the observations
of Mr. Young, could I at this place have done it in such a way as would
satisfy either him or myself. When I wrote the notes of the last year,
I had never before thought of calculating what were the profits of a
capital invested in Virginia agriculture. Yet that appeared to be what
Mr. Young most desired. Lest therefore, no other of those, whom you
consulted for him, should attempt such a calculation, I did it ; but being
at such a distance from the country of which I wrote, and having been
absent from that and from the subject in consideration many years, I
could only, for facts, recur to my own recollection, weakened by time
and very different applications, and I had no means here of correcting
my facts. I, therefore, hazarded the calculation rather as an essay of the
mode of calculating the profits of a Virginia estate, than as an operation
which was to be ultimately relied on. When I went last to Virginia I
put the press-copy of those notes into the hands of the most skilful and
successful farmer in the part of the country of which I wrote. He
omitted to return them to me, which adds another impediment to my
resuming the subject here; but, indeed, if I had them, I could only pre-
sent the same facts, with some corrections and some justifications of the
principles of calculation. This would not and ought not to satisfy Mr.
Young. When I return home I shall have time and opportunity of
answering Mr, Young's enquiries fully. 1 will first establish the facts
as adapted to the present times, and not to those to which I was obliged
to recur by recollection, and I will make the calculation on rigorous
principles. The delay necessary for this will I hope be compensated by
giving something which no endeavors on my part shall be wanting to
make it worthy of confidence. In the meantime Mr. Young must not
pronounce too hastily on the impossibility of an annual production of
£750 worth of wheat coupled with a cattle product of £125. My ob-
ject was to state the produce of a good farm, under good husbandry as
practiced in my part of the country. Manure does not enter into this,
because we can buy an acre of new land cheaper than we can manure an
old acre. Good husbandry with us consists in abandoning Indian corn
and tobacco, tending small grain, some red clover following, and en-
deavoring to have, while the lands are at rest, a spontaneous cover of
white clover. I do not present this as a culture judicious in itself, but
as good in comparison with what most people there pursue. Mr. Young

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

192

has never had an opportunity of seeing how slowly the fertility of the
original soil is exhausted. With moderate management of it, I can
affirm that the James river lowgrounds with the cultivation of small
grain, will never be exhausted ; because we know that under that culti-
vation we must now and then take them down with Indian corn, or they
become, as they were originally, too rich to bring wheat. The high-
lands, where I live have been cultivated about sixty years. The culture
was tobacco and Indian corn as long as they would bring enough to pay
labor. Then they were turned out. After four or five years rest they
would bring good corn again, and in double that time perhaps good
tobacco. Then they would be exhausted by a second series of tobacco
and corn. Latterly we have be^n to cultivate small grain; and ex-
cluding Indian corn, and following, such of them as were originally
good, soon rise up fifteen or twenty bushels the acre. We allow that
every laborer will manage ten acres of wheat, except at harvest. I have
no doubt but the coupling cattle and sheep with this would prodigiously
improve the produce. This improvement Mr. Young will be better
able to calculate than anybody dse. I am well satisfied of it myself,
that having engaged a good farmer from the head of Elk, (the style of
farming there you know well,) I mean in a farm of about 500 acres of
cleared land and with a dozen laborers to try the plan of wheat, rye,
potatoes, clover, with a mixture of some Indian corn with the potatoes,
and to push the number of sheep. This last hint I have taken from
Mr. Young’s letters which you have been so kind as to communicate to
me. I have never before considered with due attention the profit from
that animal. I shall not be able to put the farm into that form exactly
the ensuing autumn, but against another I hope I shall, and I shall at-
tend with precision to the measures of the ground and of the product,
which may perhaps give you something to communicate to Mr. Young
which may gratify him, but I will furnish the ensuing winter what was
desired in Mr. Young's letter of Jan, 17, 1793. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 9: 139-143.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

June ag. 1793.

... As I must ere long put my general plan of farming into the hands
of my Elkton manager, I have lately endeavored to establish a proper
succession of crops for a farm of red highland of about 500. acres of
open land fit for culture, in all successions of crops, the feilds must be
supposed equal, each feild to go through the same succession, and each
year’s crop be the same, on these data the laws of combination pro-
nounce that the number of feilds Sc number of years constituting a com-
pleat rotation, must be always equal, if you cultivate three equal feilds
only, your rotation will be of 3. years, 5. feilds. 5 years and I suppose 8
feilds of 60. acres each, & of course an 8. years rotation, in the following
sujxession. i*^. year wheat & fall fallow, a*, peas with Ind”. corn
thinly planted. 3”*. wheat & fall fallow. 4^''. potatoes with Ind®. corn

1793]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

193

thinly planted. 5*** rye, k fall fallows. 6*'‘. 7*\ 8*^ red clover, the fol-
lowing diagram will show the system better, the initials of every article
only being written in each square or feild. to wit.

cl. for clover
CO. com
f. fallow
pe. peas
po. potatoes
r. rye
w. wheat

■

year

3 '-

year

4 “

year

7*^.

year

8 “*.

year

w. f.

pe.

CO.

w. f.

po.

CO.

cl.

pc.

CO.

w. f.

po.

CO.

w. f.

po.

CO.

r.f.

cl.

w. f.

pe.

CO.

po,

CO.

W.f.

pe-

CO.

w, f.

d«

w* f.

pe.

CO.

w, f.

po.

CO.

cl.

w. f.

pc.

CO.

w. f-

po.

CO.

V, f*

pc,

CO,

w. f.

po.

CO,

cl.

w. f.

pe.

CO.

po.

CO.

■

cl.

this gives 2. feilds of wheat 120 acres

1. of rye 60

1. of peas & corn 60

I. of potatoes & corn 60

I. of the i*‘ year’s clover 60

I. 2^ d®. 60

1. d®. 60

also 2. eighths of your farm are cleansing]

3. eighths fallowing

3. eighths resting

480

every year

8 .

Jbfferson’s Gakoen Book

[1793

194

bye articles as follow

oats & flax, a few acres only wanting,
to be with the new sown clover,
hemp, turneps, pumpkins, in the new clearings,
artidiokes in a perpetual feild.

orchard grass in the hill sides too steep for the plough, qu?
Lucerne, foin, cotton, in appropriate feilds.
buckwheat to be ploughed into the washed lands.

As you are now immersed in farming & among farming people, pray
consider this plan for me, well, and give me your observations fully &
freely as soon as you can. I mean to ask the same from the President,
and also from my son in law. cattle to be raised in proportion to the
provision made for them, also what number of labourers Sc horses will
be necessary? errors ate so much more easy to avoid than to correct
afterwards that I am anxious to be well advised before I begin. . . .
{Jefferson Papers^ L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia June 30. 1793.

. . . My last letter to you was on the subject of my farm, this will
be so also, the approach of the season of preparation for another year
has rendered it necessary for me to consider for some time past what is
to be the plan of farming I am to take up, and to give to my new roan*
ager for his government. I will suppose my farm at Monticello to fur-
nish 500. acres of land open, and capable of producing, in all succes-
sions of crops, the fields must be supposed equal, each feild to go through
the same succession, & each year’s crop to be the same, these funda-
mentals being laid down, the laws of combinations decide inflexibly that
the number of feilds, & number of years constituting the compleat ro-
tation must be always equal, if your rotation is of 3. years, you must
have 3. feilds, if of 5. years S- feilds etc. I propose to adopt the follow-
ing rotation, i'*. year, wheat & fall-fallow. 2*. peas with Indian corn
thinly interspersed. 3'*. wheat & fall fallow. potatoes with Indian
corn thinly interspersed. 5*. rye, or barley and a fall fallow. 6*’*. 7“*.
S’**, red dover. this occupying 8. years, will require 8. feilds, which of
course will be of 60. acres each, the following diagram will shew the
system better, the initials of every artide only being written in eadh
square or feild, to wit.

d. for dover
CO. - - corn
f. - - fallow
pe. - - peas
po, - - potatoes
r. - - rye or barl^
w. - - wheat

1793]

JrFFERSoN’s Garden Book

195

■

year

4 •
year

S***-

year

6®

year

8**.

year

w. f.

pe.

CO.

w. f.

po.

CO.

r. f.

cl.

pe.

CO.

w.f.

po.

CO.

cl.

c).

w. f.

po.

CO.

r.f.

cl.

w. f.

pe.

CO.

po.

CO,

r.f.

cl.

ci.

cl.

w. f.

pe,

CO.

w, f.

r. f.

cl.

w. f.

pe.

CO.

■W. f.

po,

CO.

cl.

w. f.

pe.

CO.

w.f.

po.

CO.

r. f.

cl.

w, f.

pc.

CO.

w, f.

po.

CO.

r.f.

cl.

pe.

CO.

w. f.

po.

CO.

r.f.

cl.

this gives 2 .

fields of wheat

120.

rye or barley

60.

peas & corn

60.

potatoes & corn
of year’s clover

60.

of a®. d“. - -

60.

of 3*. d". - -

60.

thus also

2. eighths

of the farm are cleansing]

480.

3. eighths

■every year

3. eighths

the following bye-artides.

oats & flax, a few acres only wanting, to be with the new sown
dover.

Hemp, turncps, pumpkins, in the new dearings.

Artidiokes in a perpetual feild.

Orchard grass in the hill sides too steep for the plough, qu?

Lucerne, foin in appropriate feilds.

Buckwheat to be ploughed into worn lands.

When a 9**^ feild shall be added by new clearings, insert it in the ro-
tation, as a feild of absolute rest, or pasture, or fallow, so of a 10^,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

196

feild etc. such a farm will well maintain 150. cattle, which properly
attended to will make manure enough for one feild every year. I sup-
pose 5 ploughs & pair of horses, will do the business of such a farm, as
in the Wrongest season, which is that of seeding & fallowing, there will
be 6. feilds (say 360. acres) to plou^. I have troubled you with these
details with a view to trouble you further to give me your observations
fully & freely on all the particulars. I am too little familiar with the
practice of farming to rely with confidence on my own judgment, and in
engaging in a plan of rotation it is material to set out right, as it is so
much easier to correct a mis-combination before it is begun, than after
one is embarked in it. I am asking the observations of 2. or 3. other
friends in like manner and on receiving the whole, shall proceed to fix
my rotation permanently, and put it into the hands of my manager, the
produce of an acre of peas, in drills, (because it is to cleanse the ground)
I am unacquainted with, also what number of constant hands will
suifice for such a farm, supposing them men & women in equal num-
bers? I presume that each may be substituted for half the horses. I
will ask as early an answer to this as you can give satisfactorily. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Dr. George Logan.)

July I. 1793.

Th: Jefferson presents his friendly compliments to Dr. Logan, hav-
ing engaged a good farmer to go and put one of his plantations in Vir-
ginia into a regular course of farming & being about to give him his
plans, he takes the liberty of submitting it to Dr. Logan, in whose ex-
perience & judgment he has great confidence, he begs him to favor him
with his observations on it, freely & as fully in writing as his leisure will
permit, he is himself but a 13^:0 in agriculture, and it being of great
importance to set out right in plans de longue haleine, he hopes it will
be his excuse with Dr. Logan for the trouble he gives him. what num-
ber of constant labourers (men & women in equal number) would not a
farm require? — if sheep, instead of cattle should be made the principal
object, what number of sheep are equivalent to a given number of cattle
old & young, for making manure? Th: J. is desirous of substituting
sheep for cattle to as great an extent as a true calculation of interest will
admit, Mr. Young’s writings are so voluminous one cannot think of
buying the whole, which of them must one buy, in order to have every
thing useful which he has written? for it is apprehended that many of
his volumes are mere repetitions of that is to be found in the others.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, July 7th, 1873.

, . . My head has been so full of farming since 1 have found it neces-
sary to prepare a place for my manager, that 1 could not resist the ad-
dresang my last weekly letters to Mr. Randolph and boring him with

1793]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

197

my plans. ... I never before knew the full value of trees. My house
is entirely embossomed in high plane-trees, with good grass below ; and
under them I breakfast, dine, write, read, and receive my company.
What would I not give that the trees planted nearest round the house at
Monticello were full-grown. (Randolph, Jefferson; 221-222.}

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello July ii, 1793 .

... I send you now the scheme of cultivation which I formed last
year and am adopting at Edgehill. . . . You will observe that it differs
from yours in four principal points. First there are two distinct sys-
tems intended to be coexistent. 2 ^. the years of rest are not succes-
sive. 3'^. white clover is substituted for red; (a consequence of the

3**

a*.

3*-

4“’.

6«>.

8*.

Years

No, I.

Corn

Peas

Wheat

Fallow

Wheat

Pas-

ture

Com

Pota-

toes

Rye

Pas-

ture

Fields

acres

■

Wheat

Fallow

Wheat

Pas.

ture

Corn

Pota-

toes

Rye

Past.

Corn

Peas

Fallow

Wheat

Past.

Corn

Pota-

toes

Rye

Past.

Com

Peas

Wheat

■

Wheat

Pas-

ture

Com

Pota.

toes

Rye

Past

Corn

Peas

Wheat

Fall.

Pas-

ture

Corn

Pota-

toes

Rye

Past,

Corn

Peas

Wheat

FaU.

Wheat

Corn

Pota-

toes

Rye

Past.

Corn

Peas

Wheat

Fall.

Wheat

Past

■

Rye

Past.

Corn

Peas

Wheat

Fall.

Wheat

Past

Corn

Pota-

toes

Pas.

ture

Corn

Peas

Wheat

Fallow

Wheat

Past

Com

Pota-

toes

Rye

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1793

198

X".

WBM

a"-.

5*.

6 *.

Years

No.i.

Pumpldns

Barley

Qover

Clover

Turnips

Oats

Fields of
10 acres

2 .

Barley

Clover

Turnips

Oats

Pnmpldns

Clover

Turnips

Oats

Pumpkins

Barley

Clover

Turnips

Oats

Pumpkins

Barley

Clover

Turnips

Oats

Pumpldns

Barley

Clover

Qover

6 .

Oats

Pump.

Barley

Clover

Turnips

a'*.} one field undergoes a summer fallow* I shall endeavor in
my next to give my reasons for these. The system for small fields I
think you will adopt. The other & yours I myself am ballancing. Be-
sides the division of my farms which this scheme will require I have set
aside a well-watered valley for a standing meadow. It is necessary to
break up meadow grounds once in 5 or 6 years, & this 5“. or 6“*. part
of mine ruled [ ?] for hemp & flax which, with us, thrive no where so
well as in the flat grounds on our little streams. You will see that they
are not included in the rotation. Lucerne & St. Foin are too long-lived
for it The fields marked pasture I suppose to have nothing in them
that is not spontaneous, but there I mean to introduce the white clover
generally as soon as possible by sowing it in the autumn with the grain.
The red clover you observe I prefer sowing with the Barley in Autumn.
This may be necessary in every soil but in ours I am convinced it will do
better than in the spring. I suppose it to be intended alltogether for
the Scythe. . . .

{Jefferson Papers. M. H. S.)
(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, July aist, 1793.

. . . We had peaches and Indian corn on the lath inst. When do
they begin with you this year? Can you lay up a good stock of seed-
peas for Ae ensuing summer? We will try this winter to cover our
garden with a heavy coating of manure. When earth is rich it bids
defiance to droughts, yields in abundance, and of the best quality. I
suspect that the insects which have harassed you have been encouraged
by the feebleness of your plants ; and that has been produced by the lean
state of the soil. We will attack them another year with joint efforts.
(Randolph, Jefferson: 232.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia July 38. 1793.

* ‘li myself of the time I have to remain here, to satisfy

myself by enquiring from the best farmers of all the circumstances which

1793]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

199

may decide on the best rotation of crops; for I take that to be the most
important of all the questions a farmer has to decide. I get more in-
formation on this subject from Dr. Logan than from all the others put
together, he is the best farmer in Pensylv^ both in theory & practice,
having pursued it many years experimentally & with great attention, he
thinks that the whole improvement in the modern agriculture of Eng-
land consists in the substitution of red clover instead of unproductive
fallows, he says that a rotation which takes in 3 years of red clover in-
stead of 3. years of fallow or rest, whether successive or interspersed
leaves the land much heartier at the close of the rotation ; that there is
no doubt of this fact, the difference being palpable, he thinks it much
best to sow it alone after harvest, for then it is in it’s prime the next
year, whereas if sown in the spring it can neither be cut nor pastured
that year, he takes generally but the spring cutting, which yeilds him
a, tons to the acre, & pastures the rest of the year, it is the red clover
alone which has enabled the English farmer to raise and maintain cattle
enough to make a coat of dung a regular part of his rotation. I had at
first declined the introduction of red clover into my rotation because it
len^ens it so much: but I have determined now to take it in, because I
see it the source of such wonderful richness around this place, and for a
Virginia table it will certainly give unbounded plenty of meats, milk,
butter, horse-food, instead of being eternally on the scramble for them
as we are in Virginia for the want of winter & summer food. D^
Logan considers a green-dressing of buckwheat as equal to a coat of
10. loads of dung to the acre. (20 loads to the acre is what he thinks
a good coat.) and as it is but 5. weeks from the sowing to it’s being
fit to plough in, it may be well introduced after a harvest of small
grain, if your next crop is only to be put in in the spring, after a great
deal of consultation therefore with him, we have arranged my rotation
thus. l“. year, a crop of Wheat, then a green dressing of buckwheat.
2^. peas & corn mixed, s'*, wheat, & after it a green dressing of buck-
wheat, and, in the succeeding winter put on what dung you have. 4*’*.
potatoes & corn mixed. 5***. rye, & after it sow red clover. 6**^. cut the
I"*, crop of clover Sc pasture the 2®. 7***. pasture the l*‘. crop, and cut
the 2^. this change gives spring pasture and eases the mowing. 8*^.
pasture, or expressed more shortly

3 -

IQI

V. bu.

pe.

CO.

w. bu.
d.

po.

CO.

r.cl.

cl, ps.

pa. cl.

pa.

he observes that if it were not for the want of the 8“ year’s pasture,
the rotation mii^t close the 7*''. year, and would then be clear of weeds
& produce the heaviest crop of wheat possible: but he thinks the rotation
will need the pasture of the 8‘'‘ year, and that this will introduce so
many weeds as to render an extra ploughing requisite, supposing the
feilds of 60. acres each, this rotation gives you 9 times 60. acres, say
540. acres to plough between harvest and the end of seed-time, which I

aoo

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1793

think may be done by 6. ploughs with a pair of oxen each, especially if 4.
waggon horses are kept and called in to the aid of the ploughs a part of
the fSfll. the President thinks that when corn & potatoes are mixed
(in drills 8. f. apart, & the stalks of corn 8. f. apart in the drill) that ^
much is made from each as the same number of plants would yeild if
alone. LA>gan reckons 300. bushels of potatoes to the acre an average
crop, & 2 . bushels of potatoes to yeild as much nutriment as one of corn,
he ^lows a bushel of potatoes a day to a fattening ox, & a peck a day to
a work horse, mixing a handful of bran, or rye-meal with each to give it
flavor. — he considers the above rotation to be the best possible, where
you are confined to the articles there mentioned, and that the land will
improve very much under it. he has promised however to study it still
more fully for me, so that something further may be yet done to it. the
winter-spewing of our land may prevent sowing the clover in the fall
of the 5^“. year. Logan is making some experiments to determine
what number of sheep are equivalent to a given number of cattle as to
the articles of dung, food etc. I am at loss what standing force will be
sufficient for such a rotation, taking gangs of half men & half women,
as with us, I guess we must allow a hand for every 5. acres constant of
each feild, say I a. hands if the feilds are of 60. acres each. — 'you see how
much my mind is gone over to the business of a farmer, for I never know
when to finish, if once I begin on the subject. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello July 31: 1793.

I prepare now to give you some reasons according to my promise for
my preference of the plan of cultivation I transmitted you 3 weeks since
to the one you did me the honor to consult me on.

The system of small fields in my plan is nothing more than an exteu'-
sion of method b^ond what you bought requisite in farming. The
crops of this rotation, although of sm^l value comparatively are yet
worth methodical treatment on the following principle, if on no other.
From the diversity of constitution in plants, some are injured while
others are benefited in the same stage of growth, by great heats or colds,
by excessive moisture or droughts. The weather every day in the year,
must be the most favorable that can be, for some particular crop. Again,
there are few pipts which have exactly the same length of life, or which
flourish exactly in the same season: hence by a judicious arrangement the
operations of sowing their seeds and gathering their fruits may be carried
on without interference. The cultivation of a great variety of crops [?]
will ensure a plenty. A perpetual seed time will make a perpetual
harvest. Thus many plants are worthy of regular cultivation, which
are of no value in the market, and cannot in consequence be introduced
into the great system with propriety, as the equidity of the fidds is in-
dis^sable. Feas and Potatoes are of this Class, and ought not to keep
ffidr place among the corn if they are not greatly serviceable in prevent-

1793] Jefferson’s Garden Book aoi

ing the working of the land. Your plan gives 3 successive years of rest
in every 8, to each field, mine, the same number at intervals. For the
preference I give the latter I have two or three reasons. Three years of
rest successive to land full of the roots of trees must occasion consider-
able trouble in grubbing & clearing up to prepare for a crop at the end
of that time. Our mountain land is so extremely prone to throw out
the Tulip Tree, the Locust, the Hickory, and Sassafras, that after one
year of rest, if it be not exhausted, a great deal of grubbing is requisite.
After three, the labor of cleaning would be unsuccessful. The soil is so
compact & so much the worse allways for being trodden, that a field
after being grazed 3 years would probably yield a trifling crop at first if
it did not get the very best tillage. These objections would be aleviated
by sowing the land with Red Clover, and shutting it up for the Scythe,
which would keep down the young trees, but I question whether this
could be done readily to such an extent Supposing it determined that
the years of rest should be successive; 1 think it would be better to sow
the white clover than the red, unless the force on the farm be sufficient
to prepare 60 acres annually for the Scythe. The red clover is liable to
be extirpated by the bite and treading of animals, the white bears graz-
ing extremely well. The red clover would require to be sown annually
in one of the fields of the farm ; the white when once established would
perpetuate itself ; let it be eaten as closely as possible it perfects its seeds
in so short a time, that it will allways keep the earth well stocked, and
will spring again the moment the field is out of cultivation. The red
dover indeed, affords a much greater quantity of food, and I believe will
bear much better the want of rain, which is an immense advantage with
us. This is the, best on a small farm under exact management, the other
does better for large fields and a loose agriculture.

With respect to the summer fallow, I know it is thought injudicious
to expose bare, to the summer sun, but it will never be bare I think,
there will allways be a coat of weeds to shelter it, and there is a con-
siderable advantage in this, that it will divide the business of breaking up
the ground, between Autumn and Spring. The fidd, which is to go
from rest immediately into wheat in my plan, may receive the first
ploughing in Spring. Those which are to bear corn with Peas & Po-
tatoes, must be broken up as soon as the seed time is over. If I under-
stand your system, one of the fields destined for wheat will be ploughed
the first time, between harvest and seed-time, and will be sown immedi-
ately after. Would not this be inconvenient, as that season is rendered
the busiest in the year by our apprehension of the weevil? Wheat after
Red Clover would not succeed I fear, unless a fallow intervenes, to give
the clover time to rot. This may be remedied at once, if a remedy be
found requisite, by sowing the clover on the rye. Six months may be
thought gained in the age of the clover, and in consequence a fallow of
six months or seven may precede the wheat. If sown in the fall it will
give one, perhaps tvro crops of hay the next summer ; after the Rye is
taken oil, and 2 or 3 each summer following for 2 years; after which it
will be worth little. I saw a field of dover seed ready for the Scythe a

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1793

201

fortnight ago which had been sown upon barley last fall. When sown
in the Spring, it never I believe, yields a tolerable crop of hay that
summer. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H, S.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Aug. II. 1793.

. . . Biddle, my new manager, writes me from Elkton, that the per-
sons who had it in contemplation to go & tenant my lands, will not en-
gage till they go to see them which they will do in the fall. I must
therefore take measures for going on with their culture myself the next
year; & as I have engaged Biddle for Monticello, I must get you to an-
nounce it to Clarkson, and offer him the plantations over the river, on
the terms given him for Monticello. this removal may be rendered
palateable to him by being told it is the effect of my resolution to put
Monticello into a farm on the plan of this country, with which he will
know he is unacquainted, if he determines to quit altogether, and you
can find any good overlooker for the plantations I must trouble you to
engage one on any terms (not involving the payment of money) which
you may think advisable. I must also trouble you to direct such sowings
of small grain on both sides the river as you shall think best, & in good
season, which overseers, about to remove, are apt to put off. if Clark-
son goes to Shadwell, he will of course see to the sowings on that side
himself. Biddle will be at Monticello about the middle of October.

Your reasons for a rotation of bye-articles in a set of small feilds are
perfectly sound, nothing is more prudent than to vary articles of cul-
ture in order to have something to meet the varying seasons of the year.
— ^my letter of the 28*. will have informed you of some alterations pro-
posed in my rotation, the difference between your’s and mine is the
3. years of dover (by which term I always meant red clover) instead of
3. years of rest or fallow; and this depends on the great problem of the
clover husbandry. I did not at first propose to adopt it, because it
lengthens the rotation so much, but further reflection, & observation
here on it's great & palpable advantages, determined me to attempt it.
my not explaining that by the term dover I always meant the red, left
a just opening for the objection that tijree years of dover would produce
a strong and troublesome growth of bushes, every year, in my rotation
comes either the plough or the scythe ffirough every feild ; except the 8*“.
year, and I have considerable hopes I can lop off that year from the ro-
tation altogether by other resources for pasture. — one difficulty you sug-
gest is a very great one indeed, that I shall have too much ploughing in
die fall, considering how busy a season our apprehensions of the weavil
make that. I found considerable hopes on the threshing machine ex-
pected, as 4. horses sufBce to work that, & I had proposed to work my
ploughs with oxen. ^ should that machine fail, more horses must be kept
for treading wheat in the proper season, & to be employed In waggoning
jat other times, or the raising horses for sale must be gone into so as to
derive assistance in treading a year or two before they are sold, still

1793]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

203

these are but conjectual remedies for the difficulty, which are by no
means certain in their effect. — on revising my letter of the 28®. lit I
find I have illy expressed the President’s method of mixing corn & po-
tatoes. he puts them in alternate drills, 4 f, apart, so that the rows of
corn are 8. f. apart, & a single stalk every 18. I. or 2. f. in the row.
Judge Peters, an excellent farmer in this neighborhood, tells me he has
taken this method from the President, and has generally made 40. bush,
of corn & 120. bush, of potatoes to the acre, strictly measured. I pro-
pose the mixture because unless this or some other mode of cultivating
corn can be found which may prevent it’s ravages in our land, I should
decline it’s culture altogether, still our habits in favor of that plant
render it eligible to try to reconcile the saving our lands with some de-
gree of corn-culture, perhaps your idea of dressing our grounds abso-
lutely flat, without hills or ridges, may be adopted for the corn, po-
tatoes, & peas, mf D. Randolph discorages me as to the last article
by the difficulty of gathering them. I receive encoragement from him
in the article of manure, of which he tells me he makes from 7. to 10.
loads for every head of cattle, this corroborates D'. Logan’s experi-
ment according to which 130. cattle will manure 60. acres a year, how-
ever should we fall short in this, I rely on supplying it by green dress-
ings of buckwheat. . , . {Jefferson PaperSj L. C.)

(Thomas Mann Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello Aug: 14: 1793.

. . . We have had a very long drought, which has injured the Indian
corn greatly. The crop will be less by a 4*\ or perhaps a 3*. than was
expected some weeks ago. It has probably been of service in checking
the weevil, which appeared very early but has scarcely increased fast
enough to give alarm.

One of the Italians whom Mazzei brought over, Giovannini, applied
to me lately for a farm of 30 or 40 acres on Edgehill which he says he
can cultivate and yet devote at least three days a week to a garden. He
is an excellent gardener and one of the most sober, industrious men I
ever knew. I mention this to you, thinking that you might perhaps be
inclined to take him on those terms yourself. If you do not I shall take
him without hesitation as I know he can cultivate a garden of con-
siderable size & have half the week to spare. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Samuel Biddle.)

Philadelphia August 30. 1793,

I duly received your letter of the i*‘ inst. I expect to leave this
place on the 5*. or 6“*. of October & to be on the afternoon of the
next at mf Hollingsworth’s, at Elkton, where I shall be ^ad to see
you. I shall then proceed directly home, and with you to take measure
for meeting me there as quickly after my arrival as possible, because, in-

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

C1793

a04

stead of remaining there as I expected, I find that after about three
weeks stay I shall be obliged to come back to Philadelphia, and shall not
be fixed at home again till the next year, it will be important for my
own settlement as well as for arranging the crops of the ensuing year,
that you should pass as much as possible of the three weeks stay I make
at home. . , . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Philadelphia, September i, 1793.

. . . My threshing machine has arrived at New York. Mr. Pinckney
writes me word that the original from which this model is copied,
threshes 150 bushels of wheat in 8 hours, with 6 horses and 3 men. It
may be moved either by water or horses. Fortunately the workman who
made it (a millwright) is come in the same vessel to settle in America.
I have written to persuade him to go on immediately to Richmond, offer-
ing him the use of my model to exhibit, and to give him letters to get him
into immediate employ in making them. ... I understand that the
model is made mostly in brass, and in the simple form in which it was
first ordered, to be worked by horses. It was to have cost 5. guineas,
but Mr. Pinckney having afterwards directed it to be accommodated to
water movement also, it has made it more complicated, and costs 13
guineas. It will thresh any grain from the Windsor bean down to the
smallest. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 214-215.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia, September 2, 1793.

. . . My threshing machine is arrived at New York, and will be here
this week. Mr, Pinckney writes me that the model from which my
model is taken, gets out 150. bushels of wheat in 8. hours with 6. horses
and 5, men. It will thresh any grain from the Windsor-bean to the
milled, and may be moved by horses or water. . . . The character you
give Giovannini is a just one. He is sober, industrious & honest. He
lived with me as a gardener sometime before I went to Europe, however
1 shall find it necessary to have a gardener constantly at his business, and
think to teach a negro at once. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8; 17-18.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Germantown, Nov. 2. 93.

. , . Mr. Hollingsworth at the head of Elk thmb he can immedi-
ately send me on a good overseer in the place of Rogers. I authorized
him to allow exactly the same as to Biddle. Conseguendy on his arrival
I must get you to give him orders on Watson & G>lo. Bell for the same
necessaries which I have furnished to Biddle. . . , (Ford, Jefferson 8:

58.)

1793 ]

Jefferson's Garden Book

aoj

(Jefferson to David Howell.)

Germantown, Nov. 14, 1793.

... I sincerely wish you success, and shall be greeted with the tidings
of it in the retirement into which I mean to withdraw at the close of the
present year, it will be the second time my bark will have put into port
with a design not to venture out again; & 1 trust it will be the last, my
farm, my family & my books call me to them irresistably. I do not
know whether you are a farmer, but I know you love your family &
your books, and will therefore bear witness to the strength of their at-
tractions. . . . (Charles Francis Jenkins, Jefferson's Germantown Let-
ters (Philadelphia, 1906) : 84. Hereafter cited as Jenkins, Jefferson's
Letters.)

(Jefferson to Jacob Hollingsworth.)

Germantown, near Philadelphia, Nov. 22, 1793.

When I passed your home last, you told me you thought there would
be to be bought there red clover seed, fresh and cheap. I take the
liberty to enclose you a twenty dollar bill * & to beg the favor of you to
lay it out for me in as much fresh clover seed as it will buy, and to give
the seed in charge to the overseer whom you shall be so good as to em-
ploy for me. to be carried on with him. Not having yet heard from
you on that subject I am apprehensive you have found more difficulty
than you expected, lest the terms should have escaped our memory I
was to give Sami. Biddle I20. dollars a year, & 5 or 600 lbs. of fresh
pork, when he arrived there, as it had been too far to carry heavy
things, & to save him the expense of buying, I had made for him a half
dozen chairs, table, bedstead & such other things as my own workmen
could make, he carried his own bedding & smdl conveniences, this is
sufficient to serve as a guide with the person now to be employed.
(Jenkins, Jefferson's Letters: 107.)

(Jefferson to Archibald Stuart.)

Germantown Nov. 24. 1793.

When I had the pleasure of seeing you at Monticello you mentioned
to me that sheep could be procured at or about Staunton, good & cheap,
and were kind enough to offer your aid in procuring them. Reflecting
on this subject, I find it will be much better to buy & drive them now,
before they have young ones, & before the snow sets in, than to -wait till
spring. 1 therefore take the liberty of enclosing you a 40. Doll, bank
post note,t which I will beg the favor of you to lay out for me in sheep,

* [“Nov. 21. inclosed to Jacob Hollingsworth the bank bill for
20. D.” {^Account Book 1791-1803.')]

f [“Nov. 22. gave order on bank of US. for 40. D. in a post bill to
be remitted to A. Stewart [Stuart] to buy sheep.” “Nov. 24. indosed
to A. Stewart [Stuart] a bank post note for 40. D. to buy sheep.” {Ac-
count Book 1791—1803.)]

ao6 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i793

taking time between the purchase & delivery, to give notice to Mr. Ran-
dolph at Monticello to have them sent for, the letter to be directed to
him, or in his absence to Samuel Biddle overseer at Monticello. . . .
What apology must I make for so free a call on you ? And what thanks
& apology for the use I made of your friendly offer as to the potatoes ?
But I am again a new beginner in the world, & it is usual for old settlers
to help young ones. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8:

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Germantown, Nov. 24, 1793.

... I am sorry you have so much trouble with my furniture. How-
ever I shall soon be able to relieve you from any drudgery. I enclose
you a letter to Mr. Stewart, open, that you may see its contents, & give
the necessary directions to Mr. Biddle to go or send for the sheep when
notified that they are ready. I think it important that they should be
fetched before the snows. (Jenkins, Jefferson's Letters: 118.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Dec. 8. I793«

... A person of the name of Eli Alexander is engaged for me at Elk,
as overseer on the East side of the river, he will set out this day week.
I aoi to furnish him the same conveniences which I did to mf Biddle,
be pleased therefore to desire the latter to have made immediately a bed-
stead & table, and to bespeak half a dozen chairs of Fitch, also to have
the house in which Rogers lived, put into habitable condition. 1 mean
as soon as 1 can to remove the Overseer's residence up to Hickman’s,
the other small utensils which were furnished to mf Biddle, may be got
from the stores after Alexander’s arrival, which will probably be but a
few days before mine, he had better employ his force at Shadwell as
much as he can till I come, because I mean, to reform the feilds at the
upper place this winter. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jacob Hollingsworth to Jefferson.)

. Elkton 13 Decb' 1793.

Yours of 2i Novb' received [?] with twenty dollars for to buy Clover
seed, and yours of 4 Decb'. with Direction for M'^ Alexander who will
go agreeable to appointment, and respecting the Clover seed I can sup-
ply you with and send it by M" Alexander at Nine Dollars a Bushel
and no less its of the Last years Seed which I think Equal to New, per-
haps the New will be Cheaper but as it will not be thrashed until
Jan^ or Febr^ it will be too late for your purpose ; if you chose I will
forward two Bushels by M' Alexander, your answer respecting it. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M, H. S.)

1793]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

207

(Jefferson to Jacob Hollingsworth.)

Philadelphia, Dec. 17. 1793.

I received yesterday your favor of the 13“*. & accept willingly the
offer of the clover seed at the price you mention. I hope mf Alexander
will be setting out by the time you receive this, as the place he is to
overlook must be suffering much for want of him. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jacob Hollingsworth to Jefferson.)

Elkton 24 Decb'. 1793.

Yours received and agreeable to request have bought the Clover seeds
two Bushels at Eighteen Dollars and this afternoon M' Alexander is to
set sail from Fricktown [= Fredericktown] with the seeds for Rich-
mond. he would have started sooner but was Disappointed by the post.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

From the Account Book 1781—1803:

Apr. 28. pd \ of my subscription for Michaud’s journey to Pacific sea

12.3.

Mar. 23. 12 lb. clover seed a. D.

Dec. 20. 4 lb. lucerne seed 10/ and other seed 2/6= 1.67.

1794

1794 -"

Objects for the gard-n this year.’

Peas. Charlton

Lettuce.*® cabbage

squashes *“

Marrow-fat

Cos.

potato pumpk”.®®
melons citron ®*

green for soup.

longleaved

Beans. Windsor, brown

Endive.** curled

pineapple **

Lima*

winter

green

Mazareen *

radishes.

Venice

Alleghaney “

celery solid

Water

Snap.

parsley

strawberries

Cabbage

spinad)

goose berries

Cauliflower

cresses mount*.*®

currans

Broccoli

nasturtium

vines Malesherb.®*

turneps *

sorrel French**

artichokes

carrots

shalots *®

pomegran*“.

parsneps

leeks.**

figs.

Jerusalem artichoke.

Indian potato *

beet. 1

salsaiia

horse radish.*

peendars *

garlick *•
onions

white mustard**
cucumb”. forw*.
long green**

hops.*®

Objects for the garden this year.* Objects for the farm

sage **

Lilac.

Lucern '*

balm *•

jasmine white®*

S‘. foin'»

mint®*

yellow ®*

Burnet

thyme.®*

honeysuckle.®*

red clover **

lavender *•

althaea ®*

white clover "

marjoram *®

gelder rose ®*

white bent grass.**

camomile •*

dble bloss* almond®*

corn, forw* yellow.®* Mar.’s

tansey **

red maple

forw* white.

rue *®

Lombardy poplar ®®

Indian peas. French.

wormwood

Balsam poplar ®'

Wild pea

southernwood *•

Weeping willow**

horsebean.®*

rosemary **

Willow oak**

buckwheat **

h3rssop **'

Ground oak**

Irish potato

perywinkle

Kentuckey coffee**

Spring wheat ®®

Dry rice®*

marshmellorw **
beargrass.*®

Missouri Laurus®*

Paccan.

furze.'®

Spanish broom**

Calycanthus

roses

208

if Secretary’s Ford, 1704.

, iMmon Pafiff, Huatmeton Library and Art f; /ll>iy ) ’

See plate XXII.-.

209

1794] Jefi'erson's Garden Book

Mar. I. sowed Charlton peas, lettuce & radishes.

1 6. peas up.

17. sowed a second patch of the same.

Almonds blossom.

17. 18. 19. planted 2400. cuttings of weeping willow.**
a man plants 800. to 1000. a day. in the follow-
ing places.

lower roundabout*^

spring roundabout

in the old Lucerne patch & the open spaces
West of y‘ & between the same roundabout

along the road from the gate to the overseer’s
house.*®

in the old feild within the park.

along the road leading by the side of the Park
to Colle.*®

along the road to the Thoroughfare.

if 8. willows will yeild i. cord at a lopping, &
bear lopping every 3“. year, then 800. of these
may be lopped every year, & yield 100. cords
of wood.

grafted and planted in the nursery a variety
of fruit trees.

planted there also, balsam poplar,^* Lombardy
poplar, gelder roses, althaeas, yellow jasmine,
grafted double blossomed almonds, also 12.
codlin ” trees.

210

Jefferson’s Garden Book [i794

planted 200. paccan nuts.” and seeds of Ken-
tuckey coffee.

20. peaches blossom.

23. cherries blossom.

27. peas of Mar. 17. up.”

the first plant of asparagus up, & ^ I. high,
under the shop.”

Apr. 2. sowed a patch of latter peas.

7. a great white frost last night off of the moun-
tains. the Blue ridge covered with snow Due
North from hence and for about 10“. E. & W.
of the North.

8. our first dish of Asparagus.”

8. another white frost off of the mountains, the
peaches killed ”

19. first dish of Spinach.”

*20. there are 8. Sugar maples alive.”

on the 3*. inst. Davy & Phill made a path 4.f.
wide in the orchard & 90.7'“. long in 2. hours
it was set with briars & some grubbing.

on the 3“ they grubbed 76. yds 6 f. wide in 2.
hours, in the thicket West of the orchard.

after it was grubbed Davy did 20. yards in an
hour.

a man will grub an acre a week in winter of
the worst wood lands and in summer, in-
closed lands, in thicket, are worse.”

1794]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

2II

30. planted Mazzei’s corn in the S.W. angle of
the South orchard. Derieux’s d“. (white)
in a horizontal slope of the North orchard, a
few grains of another forward corn (yellow)
in the garden ground, a few grains of Mary-
land forward corn (white) planted by mr
Biddle.

S*. foin & Succory" sowed in the North or-
chard on the 28“*.

French blackeyed peas " sown this 30*". ad-
joining both patches of corn.

May. 19. peas of Mar. i. come to table."

Aug. 12. sowed forward peas from mf Eppes’s."

Sep. 15. they come to table"

Oct. 7. 65 hills of peendars" have yielded 16^ lb
weighed green out of the ground which is J lb
each, it was about peck

^ iyQ 4 .. Jefferson left Philadelphia for Monticello on Jan-
uary 5, arriving home on the t6th. His family circle at this
time included Mr. and Mrs. Randolph, their children, Thomas
Jefferson and Anne, and Jefferson’s younger daughter, Maria.

Immediately Jefferson set about remedying the deplorable
condition into which his estate had fallen during the ten years
it had been left in charge of overseers. With the aid of, the
newly hired overseer he undertook to put into effect plans
which he had been formulating for, some irtonths. One of his
first , moves was to begin a plan .for the rotation 6 i crops. In
order tb improve the, appearance of his estate he also divided
the arable Mds into regular fields, of forty acres each, ahd:in,
: the place, of unsightly raU fences^ grown .Over with weeds,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

0.12

[1794

vines, and trees, he substituted straight rows of peach trees.
These rows of trees not only improved the appearance of the
land, and served for dividing them off into definite fields, but
also gave a superabundance of fruit. He planted eleven hun-
dred and fifty-seven peach trees in December of this year.

Peach trees planted Dec. 1794 trees

Monticello. in the North orchard, between the apples trees . . . 263

dividing lines between the feilds 537

d®. between the Quarryfield & Longfidd 70

Lego, dividing lines between the feilds 287

{Farm Book)

During the year Jefferson began remodeling his house at
Monticello. In the succeeding years, it was greatly enlarged
and almost completely rebuilt.

Jefferson’s correspondence meanwhile gives further insight
into his garden and farm plans. He describes the new mould-
board for a plow he had perfected and further elaborates on
his idea for the rotation of crops.

The Garden Book, after a lapse of several years, is alive
again with plans and plantings. Among the most interesting
of these jottings is the long list of plants under the headings
of “Objects for the garden this year” and “Objects for the
farm.”

Samuel Biddle, his overseer for one year, proved unsatis-
factory. He left Monticello on November i and was re-
placed on November 18 by Hugh Petit, who served as over-
seer until 1797.

The only cloud to pass over the happy family at Monticello
during the year was the severe spell of rheumatism suffered by
Jefferson in August and September. Evidently by December
1 1 he was completely recovered from his illness, for he wrote
Colonel Blackden : “I should with more pleasure have received
yourself. . . . You would have found me in my farmer’s coat,
immersed soul & body in the culture of ray fields.”

* This is the first year that Jefferson made a definite plant-
ing plan for his garden and farm. He probably made the list
during the long winter evenings sitting in his “brick-kiln.”
See list of “Seeds saved 1794.”

* Phaseolus limensis Macf,, Lima bean.

*■ Probably Mazagan, a variety of Ficia faba L.

1794] Jefferson’s Garden Book 1113

® No doubt a variety of bean, some one had given him from
the Allegheny Mountains.

* Turnip, Brassica rapa L.

' Indian potato, Solanum tuberosum L.

® Horse-radish, Armor acta rusticana Gaertn.

“ Peendars, Arachis hypogaea L., peanuts.

Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata, is the cabbage lettuce;
var. longifolia Lam. is the Cos lettuce, of which there were
the Black, the White, and the Upright White Cos. The long-
leaved lettuce is var. angustana Irish.

Cichorium endivia L.

Probably Barbarea vulgaris R. Br. It is also called up-
land cress,

” Rumex scutatus L.

“ Shallots, Allium ascalonicum L.

Allium porrum L.

“ Allium sativum L,

Brassica alba Rabenh.

“ A variety of Cucumis sativus L. with very long fruit.

“ Probably a variety of Cucurhita mamma Duchesne.

A variety of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne.

Cucumis melo. L. This variety was extensively grown in
the South.

®® Another variety of Cucumis melo. L. “It is an excellent
sort, easily grown and very productive” (L. Burr, The Field
and Garden Vegetables of America (Boston, 1863) : 187.
Hereafter cited as Burr, Vegetables).

Malesherbia, a genus of South American herbs or under-
shrubs constituting the family Malesherbiaceae, to which the
passion flower is related. It is not known to which species
Jefferson is referring here.

®* Humulus lupulus L.

*• Salvia officinalis L.

Melissa officinalis L.

Mentha piperita L.

Thymus vulgaris L.

Lavandula spica L.

Majorana hortensis Moench.

Anthemis nobilis L.

*® Tanacetum vulgare L.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1794

ai4

•• Ruta graveolens L.

Artemisia absinthium L.

*' Artemisia ahrotanum L,

*• Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Hyssopus officinalis L.

*® Althaea officinalis L.

” Yucca filamentosa L.

Jasminum officinale L.

*^Jasminum sp.

Lonicera sp-
Hibiscus syriacus L.

*■* Viburnum opulus var. sterile DC.

*® Prunus triloba Lindl.

“ Populus nigra var. italica Du Roi.

P opulus tacamahacca Mill.

Salt* babylonica L.

Quercus phellos L.

'* Quercus ilicifolia Wangh.

^^Gymnodadus dioica (L.) Koch.

** Probably Laurus melissaefolium Walt.

** Ulen europaeus L.

‘*^Spartium junceum Lam.

Medicago sativa L.

“ Onabrychis viciaefolia Scop.

Sanguis orb a minor Scop.

*• Trifolium pratense L.

*• Trifolium repens L.

*'^Agrostis capillaris L.

*^Zea mays L. (varieties).

“ Variety of Vida faba L.

Fagopyrum esculentum Gaertn.

** Tritkum aestivum L.

*“ A variety of Oryza sativa L.

“This was a phenomenal number of cuttings of weeping
willows to set out. Jefferson never mentioned how many of
the willows survived, or whether they yielded the number of
cords of wood he calculated. He continued to plant willows
for many years after this. See appendix III for Jefferson’s
description of the introduction of the weeping willow into
America.

1794] Jefferson’s Garden Book 215

See plate XXII for the location of these two round-
abouts.

See plate XXII for location of the overseer’s house.

Colie was the home of Phillip Mazzei. See letter of Jef-
ferson to Monroe, May 26, 1795.

” See list of “Objects for the garden this year.” This list
of plants shows that Jefferson carried out part of his planting
plan.

” Codlin, also spelled codling, is a variety of apple.

” Paccan, Indian name for the Carya pecan. Jefferson, in
his Notes on the State of Virginia, wrote :

Paccan, or Illinois nut. Not described by Linnaeus, Miliar, or Clay-
ton. Were I to venture to describe this, speaking of the fruit from
memory, and of the leaf from plants of two years growth, I should
specify it as the Juglans alba, foliolu lanceolatis, acuminatis, serratis,
tomeniosis, fructu minore, ovato, compresso, vix insculpto, dulci, puta-
mine tenerrimo. It grows on the Illinois, Wabash, Ohio, and Missis-
sippi. It is spoken of by Don UUoa under the name of Facanos, in his
Noticias Americanas. Entret. 6.

” These peas required ten days to come up, a long germina-
tion period.

^*This shop is probably the present home of the superin-
tendent of Monticello.

” See entry of October, 1793.

” See letter, Jefferson to Madison, May 15, 1794.

Spinacia oleracea L.

” See letters, Jefferson to Prince, July 6, and Prince to Jef-
ferson, November 8, 1791.

” Jefferson recorded this work in the Farm Book as follows:

1794. Apr. Path of the Orchard Roundabout. 2 hands did 90. yards
of it, 4 f. wide in 2. hours, it wM set with briars & some grubbing,
they grubbed 76. yds 6. f. wide in 2 hours, in the thicket West of S.
orchard, after it was grubbed 1. hand did 20 yds in an hour.

Comte de Rieox, who married Mrs. Mazzei’s daughter.
They were probably living at Colie at this time.

Cichorium intybus L. See letter, Jefferson to John
Taylor, May i, 1794.

** Probably a French variety of Figna sinensis Endl.

2i6

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1794

*• The peas planted on March i were above the ground on
the 1 6th. They came to the table on May 19, 80 days from
time of planting to time for eating.

** Francis Eppes of Eppington, Virginia.

Mr. Eppes’s peas, sowed on August 12, came to the table
on September 15, a period of 35 days for forward peas from
planting to eating, as compared to 80 days for the Charlton
peas.

Peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L. Peanuts arc not planted
to any extent in Albemarle County today.

Letters, Extracts of Letters, and Memoranda, 1794

(Jefferson to Archibald Stuart.)

Monticello Jan. 26. 1794.

. . . My manager Mr. Biddle now sets out for the sheep, as the ap-
proach of the yeaning season leaves no time to spare as to them. I
could have wished to have made one trip serve for them & the potatoes,
but I am advised that the latter would be in danger of frceiting on the
road. I must therefore, as to them wait for milder weather. . . . Now
settled at home as a farmer I shall hope you will never pass without call-
ing, and that you will make this your headquarters when you visit the
neighborhood. (Ford, Jefferson 8; 137.)

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticello Mar. 11. 1794.

. . . Our winter was mild till the middle of January, but since the
22®. of that month (when my observations begun) it has been 23. morn-
ings out of 49. below the freezing point, and once as low as 14°. It has
also been very wet. Once a snow of 6. 1 , which lay 5. days, and lately
a snow of 4. I. which laid on the plains 4. days. There have been very
few ploughing days since the middle of January, so that the farmers were
never backwarder in their preparations. (Ford, Jefferson 8: 140.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Apr. 3. 1794.

... I find my mind totally absorbed in my rural occupations, we
arc suffering much for want of rain, tho’ now at the 3® of April, you
cannot distinguish the wheat fields of the neighborhood yet from hence,
fruit is hitherto safe, we have at this time some prospect of rain,
asparagus is just come to table, the lilac in bloom, and the first whip-
poor-will heard last night, no martins yet. . , . {Jefferson Papere,
Id. C.)

• « t

1794 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

ai7

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Monticello, April 25, 1794.

. . . The difference of my present and past situation is such as to
leave me nothing to regret, but that my retirement has been postponed
four years too long. The principles on which I calculated the value of
life, are entirely in favor of my present course. I return to farming
with an ardor which I scarcely knew in my youth, and which has got
the better entirely of my love of study. Instead of writing ten or
twelve letters a day, which I have been in the habit of doing as a thing
in course, I put off answering my letters now, farmer-like, till a rainy
day, and then find them sometimes postponed by other necessary occupa-
tions. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson g: 283-284.)

(Jefferson to Ferdinando Fairfax.)

Monticello April 25, 1794.

... I have returned to farming with an ardour which I scarcely
knew in my youth, and which has entirely taken the lead of my love
of study. 1 indulge it because I think it will be more productive of
health, profit, & the happiness depending on these, and perhaps of some
utility to my neighbors, by taking on myself the risk of a first experiment
of that sort of reformation in our system of farming, which surcharges
the progressive depredation of our lands calls for imperiously. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Tench Coxe.)

Monticello, May i, 1794.

... I am still warm whenever I think of these scoundrels, though 1
do it as seldom as I can, preferring infinitely to contemplate the tranquil
growth of my lucerne and potatoes. . . . The prospect of wheat for the
ensuing year is a bad one. This is all the sort of news you can expect
from me. From you I shall be glad to hear all sort of news, and
particularly any improvements in the arts applicable to husbandry or
household manufacture. (Lipscomb and Bergb, Jefferson g: 285-286.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello May i, 1794.

^ In my new occupation of a farmer 1 find a good drilling machine in-
dispensably necessary. I remember your recommendation of one in-
vented by one of your neighbors; & your recommendation suffices to
satisfy me with it. I must therefore beg of you to desire one to be
made for me, & if you will give me some Uea of it’s bulk, & whether it
could travel here on it’s own legs, I will decide whether to send express
for it, or get it sent around by Richmond. Mention at the same time
the price of it & 1 will have it put in your hands, — I remember 1 showed
you, for your advise, a plan of a rotation of crops which I had con-

Jepperson’s Garden Book

C1794

ai8

templated to introduce into my own lands. On a more minute examine'
tion of my lands than I had before been able to take since my return
from Europe, I find their degradation by ill-usage much beyond what I
had expected, & at the same time much more open land than I had calcu-
lated on. One of these circumstances forces a milder course of cropping
on me, & the other enables me to adopt it. I drop therefore two crops
in my rotation, & instead of 5. crops in 8 years take 3. in 6. years in the
following order. 1. wheat 2. corn & potatoes in the strongest moiety,
potatoes alone or peas alone in the other moiety according to it's strength.
3. wheat or rye. 4. clover. 5. clover. 6. folding & buckwheat dress-
ing. In such of my fields as are too much worn for clover, I propose to
try S‘ foin, which I know will grow in the poorest land, bring plenti-
ful crops, & is a great ameliorator. It is for this chiefly I want the
drilling machine as well as for Lucerne. My neighbors to whom I had
distributed some seed of the Succory intybut, hro’t from France by
Young, & sent to the President, are much pleased with it. I am trying
apat(^ of it this year. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8: 145-146.)

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Monticello, May 14, 1 794.

I am honored with your favor of April the 24th, and received, at the
same time, Mr. Bertrand’s agricultural prospectus. Though he men-
tions my having seen him at a particular place, yet I remember nothing
of it, and observing that he intimates an application for lands in America,
I conceive his letter meant for me as Secretary of State, & therefore I
now send it to the Secretary of State. He has given only the heads of his
demonstrations, so that nothing can be conjectured of their details. Lord
Kaims once proposed an essence of dung, one pint of which should ma-
nure an acre. If he or Mr. Bertrand could have rendered it so portable,
I should have been one of those who would have been greatly obliged to
them. I And on a more minute examination of my lands than the short
visits heretofore made to them permitted, that a ten years’ abandonment
of them to the ravages of overseers, has brought on them a degree of de-
gradation far beyond what I had expected. As this obliges me to adopt
a milder course of cropping, so I find that they have enabled me to do it,
by having opened a great deal of lands during my absence, I have
therefore determined on a division of my farm into six fields, to be put
under this rotation: first year, wheat; second, corn, potatoes, peas; third,

2 e or wheat, according to circumstances; fourth & fifth, mover where
ft fields will bring it, and buckwheat dressings where they will not;
sixth, folding, and buckwheat dressings. But it will take me from three
to six years to get this plan underway. I am not yet satisfied that my
acquisition of overseers from the head of Elk has been a happy one, or
that much will be done this year towards rescuing my plantations from
their wretched condition. Time, patience & perseverance must be the
remedy; and the maxim of your letter, ‘^slow and sure,” Is not less a
good one in agriculture than in politic. ... 1 do not forget that 1 owe

Pmtk XVI.— Note* oa are** of Add* at Moutiedh and rotation of crop* in them,
about X794-9S. OtStrton Paptu, M. H. S,)

1794]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

ai9

you a letter for Mr. Young; but I am waiting to get full information.

. . . (Lipscomb and Bttgh, Jefferson g: 286-288.)

(Jefferson, to James Madison.)

Monticello, May 15, 1794.

... It turns out that our fruit has not been as entirely killed as was
at first apprehended; some latter blossoms have yielded a small supply
of this precious refreshment. I was so improvident as never to have
examined at Philadelphia whether negro cotton and oznabergs can be
had there; if you do not already possess the information, pray obtain it
before you come away. Our spring has, on the whole, been seasonable;
and the wheat as much recovered as its thinness would permit ; but the
crop must still be a miserable one. There would not have been seed
made but for the extraordinary rains of last month. Our highest heat
as yet had been 83°, this was on the 4th instant. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 9: 289.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Aug. 7. 1794.

. . . We began to wish for rain to make our latter corn, & .yesterday
there fell a very plentiful one, so that we shall scarcely need another,
the day before yesterday the mercury had got as high as 87®. this morn-
ing it was down at 59°. a fall of 28° in 36 hours. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Archibald Stuart.)

Monticello Oct 30. 1794.

... I have lodged with Colo. Bell two barrels of sweet potatoes for
you. I think you told me they did not succeed well on your side the
mountain. I hope therefore they may merit acceptance. . . . {Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Henry Remsen.)

Monticello Oct. 30. 1794.

... 1 am so much immersed in farming & nail-making (for I have
set up a Nailery) that politics are entirely banished from my mind. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, Franklin Collection, Yale University; photostat at
University of Virginia. Hereafter cited, Jefferson Papers, Yale.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Friday Morning, Dec. I2. 1794.

. . . We have nothing new for you; for it is not new that wc have
fine weather, it is, & has been ddicious, with only too short intervals

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1794

20.0

of cold, in one of them (about the aa" of Nov.) it was extraordinarily
cold, the mercury being at 19®. but it was only three mornings bdow
freezing, in the other (Dec. 4.) it was one morning below the freez-
ing point, but it has never once continued so thro the day. we have
had five rains at proper intervals, which is the only interruption our
ploughs have had. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello, Dec. 29, 1794.

I have long owed you a letter, for which my conscience would not
have let me rest in quiet but on the consideration that the paiment would
not be worth your acceptance. The debt is not merely for a letter the
common traffic of every day, but for valuable ideas, which instructed me,
which I have adopted, & am acting on them. I am sensible of the truth
of your observations that the atmosphere is the great storehouse of matter
for recruiting our lands, that tho’ efficacious, it is slow in it’s operation,
and we must therefore give them time instead of the loads of quicker
manure given in other countries, that for this purpose we must avdil
ourselves of the great quantities of land we possess in proportion to our
labour, and that while putting them to nurse with the atmosphere, we
must protect them from the bite & tread of animals, which arc nearly a
counterpoise for the benefits of the atmosphere. As good things, as well
as evil, go in a train, this relieves us from the labor & expence of cross-
fences, now very sensibly felt on account of the scarcity & distance of
timber. I am accordingly now engaged in applying my cross fences to
the repair of the outer ones and substituting rows of peach trees to pre-
serve the boundaries of the fields. And though I observe your strictures
on rotations of crops, yet it appears that in this I differ from you only in
words. You keep half your lands in culture, the other half at nurse;
so^ I propose to do. Your scheme indeed requires only four years &
mine six; but the proportion of labour & rest is the same. My years of
rest, however, are employed, two of them in producing clover, yours in
volunteer herbage. But I still understand it to be your opinion that
clover is b«t where lands will produce them. Indeed I think that the
important improvement for which the world is indebted to Young is the
substitution of clover crops instead of unproductive fallows; & the
demonstration that lands are more enriched by clover than by volunteer
herbage or fallows ; and the clover crops are highly wiluable. That our
red lands which are still in tolerable heart will produce fine clover I
know from the experience of the last year; and indeed that of my neigh-
bors haa established Ac fact* And from observations on accidental
plants in the feilds which have been considerably harrassed with corn, I
T if^ L ? even ™ese will produce clover fit for soiling of animals green.

therefore, I can count on the success of that improver. My
uii rd ye ar of rest will be devoted to cowpenning, & to a trial of the
bumnraeat dressing, A further progress in surveying my open arable
lands has shewn me that I can have 7 fields in eadi of my farms where I

1794] Jefferson’s Garden Book 221

expected only six; consequently that I can add more to the portion of
rest & ameliorating crops. I have doubted on a question on which I
am sure you can advise me well, whether I had better give this newly
acquired year as an addition to the continuance of my clover, or throw
it with some improving crop between two of my crops of grain, as for
instance between my corn & rye. I strongly incline to the latter, be-
cause I am not satisfied that one cleansing crop in seven years will be
sufficient; and indeed I think it important to separate my exhausting
crops by alternations of amelioraters. With this view I think to try an
experiment of what Judge Parker informs me he practices. That is, to
turn in my wheat stubble the instant the grain is off, and sow turneps to
be fed out by the sheep. But whether this will answer in our fields
which are harrassed, I do not know. We have been in the habit of
sowing only our freshest lands in turneps, hence a presumption that
wearied lands will not bring them. But Young’s making turneps to be
fed on by sheep the basis of his improvement of poor lands, affords evi-
dence that tho they may not bring great crops, they will bring them in a
sufficient degree to improve the lands. 1 will try that experiment, how-
ever, this year, as well as the one of buckwheat. I have also attended to
another improver mentioned by you, the winter-vetch, & have taken
pleasures to get the seed of it from England, as also of the Siberian
Vetch which Millar greatly commends, & being a biennial might per-
haps take the place of clover in lands which do not suit that. The
winter vetch I suspect may be advantageously thrown in between crops,
as it gives a choice to use it as green feed in the spring if fodder be run
short, or to turn it in as a green-dressing. My rotation, with these
amendments, is as follows: —

X. Wheat, followed the same year by turneps, to be fed on by the sheep.

2. Corn & potatoes mixed, & in autumn the vetch to be used as fodder
in the spring if wanted, or to be turned in as a dressing.

3. Peas or potatoes, or both according to the quality of the field.

4. Rye and clover sown on it in the spring. Wheat may be substituted
here for rye, when it shall be found that the 2*., 3*., 5**., & 6*. fields
will subsist the farm.

5. Clover.

6. Clover, & in autumn turn it in & sow the vetch.

7. Turn in the vetch in the spring, then sow buckwheat & turn that in,
having hurdled off the poorest spots for cowpenning. In autumn
sow wheat to begin the circle again.

1 am for throwing the whole force of my husbandry on the wheat-
field, because it is the only one which is to go to market to produce
money. Perhaps the clover may bring in something in the form of stock.
The other fields are merely for the consumption of the farm. Melilot,
mentioned by you, I never heard of. The horse bean I tried this last
year. It turned out nothing. The President has tried it without suc-
cess. An old English farmer of the name of Spuryear, settled in Dela-
ware, has tried it there with good success ; but he told me it would not

222 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i794

do without being well shaded, and I think he planted it among his corn
for that reason. But he acknoleged our pea was as good an ameliorater
& a more valuable pulse, as being food for man as well as horse. The
succory is what Young calls Ghicoria Intubus. He sent some seed to
the President, who gave me some, & I gave It to my neighbors to keep
up till I should come home. One of them has cultivated it with great
success, is very fond of it, and gave me some seed which I sowed last
spring. Tho’ the summer was favorable it came on slowly at first, but
by autumn became large & strong. It did not seed that year, but will
the next, & you shall be furnished with seed. I suspect it requires rich
ground, & then produces a heavy crop for green feed for horses & cattle.
I had poor success with my potatoes last year, not having made more
than 6o or 70 bushels to the acre. But my neighbors having made good
crops, I am not disheartened. The first step towards the recovery of
our lands is to find substitutes for com & bacon. I count on potatoes,
clover, & sheep. The two former to feed every animal on the farm
except my negroes, & the latter to feed them, diversified with rations of
salt^ fish & molasses, both of them wholesome, ^eeable, & cheap
articles of food.

For pasture I rely on the forests by day, & soiling in the evening.
Why could we not have a moveable airy cow house, to be set up in the
middle of the feild which is to be dunged, & soil our cattle in that thro'
the summer as well as winter, keeping them constantly up & well littered ?
This, with me, would be in the dover feild of the l“. year, because dur-
ing the R‘"’, year it would be rotting, and would be spread on it in fallow
the beginning of the 3"., but such an effort would be far above the pres-
ent tyro state of my farming. The grosser barbarisms in culture which
I have to encounter, are more than enough for all my attentions at pres-
ent. The dung-yard must be my last effort but one. The last would
be irrigation. It might be thought at first view, that the interposition of
these ameliorations or dressings between my crops will be too laborious,
but observe that the turneps & two dressings of vetch do not cost a
single ploughing. The turning in the wheat-stubble for the turneps is
the fallow for the corn of the succeeding year. The i*‘. sowing of
vetches is on the corn (as is now practiced for wheat), and the turning
it in is the flush-ploughing for the crop of potatoes & peas. The
sowing of the vetdi is on the wheat f^ow, & the turning it in is the
ploughing necessary for sowing the buckwheat. These three amdiora-
tions, then, wiU cost but a harrowing each. On the subject of the drilled
husbandry, 1 think experience has established it’s preference for some
plants, as the turnep, pea, bean, cabbage, corn, kc., and that of the
broadcast for other plants as all the bre^ grains & grasses, except per-
haps lucerne & foin in soils & climates very productive of weeds. In
dry soils & climates the broadcast is better for lucerne & foin, as aU
the South of Fiance can testify.

1 have imagined and executed a mould-board which may be mathe-
matically demonstrated to be perfect, as far as per^tion depends on
mathematical principles, and one great circumstance in it’s favor is that

1794]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

223

it may be made by the most bungling carpenter, & cannot possibly vary
a hair’s breath in it’s form, but by gross negligence. You have seen the
musical instrument called a sticcado. Suppose all it’s sticks of equal
length, hold the fore*end horizontally on the floor to receive the turf
which presents itself horizontally, and with the right hand twist the
hind-end to the perpendicular, or rather as much beyond the perpen-
dicular as will be necessary to cast over the turf completely. This gives
an idea (tho not absolutely exact) of my mould-board. It is on the
principle of two wedges combined at right angles, the first in the direct
line of the furrow to raise the turf gradually, the other across the furrow
to turn it over gradually. For both these purposes the wedge is the in-
strument of the least resistance. I will make a model of the mould-
board & lodge it with Col®. Harvie in Richmond for you. This brings
me to my thanks for the drill plough lodged with him for me, which I
now expect every hour to receive, and the price of which I have de-
posited in his hands to be called for when you please. A good instru-
ment of this kind is almost the greatest desideratum in husbandry. I am
anxious to conjecture beforehand what may be expected from the sowing
turneps in jaded ground, how much from the acre, & how large they will
be? Will your experience enable you to give me a probable conjecture?
Also what is the produce of potatoes, & what of peas in the same kind of
ground? . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. i: 49-55.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Dec. 26. 1794.

. . . Before the receipt of your letter, we had taken up our asparagus
bed & after replanting had given the ^are roots to a neighbor, we
have however done our best to send mrs Fleming what more could be
spared or collected. Patsy wrote for artichoke roots, but I presume she
meant Asparagus, as our artichokes are but newly planted, and are most
of them of so indifferent a kind that as soon as we can distinguish them,
we mean to dig them up & throw them away. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, December 28, 1794.

... If it [a letter from Mr. Jay] had been on the rotation of my
crops, I would have answered myself, lengthily perhaps, but certainly
con gusto. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 293.)

(Jefferson to George Wythe.)

1794-

... I ever wish to have opportunity of enjoying your society, know-
ing your fondness for ffgs, 1 have daily wished you could have partaken
of ours this year. I never saw so great a crop, & they are still abundant.

<224 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1794

of three kinds which I brought from France, there is one, of which I
have a single bush, superior to any fig I ever tasted anywhere. — ^we are
now living in a brick-kiln, for my house, in it's present state, is nothing
better. I shall recommence my operations on it the next summer.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Seeds saved 17Q4
(Bailey’s Note, January 95)

Pease

Blue speckled Snap

White mustard

Early Dwarf

Reid Speckled snap

onions

Early Charlton

Golden Dwarf

White Spanish

Hotspur

sugar bean

Corn Sallad

Pearl-eyed

French Sorrel

Black eyed

Cabbage

Hanover Turnip

White eyed

Scotch cabbage

Leaf lattice

Small green

York

Green “

Black Indian

Colesworts

Garlick

Salsify

Palm of Christ!

Beans

English cress

Pumpeons, Kinds

B. Windsor

Do. Turnip

Early cucumber

Early Sesbon

Carrot

Water-melon

White Carolina

Parsnips

Musk-melon

White snap

Green Rape

Ground snap

Spinage

Jf anting

J colyflowcr
i oz. green brocU
i oz. white “

1 oz. solid cellery

2 Broad leaved £>“. endive
1 lb. English scarlet Radis

i peck of more Broad Windsor Beans.

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

From Account Book ifgi—180^:

Jan. 31. rec*. of Sam’. Biddle 1.75 the remains of 5. D. he had bor-
rowed of Col®. Bell on acc* for exp. to Stanton.

Feb. II. agreed with Bailey to serve me as gardener for £ 15 a year &
500 lb pork, with bread for his family. [Bailey served as
gardener for many years. He lived in a house below the
orchard and there was a walk near his house called Bailey's
walk,"]

Feb. 17. Bailey commences his work.

1794] Jefferson’s Garden Book. 225

Mar. 18. p*" Biddle his expenses to Staunton for the Sheep 1.37. [See
letter January 26.]

June 3. [Richmond] Collins for garden seeds 3/.

Oct. II. paid for 52 potatoe pumpkins 11/3.

Nov. I. on settlement with Samuel Biddle I owe him for 14. D

months service @ 10. D 140

travell^i exp. from Elkton here 22.46

on order of Dav^. Watson 5

167.46

Biddle leaves my service this day.

Nov. 18. Petit comes into my service as overseer @ £ 30. a year.

1795

ms"

Apr. 19. two or three days of severe weather attended
with frost have killed most of the fruit in the
neighborhood, here it is safe as yet, and I ob-
served today that it is safe as low down as the
old orchard where the 4. fields corner together,
about half the almonds however are killed, it
is safe to the river, but not at Tufton.®

May. 12. for clearing the road along belfield & Slate-
field,* where there was no digging, but every
thing was grubbed up which could be grubbed,
& the larger trees were cut down to a width of
I. pole, 4 men did 220. yds a day which was 10.
square poles each. I tried on that line the step
of my horse, as a rough way of estimating dis-
tances without getting down to stride them off.
when pushed into a brisk a walk he stepped the
220. yds at 1 12 steps descending & 116. steps
ascending, no steps would have been 2. yds
at a step. 114 (the medium) is 5 f 9^ I. the
step.

^ JTfpy. Jefferson remained at Monticello during the year,
living quietly the life of a farmer. Letters passed as usual
between him and his friends on the problems of crop rotation
and agriculture in general. Political letters, however, were
more numerous than in the preceding year. The following
from a letter to George Wythe, written on April 18, shows

226

frr /p Tt^tr ^ ie**4a-^ t»t u/V />»- uU^ j>a9^ X^x.

.t> \{j_ . Icx^ ^

i/ wi i/ii^ Cn>3 i9^#urR.Ay a Tj ij/v** Z'^*'

A^WI J??X#V 4, *XiV mi'T^fuZi^

wf •»«MC ^ '*hp**' t -S A * ti j» / ♦

M4»*, /« f^UJuSv ^U<t>*y*^A;^*y,

^ A h,rid’U»4fj / 1^ A <4i 44A 4X>« /tf J^wOt* ^><&J <**r> .

inK^nJt ^pZ^Lt^ «CrWh. tj t/^Kyi^v«#-jU^ <>mJS*

^ *1^ ''** i^/// jtA4r**-»t^tS>^*

/tf^>a.

>n«^ // J j.,^tfw^‘v*4XL*-5/>^ Z*yu*^ Ln^ *^. S w.4Ar^

f^b^yi^ir tfr Z.»^>-/ Wt^ tWi'JA. I^^LjCb

'2 ^ trt**»M yvrfm fWry£rtw<^ AA^ l54.*-wwp^^».^ Oti?

:?* S*

%o frCi/rXt ^uutma

'^f* PC kaCU!^ ^ ^ ^ywwH*tJMy A^i^Af

Va^A.

pi^wCopJ^ A- yr«^ ,^*4*wf*r^5i««TvTMi3Cf^

■rtJiLrisi^ <is/t-vcA*f, ' ^

1 * ‘^- «j/»rf*a^ *iim*T“ <|. 9npn/X a ^ f<!*

Atfuvi^ A^pu’t

' ■ * /•A*'^

dA# ^

If AC*r?yi4^ Ait >4F

/^»rTri<n> ^»*w»» * t oj^

PifATE XVIIr-Pago 30 of the original Gard^ Book,

4Ur Jlr

*<f 9 nMA-^^ C^yy-U^ A<t> B-TT^ T»V^ ^1-^

ffsA. l^cJt pyi^-f-U/Irl j/^uJL? C*>frJUt* 3 u>Mr‘Mi9 ^ Sry<ke.

^ t1 L ^- 1 ^ *r4¥>-# ( a fkf C^xUt. ^ Vty — (

4 *U.YfuJ^ tKs^ ft / (n^cJi ^ A~ jAy ^3 ^ f(.Ajk*-».^U( ^

</ ^lu ^i. U* ^ *t~ r\Mf^ 4 mt k ejh 4 .*^-*. ^ra^-d 4 .i*yi^ /"i

frv* J /«i tf. *

U J ay y>#/4 »r*T ^4^ M ^ fu^k^uAm^ P iTiAA

AA# y^Hf.a. ^*jyHi.tS6ay /ktas ^\tA4 tA Kr

^ y t 0 % 4 ^JK 4i>KiU-A «'>'• ^j(t/ 4**«<C ffVW aCsCu^^-^

kUi (joA A 4 ff u ✓^Wa 4 /a^V iuaJfJkvY^ w 0X4.4^ yiirr c#«t^ jCjami#*

^ /“« 3f 'A'iyj teJU'*^ ^ P^ yrPaPk‘ > iJSi^l^ 4- e<*r«^

is'ftitr' d^ /Cwi tCf t srM4i4 d-^ i# 4< /^ jftsA. rr Mivn

/Xc t V XiHif -f ' I i5> • «. / ^ A ^ 4., 0 jHf»t<

tf/ xa^fpA^rJ^ \i^i/\**y A i<#«r (n«C«. ^ M^A!W #n

t/ 4 £« ^ "v^ ^ ^ VLAt«. fyi 4^^*^

^ *fl*/^ « /ndJftM A ^ . I ^

#TW». aa^iMata mi Mc^va^-i ✓

uv^ ^6 i/k<X ^*] i/wC^ #M

jtTj^tStnr •Mtm /i^l#* <(«/^6e ^

««,h'*'’<'t^ 1^ !/ wvtrwy tf*£w%*t^ J

r ^ *''!-flife
r>dwn>«fC( ffk-J*

m ^ 4 ^ti t^ i^***

6kM 4^ /Xf ./il'fMM?!* M

(UfTt/Utk /f^ 4,«>44<J<^<^

.i£«^ A/ tS

/SUfH /*«

9 > >T^

* *'i* 4 ***A^|^!!M^il(il 'i' '

i ,, .1 C^ , ... '>'■•”(

il^*

9!!^

Plate XVIII,— Jefferson** memoranduin for the northwest offices and icehouse.
Hie icehouse is mentioned several times in the Gardm Booh {Jeffmon Faperst L. C, )

1795 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

227

how active Jefferson’s life was during this brief retirement.
“I live on my horse from an early breakfast to a late dinner &
very often after that till dark.” He was alone most of the
winter because Mr. and Mrs. Randolph had spent their winter
at Farina, Mr. Randolph’s home. Jefferson mentioned in one
of his letters a proposed visit to Bedford County in early May,
but there is no indication that he made the trip. His new in-
terest this year was the manufacture of nails, of which the ac-
count book shows a large sale. The nailery had been started
the previous year. (See letter, Jefferson to Henry Remsen,
October 30, 1794.) This business thrived for many years af-
terwards at Mottticello, In February Jefferson carried on
scientific experiments with seed germination, which put his
knowledge of planting far in advance of that of his neighbors.
(See letters, Jefferson to Randolph, February 12 and 19,
I795-)

The Farm Book recorded most of the agricultural affairs
for the year. For some reason Jefferson placed only two
entries in the Garden Book, and these did not concern plant-
ing either in the garden or on the farm. The following
“Diary for 1795” is from the Farm Book.

Diary for 1795.

The fall of 1794. had been fine, yet little ploughing was done, partly
from the want of horses, partly neglect in the overseers, & a three
months confinement by sickness in myself, viz from Sep. i. to the latter
end of Nov.

Petit came to Monticello about the middle of Nov. & soon after they
began to plough on both sides, first with one plough, then 2. then 3.
they did not get the 4*“. plough each till the 2*. week in Mar. in the
meantime 8. horses for each had been made up by purchasing 5.

Before Christmas, at Tufton the Highfield of about 35. acres, & at
Monticello a part of the Riverfield, to wit about 20. acres, & about 15.
acres for an Oatfield were ploughed, say about 70. a*.

On the other side about 25. or 30. a*, of the SQuarefield were ploughed.

I 79 S' Jan. Not a single ploughing day in either of these months.

Feb. a degree of cold of extraordinary severity, with many little
snows, prevailed through the whole of them. Petit cut
down & grubbed about 8. acres between Franklin & Poggio
fields, grubbed the S. Orchard cleaned part of the Hollow
& Knob.

Alexander grubbed the patches in Squarefidd employed his
men in Mauling & cart in hauling rails to inclose Eastf^. &
repair the fences in general.

228

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1795

Mar. g, at night. John & his 4. companions have turned over the
brick-earth, have cut for hre wood 23. cords, Sc for coal
50. cords.

the mule carts have brought in 403^ hampers of coal.

12. loads of dung from Shadwell to the Lucerne.

19. P. M. John See. have cut 8&. cords of wood pine & 2 of
hiccory, Sc aSJ of firewood.

Alexander has about go. a*, ploughed.

Petit about 113 viz Highfield 30. Sc 8 a*, of Hollowf*. for
corn, IS a* of the RiverP. 30. of SlateP,
for wheat, 20 for oats & about 10. a*, of S.
orch* for peas.

Apr 4. began to plant corn at Lego.

finished bringing dung to the Lucerne with the mule carts,
peaches Sc cherries in blossom.

Martin’s came to Charlottesville about the 24^. of March.
Apr 1. began to sow clover, on trial with the box it took ii. gills
to the acre. Col*. N. Lewis sowed an acre with 12. gills,
but not SO well done, the sowings are Antientf^ and an
Oatfield at the head of Slatef^ about 15. a*, also about 4. or

5. acres to compleat Poggio.

At Shadwell began to sow the Upper field about 30. a*.

6. the Oatfield has taken 135 gills of clover seed, so, at li.
gills to the acre, there must be about I2 ^ acres.

20. finish sowing clover this day. 15. gallons have sowed Oat-
field & Infield at Tufton.

May 6. the following is finished here to about lo. a*.

9. ithe clover at Poggio in general blossom, begin now only
to cut it for green food, it has not been hi^ enough till
now.

10. the first lettuce comes to table.

14. strawberries come to table.

June 18. cut barley at Shadwell.

22. d*. at Tufton.

27. begin to cut wheat at Shadwell. the force employed as
follows

17. Cradlers, Ned. Toby. James. Val. Bagwell. Caesar.

Jerry. Philip. Davy. John. Lewis. Johnny.
George(Smith). Isaac, Isaac. Peter. Patrick.
5. reapers. Frank. Martin. Tim. Austin. Phill Shoe-
maker

7. stackers &c. Gr. George. Abram. Essex. Squire.
Goliah. Tom. waggoner Phill.

36, gatherers. Isabel. Ned’s Jenny. Lewis's Jenny. Doll.
• — Rachael. Mary, Nanny. O. Betty. Molly.

63. Sally. Amy. Minerva. Lucinda. Judy Hix.

Thamar. Iris. Sulla. Bellinda, Phyllis.
Moses. Shepherd. Joe. Wormly. Burwell.

795 ]

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

229

Brown. Jamy. Barnby. Davy. Ben. Davy.
John Kit Patty. Lucy. Lucy.

July 3. begun to cut wheat on this side the river.

3”. & 4***. these 2 days they cradled 73. a*, there were but
12. cradlers at work on an average, & they stopped cutting
by an hour by sun the 4^“. (Saturday) that all that was
cut might be secured, they cut therefore fully 3. a*, a day
each, & may be counted on for that,
the ox carts carry the sheaves of about 7. bushels of wheat
at a load.

one of them with 3. loaders besides the driver loads in 15'.
and to go ^ of a mile & return took 22'. they would load,
go & return i mile in 30'.

6^. finished cutting wheat.

7“*. finished cutting rye.

8. began to tread at Monticello with 7. horses. Were the
harvest to go over again with the same force, the following
arrangement should take place the treading floor should be
laid down before harvest.

^ a doz. spare scythes should be mounted, & fingers for ^ a
dozen more ready formed, bent & mortised, & some posts
should be provided.

1. great George with tools & a grindstone mounted in the
single mule cart, should be constantly employed in mend-
ing cradles & grinding scythes, the same cart would carry
about the liquor, moving from tree to tree as the work
advanced.

18. cradlers should work constantly. Smith. George. John,
Davy, Lewis. Johnny. Isaac. Peter. Patrick. Isaac. Ned.
Toby James Vd Bagwell Caesar Jerry Tim & Philip.

18. binders of the women & abler boys. Isabela. Jenny.
Jenny. Doll. Molly. Amy. Minerva. Lucinda. Judy. Bel-
linda. York, Burwell. Jamy. Barnsby. Davy. Patty. Lucy.
Lucy.

6. gatherers, to wit 5 small boys & i. larger for a foreman.
Wormly. Brown* Davy. John. Ben. Kit,

3. loaders. Moses, Shepherd & Joe, loading the carts
successively with the drivers.

6. stackers. Squire. Abram, Shoemak'. Phill. Essex.
Goliah. Austin.

2. cooks. O. Betty & Fanny.

4. carters. Tom. PhilL Frank, Martin.

8. would remain to keep half the ploughs agoing.

66. Rachael. Mary. Nancy. Sally. Thamar. Iris. Scilla.
Phyllis.

13© Jefferson’s Garden Book [i79S

in this way the whole machine would move in exact
equilibrio, no part of the force could be lessened without
retarding the whole, nor increased without a waste of
force.

this force would cut, bring in, & shock 54. a”, a day, and
complete my harvest of 320. a“. in 6. days,
the proper allowance 4. gallons of whiskey, 2 quarts mo-
lasses, I midling besides fresh meat per day, with peas.

July 29. began to lay fallow Slatefield.

Aug. 9. the Knobiidd was sown the last fall with wheat on the
North side of the road, and rye on the South side, before
harvest I laid off an acre on each side of the road where the
ground appeared nearly equal, that of the wheat how-
ever was somewhat the best, but the wheat & the rye hav-
ing been sown at the same time which was very late for the
wheat & in good time for the rye. this circumstance was
thought to make up for the difference in the quality of the
ground, the wheat & rye being stacked separately, each
stack measured exactly 4. 8 cubic yards: & the wheat
yielded 3. bushels 3. peeks, & the rye 3^ bushels of clean
grain.

the bulk of wheat in the stack then was to the bulk

of grain as 129,6; 4.6873:: 27.64: 1 that of rye

as 129.6:4.37s :; 29.62:1

31. one fallow field is sowed on each side the river.

Sep. 1. begin to gather fodder. Col**. N. Lewis began a week ago.
begin to gather peaches for mobby.

II. the rains have been so constant that it has been impossible
to tread out the wheat at Shadwell. $. stacks of about
30. bushels each are still untrodden.

22. finish treading wheat at Shadwell. no weavil yet to do
injury, fodder got & stacked at Shadwell. at Monticello
it took but 7. or 8. days.

Oct. 21. began to gather corn & to dig potatoes.

Wheat sowed on each side of the river & the dates of
sowing.

Monticello acres

Aug. 20.-31, Riverfield about . 36

Sep. Highfield 36

Newgp’ound 8

Longneld 20

Oct. 10.-28. Slatefield ....... 35

135

Shadwell acres

Aug. 20-31. Eastfield ... 35
Sep. Triangle 10.

Pantops .... 10

Road 60

Oct. 18-26. Triangles . 30
a7,-Nov.2i. Middle-

field 35

*70 — 305

i 79 S] Jefferson’s Garden Book 431

Ploughing days this year have been as follow, viz.

gj-|notone.

Mar. 23. during the Summer months of this year there were prob-
Apr. 24^. ably twice as may wet days as in common years, for nothing
May. 2^. like it has ever been seen within the memory of man. yet
June 20. these 10. months, being 43. weeks & 5. days have given 220.
July 24. ploughing days, which average more than 5. a week, the

Aug. 19. account stands thus. days

Sep. 22. In these 10. months are 306

Oct. 24. of these there were Sundays & holidays .... 49

Nov. 23. ploughing days 220

Dec. 20. wet, frozen &c. d“ 37 306.

220 .

* Tufton, one of Jefferson’s estates adjoining Monticello.
It has passed through many hands since Jefferson’s death.

* See plate XIII for the location of BelHeld and Slatefield.
This method of measuring distances with the step of his horse
shows again Jefferson’s originality in doing things.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1795

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Jan. 29. 1795,

. . . We have 'had no ploughing weather since Christmas, on the
24*'* we had snow 9. 1 , deep, yesterday the South hill sides began to be
bare enough for work, to-day we have a little rain & sleet which will
end in rain probably &: carry off the remains of the snow. . . . could
you take the trouble of knowing whether, if I find we have lost the
method of making bricks without treading the- mortar, I can have mr
Pleasant’s man, & on what terms. {Jtjferson Papers^ L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Feb. 5. 1795-

. . . Procure for me from some of the seedsmen some of the seed of
the winter vetch (it is the vicia sativa, senino alba of Miller), as it is
cheap, you may be governed in the quantity. . . . convenience of bring-
ing. ... we have now had about 4 'weeks of winter weather, rather
hard for our climate, many little snows which did not lay 24. hours &
one 9. I. deep which remained several days, we have had few thawing
days during the time. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

232

Jbffisrson’s Garden Book

[» 79 S

(Jefferson to Monsieur D’lvernois.)

Monticello, in Virginia, Feb. 6, 1795.

... I have returned, with infinite appetite, to the enjoyment of my
farm, my family & my books, and had determined to meddle in nothing
beyond their limits. (Ford, Jefferson 8: 163.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Feb. 12. 179S.

Your favor of the 1“ inst. came to hand on the h***. we the next day
strewed some clover seed on moistened cotton, this is the 6“* day, &
the plate has been set on the hearth every night, they have not sprouted,
but I think they are swelled, by the next post we may probably decide
whether they will sprout or not. the weather continues cold, snc^, &
unfriendly to the labors of the field: no ploughing since Christmas.
(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Feb. 19. 1795.

. . . James arrived yesterday with your favor of the 14*“. the book
& the Cole seed, your clover seed put on the moistened cotton has not
yet sprouted, perhaps this is owing to the severity of the weather, this
has indeed been very unusual, & I fear fatal to a great proportion of our
wheat, the morning cold for these 10 days past has been from 1 1, to 33.
the afternoon from 23. to 37°. no ploughing could be done, & very
little of any other work: so those like my overseer, loss the fall, very
little time will have been furnished by the winter to regain their loss.
(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Mar. 5. 1795.

... we have now fine weather for work, as your clover seed did
not sprout, 1 have advised the leaving it unsowed till you come. I shall
not sow mine till the last week in March. I had your bags of clover
seed emptied to search for the radish seed, but no such thing was in
them, there was a paper of clover seed found in one of them, which I
suppose has been put in by mistake for the other, if this finds you in
Richmond, pray get me some of the scarlet radish seed, as it is not to be
had in this neighborhood, & is I think the only kind worth cultivating.
(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Mar. 5. 95.

Your favor of Feb. 15. is duly recaved & I now enclose the letter for
ntf [illegible], which you will be so kind as to deliver to him open or

*795]

Jefferson's Garden Book

233

sealed as you think best, & apologize to him for my availing myself of
the opportunity of getting the vetch from England virhich you say is not
to be had in Philadelphia, the universal culture of this plant in Europe
establishes it’s value in a farm, & I find two intervals in my rotation
where I can have crops of it without it's costing me a single ploughing,
my main object is to turn it in as a green dressing in the spring of the
year, having sowed it on the fall fallow, in the meantime, should a
short crop of fodder or hard winter call for it as fodder, it is a most
abundant & valuable green fodder through the whole winter. — . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monttcello Apr. 13. 93.

This is not the long letter I intend to write in answer to yours
of the 5*“. ult. that must await a rainy day, perhaps a rainy season, but
as the sowing of the succory will not wait I write a line for the present,
nlerely to cover a little seed which I have procured from a neighbor for
you. it must be sown immediately in drills which will admit the
plough, & very thin in the drill as the plant is a very tall St large one.
it requires strong land, is perennial, and unquestionably valuable. — the
mouldboard cannot come by post. 1 have with very great satisfaction &
saving, tried the seed box described in the New York agricultural trans-
actions for sowing clover, if you have not the pamphlet, the box is
simply of half inch poplar (for lightness) 7. feet long, 6 inches broad 4
Inches deep, divided by partitions into seven equal compartments, or cells,
a diagonal drawn in the bottom of each cell and 2 holes of ^ I. diameter
bored through the bottom on the diagonal equally distant from each
other & from the corners: then a bit of strong paper is pasted over the
holes, & a hole burnt thro’ that with a wire of sudi size as on trial will
be found to shed the seed exactly fast enough, a neighbor of mine, CoK
Lewis, the evenest seedsman we know came to try the box, in compari-
son of his own sowing, and pronounced that the eveness of the work
with the box exceeded anything possible from the human hand. I have
sowed an hundred acres of red clover with it within this fortnight, at ii.
gills to the acre, to have sowed it equally thick every where by hand
would have taken 16. qu**, and consequently ^ of the space would
have been too thick, consequently I have saved 13. gallons of seed, or
13. dollars, I should have mentioned that 2. straps are nailed round
the box for the seedsman to hold & shake it by, as he would a sifter, he
will sow a 9 foot land at a time. — have received the drill, several of
it’s parts got lost on the journey. 1 can supply them all however, ex-
cept die band & buckets for the seeds, your letter mentions three of
these for seed of different kinds, St there came only one, which I judge
to be the one for turnep seed, that for peas 1 shall particularly want,
if you could forward the two deficient sizes to Col”. Gamble at Rich-
mond I shall soon get them; & if before pea-sowing so much the better,
we were to have tried the drill to-day on a piece of Lucerne ground; but
a glorious rain the last night has agreeably disappointed us. could it

234

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1795

not be made for drilling wheat in the broad-cast? that is to say, sow 8
rows, 9. I. apart at a time, the Jersey drill, (described in the N. Y.
agticK transactions) sows in 13 I. rows, 4 rows at a time. I have tried
the Jersey drill with small seeds, & it will not answer without some ad-
ditional apparatus, we should save much seed & sow evencr by s(mng
with machines in the broadcast, such a machine will be very desirable
to me when I get my vetch, let me recommend to you to read Millar’s
gardener’s diet, article Fieta. in my circle of crops I can have 2. or 3.
fields of this every winter for either winter forage or spring green dress-
ings, without their costing me a single ploughing more than I am to give
without the vetch. . . . {Jefferson Papers. L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello Apr. 15. 95.

We have tried the drill with Lucerne seed, and found it shed a great
deal too much, so that we were obliged to lay it aside. I presume there-
fore I was mistaken in saying the band & buckets which came were for
turnep seed, we rather guess they were for peas or corn. I must cor-
rect therefore my petition for the two larger sizes, and in the uncer-
tainty in which I am, I must rather pray for a complete set. . . . ( 7 e/-
f arson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, April 27, 1795.

. . . My health is entirely broken down within the last eight months ;
my age requires that I should place my affairs in a clear state ; these are
sound if taken care of, but capable of considerable dangers if longer
neglected ; and above all things, the delights I feel in the society of my
family, and in the agricultural pursuits in which 1 am so eagerly en- ■
gaged. The little spice of ambition which I had in my younger days
has long since evaporated, and I set still less store by posthumous than
present name. ... I am proceeding in my agricultural plans with a
slow but sure step. To get under full way will require four or five
years. But patience and perseverance will accomplish it. My little
essay in red clover, the last year, has had the most encouraging success.
I sowed then about forty acres. I have sowed this year about one hun-
dred and twenty which the rain now falling comes very opportunely on.
From one hundred and sixty to two hundred acres will be my yearly
sowing. The seed-box described in the agricultural transactions of New
York, reduces the expense of seeding from six shillings to two shillings
and three pence the acre, and does the business better than is possible to
be done by the human hand. May we hope a visit from you ? If we
may, let it be after the middle of May, by which time I hope to be re-
turned from Bedford. 1 hare had a proposition to meet Mr, Henry
there this month, to confer on the subject of a convention, to the calling
of which he is now become a convert , . , (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef*
f arson 9: 302-304.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

235

179s]

(Jefferson to William B. Giles.)

Monticello, April 27, 1795.

... I believe I should be tempted to leave my clover for awhile, to
go and hail the dawn of liberty & republicanism in that island. 1 shall
be rendered very happy by the visit you promise me. The only thing
wanting to make me completely so, is the more frequent society of my
friends. It is the more wanting, as I am become more firmly fixed to
the globe. If you visit me as a farmer, it must be as a condisciple : for I
am but a learner; an eager one indeed, but yet desperate, being too
old now to learn a new art. However, I am as much delighted and
occupied with it, as if 1 was the greatest adept. I shall talk with you
about it from morning till night, and put you on very short allowance
as to political aliment. Now and then a pious ejaculation for the French
and Dutch republicans, returning with due despatch to clover, potatoes,
wheat, etc. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson g: 305.)

(Jefferson to M. De Meusnier.)

Monticello, Virginia, Apr. 29, 95.

... I am myself a nail-maker. On returning home after an ab-
sence of ten years, I found my farms so much deranged that I saw evi-
dently they would be a burden to me instead of a support till I could
regenerate them; & consequently that it was necessary for me to find
some other resource in the meantime. I thought for a while of taking
up the manufacture of pot-ash, which requires but small advances of
money. I concluded at length however to begin a manufacture of nails,
which needs little or no capital, & I now employ a dozen little boys from
10. to 16. years of age, overlooking all the details of their business myself
& drawing from it a profit on which I can get along till I can put my
farms into a course of yielding profit. My new trade of nail-making is
to me in this country what an additional title of nobility or the ensigns
of a new order are in Europe. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8: I 74 -I 7 S*)

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticello May 26, 1795.

... If I can get the proper orders from him I will have the ground
above mentioned [Mohroe’s new land he had bought near JJionticello']
planted in fruit trees from my own nursery, where I have made an extra
provision on your account. . . . Colie is lately sold for & 375. to a Mr.
Catlet, a farmer, whom I do not know. ... I have divided my farms
into seven fields on this rotation, i. wheat. 2. peas & potatoes. 3.
corn & potatoes. 4. peas & potatoes till 1 can get the vetch from Europe.
5. rye. 6. clover. 7. clover. My lands were so worn that they re-
quired this gentle treatment to recover them. , . . There are two or
t^ree objects which you should endeavor to enrich our country with.
I. the Alpine strawberry, a. The skylark, 3. The red legged Partridge.

236 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i 79 S

I despair too much of the nightingale to add that. (Ford, Jefferson 8:
178-181.)

(Jefferson to Philip Mazzei.)

Monticello May 30, 1795,

... I send herein a few seeds of our cymlin (with running vines) &
some squash (with upright stems) the last I got at New York, & are
the best ever yet known. ... 1 am returned home with an inflexible
determination to leave it no more. ... I am become the most ardent
and active farmer in the state. I live constantly on horseback, rarely
taking a book & never a pen if I can avoid it. this has had it’s share in
the tardiness of the present letter, for if I am ever in the house, it is in
such a state of fatigue as prevents both thought & action. I am just
resuming my buildings. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Tench Coxe.)

Monticello June i, 1795.

. . . We are enjoying a most seasonable sowing after a winter which
had greatly injured our small grain. Nothing can give us a great crop.
I doubt if it can be made even a good one. Our first hay-cutting
(clover) begins to-day. This may mark to you the difference of your
seasons & ours. My clover in common upland fields which were never
manured will yield isoo lb. to the acre at this cutting, which I consider
as an encouraging beginning. (Ford, Jefferson 8: 183.)

(Jefferson to General Henry Knox.)

Monticello June i, 1795.

. . . have you become a farmer? is it not pleasanter than to be shut
up within 4. walls and delving eternally with the pen? I am become
the most ardent farmer in the state. I live on my horse from morning
to night almost, intervals are filled up with attentions to a nailery I
carry on. I rarely look into a book, and more rarely take up a pen. I
have proscribed newspapers, hot taking a single one, nor scarcely ever
looking into one. my next reformation will be to allow neither pen, ink,
nor paper to be kept on the farm, when I have accomplished this I
shall be in a fair way of indemnifying myself for the drudgery in which
I have passed my life, if you are half as much delighted with the farm
as I am, you bless your stars at your riddance from public cares, . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello June 8. 1795.

I enclose you a few seed of the Rutabaga, or Swedish winter turnep.
this is the plant which the English Government thought of value enough
to be procured at public expense from Sweden, cultivated and dispersed,
a fflf Strickland, an English gentleman from Yorkshire, lately here, left

1793 ]

Jepfeiisom's Garden Book

257

a few seeds with me, of which I impart to you. he tells me it has such
advantage over the common turnep that it is spreading rapidly over Eng*
land & will become their chief turnep. it's principal excellence is it's
remaining in the held unhurt even by the severities of the Swedish
winter, he suspects that in the seed he gave me, there is an accidental
mixture of common turnep. it may be easily distinguished when it
comes up, as the leaf of the Ruta-bage resembles that of rape or cabbage
& not at all that of turnep. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(John Breckenridge to Jefferson.)

Fayette, July, 1795.

Your note for the clover seed came to hand a week ago, and an opp".
which I think preferable to me by post now offers by Col®. Quarles, of
sending you a few seeds. It is not easily got in my neighborhood, hav-
ing almost entirely disappeared. Fray ought I not to send you a little
of the soil also ? I fear the seed will not acknowledge that about Monti-
cello. I sincerely wish locx) of the tens of thousand of acres of our
fertile uncultivated land, could be spread around you. You might then
really farm with both pleasure & profit. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Aug. ii. 95.

... we have had a terrible storm which has thrown our corn gener-
ally prostrate, we shall be greatly at a loss in sowing wheat among it.
Robertson set up as much of his as enabled him to sow 18. bushels of
wheat, in general we shall be obliged to put in our wheat with the
houghs, it will also much lessen the crop of corn. Robertson has got
out between 3. & 400 bushels of your wheat, & has about 260. to get out.
he judges by having measured the produce of one stack, 20. bushels, &
has 13. stacks still to get out. he goes on constantly with 4. horses: but
we have had such a quantity of wet weather as has greariy obstructed
treading, the weavil is very generally apprehended. — the result of my
trial of the acre of wheat & rye was 4.8 cubic yards of each in the stack,
and 14. pecks of rye & 15. of wheat, when cleaned, this gives a cubic
foot of wheat from every cubic yard of the stack, and of rye part of
the stack, the ground having been of the weakest kind, for it yeilded
but 3^ bushels to the acre, the experiment is decisively against the com-
mon opinion that it is better to put weak land into rye than wheat, and
will change my rye after corn into wheat after corn. . . , (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Aug. 18. 1795.

. . . Col® N. Lewis lies dangerously St almost desperatdy ill. I
mentioned in my last letter the ravages committed by the rains, since

Jefferson's (jarden Book

ti 79 S

that we have had still worse. I imagine we never lost more soil than
this summer, it is moderately estimated at a year’s rent, our crops of
corn will be much shortened by the prostrate & drowned condition of
the plants, particularly of the topsoil which can perform it’s office of
impregnation but partially & Imperfectly, our peaches are getting into
perfection, they are fine in quality & abundant, tobacco has fired ex-
cessively. many have cut their crops green. I fear to hear from Bed-
ford. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Mann Page.)

Monticello, August 30, 1795.

It was not in my power to attend at Fredericksburg. . . . The heat
of the weather, the business of the farm, to which I have made myself
necessary, forbade it ; and to give one round reason for all, mature sanus,
I have laid up my Rosinante in his stall, before his unfitness for the road
shall expose him faultering to the world. But why did not I answer
you in time? Because, in truth, I am encouraging myself to grow lazy,
and I was sure you would ascribe the delay to anytning sooner than a
want of affection or respect to you, for this was not among the possible
causes. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson g: 306.)

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Monticello, Sept. 12 , 1795.

... I must say a word to you about the Succory you received from
mf Young, and were so kind as to give me some of the seed. I sowed
about J or ^ of an acre last year, it cut little figure that year, but
this year it’s growth has been most luxuriant indeed. I have not cut it,
but kept the whole for seed, & to furnish young plants for transplanting
which it does in very great abundance from what I see of it, and what
mf Strickland told me (that he had known it cut 5. times a year in
England) 1 consider it one of the greatest acquisitions a farmer can have.
I sowed at the same time 2. acres of Lucerne, in exactly an equal soil,
which in both instances had been originally rich, but was considerably
exhausted. I gave the Lucerne this last year a good coat of dung, &
due tillage ; yet it is such poor dwindling stuff that I have abandoned it,
while the Succory without dung or tillage is fine. . T . never had any
reformer so barbarous a state of things to encounter as I have, it will
be the work of years before the eye will find any satisfaction in my
fields. . . . The field pea of Europe and their winter vetch I find to be
great desiderata in the farm. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Monsieur Odit^)

Monticello, October 14, 1795.

.' . . My books, my family, my friends, and my farm, furnish more
than enough to occupy me the remainder of my life, and of that tranquil

Jefferson’s Garden Book

239

1795]

occupation most analogous to my physical and moral constitution. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson g: 312.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, Nov. 26, 95.

. . . Our autumn is £ne. The weather mild Sc intermixed with
moderate rains at proper intervals. No ice yet, & not much frost. . . .
(Ford, Jefferson 8: 199.)

(Jefferson to Edward Rutledge.)

Monticello, Nov. 30. 1795.

I received your favor of Oct. 12 by your son, who has been kind
enough to visit me here, and from whose visit I have received all that
pleasure which I do from whatever comes from you, and especially from
a subject so deservedly dear to you. He found me in a retirement I
doat on, living like an Antediluvian patriarch among my children &
grandchildren, and tilling my soil. ... I told your son I had long had
it in contemplation to write you for half a dozen sour orange trees, of a
proper size for small boxes, as they abound with you. The only trouble
they would give would be the putting them into boxes long enough
before sending them for them to take root, & when rooted to put them
into some vessel coming direct to Richmond to the care of Mr Daniel
Hylton there. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8; 199-201.)

From Account Book ijgff:

Jan, II. gave mr Petit to bear exp. to Augusta for sheep 12/.

Jan. 15. received from A. Stuart 20. sheep @ 6/7 - - 6-11-8.

23 d®. @ 7/6 - - 8-12-6.

June 1. p*. for lamb 3/.

June 9. bought of Cornelius 7. old sheep & i young one for £ 3.
June 24. sent W, Gooch for a lamb i. D.

Oct. 13. p*. a negro (Will) for la. quarts greensword seed la/.

Oct. 25. p^. for 12^ quarts greenswerd seed ia/6.

Nov. 24. Page comes into my service as overseer at Shadwell & Lego
at £ 35 a year Sc 500 lb pork. [Page later became overseer
at Monticello.^

From Farm Book:

179 S- J*ii 8* tlie toad which leads from the Grave yard gate, descend-
ing I foot in 10. into that leading to the Secretary’s ford, being 250.
yards took 21. days work, which is 12 yds each, there was some stone
and grubs to dig, but ne'er a tree to take up. it may be estimated @
i a yard or 30. Dol. a mile.

179^

lygt.* The most important happening to Jefferson this
year was his election, on November 4, to the Vice Presidency
of the United States. His election was a new active beginning
into the political life of the nation which was to last until
March, 1809. Monticello was again to be left to overseers.
The systematic farming operations which he had put into
effect during the past two years, and which were just beginning
to show results, were soon to be only partially continued.

This year also saw the use at Monticello of his “mould-
board of least resistence,” which he had invented and per-
fected. He wrote to Jonathan Williams on July 3 :

You wish me to present to the Philosophical Society the result of my
philosophical researches since my retirement. But, my good Sir, I have
made researches into nothing but what is connected with agriculture.
In this way I have a little matter to communicate, and will do it ere
long. It is the form of a mould-board of least resistance. I had some
time ago conceived the principles of it, and I explained them to Mr.
Rittenhouse. I have since reduced the thing to practice and have rea-
son to believe the theory fully confirmed. I only wish for one of those
instruments used in England for measuring the force exerted in the
drafts of different plows, etc., that I might compare the resistance of my
mould-board with that of others. But these instruments are not to be
had here. (Randall, Jefferson a; 308.) (See appendix VI for Jeffer-
son’s description of his mould-board.)

The nailery continued to flourish, Jefferson wrote to Archi-
bald Stuart on January 3 : “My present works turn out a ton a
month ... & two additional fires which will be at work in a
short time, will raise it to a ton and a half a month” (Ford,
Jeferson 8; 212), He wrote to Mr. Randolph on January
II, about setting up stores of his own to sell nails at Milton,
Charlottesville, and Staunton.

The remodeling of Jefferson’s house was carried on through
the spring, summer, and fall. In writing to James Madison
on December 17, he mentioned that the weather was so severe,

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

240

1796 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

241

“It arrested my buildings very suddenly, when eight days more
would have completed my walls, and permitted us to cover in.”

One of the most pleasant experiences for Jefferson during
the early summer was a visit from the Duke de la Roche-
foucauld-Liancourt, of France. He reached Monticello on
June 22 and remained until the 29th. In his Travels through
the United States of North America, in the Years ifgs, 1796,
1797, he gave an accurate picture of the life at Monticello
during the time of his visit. He wrote at length on Jefferson’s
agricultural pursuits, an account of which is quoted here be-
cause of the faithful summary it gives of what Jefferson was
undertaking and accomplishing. After describing the situa-
tion and the house, he wrote :

On this mountain, and in the surrounding valleys, on both banks of
the Rivanna, are situated the five thousand acres of land which Mr.
Jefferson possesses in this part of Virginia. Eleven hundred and
twenty only are cultivated. The land left to the care of stewards has
suffered as well as the buildings from the long absence of the master ;
according to the custom of the country, it has been exhausted by suc-
cessive culture. Its situation on the declivities of hills and mountains
renders a careful cultivation more necessary than is requisite in lands
situated in a flat and even country; the common routine is more per-
nicious, and more judgment and mature thought are required, than in a
different soil. This forms at present the chief employment of Mr. Jef-
ferson. But little accustomed to agricultural pursuits, he has drawn the
principles of culture either from works which treat on this subject or
from conversation. Knowledge thus acquired often misleads, and is at
all times insufficient in a country where agriculture is well understood ;
yet it is preferable to mere practical knowledge, and a country where a
bad practice prevails, and where it is dangerous to follow the routine,
from which it is so difficult to depart. Above all, much good may be
expected, if a contemplative mind, like that of Mr. Jefferson, which
takes the theory for its guide, watches its application with discernment,
and rectifies it according to the peculiar circumstances and nature of the
country, climate, and soil, and conformably to the experience which he
daily acquires.

Pur^ant to the ancient rotation, tobacco was cultivated four or five
successive years ; the land was then suffered to lie fallow, and then again
succeeded crops of tobacco. The culture of tobacco being now almost
entirely relinquished in this part of Virginia, the common rotation begins
with wheat, followed by Indian com, and then again wheat, until the
exhausted soil loses every productive power ; the field is then abandoned,
and the cultivator proceeds to another, which he treats and abandons in
the same manner, until he returns to the first, which has in the mean-
time recovered some of its productive faculties. The disproportion be-

24a Jefferson’s Garden Book [1796

tween the quantity of land which belongs to the planters and the hands
they can employ in its culture, diminishes the inconveniences of this de-
testable method. The land which never receives the least manure, sup-
ports a longer or shorter time this alternate cultivation of wheat and
Indian corn, according to its nature and situation, and regains, accord-
ing to the same circumstances, more or less speedily the power of pro-
ducing new crops. If in the interval it be covered with heath and
weeds, it frequently is again fit for cultivation at the end of eight or ten
years ; if not, a space of twenty years is not sufficient to render it capable
of production. Planters who are not possessed of a sufficient quantity
of land to let so much of it remain unproductive for such a length of
time, fallow it in a year or two after it has borne wheat and Indian corn,
during which time the iRelds serve as pasture, and are hereupon again
cultivated in the same manner. In either case the land produces from
five to six bushels of wheat, or from ten to fifteen bushels of Indian corn,
the acre. To the produce of Indian corn must be added one hundred
pounds of leaves to every five bushels, or each barrel, of grain. These
leaves are given as fodder to the cattle. It was in this manner that Mr.
Jefferson’s land had always been cultivated, and it is this system which he
'has very wisely relinquished. He has divided all his land under culture
into four farms, and every farm into seven fields of forty acres. Each
farm consists, therefore, of two hundred and eighty acres. His system
of rotation embraces seven years, and this is the reason why each farm
has been divided into seven fields. In the first of these seven years
wheat is cultivated ; in the second, Indian corn ; in the third, pease or
potatoes; in the fourth, vetches; in the fifth, wheat; and in the sixth
and seventh, clover. Thus each of his fields yields some produce every
year, and his rotation of successive culture, while it prepares the soil for
the following crop, increases its produce. The abundance of clover,
potatoes, pease, etc., will enable him to keep sufficient cattle for manur-
ing his land, which at present receives hardly any dung at all, inde-
pendently of the greater profit whi(^ he will in future derive from the
sale of his cattle.

Each farm, under the direction of a particular steward or bailiff, is
cultivated by four negroes, four negresses, four oxen, and four horses.
The bailiffs, who in general manage their farms separately, assist each
other during the harvest, as well as at any other time when there is any
pressing labor. The great declivity of the fields, which would render it
extremely troublesome and tedious to carry the produce, even of each
farm, to one common central point, has induced Mr. Jefferson to con-
struct on each field a barn, sufficiently capacious to hold its produce in
grain; the produce in forage is also housed there, but this is generally, so
great, diat it becomes necessary to make stacks near the barns. The
latter are constructed of trunks of trees, and the floors are boarded.
The forests and slaves reduce the expense of these buildings to a mere
trifle,

Mr. Jefferson possesses one of those excellent threshing machines
which a few years since were invented in Scotland, and are already
very common in England. 'This machine, the whole of which does

1796 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

^43

not weigh two thousand pounds, is conveyed from one farm to an-
other in a wagon, and threshes from one hundred and twenty to one
hundred and fifty bushels a day. A worm, whose eggs are almost con-
stantly deposited in the ear of the grain, renders it necessary to thresh
the corn a short time after the harvest; in this case the heat occasioned
by the mixture of grain with its envelope, from which it is disengaged,
but with which it continues mixed, destroys the vital principle of the
egg, and protects the corn from the inconveniences of its being hatched.
If the grain continued in the ears, without being speedily beaten, it
would be destroyed by the worm, which would be excluded from the
eggs. This scourge, however, spreads no further northwards than the
Potomac, and is bounded to the west by the Blue Mountains. A few
weeks after the corn has been beaten it is free from all danger, winnowed,
and sent to market. The Virginia planters have generally their corn
trodden out by horses ; but this way is slow, and there is no country in
the world where this operation requires more dispatch than this part of
Virginia. Besides, the straw is bruised by the treading of horses. Mr.
Jefferson hopes that his machine, which has already found some imitators
among his neighbors, will be generally adopted in Virginia. In a coun-
try where all the inhabitants possess plenty of wood, this machine may
be made at a very trifling expense.

Mr. Jefferson rates the average produce of an acre of land, in the
present state of his farm, at eight bushels of wheat, eighteen bushels of
Indian corn, and twenty hundred weight of clover. After the land has
been duly manured, he may expect a produce twice, nay three times
more considerable. But his land will never be dunged as much as in
Europe. Black cattle and pigs, which in our country are either con-
stantly kept on the farm, or at least return thither every evening, and
whose dung is carefully gathered and preserved either separate or mixed,
according to circumstances, are here left grazing in the woods the whole
year round. Mr. Jefferson keeps no more sheep than are necessary for
the consumption of his own table. He cuts his clover but twice each
season, and does not suffer his cattle to graze in his fields. The quantity
of his dung is therefore in proportion to the number of cattle which he
can keep with his own fodder, and which he intends to buy at the be-
ginning of winter to sell them again in spring ; and the cattle kept in the
vicinity of the barns where the forage is housed, will furnish manure
only for the ajacent fields.

From an opinion entertained by Mr. Jefferson that the heat of the
sun destroys or at least dries up in a great measure, the nutricious juices
of the earth, he judges it necessary that it should be always covered. In
order, therefore to preserve his fields, as well as to multiply their produce,
they never lie fallow- On the same principle he cuts his clover but
twice a season, does not let the cattle feed on the grass, nor incloses his
fidds, which are merdy divided by a single row of peadi trees,

A long dcperience would be required to form a correct judgment,
whether the loss of dung, which this system occasions in his farms, and
the known advantage of fidds enclosed with ditches, especially in a
dedivitous situation, where the earth from the higher grounds is con-

244

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1796

stantly washed down by the rain, are fully compensated by the vegetative
powers which he means thus to preserve in his fields. His s)rstem is en-
tirely confined to himself ; it is censured by some of his neighbors, who
are also employed in improving their culture with ability and skill, but
he adheres to it, and thinks it founded on just observations.

Wheat, as has already been observed, is the chief object of cultivation
in this country. The rise, which within these two years has taken place
in the price of this article, has engaged the speculations of the planters,
as well as the merchants. The population of Virginia, which is so in-
considerable in proportion to its extent, and so little collected in towns,
would offer but a very precarious market for large numbers of cattle.
Every planter has as many of them in the woods as are required for the
consumption of his family. The negroes, who form a considerable part
of the population, eat but little meat, and this little is pork. Some
farmers cultivate rye and oats, but they are few in number. Corn is
sold here to the merchants of Milton or Charlottesville, who ship it to
Richmond, where it fetches a shilling more per bushel than in other
places. Speculation or a pressing want of money may at times occasion
variations in this manner of sale, but it is certainly the most common
way. Money is very scarse in this district, and bank-notes being un-
known, trade is chiefly carried on by barter; the merchant who receives
the grain returns its value in such commodities as the vender stands in
need of.

Mr. Jefferson sold his wheat last :?ear for two dollars and a half per
bushel. He contends that in this district it is whiter than in the en-
virons of Richmond, and all other low countries, and that the bushel
which weighs there only from fifty-five to fifty-eight pounds, weighs on
his farm from sixty to sixty-five.

In addition to the eleven hundred and twenty acres of land, divided
into four farms, Mr. Jefferson sows a few acres with turnips, succory,
and other seeds.

Before 1 leave his farm, I shall not forget to mention that I have seen
here a drilling-machine, the name of which cannot be translated into
French but by 'machine d temer en paqnetsf By Mr. Jefferson’s ac-
count it has been invented in his neighborhood. If this machine fully
answers to the good opinion which he entertains of it, the invention is
the more fortunate, as by Arthur Young’s assertion not one good drilling-
machine is to be found in England. . . .

In private life, Mr. Jefferson displays a mild, easy and oblidging
temper, though he is somewhat cold and reserved. His conversation is
of the most agreeable kind, and he possesses a stock of information not
inferior to that of any other man. In Europe he would hold a distin-
guished rank among men of letten, and as such he has already appeared
there; at present he is employed widi activity and perseverance in the
management of his farms and buildings; and he orders, directs and pur-
sues in the minutest detail every branch of business relative to them. I
found him in the midst of the harvest, from which the scorching heat of
the sun does not prevent his attendance. His negroes are nourished,
clothed, and treated as well as white servants could be. As he cannot

1796 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

245

expect any assistance from the two small neighboring towns, every article
is made on his farm ; his negroes are cabinetmakers, carpenters, masons,
bricklayers, smiths, etc. The children he employs in a nail factory,
which yields already a considerable profit. The young and old negresses
spin for the clothing of the rest. He animates them by rewards and
distinctions; in fine, his superior mind directs the management of his
domestic concerns with the same abilities, activity, and regularity which
he evinced in the conduct of public affairs, and which he is calculated to
display in every situation of life. In the superintendence of his house-
hold he is assisted by his two daughters, Mrs. Randolph and Miss Maria,
who are handsome, modest, and amiable women. They have been
educated in France. . . .

The price of land is from four to five dollars per acre. . . . Meat —
that is, mutton, veal, and lamb — fetches fourpence a pound ,* beef cannot
be had but in winter. The wages of white workmen, such as masons,
carpenters, cabinet-makers, and smiths, amount to from one and a half
dollars to two dollars a day. . . . There are not four stone masons in
the whole county of Albemarle. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a: 303-307.)

Mr. and Mrs. Randolph, and Marla, were away from
Montkello for a part of the year. Jefferson continued his
correspondence with them, keeping them informed about the
happenings on the mountaintop.

Jefferson placed no entries in the Garden Book during the
year. For some reason the Garden Book was not used again
until 1802, the second year of his Presidency; rather the Farm
Book was resorted to for jotting down the agricultural diary.
Although the diary is not so complete as that for the preced-
ing year, it does give a good picture of the agricultural pursuits.

He continued his letters to his friends, on a wide variety of
subjects. The Account Book recorded a few items of interest.

Diary for 1796
(From the Farm Book)

Jan. I. Petit ploughed the Knob field ab^ 30. a*. Franklin’s
26 a*. Page has ploughed the Chapel ridge 40. a*.
Mounts field 40. a*.

Mar. 24. [illegible] for cattle is out at Mondcello this day.

Apr. 26. there has been a most extraordinary, drought dirough
the whole spring to this time.

the seeds sown for a long time past have not sprouted,
copious rains now fall for 36. hours, gentle at first,
heavy at last.

30. the weather is become very cold, a great frost in the
neighborhood.

246

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1796

May I. the first blossom I see of red clover.

5. began to cut clover to feed.

6. Iris lays in with a boy Joyce.

10. began to sow peas.

June I. Lucy lies in with a boy. Zachary.

6. Began to cut clover for hay.

14.. finished cutting clover.

Ned’s Jenny lies in with a boy. James.
23. the White pea beginning to blossom.

Diary of harvest.

June 33. Eastfield
a<. Uverfield

38. Pog^o new

ground

39. ( Triangle
\ Pantops

30. Culpeper
July 1. Spcuu^ld

3. SinitFs

4. Highfield

5. Slatefield \
Long^eld /

7. Midfield ab«

acres

stacks

too

3-6

40.6

95-

4.6

3 »

55 -

300

546

+135-6

one oxcart of 4. or 6. oxen
which did little. 3 . carts
of 3. mules each.

I. cart with 4. horses,
a waggon aided 4. days
July 3. we stopped our ploughs;
the pickers up not keeping up
with the cutters, the. iS
mowers had been fixed on &
furnished with 37. scythes,
yet the wheat was so heavy
for the most part that we had not
more than 13. or 14. mowers
cutting on an average. 13. cutters
X 13 days « 156. which gives
near 3 ._a‘. a day for each cutter,
supposing 300. acres.

9. sowed Buckwheat at Monticello.

Aug. 18. Scilla has a child born.

22. Our Threshing machine begins to work at the River-
field.

Nov. 23. on this day a very severe spell of weather set in. on the
23^ it was at the freezing point. 24*'*. at 23*. 23**'.
at 21®. 26“*. at 12®. other indispensable work had
prevented the digging our potatoes, & tho’ the earth was
remarkably dry (for it had not rained since the middle
of Octob.) the whole were lost by freezing.

17. we finished sowing our 3*. field of wheat over the river
(Dryfield).

May wheat, the 4^“. which should have been in wheat
we thought better to put into rye.

Dec. 10. we finish sowing our 3^. field of wheat on this side the
river (Ridgefield). May wheat, our 4*\ (Broken-
field) which should have been in wheat is to be in rye.
concluded with George that we will keep I2. breeding
sows here.

children born at Bedford this year. Hanah (Dinah’s)
Aug. — a girl (Suck’s) a girl (Abby’s) Nace (Maria’s)
Aug.

1796 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

247

ploughing days have been this year as follows. Jan. 11.
Feb. 15. Mar. 20. Apr. 25. May 17. June 19. July 23.
Aug. 24. Sept. 20. Oct. 19. Nov. 24. Dec. 10 = 238.
List of tools at Monticello & Tufton. given by Hugh
Petit Nov. 96. 18. hoes. 5. axes. 10. reaphooks. 6.

large ploughs. 8. small ploughs. 8. p'. chain traces.
3. oxchains. i. toothed harrow.

’96. May 10. in sowing with the drill plough a quart sowed 350.

yards of furrow, which at 4. feet rows would be loj
quarts to the acre, or say peck, this was of the
white boiling pea of Europe, to wit their field pea, or
split pea. sowing the same by hand, a quart sowed
only 310. yards which is 11.85 quarts per acre, say 3.
gallons, the proportions are exactly as 31:35: or
32:36. or 8:9. so that the drill saves i of seed, in
labor it saves the whole hand sowing, and the cover-
ing with a plough, we find a great advantage in pre-
ceeding the drill by a harrow. 2 horses will harrow
15. a*, a day.

’96. Sept. 4. mf Eppes examines my North orchard and says it con-
sist of Clark’s pear-mains. Golden Wilding & red
Hughes, he says the Golden Wilding must not be
mellowed before pressed ; it wild yeild nothing, it must
be pressed as soon as gathered, mixed with the red
Hughes they make the best cyder & yeild best.

Nov. 1796, less than an acre of pumpkins have fed 9 horses at
Shadwell S weeks, as well as a gallon & a half of corn
a day would have done, equal then to 35. days x 9.
horses, x gal* of corn = 12 barrels of corn, be-
sides this a great proportion of the pumpkins had rotted,
an acre of pumpkins then is equivalent to 5. acres of
corn.

From the Account Book x^gd:

Apr. 23. gave Page to buy hemp seed 3. D.

Sept. 5. agreed with Robert Chuning to serve me as overseer at
Monticdlo for £, 35. and 600 lb. pork, he is to come Dec. I.
Nov. 6, p* G. Divers’s Will for 18. q*‘ of greensword seed @ 22/6.

Letters and Extracts op Letters, 1796

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Feb. 29. 96.

... I have received some of the Albany peas from N. York which I
am told is the field pea of Europe. I have enough to try a whole field,
spring is now opening on us. the birds issuing from their state of torpor,
narcissus putting up. . . . (.Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

248

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1796

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

[Monticello] Mar. 2 . 96.

... I have been desirous of planting some fruit trees for you that
they may be growing during your absence. But Mr. Jones’ visits to the
neighborhood have been so rare & short that I have not had an oppor-
tunity of asking from him the indosure & allotment of the piece of
ground which seems proper for it. The season is now passing. Do not
fail to send over the Apricot-peche. Bartram would receive & plant it,
and then furnish new plants. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8: 223.)

(Jefferson to William Giles.)

Monticello, Mar. 19, 96.

. . . We have had a fine winter. Wheat looks well. Corn is scarce
and dear. 22/ here, 30/ in Amherst. Our blossoms are but just open-
ing. I have begun the demolition of my house, and hope to get through
its re-edification in the course of the summer. But do not let this dis-
courage you from calling on us if you wander this way in the summer.
We shall have the eye of a brick-kiln to poke you into, or an Octagon to
air you in. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8: 229.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Mar. 19. 96.

. . . We have had remarkable winds for 2 or 3. days past, this morn-
ing the mercury was at 26°. our peach blossoms are just opening. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticello Mar. ai. 96.

. . . Mr. Jones happened fortunately to come into our neighborhood
a few days after the date of my Is^t, and ordered the proper ground to
be inclosed & reserved for trees for you. My gardener is this day gone
to plant such as we had, which will serve for a beginning, we shall en-
graft more for you this spring & plant them the next. (Ford, Jefferson
8: 229-230.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Hawkins.)

Monticello Mar. 22. 96.

. . . The vines you were so kind as to send me by mf Chiles were
delivered to me alive, every one budded after it was planted, yet every
one died immediately after, it was certainly not for want of care,
yours is unquestionably the most valuable collection in America, and 1
must keep it in view, & I pray you to do the same, to have a complete
assortment of them, by the first opportunity which may occur. ... I
am now engaged in takmg down the upper story of my house and build-
ing it on the ground, so as to spread all my rooms on the one floor, we

1796 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

249

shall this summer therefore live under the tent of heaven, the next
summer however we shall be able to tent you better, and I shall hope
you will think our part of the country worth a visit, if you will make
it during the month of August & September, we have then a good deal
of agreeable society who take refuge from the country below during the
sickly season, among our hills, the most fertile soil, healthy and temperate
climate in America, the mercury was never higher &an 90°. here,
and we abound in figs, which mark to you the limits of our heat & cold,
a propos of figs, of three very fine kinds I brought from France, one is
the most delicious I ever tasted in any country. I had one plant last
year, but this spring have set out many cuttings. I have ^$0 a grape
from Italy, of a brick dust color, coming about a fortnight later than the
(sweet water) & lasting till frost, the most valuable I ever knew. . . .
send me in a letter some seed of the Dionaea muscipulum Ad. {Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

[Monticello] Mar. 27, 96.

. . . Cold weather, mercury at 26. in the morning. Corn fallen at
Richmond to 20/ — stationary here. (Ford, Jefferson 8: 232.)

(Jefferson to C. F. C. de Volney.)

Monticello April 10. g6.

. , . My house which had never been more than half finished had
during a war of 8. years and my subsequent absence of lo. years gone
into almost total decay. I am now engaged in repairing, altering &
finishing it. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello April ii. 96.

... we are in dreadful confusion with the demolition of our walls,
which is more tedious than I expected, the walls are so solid that 7
men get down but between 3. & 4000 bricks a day. they would make
new ones as fast, the tumbling of brick bats keeps us in constant
danger, we have as yet had but one accident of a man knocked down.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Phillip Mazzei.)

Monticello, Apr. 24, 1796.

... I enclosed in two of them [letters] some seeds of the squash as
you desired. Send me in return some seeds of the winter vetch, I paean
that kind which is sewn in autumn & stands thro the cold of winter,
furnishing a crop of green fodder in March. Put a few seeds in every
letter you may write to me. In England only the spring vetdi dan be
had. Fray fail not in this. 1 have it greatly at heart. . . . (Ford,
Jefferson 8: 237.)

2S0

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1796

(William Strickland to Jefferson.)

London, May a8, 1796.

As soon as it was in my power after my return to England I set about
procuring the different kinds of Peas & Vetches which are cultivated in
this country & which I promised to send you ; as they were to be obtained
from different & distant parts of the Kingdom they were not to be col-
lected together at an earlier period than the present, which indeed is as
early as is requisite, as they could not have been sown before the next
season ; a box marked T. J. Virginia, forming nearly a cube of fifteen or
sixteen inches, containing those seeds, some others which I thought might
be useful to you, and some recent publications, I put yesterday in the
hands of Mr. Alexander Donald (Now residing at No. 5 Great Win-
chester Street, Broadstreet) who took the charge of them & said he
would have them conveyed to you by the first eligible opportunity. . . .
(Ford, Jefferson Correspondence : 64.)

(Jefferson to George Washington.)

Monticello, June 19, 1796.

... I put away this disgusting dish of old fragments, and talk to you
of my peas and clover. As to the latter article, 1 have great encourage-
ment from the friendly nature of our soil. I think I have had, both the
last and present year, as good clover from common grounds, which had
brought several crops of wheat and corn without ever having been
manured, as I ever saw on the lots around Philadelphia. I verily be-
lieve that a yield of thirty-four acres, sowed on wheat April was twelve-
month, has given me a ton to the acre at its first cutting this spring.
The stalks extended, measured three and a half feet long very com-
monly. Another field, a year older, and which yielded as well the last
year, has sensibly fallen off this year. My exhausted fields bring a
clover not high enough for hay, but I hope to make seed from it. Such
as these, however, I shall hereafter put into peas in the broadcast, pro-
posing that one of my sowings of wheat shall be after two years of
clover, and the other after two years of peas. I am trying the white
boiling pea of Europe (the Albany pea) this year, till I can get the hog
pea of England, which is the most productive of all. But the true
winter vetdh is what we want extremely. I have tried this year the
Carolina drill. It is absolutely perfect. Nothing can be more simple,
nor perform its ofSce more perfectly for a single row. I shall try to
make one to sow four rows at a time of wheat or peas, at twelve inches
distance. I have one of the Scotch threshing machines nearly finished.
It is copied exactly from a model Mr. Pinckney sent me, only that I
have put the whole works (except the horse wheel) into a single frame,
moveable from one field to another on the two axles of a wagon. It
will be ready in time for the harvest which is coming on, which will
give it a full trial. Our wheat and rye are generally fine, and the prices
talked of bid fair to indemnify us for die poor crops of the two last years.
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 342-343.)

1796 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

251

(Jefferson to Jonathan Williams.)

Monticello, July 3, 1796.

1 take shame to myself for having so long left unanswered your valu-
able favor on the subject of the mountains. But in truth, I am become
lazy as to everything except agriculture. The preparations for harvest,
and the length of the harvest itself, which is not yet ffnished, would have
excused the delay, however, at all times and under all dispositions. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 346.)

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticello, July lo, 1796.

. . . We have had the finest harvest ever known in this part of the
country. Both the quantity and quality of wheat are extraordinary.
We got fifteen shillings a bushel for the last crop, and hope two-thirds
of that at least for the present one. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jeffer-
son 9: 349.)

(Jefferson to Francis Willis.)

Monticello July 15. 96.

... he found me absorbed in my farming, for I am become a mon-
strous farmer, but my hills are too rough ever to please the eye. . . .

P. S. Doctor Willis promises to send me some of the cow-peas, a
great desideratum in my [illegible] of farming, I will solicit your at-
tention as well as his to it. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Philip Tabb to Jefferson.)

Toddsbury 30*** Aug*. 1796.

I received your favor of the 6*\ Inst, by post & begg leave to assure
you that I shall have pleasure in giving every proof in my power of a
disposition to comply with M^ Jefferson’s request. I have for several
years cultivated the pea you mention (the most general & perhaps proper
name of which is the Cow Pea.) I am induced to think the growth of
this grain peculiarly calculated for the reduced Corn Lands of our lower
Country, the soil of which has a great proportion of sand, it is planted
among the com at the distance of ab*. 6 or 8 feet frequently in the same
hill ; & ’tho put in early as May or !■*. of June grows but slowly until
the corn begins to decline then rapidly. I think some fields near me has
been much improved by this pea & is of considerable value by fatting
different kinds of Stock both before & after the Corn crop is gathered,
for rain does not spoil it in the pod when ripe as other Indian peas gen-
erally. I doubt whether this pea would grow as kindly in M'. Jeffer-
son’s Lands as it does here. I think his has a redish soil & free from
Sand but should he be disposed to make the experiment, I will endeavour
to send a Bushell of Seed to any person he may think proper to appoint
at Richmond k will then give any farther information in my power that
may be wanted. . . , (Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

2S1

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1796

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello, Nov. 28) ’96*

It is 80 cold that the freezing of the ink on the point of my pen
renders it difficult to write. We have had the thermometer at 12°.
My works are arrested in a state entirely unfinished, & I fear we shall
not be able to resume them. Clark has sold our wheat in Bedford for
8/6 and the rise to the 1“ of June, with some other modifications. It
appears to be a good sale. He preferred it to 10/6 certain, which was
offered him. I think he was right as there is little appearance of any
intermission of the war. . . . My new threshing machine will be tried
this week. {Jefferson Papers j M. H. C. i : 5S~S6.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, December 17, 1796.

. . . We have had the severest weather ever known in November.
The thermometer was at twelve degrees here and in Goochland, and I
suppose generally. It arrested my buildings very suddenly, when eight
da^ more would have completed my walls, and permitted us to cover in.
The drought is excessive. From the middle of October to the middle
of December, not rain enough to lay the dust. A few days ago there
fell a small rain, but the succeeding cold has probably prevented it from
sprouting the grain sown during the drought. . , . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 9: 3S2.)

(Jefferson to Edward Rutledge.)

Monticello, December 27, 1796.

> • . The newspapers will permit me to plant my corn, peas, etc., in
hills or drills as I please (and my oranges, by-the-by, when you send
them). . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 354.)

(Jefferson to Edward Rutledge.)

Monticello Dec. 27. 1796.

... I wish to obtain about 20 [illegible] a red field pea commonly
cultivated with you, and a prindpid article for the subsistence of your
farms, which we have not yet introduced. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

1797

^797 * Jefferson set out on February 20 for Philadelphia
to assume the office of Vice President. A winter journey from
Monticello to Philadelphia was a tremendous undertaking,
and although he probably could have been sworn into office at
home, he decided to make the trip as “a mark of respect to
the public.” He arrived in Philadelphia on March 2, and on
March 4 he presided at the opening session of the Senate. He
left Philadelphia on March 13, arriving at Monticello on the
20th. On March 10 he ‘‘p* seeing elephant .5,” and on
the day he left Philadelphia, *‘p* seeing elks .75.” He was
at home from March ao to May 5, when he left again for
Philadelphia. On July 1 1 he was back at Monticello and did
not return to Philadelphia until December 4.

The happiest event of the year occurred on October 13,
when his daughter, Maria, married her cousin, John Wayles
Eppes, of Eppington, In a letter to Mrs. Randolph on June
8, who had written him about the approaching marriage, he
wrote ;

I received with inexpressible pleasure the information your letter con-
tained. After your happy establishment, which has given me an inesti-
mable friend, to whom I can leave the care of everything I love, the only
anxiety I had remaining was, to see Maria also so associated as to ensure
her happiness. She could not have been more so to my wishes, if 1 had
had the whole earth free to have chosen a partner for her. (Randall,
Jefferson a: 358 .)

Although activities of all kinds went on at Monticello dur-
ing the year, and although many of them were recorded in the
Account Book, Jefferson failed to enter any item in the Garden
Book. Letters, the Account Book, and a few entries in the
Farm Book, are the only sources of information about Jef-
ferson’s agricultural interests. Nails were manufactured in
abundance. The house was unroofed toward the end of the
year preparatory to remodeling. He wrote to James Madi-
son on August 3, inviting him and Mrs. Madison to come for

* This year not represented in the Garden Book,

*53

254 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i797

a visit “before we uncover our house, which will yet be some
weeks.”

As in the preceding year, his family spent part of their time
with him at Monticdlo, In the intervening periods the Ran-
dolphs were at their home, and after Maria’s marriage she
and Mr. Eppes were at Eppington.

A singular honor was bestowed on Jefferson on January 6
of this year. He was elected President of the American
Philosophical Society, an office he was to hold until January
6, 1815.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1797

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

[Monticello] Jan. 8 97.

... we apprehend our wheat is almost entirely killed; and many
people are expecting to put something else in the ground. I have so
little expectations from mine, that as much as I am an enemy to tobacco,
I shall endeavor to make some for taxes and clothes. In the morning of
the 33d of Dec. my thermometer was 5® below 0, & on the 34th it was
at 0. The last day of Dec. we had snow I. deep & the 4th of this
month one of 3. I. deep which is still on the ground. . . . (Ford, Jef-
ferson 8: 368-369.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, January 30, 1797.

. . . We have now fine mild weather here. The thermometer is
above the point which renders fires necessary. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson g: 376.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Mar. 11. 97.

Yours has been duly received and the clover seed goes tomorrow in
the schooner Industry, capt. Green bound for Richmond, it is addressed
to Cha*. Johnston, and is in 3. casks containing S'} bushels each, of which
4. bushels are for yourself k the rest for me. it will be desirable to have
it forwarded immediately, & of preference by waggon. I shall be at
home the 19“, or 30“. & consequently in time to receive it. . , . {Jef-
ferson Papers, Huntington Library.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monticello Mar. 23. 1797.

I arrived at home on the 30 ^'‘ inst and found the cherry & peach trees
in general blossom, they had begun about a week before that, this day

1797 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

255

our first dish of asparagus k spinach came to table, this may enable you
to compare climates. . . .

P. S. I find on further enquiry that the first cherry and peach blos-
soms here appeared on the 19*" inst I passed Fredericksburg on the
18*" & the buds were not swelled. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Monticello, March 27*’', ’97.

... I arrived in good health at home this day sennight. The moun-
tain had then been in bloom ten days. I find that the natural produc-
tions of the spring are about a fortnight earlier here than at Fredericks-
burg ; but where art and attention can do anything, some one in a large
collection of inhabitants, as in a town, will be before ordinary individ-
uals, whether of town or country. . . . The bloom of Monticello is
chilled by my solitude. It makes me wish the more that yourself and
sister were here to enjoy it. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 2: 338.)

(Jefferson to Peregrine Fitzhugh.)

Monticello, April 9, 1797.

... A nephew of mine, Mr. S., who married a daughter of Mr. Carr,
near Georgetown, setting out this day for that place, I have sent him
some of the peas you desired, which he will enclose under cover to you,
and lodge in the care of Mr. Thompson Mason. This letter goes sepa-
rately by post, to notify you that you may call for them in time for the
present season. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 9: 379.)

(Jefferson to C. F. C, de Volney.)

Monticello Apr. 9. 1797.

... I have been in the enjoyment of our delicious spring, the soft
general temperature of the season, just above the want of fire, enlivened
by the reanimation of birds, flowers, the fields, forests & gardens, has been
truly delightful k continues to be so. my peach & cherry trees blos-
somed on the 9**^ of March which was the day I had the pleasure of
meeting you on the street of Philadelphia, as I returned from your lodg-
ing. I passed Fredericksburg on the 18*'’ of Mar. when not a blossom
was opening. I think we are a fortnight forwarder than Fredericks-
burg, and the fine temperate weather of spring continues here about two
months, indeed my experience of the different parts of America con-
vinces me that these mountains are the Eden of the U. S. for soil, climate,
navigation k health. . . . Today my workmen assemble k tomorrow
begin their work, but they must suspend their work during my absence.
. . . {Jefferson Papers. L. C.)

(Edward Rutledge to Jefferson.)

Charleston May 19, 1797 -

Two days ago, I shipt you Peas, & orange trees on board a vessel for
Norfolk, and wrote by her to your merchant in Richmond. . . . The

Jefferson’s Garden Book

156

[1797

trees are small, & are packed in [moss] with a quantity of earth around
them. . . . The Pea is usually planted between the Corn, but in the
same row with it. It is not planted until the corn is at least two feet
high. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Giroud.)

Philadelphia, May 22, 1797.

I received at this place, from Mr. Bache, the letter of aoth Germinal,
with the seeds of the bread-tree which you were so kind as to send
me. I am happy that the casual circumstances respecting Oglethorpe's
affairs, has led to this valuable present, and I shall take immediate
measures to improve the opportunity it gives us of introducing so
precious a plant into our Southern States. The successive supplies of
the same seeds which you are kind enough to give me expectations of re-
ceiving from you, will, in like manner, be thankfully received, and dis-
tributed to those persons and places most likely to render the experi-
ment successful. One service of this kind rendered to a nation, is worth
more to them than all the victories of the most splendid pages of their
history, and becomes a source of exalted pleasure to those who have been
instrumental to it. May that pleasure be yours, and your name be pro-
nounced with gratitude by those who will at some future time be tasting
the sweets of the blessings you are now procuring them. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson g: 387-388.)

(Jefferson to Peregrine Fitzhugh.)

Philadelphia, June 4, 1797.

I am favored with yours of May 19, & thank you for your intentions
as to the corn & the large white clover which if forwarded to mr,
Archibald Stuart at Staunton will find daily means of conveyance from
thence to me. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 8: 298.)

(Jefferson to Edward Kutiedge.)

Philadelphia, June 24, 1797.

I have to acknowledge your two favors of May the 4th and 19th, and
to thank you for your attentions to the commissions for the peas and
oranges, which I learn have arrived in Virginia. Your draft 1 hope
will soon follow on Mr. John Barnes, merchant, here ; who, as 1 before
advised you, is directed to answer it . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 9; 408.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, July 24, 97.

... I am anxious to see you here soon, because in about three weeks
we shall begin to unroof our house, when the family will be obliged to
go elsewhere for shelter. . • . (Ford, Jefferson 8: 321.)

1797 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

257

(Allen Jones to Jefferson.)

Mount Gallent Aug. 20th 1797.

By Mr. Macon I was honoured with your favor of May 33rd Phila.
also a tin box containing the seeds of the bread tree mentioned in your
letter, only that there were four instead of two Seeds. Accept my
sincere thanks for this communication &. be assured no attention shall
be wanting on my part to render your benevolent intentions successful.
If they could be raised for two or three years in a greenhouse and then
in the spring of the year turned into the full ground, I should make no
doubts raising them, but I have no greenhouse and must therefore do the
best I can without one. Whatever may be the issue, I am bound to
acquaint you with the progress of this experiment to add this valuable
plant to the list of our cultivated vegetables. ... I have frequently
asked the gentlemen from your State whether the Teffe or Ensette had
been raised, or any attempt made to do it at Monticello? The answer
has always been in the negative. This has surprised me as I knew you
had correspondents both in France & England where I suppose these
plants have been raised, as Mr. Bruce gave liberally of the seeds to both
Kingdoms. Perhaps the Teffe is the most valuable acquisition that could
be made for the lower parts of Virginia and the Southern States but as
... & reaped like other small grain, there can be no doubt but it would
grow any where in the Southern States and as the seed is probably a
capsule I should hope it would escape the Weavil which renders the rais-
ing wheat so precarious. As to the Ensette I have not the same hopes,
but think it might be cultivated probably as we do the Tannier, which I
suppose the same plant that Capt. Cook found in the Islands of the South
Sea, & called by the natives Taro. ... it grows here in great vigour
and is a valuable addition to our esculents. . . . {Jefferson Papers, Mis-
souri Historical Society.)

(Jefferson to W. H. Van Hasselt.)

Monticello in Virginia Aug. 27. 97.

. . . My fortune is entirely agricultural, consisting in farms which
are under the management of persons who have been long in my employ,
have behaved well, & are therefore entitled to be continued as long as I
continue to occupy my farms myself, but in fact I mean shortly to
tenant them out, in order to relieve myself from the attention they re-
quire- — my family consists of only two daughters, the one married & just
beginning an infant family, the other marriageable ; and consequently the
business of education is past. — the office to which I have been called takes
me from home all the winter during which time my daughters also go
into the lower country to pass their winter, so that our house is shut up
one half the year. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John F. Mercer.)

Monticello Sept. 5. 1797 *

I received safely your favor of Aug. 9, with the two packets of Smyrna
& Sicilian wheat, the latter I shall vdue as well because it lengffiens

Jefferson’s Garden Book

258

[1797

our fall sowing, as because it may be sown in the spring, and in a soil
that does not suit oats (as is the case of ours) we want a good spring
grain, the May wheat has been sufficiently tried to prove that it will
not answer for general culture in this part of the country, in the lower
country it does better. . . . {Jefferson Papers j L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello, Oct. 8, ’97.

We have heard much here of an improvement made in the Scotch
threshing machine by Mr. Martin, and that you have seen k approved it.
Being myself well acquainted with the original geered machine & Book-
er’s substitution of vihirls & bands (as I have one of each kind), it will
perhaps give you but a little trouble to give me so much of an explanation
as will be necessary to make me understand Martin’s, and let it apply, if
you please, to the movements by horses or by hand. I must ask the
favor of you to get me one of the same drills you sent me before, made
in the best manner, with a compleat set of bands & buckets, and packed
in a box, in pieces, in the most compact manner the workman can do it,
k forwarded to me at Philadelphia as soon after the meeting of Congress
as possible. It is for a friend, & to go still further, which renders this
mode of packing necessary. For the amount when you will make it
known, I will either inclose you a bank bill from Philadelphia, or send it
you in fine tea or anything else you please to order. How did your
turnep seed answer? I have received from England, k also, from Italy
some seed of the winter vetch, a plant from which I expect a good deal.
If it answers I will send you of the seed. I have also received all the
good kinds of field pea from England, but I count a great deal more on
our southern cow-pea. If you wish any of them, I will send you a
part. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. i: 58.)

(Jefierson to Martha (JeSerson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, December 27th, ’97.

. . . Tell Mr. Randolph I shall be glad from time to time to ex-
change meteorological diaries with him; that we may have a compara-
tive view of the dimates of this place and ours. . . . (Randall, Jeffer-
son a: 379.)

1798

xyg 8 * JeflFerson was in Philadelphia when the year opened,
having reached there on December 12. He was concerned
with political afiairs, chiefly the furious attacks coming from
many sides. On this subject he wrote to Peregrine Fitzhugh
on February 23 :

I have been for sometime used as the property of the newspapers, a
fair mark for every man’s dirt. Some, too, have indulged themselves in
this exercise who would not have done it, had they known me otherwise
than through these impure and injurious channels. It is hard treatment,
and for a singular kind of offence, that of having obtained by the labors
of a life the indulgent opinions of a part of on&'s fellow-citizens. How-
ever, these moral evils must be submitted to, like the physical scourges
of tempest, Are, etc. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 10: 1—2.)

He made only one trip to Monticello during the year. His
stay, however, was a relatively long one, lasting from July 4 to
December 18. On his return trip he reached Philadelphia on
Christmas Day.

Although politics completely occupied his attention, Monti-
cello was still uppermost in his thoughts. He wrote more in-
teresting and lonely letters to his daughters. The job of roof-
ing the house was still to be finished, and of that repair he
wrote Mr. Randolph as late as May 3 : “I am in hopes from
Davenport’s account that 1 shall find the house nearly covered,
and that we shall not be long without a shelter to unite under.
*Ohl Welcome hour whenever 1 ’ ” {Jeferson Papers, L. C.)

In March and April George Jefferson, his agent in Rich-
mond, Virginia, sent plants and seeds for Jefferson to Monti-
cello to be planted. The record shows ^at Mr. Randolph
planted them on April 24. The plants had been forwarded
to Richmond from Philadelphia by Jefferson. (See list of
plants in a letter, Jefferson to Randolph, March 22, 1798.)

Because of the high price tobacco was bringing this year,
Jefferson abandoned his previous system of rotation of crops
At Monticello, a system in which he had great hopes, and began

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

259

26o « Jefferson’s Garden Book [1798

again growing tobacco. He wrote to John Taylor on No-
vember 26;

We formerly had a debtor and creditor account of letters on farm-
ing; but the high price of tobacco, which is likely to continue for some
short time, has tempted me to go entirely into that culture, and in the
meantime, my farming schemes are in abeyance, and my farming fields
at nurse against the time of my resuming them (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson 10: 63).

In spite of the long visit to Monticello during the summer
and fall, there are no entries in the Garden Book, and none in
the Farm Book, dated this year, relative to gardening and
farming. The Account Book registers only a few items. So
again the correspondence gives us the only clue as to what was
happening agriculturally at Monticello.

Letters and Extracts op Letters, 1798

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Feb. 8th, ’g8.

... I am much concerned to hear the state of health of Mr. Ran-
dolph and the family, mentioned in your letters of Jan. aad and aSdi.
Surely, my dear, it would be better for you to remove to Monticello.
The south pavillion, the parlor, and study, will accomodate your family;
and I should think Mr. Randolph would find less inconvenience in the
riding it would occasion him, than in the loss of his own and his family’s
health. Let me beseech you, then, to go there, and to use everything and
everybody as if I were there. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a : 405.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Feb. 15. 98.

... I write to Davenport by this post to inform me what he has
done & is doing. I expect that according to promise he has kept a strong
force sawing sheeting plank, & getting & preparing shingles & that with
the first open weather of the spring he would begin to cover the house,
so that I may find that compleat on my return, & begin immediately to
floor. ... It will immediately be time for John to be doing something
in the garden, on this head Martha can question him from my little
Calendar of which she has a copy. . . . {Jefferson Facers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia Mar, 8. 98.

[On March 8 Jefferson sent Mr. Randolph, from Philadelphia, four
bushels of dover seeds and also] a box just received .from mf Strickland,

1798] Jefferson’s Garden Book 261

containing a bag of true winter vetch & some hop-trefoil, the vetch is
not to be sowed until autumn, the hop-tre-foil immediately. {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Mar. 22, 1798.

... I have just had put on board the sloop Sally, capt Potter for
Richmond, a harpsichord for Maria, and a box of plants, which I shall
desire mr. [George] Jefferson to forward up the river without delay.
The plants are distinguished by numbers as follows:

1. Rhododendron maximum, 3 plants to be planted in the Nursery.

2. Scotch pines 3 plants.

3. Norway firs 2 do.

4. Balm of Gilead 2 do.

6. Dwarf Ewe 3 do. to be planted among the Kentuckey Coffee
trees in an open space between the Pride of China trees & the
grove, about S. W. & by W. from the house. They may be
planted within 20 feet of one another, therefore I suppose there
will be space enough in the place I describe to receive them all,
without disturbing the Coffee trees.

5. Jumper. 3 plants, to be planted on ^he upper Roundabout be-
tween or in continuation of the Arbor-vitaes & Cedars.

7. Aesculus yirginica. yellow Horse Chestnut i. plant on the
Slope leading from the Pride of China trees down to the Shops,
among the Catalpas, Crab apple trees & wherever there are vacant
spaces.

8 . . . . hybrids variegated. ... I. do.

9. . . . Pavia 1. . . . do.

10. . . . Alba white 1. . . . do.

11. Sugar maple 2. plants.

12. Balsam poplar. 3. do.

13. Viburnum opulifolium, bush cranberry. 3. plants, in the cur-
ran or gooseberry squares.

14. Alpine strawberries? in new & separate beds in the garden.

15. Chili strawberries j both of these kinds are immensely valuable.

16. Antwarp raspberry, twenty odd plants I expect, in some new
row by themselves. It has the reputation of being among the
finest fruits in the world.

Peruvian winter grass. Many roots of this are packed in among
the plants, it is a most valuable grass for winter grazing. John
had better take some favorable place under trees to set it out.
the cherry trees in the garden would be good places, if there is
not danger of too much trampling. Many nuts of the yellow
and scarlet Horse chestnuts are stuck in among the moss. John
must set them out in the nursery instantly, & before they dry.

I must ask the favor of you, the moment these things arrive at Milton,
to send to James to go for them with his waggon, & to take a ride to

262

Jefpbrson's Gaboen Book

[1798

Monticello, as soon as they get there, & direct John where to plant
them, he would do well perhaps to dig his holes beforehand, to mellow
the earth, all the trees to be well staked, the numbers preserved. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.) (Printed in William and Mary College
Quarterly, n.s. 6: 334-335, 1926.)

(Jefferson to [address lost].*)

Philadelphia, March 23, 1798.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of August i6th and
1 8th, together with the box of seed accompanying the former, which has
just come to hand. The letter of the 4th of June, which you mention
to have committed to Mr. King, has never been received. It has most
likely been intercepted on the sea, now become a field of lawless and
indiscriminate rapine and violence., The first box which came through
Mr. Donald, arrived safely the last year, but being a little too late for
that season, its contents have been divided between Mr. Randolph and
myself, and will be committed to the earth now immediately. The peas
and the vetch are most acceptable indeed. Since you were here, I have
tried that species of your field pea which is cultivated in New York, and
begin to fear that that plant will scarcely bear our sun and soil. A late
acquisition too of a species of our country pea, called the cow pea, has
pretty well supplied the place in my husbandry which I had destined for
the European field pea. It is very productive, excellent food for man
and beast, awaits without loss our leisure for gathering, and shades the
ground very closely through the hottest months of the year. This with
the loosening of the soil, I take to be the chief means by which the pea
improves the soil. We know that the sun in our cloudless climate is the
most powerful destroyer of fertility in naked ground, and therefore that
the perpetual fallows will not do here, which are so beneficial in a cloudy
climate. Still I shall with care try all the several kinds of pea you have
been so good as to send me, and having tried all hold fast that which is
good. Mr. Randolph is peculiarly happy in having the barleys com-
mitted to him, as he had been desirous of going considerably into that
culture. I was able at the same time to put into his hands Siberian
barley, sent me from France. I look forward with considerable anxiety
to the success of the winter vetch, for it gives us a good winter crop, and
helps the succeeding summer one. It is something like doubling the
produce of the field. I know it does well in Italy, and therefore have
the more hope here. My experience leaves me no fear as to the success
of clover. I have never seen finer than in some of my fields which have
never been manured. My rotation is triennial; to wit, one year of
wheat and two of clover in the stronger fields, or two of peas in the
weaker, with a crop of Indian com and potatoes between every other
rotation, that is to say once in seven years. Under this easy course of
culture, aided with some manure, I hope my fields vyill recover their

* From the above letter of Jefferson to Randolph, March 8, the fol-
lowing letter was written to Mr. William Strickland.

1798 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

263

pristine fertility, which had in some of them been completely exhausted
by perpetual crops of Indian corn and wheat alternately. The atmos*
phere is certainly the great workshop of nature for elaborating the
fertilizing principles and insinuating them into the soil. It has been
relied on as the sole means of regenerating our soil by most of the land-
holders in the canton I inhabit, and where rest has been resorted to be-
fore a total exhaustion, the soil has never failed to recover. If, indeed,
it be so run down as to be incapable of throwing weeds or herbage of

kind, to shade the soil from the sun, it either goes off in gullies, and
is entirely lost, or remains exhausted till a growth springs up of such
trees as will rise in the poorest soils. Under the shade of these and the
cover soon formed of their deciduous leaves, and a commencing herbage,
such fields sometimes recover in a long course of years ; but this is too
long to be taken into a course of husbind^. Not so, however, is the
term within which the atmosphere alone will reintegrate a soil rested in
due season. A year of wheat will be balanced by one, two, or three
years of rest and atmospheric influence, according to the quality of the
soil. It has been said that no rotation of crops will keep the earth in
the same degree of fertility without the aid of manure. But it is wdil
known here that a space of rest greater or less in spontaneous herbage,
will restore the exhaustion of a single crop. This then is a rotation;
and as it is not to be believed that spontaneous herbage is the only or
best covering during rest, so may we expect that a substitute for it may
be found which will yield prontable crops. Such perhaps are clover,
peas, vetches, etc. A rotation then may be found, which by giving time
for the slow influence of the atmosphere, will keep the soil in a constant
and equal state of fertility. But ^e advantage of manuring, is that it
will do more in one than the atmosphere would require several years to
do, and consequently enables you so much the oftener to take exhausting
crops from the soil, a circumstance of importance where there is more
labor than land. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 10: 11-14.)

(Jefferson to Robert Patterson.)

Philadelphia, March 27, 1798.

In the lifetime of Mr. Rittenhouse, I communicated to him the de-
scription of a mouldboard of a plough which I had constructed, and sup-
pose to be what we might term the mould-board of least resbtance, I
asked not only his opinion, but that he would submit it to you also.
After he had considered it, he gave me his own opinion that it was demon-
strably what I had supposed, and I think he said he had communicated
it to you. Of that however I am not sure, and therefore now take the
liberty of sending you a description of it and a model, which 1 have pre-
pared for the Board of Agriculture of England at their request. Mr.
Strickland, one of their members, had seen the model, and alro the thing
itself in use in my farms, and thinking favorably of it, had mentioned it
to thrai. My purpose in troubling you with it, is to ask the favor of
]rou to examine the description rigorously, and suggest to me any correc-

Jefferson's Garden Book

264

[1798

tions or alterations which you may think necessary, and would wish to
have the ideas go as correct as possible out of my hands. I had some-
times thought of giving it into the Philosophical Society, but I doubted
whether it was worth their notice, and supposed it not exactly in the line
of their ordinary publications. I had, therefore, contemplated the send-
ing it to some of our agricultural societies, in whose way it was more
particularly, when I received the request of the English board. The
papers I enclose you are the latter part of a letter to Sir John Sinclair,
their president. It is to go off by the packet, wherefore I will ask the
favor of you to return them with the model in the course of the present
week, with any observations you will be so good as to favor me with.

. . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 10: 15-16.) [See appendix VI.]

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Philadelphia, Apr. 5, '98.

. . . The advance of the season makes me long to get home. The
first shad we had here was Mar. 16, and Mar. a8 was the first day we
could observe a greenish hue on the weeping-willow, from its young
leaves. Not the smallest symptom of blossoming yet, on any species of
fruit tree. All this proves that we have near two months in the year of
vegetable life, and of animal happiness so far as they are connected, more
in our canton than here. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a: 407.)

(Martha (Jefferson) Randolph to Jefferson.)

Belmont May la 1798.

Nothing makes me feel your absence so sensibly as the beauty of the
season ; when every object in nature invites one into the fields, the close
monotonous streets of a city which offers no charms of society within
doors to compensate for the dreariness of the scene without, must be
absolutely intolerable particularly to you who have such interesting em-
ployment at home. Monticello shines with a transcendent luxury of
vegetation above the rest of the neighborhood as yet, we have been en-
tirely supplied with vegetables from there having no sort of a garden
here nor any prospect of one this year. I am ^ad to have it in my
power to give you a more favorable account of things than M' Randolph
did in his last which was written immediately after a frost that blasted
every appearance of vegetation, but John informs me all the peaches,
cherries (except the Kentish) and figs which had been uncovered were
gone past recovery for this year, yet of strawberries, raspberries, currants
etc. there will be more than common. I dined at Monticello a fort-
night ago. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Philadelphia, June 4, ’98.

... I promised you, long ago, a description of a mould board. 1
now send it; it is a press copy & therefore dim. It will be less so by

1798 ]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

265

putting a sheet of white paper behind the one you are reading. I
would recommend to you first to have a model made of about 3 i. to the
foot, or I the real dimensions, and to have two blocks, the of which,
after taking out the pyramidal piece & sawing it crosswise above & be-
low, should be preserved in that form to instruct workmen in making the
large & real one. The 2* block may be carried through all the opera-
tions, so as to present the form of the mould board complete. If I had
an opportunity of sending you a model I would do it. It has been
greatly approved here, as it has been before by some very good judges at
my house, where I have used it for 5 years with entire approbation. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. i : 61.)

(Jefferson to Stevens Thomson Mason.)

Monticello, Oct. il, 98.

. . . You promised to endeavor to send me some tenants. I am wait-
ing for them, having broken up two excellent farms with 12. fields in
them of' 40. acres each, some of which I have sowed with small grain.
Tenants of any size may be accommodated with the number of fields
suited to their force. Only send me good people, and write me what
they arc. (Ford, Jefferson 8: 450-451.)

From the Account Book I'jg 1—1803:

Mar. 7. p". annual subscription to [Charles Willson] Peale’s Mu-
seum. 2. D.

Mar. 16. the first shad at this market to-day.

Mar. 28. the weeping willow Just shows the green leaf.

Apr. 9. Asparagus comes to table.

Apr. 10. Apricots blossom.

1799

1799 * Jefferson was again in Philadelphia when January
opened. He had been present on December 27 for the open-
ing of the session of Congress and was now presiding oyer the
Senate. A possible war with France was still brewing, so that
political matters centered mainly on that unfortunate affair.

As in the preceding year, he made only one trip to Monti-
cello, but this year his stay was longer, lasting over nine
months, from March 8 to December 21.

On arriving home, he found that very little had been done
toward covering his house. He wrote to Maria Eppes, on
the day he arrived:

I am this moment arrived here, and the post being about to depart, I
sit down to inform you of it. Your sister came over with me from
Belmont, where we left all well. The family will move over the day
after to-morrow. They give up the house there about a week hence.
We want nothing now to fill up our happiness but to have you and Mr.
Eppes here. Scarcely a stroke has been done towards covering the
housS since I went away, so that it has remained open at the north end
another winter. It seems as if I should never get it inhabitable. . . .
(Randall, Jefferson a: 506-507.)

Other affairs at Monticello also were not running so
smoothly as they had previously. The nailery, which had
been flourishing for the past two years, had slowed down.
Jefferson wrote from Monticello on May 14 to Archibald
Stuart: "A long Illness of my foreman, occasions our work to
go on so poorly that I am able to do little more than supply
[nails to] this part of the country” (Ford, Jejferson 9: 66).

There is practically no record of the gardening and farm-
ing that was carried on during Jefferson’s stay at Monticello
this year. Even the letters were few, and those extant offer
only the barest mention of what was happening agriculturally.
But since the entire family was reunited, we may be sure that a
considerable amount of agricultural work was both planned
and carried out during this happy summer.

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

266

*799]

267

Jefferson’s Garden Book

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1799
(Jefferson to Maria (Jefferson) Eppes.)

Monticello, April 13, ’99.

. . . Our spring has been remarkably backward. I presume we shall
have asparagus to-morrow for the first time. The peach trees blos-
somed about a week ago. The cherries are just now (this day) blos-
soming. . . . (Randall, Jefferson a: 507.)

(Jefferson to John W. Eppes.)

Monticello June 7. 99.

. . . your prospect of a crop here has been as good as could be inde-
pendant of the seasons, but there has been through the whole of this part
of the country an extraordinary failure of plants, many have lost all ;
most the greater part, you are of the former number; mr Randolph
& myself of the latter, of three patches, I did not get a single plant
from two of them, the 3** turned out well, but, as is the case generally
the plants are so backward, that tho we have had fine seasons, we have
been able to plant only 6o. M. out of 150. M. as yet. we spared Page
to-day 12. M. for he had not a single one: and I hope we shall be able to
furnish him a considerable quantity more; but they arc yet to grow to
the necessary size, he shall share with us as favorably as possible. I
have furnished him with corn for his people and horses till harvest, in
order to make him frugal of it (for it costs me 30/ a barrel) I have said
nothing to him of the prospect after that, however I shall now let him
know that I always destined for your plantation the field of rye I sowed
adjoining to it, so that he may prepare for harvesting it. I suppose it
will yield a couple of hundred bushels, if corn is then to be had I will
furnish him with enough to mix half & half with the rye for his people.

. . . {Jefferson Papers, Alderman Memorial Library, University of
Virginia. Hereafter cited as Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson to Stevens Thomson Mason.)

Monticello, Oct. 27, X799.

... I find I am not fit to be a farmer with the kind of labor we have,
& also' subject to such long avocation. Mr, Craven had thought too
much of the raspberry plains to be satisfied with our mountainous coun-
try; however, although we have not come to an absolute engagement,
yet he departs under expectation of deciding to return, & to decide others
to come. I have shewn him 800. acres of enclosed & cultivated lands,
which I release in such parcels as the tenants desire. Before he arrived,
1 had leased 160. acres to a very good man, being afraid to lose the offer
under the uncertainty whether I might get others. . . . (Ford, Jeffer-
son g: 85.)

268

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1799

(Daniel Clark, Jr., to Jefferson.)

New Orleans, Nov. 12, 1799.

[On November 12 Daniel Clark, Jr., wrote to Jefferson, saying that
he had sent to him a barrel of oranges and a box of paccan nuts. He
wrote of the paccan nuts :]

They grow everywhere on the Banks of the Mississippi River from the
Ilinois River to the Sea, generally in the low grounds & even in Places
occasionally overflowed by the annual size of the Waters, the Tree
grows to the usual size of Forest Trees and affords a delightful shade
in summer, it might be worth while to cultivate it in Virginia for use &
ornament. . . . {Jefferton Papers, L. C.)

From the Farm Book:

1799 — Nov, I. 70 bushels of the Robinson & red Hughes (about half
of each) have made 120. gallons of cyder. George says that when in a
proper state (there was much rot among these) they ought to make
3. gall*, to the bushel, as he knows from having often measured both.

i8oo

1800.* Jefferson wrote to Maria Eppes, from Philadel-
phia, on January 17; “I left home on the 21st, and arrived
here on the 28th of December, after a pleasant journey of fine
weather and good roads, and without having experienced any
inconvenience” (Randall, Jefferson 2: 533).

This was Jefferson’s last sojourn in Philadelphia. He was
never to visit again the city that had seen so much of his labors
for the new Republic. He was in Philadelphia presiding
over the Senate, and coping with his ever-increasing political
enemies, until May 14, when Congress adjourned. He left
Philadelphia May 15, and reached Monticello on the 29th.
En route home he stopped at Montblanco, Maria’s new home,
Eppington, and Edgehill, the Randolph’s new home.

In January Jefferson heard of the birth of Maria’s first
child, which unfortunately survived only a few weeks. On
February 12 he wrote to Maria:

Mr. Eppes’s letter of January 17 had filled me with anxiety for your
little one, and that of the 23th announced what I had feared. How
deeply I feel it in all its bearings I shall not say — nor attempt consola-
tion when I know that time and silence are the only medicines. (Rant
dall, Jefferson a: 535.)

Another sorrow that affected Jefferson keenly was the death
of his body servant, Jupiter. In the same letter referred to
above, he wrote: “You have, perhaps, heard of the loss of
Jupiter. With all his defects, he leaves a void in my domestic
arrangements which cannot be filled.”

The Presidential canvass opened in the summer. Jeff ef son
and Aaron Burr were the two candidates on the Republican
ticket. Their opponents were John Adams and Charles , C.
Pinckney. In June the capital was moved from Philadelphia
to Washington, a change that greatly pleased Jefferson, for it
brought him nearer to Monticello and his family. When he
returned to the Senate on November 27, it was meeting in
Washington.

* This year, not represented ip the Garden

Jefferson’s Garden Book

170

[1800

Despite the political campaign that continued all summer,
Jefferson remained in more or less retirement at Monticello,
leaving his mountaintop only for a short trip to his Bedford
estate, Poplar Forest, and a trip to another part of Albemarle
County. The family was together for a part of the summer.
The garden and farming activities were more numerous than
in the preceding year, but the Garden Book was completely
neglected. There were, however, a few entries in the Farm
Book.

Letters and Extracts op Letters, 1800

(Jefferson to Daniel Clark, Jr.)

Philadelphia Jan. i6. i8oo.

Your favor of Nov. 12 has been duly received, as has also the parcel
of Paccan nuts for which, as well as the oranges, be pleased to accept
my acknowledgement. ... the nuts I have immediatdy forwarded to
Monticello, my residence in Virginia to be planted, two young trees
planted in that part of the country in 1780. and now flourishing, though
not bearing, prove they may be raised tiiere ; and I shall set great value
on the chance of having a grove of them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

[Philadelphia] Feb, 4, 1800.

. . , My anxiety to get my lands rented is extreme. I readily agree
therefore that Mr, Kerr shdl take for 5 years, or say till Christmas,
1804, the oblong, square field, and the one on the river next below the
square field, comprehending the orchard; only 1 should be very urgent
that he should take a compleat field there; for I expect there is enough
between the river and the road by old Hickman’s settlement to make 2
fields of 40 a*, each, by cleaning up and straightening the skirts, perhaps
by cutting down some slips on the margin. For so much as would be to
clear I would take no rent the 1“ year. He would then have the 3
fields in a line on the river, and three other fields would remain along the
road to the triangle inclusive for another tenant. Observe I must have
with him, as 1 have with Mr. Peyton, free passage along the roads ; that
is to say, along the road which used to be, & must be again, down the
river side. All the conditions to be the same as with Mr. Peyton. I say
I wish him to be pushed to the taking the 120 acres; yet, rather than lose
a tenant, I would agree to the hundred acres, to wit, the oblong, square
& half the lower field. But you are sensible he would get by that means
a great over-proportion of cream, & therefore I wish to force on him the
other half fidd. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. i ; 68.)

i8oo]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

271

(Jefferson to Richard Richardson.)

Philadelphia Mar. 31. 1800.

In yours of the you acknolege mine of Feb. 17. since that I
wrote to you on the 16"*. and 25“*. inst: the last was merely to inform
you of the departure of a box of plants. . . . {Jefferson Papers, Thomas
Jefferson Memorial Foundation.)

(Jefferson to William Hamilton of Woodlands.)

Philadelphia, Apr. 32 . 1800.

. . . Among the many botanical curiosities you were so good as to
shew me the other day, I forgot to ask if you had the Dionaea muscipula,
& whether it produces a seed with you. If it does, I should be very
much disposed to trespass on your liberality so far as to ask a few seeds
of that, as also of the Acacia Nilotica, or Farnesiana, whichever you have.

. . . (Ford, Jefferson g: 131.)

(Jefferson to Robert R. Livmgston.)

Philadelphia, Apr. 30, 1800.

... I thank you for the volume of your agricultural transactions: &
as I perceive you take a great interest in whatever relates to this first &
most precious of all the arts, I have packed in a small box, a model of a
mouldboard of a plough, of my invention, if that term may be used for
a mere change of form. It is accompanied by a block, which will shew
the form in which the block is to be got for making die mouldboard &
the manner of making it. . . . (Ford, Jefferson g; 133.)

(Daniel Clarke, Jr., to Jefferson.)

New Orleans May 29, 1800.

... I am happy to learn that the few Paeans I sent you are likely to
turn to some good account, and sincerely wish your Grove of them may
flourish, if there are any other Trees [illegible] or anythmg else whidi
the country produces, & hitherto [illegible] not naturalized or neglected
with you, I would take pleasure in procuring any you may desire, and
forwarding them in safely to you. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Dr. Benjamin Rush.)

Washington Dec. 14. 1800.

I have duly received your favor of the 2^. instant and the melon seeds
accompanying them. I shall certainly cherish them, and try whether the
dimate of Monticello can preserve them without degeneracy. . . . {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

Jefferson's Garden Book

272

[1800

(Jefferson to Andrew ElUcott.)

Washington, December 1 8, 1800.

. . . Attractive nature and the country employments are my apology
to my friends for being a verj' unpunctual correspondent while at home ;
having no refuge here from my room and writing-table, it is here that I
fetch the less easy of my correspondence. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson 19; lai.)

From the Farm Book:

1800. Sep. 9. on accurate trial 3. bush, of wheat in the chaff as it came
from the threshing machine yielded i. bush, of clean wheat.

From the Account Book:

Mar, 15. pd portage to Bartram’s .625.

Mar. 30. weeping willow looks green, frogs cry.
April 8. peaches blossom.

Plan for a Rotation of Crops Proposed by Thomas
Jefferson to Craven Peyton

the above proposed by Th: J.

{Jefferson Papers, U, Va.)

i8oi

i 8 oi.* Jefferson had arrived at the new capital, Washing-
ton, on November 27, 1800, so that he was still presiding over
the Senate when the new year opened. He remained in Wash-
ington until April i, on which day he left for Monticello for
his spring vacation. During his stay in Washington he had
been elected, on February 17, the third President of the United
States, and on March 4 he was inaugurated.

He remained at Monticello during most of the month of
April, returning to Washington on the 26th. He left a scant
record of what happened in the garden during that month. In
a letter to Maria, written on April ii, from Monticello, he
wrote: “John being at work under Lilly [overseer at Monti-
cello'] Goliah is our gardener, and with his veteran aids will be
directed to make what preparations he can for you.” This
would indicate that the usual garden preparations were being
carried out. Rebuilding the house was still in progress, and
since it had been covered, work was moving slowly on the in-
terior.

Jefferson’s new interest this year was the canal he was pre-
paring on the Rivanna River. He had written Mr. Randolph
on January 23 : “When I come home I shall lay off the canal,
if Lilly’s gang can undertake it.”

Jefferson’s second visit to Monticello began on August 2.
The family was together during his stay — ^Mr. and Mrs. Ran-
dolph with their four children, and Mr. and Mrs. Eppes with
their one son. He returned to Washington on September 30,
where he immediately became engrossed with problems of
state. Two trips were made to Mount Fernon during the
year, the purposes of which he did not state in his corre-
spondence.

Another year passed unrecorded in either the Garden Book
or the Farm Book. The Account Book has only one entry
about farming: “Aug. ii. p^ R. J.’s [Randolph Jefferson’s]

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

373

274

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8oi

Squire for 25:^ quarts of white clover seed @ 1/6 £ 1-17—
loi.”

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1801

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington, Jan. 33, 1801.

. . . P. S. When I come home I shall lay ofE the canal, if Lilly’s
gang can undertake it. I had directed Lilly to make a dividing fence be-
tween Craven’s fields at Monticello & those I retain. The object was
to give me the benefit of the latter for pasture. If I stay here, the }rard
will be pasture enough and may spare, or at least delay, this great tc
perishable work of the dividing fence. At least it may lie for further
consideration. I hope Lilly keeps the small nailers engaged so as to
supply our customers in the neighborhood, so that we may not lose them
during this interregnum. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. i: 85.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington, Jan. 29 [1801].

. . . Mr. Wilson Nicholas and myself have this day joined in order-
ing clover seed from New York, where it is to be had, it is said, at la
dollars. I have ordered 5 bushels for you. I believe I have none to
sow myself. . . . My tender love to my ever de^ Martha and to the
little ones. I believe I must ask her to give directions to Goliah & his
senile corps to prepare what they can in the garden, as it is very possible
I may want it. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. 1 ; 87-88.)

(Jefferson to Phillip Mazzei.)

Washington, Mar. 17, 1801.

. . . The vetches you were so good as to send by Baltimore came
safdy to hand ; and bebg by that time withdrawn from my farm into
public life again, 1 consigned them to a friend. The seeds which I sent
you were of the Cymbling (Cucurbita vermeosa [== verrncora] ) & squash
(cueurbiia melopipo) the latter grows with erect stems; the former trails
on the ground altogether. The squash is the best tasted- But if you
will plant the cymbling and pumpkin near together, you will produce
the perfect equivalent of the squash, and I am persuad^ the squash was
originally so produced and that it is a hybridal plant. (Ford, Jefferson
g: 2io-'2ii.)

(Jefferson to Peter Legaux.)

Washington Mar. 24. i8ot.

[On March 24 Jefferson wrote to M. Legaux, thanking him for his
offer to send him some of his grape vines. He also said:]

It is too late this season but will want them for next (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.) [See entry, May 11, 1802, in Garden Booif,]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

275

1801]

(Jefferson to John Bartram, Jr.)

Washington June li. 1801.

. . . will you be so good as to plant for me [illegible] some plants of
the Alpine, Hudson & Chile strawberries in a pot [of earth?], in that
way I can have them brought safely to this place and [illegible] them
home from hence at my leisure. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Julien Niemcewicz to Jefferson.)

t6 June 1801. Elizabeth Town New Jersey.

Amongst numerous petitions & applications which as the first Magis'
trate of the Commonwealth you daily receive Sir, you will not I hope
reject the petition of an old Acquaintance, it is only for a Plant that
grows in Virginia by the name of Seneca Root, Polygala Seneca of
Lineus, being witness of its Efficacy in various diseases, & seeing the diffi-
culty of procuring it here, I thought it would be of some utility for the
Inhabitants to propagate it. The Seed according the Directions of the
Botanists must be sown as soon as it is ripe, I shall then be extremely
obliged to you, if you have the Kindness to ask it from some of your
friends in Virginia, & have it forwarded to me. I am aware that to
trouble the President of the U. S. amongst his Serious & Important oc-
cupations, for the sake of a Plant, is a bold Intrusion, but I know like-
wise, your Zeal & Eagerness, to promote & spread whatever may be use-
ful & in the least beneficial to mankind. A Single Child cured by your
plant will, be sufficient reward for your trouble, & to me would be the
highest pitch of ambition to which 1 aspire. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Julien Niemcewicz.)

Washington June 29. 1801.

Your favor of the i6‘'‘ is just received. I shall be at Monticello dur-
ing the months of Aug. & Sep. which I believe comprehends the seeding
time of the Polygala Seneca, in which case I will endeavor to have some
saved. I know however it is become extremely rare, lest my efforts
should fail, I may mention that in that want Bartram could furnish
either the plants or seed. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Daniel Clark, Jr., to Jefferson.)

New Orleans, July 20, 1801.

... In the last letter I had the honor of receiving from you, you
mentioned that your Paean Trees at Monticello tho’ planted in 1780
had not hitherto borne fruit, this must be owing to^ their being planted
in too elevated or too dry a soil as they bear in this country in ten or
twelve years, and the trees in their natural state are I believe alwaw
found in the River Bottoms and in places occasionally overflowed at the
annual rise of the river. I have taken the liberty of mentioning this

Jefferson’s Garden Book

276

C1801

Circumstance that you may try the experiment on some young Trees I
send herewith put up in a case as well as a few orange Trees which I
hope will get safe to hand. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(William Maclure to Jefferson.)

Paris 20“* Novem'. 1801.

I wrote you from England last summer and have since been thro’
Germany and on the Rhine. I thought both the soil and climate in
many places bore a greater resemblance to the soil and climate in the
back parts of Pennsylvania Maryland and Virginia than any part of
Europe I have yet been in and finding that the farmers from the want of
enclosures and pasture feed their cattle for some part of the year on roots
induced the to forward to you by this opportunity some of the Beets and
the Turnip Cabbage which they use principally as winter food for their
cattle and hope they will arrive in time for you to make the experiment.
Am rather induced to believe that sufficient attention has not been paid
in the choice of seeds to the previous habits of the vegetable depending
much on the nature of the Climate and perhaps something on the soil,
in many of the experiments to raise winter food for the Cattle in Vir-

f inia such as turnips etc. the seeds have been brought from England &
foUand where the climate is moist and not so variable in point of
temperature from their proximity to the sea and Insular situation for
the same reason perhaps the cloveti lucern & other grasses which grow
in the upper parts of Germany might succeed with you where the Eng-
lish and Dutch seeds have failed and not improbably the vine from the
banks of the Rhine would thrive well on the Southwest Mountains as
the soil is much the same and the Climate equally warm, when I
passed that Country it was the Vintage and too early for the setts, or I
should have forced some from the different situations and exposures. —
They plant Tobacco very generally in Germany and have found it an-
swers all the purposes of a Pulse crop in cleaning and envigorating the
soil, in June they plant and take it up in Septem^ when they immedi-
ately sow wheat which experience has taught them yeilds a better crop
than if the land had lain fallow the price is from 15/ to 16/ lb [illegible]
which the farmer makes little or nothing but as a Pulse crop in the ro-
tation they are induced to plant it every five years. Ive rather been of
oppinion that the common land in Virginia of the Tobacco being an im-
poverishing crop arose from allowing the soil to wash after having been
well pulverized and suffer the stalks to run to seed after they were cut.
In the Country round the Hartz Mountains they use pulverized Gypsum
as a top dressing for their Lucern & Clover tho this soil is calcarious and
frequently cut the lucern seven times and the clover five times by sow-
ing about a bushel to the acre after every cutting. — both in Germany
and this Country they are turning their attention more to agriculture
than they- used to do. the cheapest of labour facilitates this experiment
and is perhaps the only part of their improvements that can add to the
prosperity of America by addopting only those that have succeeded. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, tj. C.)

i8o2

1802/

May II. planted grape vines recieved from Legaux* in
the S.W. vineyard.* in vacant spaces of rows
in the upper or i“. row very large white eating
grapes.

2*. row "I 30. plants of vines from Burgundy*
3*. d*. J and Champagne ' with roots.

4‘*. rowl 30. plants of vines of Bordeaux*
i*". rowj with roots.

6*“. row. 10. plants of vines from Cape of
good hope * with roots.

26. planted in the upper row of the Nursery begin-
ning at the N.E. end the following peach stones,
sent me by Mazzei from Pisa.® see his letter.*
4. stones of the Maddelena peach.“ then 4.
of the poppe de Venere.“ then 12 Melon
peaches, then 40. Vaga loggia.*®

also planted a great number of Paccan nuts,**
in the same rows of those planted the two last
years.

* i8o2, Jefferson was now entering his second year as
President. His time was taken up with the usual routine of
the office.

He made a short spring visit to Monticello on May 5, re-
turning to Washington on May 27. During this visit he di-

277

Jefferson’s Garoen Book

178

[1802

rected Anthony Giannini to plant grape vines sent to him by
Mr. Legaux. (See entry in Garden Book and letter, Jeffer-
son to Legaux, March 24, 1801.) The day before he re-
turned to Washington he planted a variety of plants in the
nursery.

Jefferson’s second visit to Monticello took place on July 21.
He was back in Washington on October 4. During this visit
the family, which had been absent during the spring visit, was
with him. There is no record as to what agricultural matters
transpired during the visit.

Work on the house continued at a slow pace. Probably
the most important addition to the house was the northwest
oiBces, which contained the icehouse and the coach houses.
Jefferson wrote to James Dinsmore, his carpenter at Montu
cello, on March 19:

As I suppose mr Lilly is digging the North West offices, & Ice house
I will now give further directions respecting them, the eves of those
offices is to be of course exactly on the level of those on the South East
side of the hill, but as the North West building is chiefly for coach
houses, the floor must be sunk 9. feet deep below the bottom of the plate
to let a coach go under it. then the ice house is to be dug 16. feet deeper
than that, the ice house is then to be sealed, circular, to a height of 4.
feet above the office floors, leaving a door 3^ feet wide on the N. W.
side of it. on that height it is to be joisted with 2. I. plank 9 I, wide &
laid edge up & 9. I. dear apart from one another, running across the
building, or N, W. & S. E. then to be covered with inch plank. . . .
this arrangement of the joists is intended to leave them open towards the
N. W. wind to let in air, which may be excluded by small shutters when-
ever it shall be thought better to close them, the openings are left only
9 I. square that a person may not get in at them. {Jefferton Papers,
L. C) (PI. XVIII.)

Although the Garden Book had two entries for the year,
there were none in the Farm Book; the letters again are the
main source of agricultural information.

* Peter Legaux lived at Spring Mills, 13 miles northwest of
Philadelphia. Bailey says of him: “Legaux appears to have
been the most intelligent and public-spirited grape-grower
which the country had known; and he was the person who in-
troduced — ^though unknowingly— the grape which ushered in
the distinctive American viticulture." (L. H. Bailey, The
Evolution of Our Native Fruits (New York, 1911): 19.
Hereafter cited as Bailey, Fruits.) See also letter, Jefferson

Jefferson’s Garden Book

279

1802]

to Legaux, March 24, 1801. In the Account Book for the
year is this entry: “May 1 1. p* Anthony Giannini for planting
grape vines from Legaux i. D.”

* See plates VII and XXXII for location of the vineyard.

* Burgundy, province of eastern France.

® Champagne, old province of northeastern France.

® Bordeaux, seaport city, capital of Department of Gironde,
France.

'' Cape of Good Hope, province of Union of South Africa,
with Cape Town as the capital. (See Bailey, Fruits: 42-45,
for a discussion of the grapes mentioned above.)

* Pisa, city of Tuscany, Italy, on Arno River.

* This letter has not been located.

” Maddelena, a variety of peach.

^^Poppe de Venere, translated, “the breast of Venus,” a
variety of peach.

“ Vaga loggia, translated, “beautiful loggia,” a variety of
peach.

” Jefferson probably received these paccan nuts from Daniel
Clark, Jr., of New Orleans. See letter, Daniel Clark, Jr., to
Jefferson, July ao, 1801.

Letters and Extracts op Letters, 1802

(Jefferson to Robert Bailey.)

Washington Mar. 21. 1802.

. . . Would it be within the scope of mf Bailey’s plan of gardening
for the common market, to make a provision of endive for the ensuing
winter, so as to be able to furnish Th: J. with a sallad of endive every
day through the winter till the spring sallading should commence, for
which Th; J. would send once a week, and preserve the week’s provision
here by setting them in earth, to be drawn from day to day fresh. . . .
{Jefferson Papers j M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John Bartram, Jr.)

Washington Apr. 5. i8oa.

I am desired on the part of the Agricultural society of Paris to put the
inclosed list of seeds, which they want, into the hands of some person
who can be relied on to furnish them genuine and fresh. I ask this
^vor of you. they would wish to receive them in autumn, or as early
in die next winter as possible, as soon therefore as the season has ad-
mitted the whole to be [secured} or as many as can be got, I will thank

280

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1802

you to have them packed in a [strong] box, and to drop a line by post at
this place informing me they are ready, and sending me your bill.
I will immediately have that paid, and direct a person to call on you &
receive the box. I will thank you to let me know whether you receive
this letter and can undertake to execute it. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Bartram, Jr.)

Wash. Dec. 2. 1802.

I received last night your favor of the 26^ Nov, infornning me that
the seeds & plants are made up for which I had written to you some
time ago. mf William Short sets out from this place tomorrow for
Philadelphia & will call on you, receive & pay you for them, to him
therefore be so good as to deliver them, & to accept assurances of my
esteem & best wishes. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Robert Bailey.)

Washington Dec. 9, 1802.

A friend of mine in France has asked me to procure the seeds and
plants below mentioned, as this may not be out of your line, and the
plants abound in this neighborhood, I will ask the favor of you to make
the collection, and pack them well and properly for the sea, labelling
each article so substantially as not to be erased. The sooner they are
ready the better, should you not have the convenience of having the boxes
made, and will send me a note of the sizes, they shall be made here. . . .

black walnuts, half a bushel
seeds of the Poplar half a bushel
Cedar berries i lb.

acorns of every kind, half a bushel to be packed in dry bran

Sassafras seed i lb

Swamp laurel i lb

Dogwood i lb

white ash seed i lb

Catalpa seed ^ lb

Wild roses of every kind, i bushel of each
12 plants of sassafras 1

12 do, of swamp laurel V to be packed in moss in a box
12 do. of Dogwood J

{Glimpses of the Past, Missouri Historical Society: 89.)

From the Account Book j^pi—1803:

Apr. a. the first martin appears.

May 12, note we had cherries ripe May 9, peas the 12***. strawberries
the

Nov. 15. flower pots & trowel 1.36.

i8o3

1803/

Mar. 12. the well* was observed about a month ago to
have a plenty of water in it after having been
dry about 18. months.

my ice house * here has taken 62. waggon loads
of ice to fill it, have i. foot thickness of shav-
ings between it and the wall all around, the
whole cost including labour, feeding, drink etc.
has been 70.D.

21. peach trees begin to blossom.

24. a considerable snow on the blue ridge

25. thermom. at sunrise 34°.

28. thermom. at sunrise 29°.

^ 1803 . There were two memorable events that occurred
during Jefferson’s third year as President, namely, the pur-
chase of Louisiana from France, and the organization of the
Lewis and Clark Expedition to explore the Missouri River to
its source and to open a route to the Pacific Ocean. Both
were to have profound influence on the future development of
the United States.

An expedition to the west country had long been a dream
of Jefferson. As far back as 1792, he had proposed to the
American Philosophical Society to procure such an exploration,
with funds raised by subscription; and it was under the

281

Jefferson’s Garden Book

a8a

[1803

auspices of this Society, and under instructions prepared by
Jefferson, that Michaux, the celebrated French botanist and
traveler, proceeded on his exploration westward, until re-
called by the French Minister. (Randall, Jefferson 3: 36.)

Meriwether Lewis, Jefferson’s private secretary, was se-
lected to head the expedition. He was to be accompanied by
William Clark and about ten woodsmen. Lewis’s qualifica-
tions were set forth in an interesting letter to Benjamin Smith
Barton, whom Jefferson asked to inform Mr. Lewis what
natural objects he should especially observe on the expedition.

Washington, February 27, 1803.

. . . You know we have been many years wishing to have the Mis-
souri explored, and whatever river, heading with that, runs into the
western ocean. Congress, in some secret proceedings, have yielded to a
proposition I made them for permitting me to have it done. It is to be
undertaken immediately, wi^ a party of about ten, and I have ap-
pointed Captain Lewis, my Secretary, to conduct it. It was impossible
to find a character who, to a complete science in Botany, Natural His-
tory, Mineralogy and Astronomy, joined the firmness of constitution
and character, prudence, habits adapted to the woods, and familiarity
with the Indian manners and character, requisite for this undertaking.
All the latter qualifications Captain Lewis has. Although no regular
botanist, etc., he possesses a remarkable store of accurate observation on
all the subjects of the three kingdoms, and will, therefore, readily single
out whatever presents itself new to him in either; and he has qualimd
himself for taking the observations of longitude and latitude necessary
to fix the geography of the line he passes through. In order to draw his
attention at once to the objects most desirable, I must ask the favor of
you to prepare for him a note of those in the lines of botany, zoology, or
of Indian history, which you think most worthy of enquiry and observa-
tion. He will be with you in Philadelphia in two or three weeks, and
will wait on you, and receive thankfully on paper, and any verbal com-
munications which you may be so good as to make to him. I make no
apology for this trouble, because I know that the same wish to promote
science which has induced me to bring forward this proposition, will in-
duce you to aid in promoting it. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson
10: 366-368.)

Jefferson made two visits to Monticello during the year.
The spring vacation lasted from March 7 to April 3, while the
late summer visit extended from July 19 to September 25.

The Garden Book has fire entries made during his spring
vacation; only one, howevet, refers to the garden. In the

1803] Jeffkrson’s Garden Book 283

Account Book jyg 1—1803 jotted down: “Mar. 21. p"
Anthony Giannini for plants & trouble 2. D.“ Jefferson’s
note is vague.

Work on the house progressed slowly, as usual. One item
in the same Account Book reads: “Sept. 22. paid Robert Hope
for setting up columns. 20. D.” The nailery, which was
now in new quarters, made unusually high sales during the
year. Another item in the Account Book says: “Mar. i. the
article of nails has been extraordinary this year.”

Jefferson was a passionate lover of mockingbirds. He
bought two mockingbirds and two cages during the year (Ac-
count Book ijgt—1803). Mrs. Samuel Harrison Smith, a
recorder of the first forty years of Washington society, left an
interesting picture of Jefferson’s interest in these birds.

In the window recesses [in his apartment in the White House] , were
stands for the flowers and plants which it was his delight to attend and
among his roses and geraniums was suspended the cage of his favorite
mocking-bird, which he cherished with peculiar fondness, not only for
its melodious powers, but for its uncommon intelligence and affectionate
disposition, of which qualities he gave surprising instances. It was the
constant companion of his solitary and studious hours. Whenever he
was alone he opened the cage and let the bird fly about the room. After
flitting for awhile from one object to another, it would alight on his
table and regale him with his sweetest notes, or perch on his shoulder
and take its food from his lips. Often when he retired to his chamber
it would hop up the stairs after him and while he took his siesta, would
sit on his couch and pour forth its melodious strains. How he loved this
birdl How he loved his flowers 1 He could not live without some-
thing to love, and in the absence of his darling grandchildren, his birds
and his flowers became objects of tender care. (Margaret Bayard
Smith, The First Forty Years of Washington Society (Gaillard Hunt,
ed., New York, igo6) : 385. Hereafter cited as Smith, Washington.)

No entries under 1803 appear in the Farm Book. Letters
on agricultural subjects were more numerous than in the pre-
ceding years. They show a widening interest.

*The well, which was 65 feet deep, was dug in 1769
(JVeather Memorandum Book 1776—1820) . See appendix II.

* The icehouse was built in 1802. This is the first mention
of its being in use. From the Account Book: “Feb. 7, in-
closed, to Gabriel Lilly for waggonage of ice 30. D.’’ (See
letter, Jefferson to Dinsmore, March 19, 1802 (quoted in note
1 for that year), and plate XVIII.)

284 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1803

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1803

(William Hamilton to Jefferson.)

Jan. 16, 1803.

The Woodlands [Philadelphia].

Mr. Hamilton presents his respectful compliments to the President,
& with great pleasure sends him a few seeds of the Mimosa farnesiana,
being all he saved during the last year. Lest these should not vegetate,
Mr. H. will as soon as they ripen, forward some of the present years
growth to the President, who will confer a favor on him, in naming any
seeds or plants he may wish to have from the Woodlands collection.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Madame Noailles de Tesse.)

Washington Jan. 30. 1803.

M'. Short delivered me your favor of the i**. Prairial an. 10. and
gave me the welcome news of your good health, it has recalled to my
mind recollections very dear to it. for the friendship with which you
honoured me in Paris was among the circumstances which most con*
tributed to my happiness there. When I left you at the close of 1790 I
thought your situation in it's best possible state, at the end of 1791
I saw it was passed, and in the course of 1792. that all was desperate, in
the gloomy years which then followed my anxieties attended my friends
personally, and particularly yourself of whom I could seldom hear,
after such a shipwreck it is fortunate indeed that you can resume the in-
terest you take in planting trees, and I shall be very happy in con-
tributing to aliment it. to this however my present situation is not
favorable, partly from constant occupations but more from my geographi-
cal position, not a single person in this quarter has attended to botani-
cal subjects beyond the ordinary produce of the kitchen garden : nor are
there, scarcely ever, any means of conveyance from thence to France.
I have therefore selected from the catalogue you put into mf Short's
hands those articles only which the fruits of this neighborhood, or it’s
gardens can furnish, these are

Liriodendron tuUpifera.

Juglans nigra.

Juniperus Vir^oiana.

des glands de plusieurs especes.

Laurus Sassafras.

Magnolia glauca.

Magnolia tripetala (Umbrella)

Cornus fiorida.

fraxinus alba, doubtful if here

Catalpa.

these within my power, by undertaking more, I might have prevented

1803] Jefferson’s Garden Book 285

mf Short’s engaging for them a more certain agent, it was late in Sep-
tember when I received the catalogue. I was then at Monticello. the
Sassafras had already lost it’s seeds, and those of the others were in a
milky unripe state, on my return here I engaged an old Scotch gardener
of the neighborhood, who had formerly lived some years in my family,
to undertake this collection, he called on me a few days ago and in-
formed me that the means for collecting some of the articles had escaped
him, but that he had collected a part & would bring them in a few days,
my difficulty will then be to find a conveyance; but no exertions will be
spared to overcome this so that they may reach you in March, they will
probably be addressed to mi la Motte, Vice Consul of the U.S. in
Havre. I will continue to lay my shoulder to these articles annually till
you are fully supplied with them.

I own, my dear Madame, that I cannot but admire your courage in
undertaking now to plant trees, it has always been my passion; inso-
much that I rarely ever planted a flower in my life, but when I re-
turn to live at Monticello, which may be in 1805. but will be in 1809.
at the latest (because then, at any rate, I am determined to draw the
curtain between the political world and myself.) I believe I shall be-
come a florist, the labours of the year, in that line, are repaid within
the year, and death, which will be at my door, shall find me unembar-
rassed in long lived undertakings, but I acknolege there is more of the
disinterested & magnanimous in your purpose.

This goes by mr. Monroe, my close, my best friend, & the honestest
man on earth, lately governor of Virginia, and now charged with a spe-
cial mission to the governments of France and Spain, he will be the
safest channel through which you can convey me any further orders, be
so good as to present my respectful attachment to M. de Tesse, and ac-
cept yourself assurances of my constant & affectionate friendship Sc high
consideration. {Jefferson Papers^ L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Rush.)

Washington, Feb. 28, 1803.

... I wish to mention to you, in confidence that I have obtained au-
thority from Congress to undertake the long desired object of exploring
the Missouri & whatever river, heading with that, leads into the western
ocean. About 10. chosen woodsmen headed by Capt. Lewis my secre-
tary will set out on it immediately & probably accomplish it in two
seasons. Capt. Lewis is brave, prudent, habituated to the woods, & fa-
miliar with Indian manners and character. He is not regularly edu-
cated, but he possesses a great mass of accurate observation on all the
subjects of nature which present themselves here, & will therefore
readily select those only in his new route which shall be new. He has
qualified himself for those observations of longitude & latitude necessary
to fix the points of the line he will go over. It would be very useful to
state for him those objects on which it is most desirable he should bring
us information. For this purpose I ask the favor of you to prepare some
notes of such particulars as may occur in his journey & which you think

a86

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1803

should draw his attention and enquiry. He will be in Philadelphia
about a. or 3. weeks hence Sc will wait on you. . . . (Ford, Jefferson
9: 45 a -4530

(Jefferson to George Jefferson.)

Washington April 24. 1803.

Will you be so good as to procure from old mf Collins or any other
faithful seedsman 1. gallon of earliest Frame peas and 2. gallons of
Dwarf Marrowfats and send them addressed to Gabriel Lilly at Monti-
cello. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John W. Eppes.)

Washington June 19. 1803.

... I have examined your Hessian flies & And them very genuine on
which I condole with you. ... the advantageous remedy is to sow no
more wheat grounds than can be well manured & sowing the yellow
bearded wheat, the surplus grounds put into rye and clover, they at-
tack barley more readily than wheat, when they drive us to this, they
are a great blessing. ... I enclose you one of Binns’s pamphlets on
the use of plaister. it is bunglingly composed, but it is generally said
his facta may be relied on. the important one is that from being poor he
is become rich by it. . . . {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson to Sir John Sinclair.)

Washington, June 30, X803.

It is so long smce I have had the pleasure of writing to you, that it
would be vain to look back to dates to connect the old and the new.
Yet I ought not to pass over my acknowledgments to you for various
publications received from time to time, and with great satisfaction and
thankfulness. I send you a small one in return, the work of a very un-
lettered farmer, yet v^uable, as it relates plain facts of importance to
farmers. You will discover that Mr. Binns is an enthusiast for the use
of gypsum. But there are two facts which prove he has a right to be so :
I. He began poor, and has made himself tolerably rich by his farming
alone. 2. The county of Loudon, in which he lives, had been so ex-
hausted and wasted by bad husbandry, that it began to depopulate, the
inhabitants going southwardly in quest of better lands. Binns’ success
has stopped that emigration. It is now becoming one of the most pro-
ductive counties of Ae State of Virginia, and me price given for the
lands is multiplied manifold. . . .

I hope your agricultural institution goes on with success. I consider
you as the author of all the good it shall do. A better idea has never
been carried into practice. agricultural society has at length
formed itself. Like our American Philosophical Society, it is volun-
tary, and unconnected with the public, and is precisely an execution of
the plan I formerly sketched to you. Some State societies have been
formed heretofore; the others will do the same. Each State society

Jefferson’s Garden Book

287

1803]

names two of its members of Congress to be their members in the Cen-
tral society, which is of course together during the sessions of Congress.
They are to select matter from the proceedings of the State societies,
and to publish it; so that their publications may be called V esprit des
societes agriculture, etc. The Central society was formed the last
winter only, so that it will be some time before they get under way.
Mr. Madison, the Secretary of State, was elected their President. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 10: 396-398.)

(Jefferson to Robert Bailey.)

Washington Oct. JO. ’03.

I received lately from France a few grains of a wheat with a solid
stem, as from this circumstance it will probably be proof against the
Hessian fly, I am dividing it among those who I think will take care of
it. 1 send you a few seeds, as also some seed of a cabbage said to grow
7. feet high, to put on several heads & reproduce them when cut off.
this seems wonderful, but is worth seeing into. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Robert Bailey.)

Washington Oct. 19. 1803.

A gentleman here has given me 40. Balsam poplars to send to Monti-
cello, and mr Randolph’s servant, who was to have returned tomorrow
will be detained till the next day, to carry them, as I set much store
by these trees which I have been a long time trying to get to Monticello,

I wish them to be carefully taken up & packed in bundles for safe trans-
portation. if it wotild suit you to come tomorrow morning & take them
up & bundle them properly for the journey, it would oblige me, besides
satisfactory compensation. I shall also be glad to receive the box for
France, as the vessel will sail in a week. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mde. Noailles de Tesse.)

Washington Oct. 31, 1803.

In my letter of Jan. 30 , 1 informed you that the person whom I had
employ^ in this neighborhood had provided such seeds of the list therein
stated to you, as the lateness of the season had permitted. I had the
mortification to see them remain here till summer without any oppor-
tunity occurring to forward them, our only commercial port is Alex-
andria, five miles distant, by casting your eye on a map you will per-
ceive that to send a package from thence to Baltimore, Philadelphia, or
New York to be reshipped to France, is as difficult as to send one from
Havre to Marseilles for America, it would add much to the risk of
miscarriage & more to the delay, which in the case of plants is fatal. It
remains therefore drat we depend soldy on Alexandria, which has not a
great intercourse with France. It happens fortunately at this moment

288

Jbffbrson’s Garden Book

[1803

that we are sending a ship on public account to the Mediterranean, but
to touch at Lorient on her way. I have therefore required the gardener
employed to make up his box of plants and seeds, which he has accord-
ingly done; Sc delivered them to me. they will be put on board to-
morrow, addressed to the care of Mr. Aaron Vale, Consul of the U. S.
at Lorient, with directions to find the cheapest mode of conveying them
to you ; the box being very heavy, it's bulk is about 13 cubical feet, per-
haps you can advise him the best method of sending it. I did not open
it to see how it was packed, but the following is the list furnished by the
gardener.

Plants No. I Magnolia glauca

2 Laurus Sassafras

3 Cornus florida

Seeds No. 1 Wild roses of various kinds.

2 Quercus alba

3 Quercus prinus, 2 kinds, castaneae foliis,

called Chestnut oak.

4 Quercus Hispanica. a variety of the Rubra

5 Qu'ercus Rubra

No. 6 acorns of the Box oak. I do not know this.

7 Liriodendron

8 Juglans nigra

Magnolia glauca the names of these are
Laurus Sassafras , written on the bags
Cornus florida _

Juniperus Virginiana

I am sorry to find he has not put up any acorns of the Quercus Phellos
(live oak) which abound here more than anywhere, nor the seeds of the
Catalpa, which 1 presume is to be found in the gardens here, as the ship
is not yet gone, perhaps I may be able to get them all. I will take care
to renew this supply annually tiU you are sufficiently furnished with the
articles composing it. I undertake it with the more satisfaction because
it is within the limits of those attentions I may justifiably spare for it.
They will sometimes fail for want of a conveyance from Alexandria
to Havre, the only port 1 would have ventured to send to, had not the
advantages of the present conveyance overbalanced the inconvenient dis-
tance of Lorient from Paris, perhaps our Vale will be able to send the
box round to Havre & up the Seine, for which he will have plenty of
time.

Altho’ the times are big with political events, yet I shall say nothing on
that or any subject but the innocent ones of botany Sc friendship. I shall
be much gratified if I am able to contribute anything to your botanical
pleasures & emploiments. I feel their importance to you the more, as
they are congenial to my own mind, permit me to place here my
friendly respects to M. de Tesse and M. & Mde. de la Fayette, and to
assure yourself of my constant & affectionate esteem and respect.
{Glimpses of the Pastj, Missouri Historical Society: 91-^2.)

about dozen of plants
of each of these

Jbfferson’s Garden- Book

289

1803]

(Jefferson to Aaron Vale.)

Washington Nov. 4, 03.

The schooner Citizen, Capt. Lawson, being employed by our govern-
ment to carry some gun carriages to the Emperor of Morocco, and to
touch at Lorient in going, in order to deliver there the ratification of
our late treaty -with France, I take the benefit of your cover for a letter
to Mr. Livingston, our Minister Plenipotentiary, accompanied by a small
box of about 8 or 9 inches cube addressed to him; which I will pray you
to put into the care of the French gentleman whom Mr. Pichon has en-
trusted with the ratification, if he can conveniently take charge of it, or
otherwise to send it by the Diligence or such other conveyance as will
be safe and not too costly for the value of the box which is but small.
I avail myself of the same occasion to send a box of plants to my friend,
Madame de Tesse (aunt of Marquis de la Fayette) at Paris, this is
about three quarters of a ton in bulk (say 15 cubic feet) and is heavy;
consequently requires the cheapest transportation possible to avoid its
becoming a very burthensome present, if the state of the war will per-
mit its going round by sea to Havre, & up the Seine to Paris, that is the
best conveyance, but if that is blockaded, I must leave to you to choose
the cheapest mode of conveyance to be depended on. if you could take
the trouble to drop a line to Madame de Tesse (to the care of Mr.
Livingston) suggesting to her the practicable modes of conveyance, she
would probably say which she would prefer, but if they can go to Havre,
that is so obviously the best, that she need only be informed you have
sent them by that route. I pray you to excuse the trouble I give you,
which is occasioned by the accident of the ship’s touching at your port !
& to accept my salutations & good wishes. {Glimpses of the Past, Mis-
souri Historical Society: 92-93.)

(Jefferson to David Williams.)

Washington, November 14, 1803.

. . . The class principally defective is that of agriculture. It is the
first in utility, and ought to be the first in respect. The same artificial
means which have been used to produce a competition in learning, may
be equally successful in restoring agriculture to its primary dignity in
the eyes of men. It is a science of the very first order. It counts
among its handmaids the most respectable sciences, such as Chemistry,
Natural Philosophy, Mechanics, Mathematics generally. Natural His-
tory, Botany. In every College and University, a professorship of agri-
culture, and the class of its students, might be honored as the first.
Young men closing their academical education with this, as the crown
of all other sciences, fascinated with its solid charms, and at a time when
they are to choose an occupation, instead of crowding the other classes,
would return to the farms of their fathers, their own, or those of others,
and replenish and invigorate a calling, now languishing under contempt
and oppression. The charitable schools, instead of storing their pupils
with a lore which the present state of society does not call for, con-

290 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1803

verted into schools of agriculture, might restore them to that branch
qualified to enrich and honor themselves, and to increase the productions
of the nation instead of consuming them. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson 10: 439^430. )

(Jefferson to Governor John Milledge.)

Washington Nov. 22. 1803.

... I thank you for the seeds & stones you have been so kind as to
send me. I hope Congress will rise early enough to let me pass the
month of March at home to superintend the planting them and some
other things which may be growing & preparing enjoiment for me there
when I retire from hence. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

From the Account Book I'jgi^iSos:

May 31. gave Joseph Dougherty ord. on J. Barnes for 10. D to buy
a mock^ bird & cage.

Sept. 21. paid Bezey in full 33. D. for gardening.

Oct 21. gave Davy Bowles to take care of trees, a. D.

Nov. 17. p** Steele for a mocking bird 15. D.

Dec. 8. Bryan 15. D. for a bird-cage.

i8o4

1804.*

Apr, 6. sowed seeds of the East India Asparagus in a
small bed at the point of levelled triangle S.W.
end of the garden.®

10. planted in the orchard below the garden black
soft peaches of Georgia from W. Men*

12. planted 40. odd Hemlock * & Weymouth pines *
near the Aspen thicket.

29. planted seeds of the Cherokee rose * from Gov'.
Milledge ® in a row of about 6.f. near the N.E.
corner of the Nursery. Goliah * stuck sticks to
mark the place.

this has been a remarkeably backward spring,
we have had fires steadily thro’ the whole
month.

Apr. 22. a great fresh in the Rivanna this day. it was
above the top of the hopper in my toll mill.®
by marks at Henderson’s distillery®® in Mil-
ton ®® it wanted 6. feet of being as high as that
in 179s “ which wanted but 3.!. of being as
high as the great fresh on the 26“. of May
1771.®®

® 1804., Jefferson was reelected President in November by
a tremendous majority. His first term ended on March 4 of
the following year.

291

Jefferson’s Garden Book

292

[1804

The Lewis and Clark Expedition, organized the previous
year, finally reached the banks of the Mississippi and on May
14 began to travel up the Missouri River. Some of the seeds
and plants collected by this expedition were later to find a place
in Jefferson’s gardens. Others were sent to interested gar-
deners and seedsmen in other parts of the country.

Jefferson suffered another of the tragic losses of his life
when his daughter, Maria Eppes, died on April 17. Since
she had given birth to a daughter a short time before, she was
survived by two children. The son, Francis, grew to man-
hood; the daughter died in infancy. An extract from a letter
written to his old friend, John Page, then Governor of Vir-
ginia, shows how poignantly Jefferson suffered over this loss.

Your letter, my dear friend, of the 35th ultimo, is a new proof of the
goodness of your heart, and the part you take in my loss marks an affec-
tionate concern for the greatness of it. It is great indeed. Others may
lose of their abundance, but I, of my want, have lost even the half of all
I had. My evening prospects now hang on the slender thread of a
single life. Perhaps I may be destined to see even this last cord of
parental affection broken I The hope with which I had looked forward
to the moment, when, resigning public cares to younger hands, I was to
retire to that domestic comfort from which the last great step is taken,
is fearfully blighted. (Randall, Jefferson 3: 103.)

Jefferson made his usual spring and late summer visits to
Monticello. The first one lasted from April 4 to May 11;
the second from July 26 to September 27. .Entries in the
Garden Book indicate that much planting was done during the
spring visit. One planting of special interest was the forty
hemlocks and white pines placed near the aspen thicket. No
record has been found to show what work was undertaken in
the garden during the summer visit.

About 1804 Jefferson again made elaborate plans for im-
proving the grounds of Monticello. These plans he put down
in a note book, which consisted of three folded sheets and one
half-sheet laid in the center. (See Fiske Kimball, Thomas
Jefferson, Architect (Boston, 1916): 168.) Two of these
sheets are reproduced under the titles of “General Ideas for
Improvement of Monticello,” and “Garden or Pleasure
Ground” (pis. XIX, XX).

There is no indication that the fruit trees sent by John Arm-
strong, of Cincinnati, and mentioned in his letter of February

I i*i%t.4tfrr. y ^ ^ ^Ufivit ^0r , fY ctj^r- (it

AutfvrwV /fUry* 3 y iZf/k,ti^ f/kj^t- /If f t «>vn»«HL iKiw* * DjJI
{/t/uJYt & fi sy <«^ //t /w? k/TM/f^ ij j/

^ /^ *lr\^«W 4*^ ^iYAAt^ (*■

te / t* dl ■/ . ^

(fr •*-< ^^4

V'Mdi £~t A-r,^ ^ ^ /■<*^ '/M^,^!
t^r^yLuY tro^ ^bviunww)

tHU^ t^ dA La ^llM-t y /t*. ILffltAAYIrdYhYYl. ^ V*^

K-^ ^ Y/hY^ (LyyL /tuYy ■ynjfc y C^ltf<YY /Cd, fy in d‘9 ^ /JIy/^ d»(a%<

jkdYad.

J^C-j C-*. e^btrtrfYf, ^ /AA^^ad.^ M ayt-aa^

oMA^o’/ y* / y~^ ‘ ^ eCuAYfY* ^ Ya-i*a,

^tCxadCi ^ /Ufdict* t-adfiAutA^, UtAddma /^Addarawt*^

yKAfi^fiY^ fdAA-tA.^ ^txttiiA., ^fin-fd, U**.tJl*jiddwJi, cywA

fntnM~nn\^ AaJ&A*^/ fUJimirtjedA, ,

ft^ fc»*Y ftA^4^ V*4^ ^ ^

»i 7 k?^ fAa-fXt 1 ^ /JU < i< W «>i- 1 / ifyAS0^^ 2 ^

. r^ Ldt-pLtt ^ /yyyH^ ^^k'AAT

Hd/A UjLna^ J/ia-u. Ha fVl/^ ^ lAwUd tt-

^ tnYm. ap^ ^AptoA-X C^l fi< <f]i/v*t4^

^^u ti tt**Yj CArJoyalLiiYf yh^tiA *r>AAf ^ '

iMJ-ia /-^*»Wjt«. fLdH»y*f*Ya fLyar^ AmJa^

PiATB XIX.-Jefferjon*i plan* for a garden or pleaaure grounda, about 1804 .
See plate XXI. Utfttfon Paftrs, M. H. S.)

y 'CrfS*fi«-ifct*<.‘/.<»^ .- 1-,*'.-^ fjg

(8o/*1^^ S“|:^‘ hnprovment of J/««/«Z?o. ,bo„t

A. A^fAa,' Ul>44*xJ^ f1^ fy^

. J'ir f'lrr- t/i^ f^elrurr*x^ /Lc 9rv^^,^ V^ '

^ OA-? fXju tjst^ t/li^ 4 *

' 66 f*.^tm j 6 Jl^^»^, ^ '

^-<v\, 1 . tj f 'ljt. SJ^. <*t'*'-r'

’ M<- ^ t.'^'-VX ^ '

’ M*. u^ *^-l-^ ^rfT.j.<or ■yHb<,'wilt-i.rtj^‘‘>"& ll*- ^XuJ? ^

fc-n ^£L*SA.:# ■f~i^<X^, ftCc ^ Cl^ C&

i-o^' / 2 i mirun^*^- , . .

r*’ iA*<wnl«^» P».9i,}iJ^ytvflj^'^i3(^"ft^'lj(^^ ,

' fKnrOTxZ^ _A.;£/;V^^* ^■' ' /'■ <'> ':>-' 'i’'’'r ' • ";’^'’|y ') '.i/J^V;'

1804]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

293

20 to Jefferson, were planted. But, as has been seen before,
there are many gaps of this kind. There were no entries in
the Farm Book for the year.

* Jefferson began this year to re-level the garden, which had
been laid out on March 31, 1774. The work was not com-
pleted until after he retired in 1809. (See letter, Jefferson to
John W. Eppes, June 4, 1804; and Garden Book, March 31,

1774.) ^

® William Douglass Meriwether lived at Clover Fields on
the east side of the South West Mountain, Albemarle County.
He was a man of fine sense and great wealth. He was a
magistrate of the county for 50 years, and the only one of the
whole body of magistrates that filled the office of sheriff twice,
in 1801 and 1828. His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of
Nicholas Lewis, and through her he inherited the part of the
Farm nearest Charlottesville, which in 1825 he sold to John
A. G. Davis, who built on it the brick house now standing.
He died in 1845. (See Woods, Albemarle County: 272.)

* Tsuga canadensis Carr.

“ Pinus strobus L. More commonly called white pine.
The late Dr. Rodney H. True, in his “Thomas Jefferson’s
Garden Book” {Proc. Am. Philos. Soc. 76: 944, 1936),
wrote: “I know of no earlier planting of a nursery of forest
trees in this country than that of Jefferson on April 12, 1804,
when he planted hemlock and white pine ‘near the aspen
thicket’.”

* Rosa laevigata Michx.

^ John Milledge (1757 - February 9, 1818). Revolution-
ary patriot. Governor of Georgia, representative, senator, was
associated with most of the noteworthy events in his state
from the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812, but is re-
membered today chiefly because of his connection with the
University of Georgia. {Diet. Am. Biog. 12: 617— 6x8.)

* Goliah, slave and gardener of Jefferson at Monticello.

® This toll mill, on the Rivanna River, at Shadwell, was left
to Jefferson by his father, Peter Jefferson. He was now en-
gaged in building another mill, which cost him over $30,000.
This mill became a constant source of worry to him.

Probably the mill owned by the family of Bennett Hen-
derson. He had been a magistrate of the county, and had

294

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1804

erected a large flouring mill and a tobacco warehouse. He
died in 1793, and eventually (in 1811) his land came into
Jefferson’s hands. (Woods, Albemarle County: 227-228.)

“ Milton, Albemarle County. This town dates from 1789.
Up to the War of 1812 it was the chief commercial center of
the county. Being at the head of navigation on the Rivanna,
it became an important shippmg port. Its business gradually
declined as Charlottesville grew, and it quietly subsided into a
straggling hamlet.

“ Jefferson did not record a freshet in the Rivanna for 1795.
(See his “Diary for 1795.”)

“ See entry in Garden Book for May 26, 1771.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1804

(Jefferson to Timothy Bloodworth.)

Washington, January 29, 1804.

I thank you for the seed of the fly trap. It is the first I have ever
been able to obtain, and shall take great care of it. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 10: 443.)

(Jefferson to Maria (Jefferson) Eppes.)

Washington, Jan. 29, 1804.

. . . Since proposing to Anne the undertaking to raise bantams, I
have received from Algiers two pair of beautiful fowls, something larger
than our common fowls, with fine aigrettes. They are not so large nor
valuable as the East India fowl, but both kinds, as well as the bantams,
are well worthy of being raised. We must, therefore, distribute them
among us, and raise them clear of mixture of any kind. All this we will
settle together, in March, and soon after we will begin the levelling and
establishment of your hen-house at Pan tops. . . . (Randall, Jefferson
3:97-98.)

(John Armstrong to Jefferson.)

Cincinnati February 20^”, 1804.

Captain Lewis on his way to the Westward called on me and re-
quested that 1 would at the proper season furnish you with some cuttings
from ray Nursery, which you will receive herewith, N*. i. 2. 3. & 4
were sent me from Detroit two years since. N*. 5 & 6 are from bear-
ing trees in my orchard.

N*. I Large White apple — ^tied with a white string

N”. 2 Large Red apple tied with a red string

1804] Jefferson’s Garden Book 295

N**. 3 Pumgray an apple much admired and will keep the year
round tied with a blue string

N®. 4 Calvjt apple which is without comparison the best apple that
ever was Eaten — tied with a green string

N®. S Ox Eye Striped Apple ripe in the fall, highly flavoured weighs
from 16 to 30 Oz — ^tied with a yellow string

N®. 6 Egg Plumb as large as a hens egg light colourd rich & Sweet
with a small stone, will succeed by Engrafting on a Damson,
Wild Plumb or Peach Stock, I generally cut my cions at this
Season of the year, and place one end of the cuttings about
two inches in the ground in a perpendicular position and there
let them remain until the proper season for placing them into
the stock — I practice Tonge Grafting, and seldom lose five
trees out of one thousand, have had trees to bear the second
year after ingrafting them.

It would oblige me if thro some of your friends I could obtain a few
cuttings of the Virginia Cyder apple. Generally called Hughes Crab,
with a description of the fruit. . . . (Jefferson Papers ^ M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Maria (Jefferson) Eppes.)

Washington, Feb. 26, 1804.

... Will you desire your sister to send for Mr. Lilly, and to advise
him what orders to give Goliah for providing those vegetables which
may come into use for the months of April, August, and September —
deliver her also my affectionate love. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 3: 98.)

(Jefferson to Gibson & Jefferson.)

Monticello Mar. 13. 04.

[He wrote to his agents, Gibson & Jefferson, in Richmond, to secure
from Mr. Collins, a seedsman there, the following seeds:]

3. gallons of dwarf marrow fat peas, if he has none of these send the

best he has for common sowing.

3. oz. radish seed, scarlet preferred.

3. oz. lettuce seed. The Roman preferred.

I. oz. Endive seed (not the curled)

(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John W. Eppes.)

Washington, March 15, 1804.

... I will endeavor to forward to Mr. Benson, postmaster at Fred-
ericksburg, a small parcel of the oats for you. The only difficulty is to
find some gentleman going on in the stage who will take charge of them
by the way. . , . (Randdl, Jefferson 3: 99,)

2^6

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1804

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Washington Mar. 22. 1804.

You remember how anxious I was, when with you at Marseilles, to
get the admirable olive of your canton transferred to my own country,
and how much trouble you were so kind as to take to effect it. it did
not happen that any one of those among whom the plants were dis-
tributed took up the plan with the enthusiasm necessary to give it suc-
cess, and it has failed, mf John Cowper of St. Simon’s island in
Georgia now proposes to undertake it, & being led to it by inclination,
and a gentleman of property, in the most favorable situation, he will
give the culture a fair trial, and I trust it’s favorable issue is -beyond a
doubt, he has been informed of the superior excellence of the olive of
Marseilles, and knowing your friendly dispositions to our country I have
taken the liberty of advising him to address himself to you to put his
commission into faithful & careful hands. . . . (Jefferson Papers jL.C.)

(Jefferson to Kichard Gamble.)

Heads of a lease to Richard Gamble

Apr. 22. 04.

S. fields North of the road, of 40 acres each, to wit 4. on the Shad-
well tract now leased to J. Ferry, and one on the Lego tract, adjoining
to the Upper Held of Shadwell, including the ground already open there
& about Reynolds’s house, & as much more to be opened adjacent as will
make up 40. acres.

the lease to commence Oct. 15. 1804. (being John Perry’s yearly day)
and to continue 5. years.

each of the said 5. fields to be in Indian corn but once in the 5. years,
& to rest from culture & pasture 2. of the 5. years unless it be well in
clover, and neither of the years of rest to be next after a year of Indian
corn, the tenant to have free use of the woodlands North of the road
for fire, fencing & repairs, and of all the uninclosed Woodlands for the
range of stock.

to keep all houses built or to be built in repair, except against the
gradual decays of time; and to keep fences & gates in constant repair.

the lease not to be assigned to any person to whom the landlord
objects.

the rent 200. D. a year, payable at the end of the year towit Oct. 15.
and if not paid by Christmas the landlord to have a right of reentry in
aid of his right of distress, in clearing the Lego Held, the land-lord to
cut down the trees & maul the rails, & the tenant to clean up, grub, and
put up the fence; and this clearing to be done the next winter & the
winter following.

the names of the Helds are the Chapel ridge

Mountain field
Middle field
Upper field
L^ field

1804] Jefferson’s Garden Book 297

the course of their culture, according to these conditions will be as
follows

180J

1S06

1807

1808

1809

Lego field

nothing

nothii^

small

grain

corn

small

griun

Upper field

small

grun

clover

small

grain

corn

Middle field

corn

small

grain

clover

small

grain

Mountain field

small

grun

corn

small

grain

clover

Chapel ridge

nothing

small

grain

corn

small

gram

clover

by reading the column of each year downwards, it will be seen that the
tenant has every year 2, fields of small grain, i, of corn, & 2, of clover,
and in which fields they are. by reading the lines horizontally, it will
be seen how each field will be cultivated for 5. years successively, so as
that each will rest or be in clover twice, not following corn, that each
will be in small grain twice, and each in corn once. {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John W. Eppes.)

Washington, June 4, 1804.

. . . After Lilly shall have done at the mill, which I suppose will be
by the time of my return home, there are then three jobs for him, the
levelling at Pantops, the road along the river, and the levelling of the
garden at Monticdlo. (Randall, Jefferspn 3: 99.)

(Jefferson to Robert Bailey.)

Monticello Sept. 9. '04.

I think I informed you that I should want such a box of plants &
seeds put up every year as I first desired from you, for the same friend
at Paris. I have only therefore to refer you to my former list, and call
your attention to it at this time when the season for getting the seeds is
commencing, when you come to pack the plants in autumn, they must
have a great quantity of moss distributed among them, in this condi-
tion I received two boxes of plants frond this spring in such perfect
vigor that not a single one I think waddltot., » , . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.) • '"

i 8 o 5 * Jefferson began the second term of his Presidency
on March 4. His inaugural address, in which he reviewed his
previous term and suggested new improvements for the coun*
try during his present term of office, was well received.

Foreign affairs, as well as domestic ones, created trouble-
some problems. In his message to the ninth Congress, which
met on December 2, he alluded to the dangers our commerce
was meeting :

Since our last meeting, the aspect of our foreign relations has con-
siderably changed. Our coasts have been infested and our harbors
watched by private armed vessels, some of them without commissions,
some with illegal commissions, others with those of legal form, but com-
mitting piratical acts beyond the authority of their commissions. They
have captured in the very entrance of our harbors, as well as on the high
seas, not only the vessels of our friends coming to trade with us, but our
own also. They have carried them off under pretence of legal adjudica-
tion, but not daring to approacli a court of justice, they have plundered
and sunk them by the- way, or in obscure places where no evidence could
arise against them; maltreated the crews, and abandoned them in boats
in the open sea or on desert shores without food or covering. These
- enormities appearing to be unrcachcd by any control of their sovereigns,
I found it necessary to equip a force to cruise within our own seas, to
arrest all vessels of these descriptions found hovering on our coast within
the limits of the Gulf Stream, and to bring the offenders in for trial as
pirates. (Randall, Jefferson; 150.)

Jefferson’s two visits to Monticello took place from March
14 to April 17, and from July 15 to September 29. During
the second he went to Poplar Forest on July 26, and returned
home on August 2.

The house at Monticello was nearing completion. Much
interior work was done; sheet iron was bought to cover the
two offices, which connected the two pavilions with the main
house; and a painter, Richard Barry, came to Monticello.

Jefferson settled with John Perry, on October 7, for com-
pleting work done on his manufacturing mill and two miller
houses, located -on the Rivanna River.

This year not represented in the Garden Book,

aqS

Jefferson's Garden Book

299

1805]

On August 22 “J- Holmes Freeman commences as over-
seer at £.60. a year.” He replaced Gabriel Lilly, who had
been overseer since 1800. (See letter, Jefferson to John
Strode, June 5, 1805, and other letters about a new overseer.)

The year 1805 is not represented in the Garden Book, al-
though Jefferson bought plants and trees from seedsmen in
Washington, and received them from other sources. The
Farm Book also does not mention any plantings for the year,
but letters about plants are numerous, and the Account Book
mentions several amounts paid for plants.

Of special interest this year was the introduction of live
fences at Monticello. The first thorns for the hedges were
sent there on March 22, by Mr, Dougherty, Jefferson’s busi-
ness manager in Washington. He wrote to Jefferson on that
date: “I went immediately to Mr. Main [horticulturist and
congenial friend of Jefferson in Washington] 8 e brot. the 4000
thorns. On enquiring at the Stage OflSce I met a young man
with whom I am well acquainted going from here to Richmond
immediately in the stage.” {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)
The thorns were carried by this man to Richmond.

The extensive live fences planted at Monticello this year
and for several years following were of considerable interest
to Jefferson. Mr. Main called this particular thorn the
American hedge thorn. It grew abundantly around Wash-
ington. Linnaeus called the thorn Crataegus cordata. It is
now known as Crataegus phaenopyrum Med., the Washing-
ton thorn.

Letters and Extracts or Letters, 1805
(Jefferson to Mrs, Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Washington Jan. 7. 05.

... I send you a book of gardening which I believe has merit, it
has at least that of being accomodated to our seasons. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Madame de Tesse.)

Washington, Mar. 10, ’05.

Your favors of April 10 & Aug. 17 were not received till autumn,
that of Aug, 17 only the ist of November, immediately on receipt of

300

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8os

th« former I -vFrote to a friend in Philadelphia to make the enquiries
you desired respecting the affairs of M. de Noailles. I inclose you his
answer on which much reliance may be placed. I detained this in ex-
pectation of sending it early in winter with another collection of plants
& seeds which had been prepared for you, but early in December every
harbour from this place northwardly blocked up with ice, and through
the severest winter we have known for 20 years kept closed till within
a few days past, so that no vessel could get out. now that our port
(Alexandria) is open I find not a single vessel bound for any port of
France except the Mediterranean, were the packages sent thither, they
would cost you more for transportation than they are worth, & would
besides be entirely after the season, indeed, for the same reason, the ex-
pence of transportation, I should be afraid to send you boxes to any port
except Havre; & we know not when the blockade of that will cease,
we are therefore compleatly defeated for this year in the new supply of
plants; & must comfort ourselves with better hope for the next, your
letters brought me information, always welcome, of your health con-
tinuing well, the flattering testimonies I receive of the good will of my
fellow citizens would have been a source of great happiness to me were
they not more than countervailed by domestic afflictions. 1 have had
the inexpressible misfortune to lose my younger daughter, who has left
me two grandchildren, & my elder one has such poor health, that I have
little confidence in her life, she has 6 children. Determined as I am to
retire at the end of 4 years, I know not if I shall have a family to retire
to. I must learn philosophy from you & seek in a family of plants that
occupation & delight which you have so fortunately found in them, it
will be the greater with me as it will give me opportunities of communi-
cating to you new objects. . , . {Glimpses of the Past, Missouri His-
torical Society: 93.)

(Thomas Main to Jefierson.)

[Washington] Mar. is® 1803.

Please pay to the bearer Mr. Robert Bunyie the sum of Thirty eight
dollars as the full amount of my Accot. for trees and plants sold to the
President and delivered on the 8® Inst, and oblige. . , .

Pd. in full Mar. 13. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Egbert Benson.)

Monticello Mar. 23. 05.

Tho*. Jefferson took the liberty of desiring that a box or package of
plants should be sent by the stage from Washington to Fredericksburg
addressed to the care of mr Benson, he now asks the favor of mr
Benson to forward them by stage to Milton with a recommendation of
them to the particular care of the driver, he expects they may arrive at
Fredericksburg about the time this note does. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.) [The plants were sent to Milton by Mr. Benson.]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

301

1805]

(John Strode to Jefferson.)

Culpeper Mar. 23, 05.

My Son Tom has just sent me a Letter inclosing a few of the seed of
the soft Simblin or Quash, which he humbly intreats the President to
accept. . . . (^Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Apr. 11, 1805.

. . . We have had two very fine rains within the last fortnight, the
trees are all leaved here, but in the neighborhood generally only the
poplar, our first asparagus was Mar. 27, the i*‘ whippoorwill Apr. 2.
the tick & the Dogwood blossoms on the 4®. (Jefferson Papers,
L.C.)

(Jefferson to William Tunnicliff.)

Washington, Apr. 26. 05.

Th. Jefferson asks the favor of mr. Tunnicliff to add one other book
to the list he sent him yesterday. Knight on Culture of the Apple &
Pear, Cider and Perry, 12 mo. printed in i8oi. by Ludlow, Proctor,
Longman and Rees, paternoster row, white Fleetstreet. (Ford, Jeffer-
son Correspondence: 114.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton.)

Washington May 2. ’05.

M^ Dunbar, during his excursion up the Washita, the last fall and
winter, collected some dried specimens of plants which he has sent me
in order to have them ascertained. 1 know I cannot dispose of them
better than by transmitting them to you, with a request of the result of
your investigation, he went as far as the hot springs on that river, 500
miles up it. he found their temperature 150° of Farenheit. his jour-
nal & Hunter’s furnish us with the geography to it's natural his-
tory. I shall put them into the hands of some one to reduce into a small
compass the results divested of details too long for the common reader.
I shall be happy to receive in time to incorporate into this, your informa-
tion as to the plants now sent. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton.)

Washington May 21, 05.

Th: Jefferson presents his friendly salutations to Doct'. Barton:
when sending him the dried specimens of plants from mr Dunbar he
omitted to send some moss which he had taken out of the hot-springs of
the Washeta, in a temperature of 1 50®. in which he says are some of the
animalculae, inhabitants of the moss. Th; J. having no microscope here
has been unable to see them: but he commits them now to the better
hands of DoeP. Barton. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

302

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1805

(Jefferson to Patrick Gibson.)

Washington May 29. 1805.

There was lately shipped for me from Philadelphia i. box of grape
vines, and 4. open boxes of monthly strawberries from Italy, dtho’
from the account I receive of the latter they seem irrecoverable yet if
there be any hope of life I would ask the favor of you to give them to
any careful gardener in Richmond who will hereafter furnish me with
some roots from them if they live, their value is great, as in our
climate they should bear 9. months in the year, the other box to be
forwarded to Monticello by the first post. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington June 2, 05.

... I have lately received a few grains of corn, originally from Italy,
yielding 4. crops a year, at 40. days interval each ; a winter muskmelon,
eaten in Dec. Jan. Feb. pumpkins of 127. lb. cauliflowers of 25. to
30. lb. all of which I have put into the hands of gardeners here. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington June 5. 1805.

. . . Lilly wishes to quit as manager unless he gets £100 per year,
he has been getting £50 plus £10 additional for nailery. . . . {Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Strode.)

Washington June 5. ’05.

In a letter to me some years ago you recommended some person to me
as a manager, should I want one at Monticello. not having the letter
here I am not able to turn to it, nor to recollect the name, the person
whom I have there at present is at the wages of £60 & the ordinary al-
lowances of pork & corn for his family, he is as good a one as can be.
but I yesterday received notice from him that unless I would raise his
wages to £ 100. he could remain only this year, this is so great a jump,
that if I can get another worthy of confidence, I think to do so. were
I at home to have an eye to the manager myself it would be less impor-
tant. but obliged as I am to abandon everything to him, it is all im-
portant to have one who may be confided in. my manager there has to
provide for the maintainance of a family of about 40 negroes at all times,
and for my own family about 3 months in the year; to hire annually, and
overlook about 10, laboring men, employed in a little farming but mainly
in other works about my mills, & grounds generally; to superintend the
gristmill, and a nailery of 10. to 15. hands, provide their coal, sell nails

Jefferson's Garden Book

303

1805]

etc. I love industry & abhor severity, vrould the person whom you
formerly recommended answer these purposes, is he to be had, or do you
know any other? it would render me the most essential service could I
get one on whom I could repose myself entirely, indeed no event of this
kind could have afflicted me more, as the conduct of the present man
leaves me as perfectly satisfied absent as present, he has required an
immediate answer from me, which however I shall endeavor to put off
till I hear from you. I think I shall be with you about the middle of
July I shall have the pleasure of calling, in the meantime be so good
as to give me some comfort on the above subject with as little delay as
possible. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Benjamin Smith Barton to Jefferson.)

[Philadelphia] June 12, 1805.
Of the plants with which you have forwarded me,

No.

10.

No.

11.

No.

12.

No.

13-

is a species of Dactylis.

Solidago glomerata of Bartram.

Solidago a new species,
a species of Aster.

Solidago suaveolcns: The Sweet-scented or Anise-seed, golden
rod of New Jersey.

Ascyrum multicaule of Michaux.

Liatris elegans of Michaux.

Three new species of Aster.

Two varieties of a species of Fanicum.
A species of Cyperus.

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington June a6. '05.

... I shall defer giving Lilly a final answer till I get home. {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Ellen Randolph.)

Washington July 10. 05.

To answer the question in your letter of the 4®. I must observe that
neither the number of the fine arts nor the particular arts entitled to that
appellation have been fixed by general consent, many reckon but five
Fainting, sculpture, architecture, music & poetry, to these some have
added Oratory, including within that Rhetoric which is the art of style
& composition, others again, add Gardening as a 7*’^. fine art. not

304

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1805

horticulture, but the art of embellishing grounds by fancy. I think L’.
Kaims has justly proved this to be entitled to the appellation of a fine
art. it is nearly allied to landscape painting, & accordingly we gen-
erally find the landscape painter the best designer of a garden, no per-
fect definition of what is a fine art has ever yet been given, some say
that as those are mechanical arts, which consist in manual operation un-
connected with the understanding, those are fine arts which to manual
operation join the exercise of the imagination or genius, this would
comprehend sculpture, painting, architecture & gardening, but neither
music, poetry, nor oratory, others say that the sciences are objects of
the understanding, the hne arts of the senses, this would add garden-
ing, but neither poetry nor oratory, a definition which should include
Poetry & Oratory & no more would be very difficult to form. ... the
thermometer was yesterday 97^“ here, and at 96°. the two precedmg
days. I think it will be 96°. to-day. should it be as hot when I am
ready to depart, I shall certainly delay my departure. . . . (Jefferson
PaperSj M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Barnes.)

Monticello Aug. 12. 05.

. . . We are all in good health here, & blest amidst luxuriant crops
of every kind. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Aug. 17. 1805.

. . . We are extremely seasonable in this quarter, better crops were
never seen. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, August 25, 1805.

. . . We are now in want of rain, haring had none in the last ten days.
In your quarter I am afraid they have been much longer without it.
We hear great complaints from F. Walker’s, Lindsay’s, Maury’s, etc.,
of drought. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii; 86.)

(Jefferson to Messrs. M'Dowell, Roger, Finley & Patter-
son.)

Monticello Aug 31. 03.

... I now enclose you a small parcel of the Jerusalem wheat I re-
ceived from a gentleman in Ireland. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to W. A. Burwell.)

Monticello Sept. 20. 1805.

... I thank you for the vines & seeds which are all new and ac-
ceptable. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Jeffjsrson’s Garden Book

305

1805]

(William Hamilton to Jefferson.)

The Woodlands Oct. 5, 1805.

... He [nephew of Hamilton] will at the same time, deliver to
you, a small deciduous plant of the silk tree of Constantinople ( Mimosa
Julibrisin) which if well preserved for two or three years in a pot, will
afterwards succeed in the open ground. I have trees of 20 feet height
which for several years past have produced their beautiful & fragrant
flowers & have shewn no marks whatever of suffering from the severity
of the last winter. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to J, P. Reibelt.)

Washington Oct. 12. 03.

... [I] thank you for the magnet, for the Bengal sheep, and garden
seeds. I enclose some seed of a vine growing only on the great Kan-
naway & answering the purpose of the Rattan. I never saw the plant
growing, but the vine is curious, there is a garden plant in France
which I have never been able to get, the Estragon. perhaps Mr. Labul-
lage could furnish me a little of the seed. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Madame de Tesse.)

Washington, Oct. 26. 05.

The blockade of Havre still continuing and being likely to be of
equal duration with the war, I had despaired almost of being able to
send you any seeds this year, but it was lately suggested to me that a
package sent to Nantes may go through the canal de Briare to Paris, and
thus avoid a land carriage which would cost you more than the object is
worth. I have therefore hastily made up a box of seeds, of such articles
of those I propose to furnish you annually as the present season admits
of being gathered, they are as follows, i. Juglans nigra. 2. Lirio-
dendron tulipifera. 3. Quercus alba. 4. Prinus. 5. Q. Phellos. 6.
Q. Palustris. 7. Juniperus Virginica. 8. Cornus Florida, g. Rosa
sylvestris elatior foliis inodoris Clayton. 10. Bignonia Catalpa. il.
Magnolia acuminata, the preceding were in your catalogue, to which
in order to All vacant spaces I have added I2. Diospyros Virginiana.
13. Platanus occidentalis. 14. Cucurbita verrucosa Miller. 15. Arachis
hypogaea. the season would have admitted procuring some other articles
from a distance, but 1 was yesterday informed that the brig Lucy sails
three days hence from Baltimore to Nantes. I therefore close the box
to-day and send it off by stage tomorrow, the only means of getting to
Baltimore in time, it is a box 4 feet long, and 1 foot wide and deep ;
will be addressed to you to the care of William Patterson, commercial
agent of the U. S. at Nantes, with instructions first to ask your orders
how to have them conveyed and to follow those orders. I shall make
some observations on some of these articles, of the oaks 1 have selected
the alba, because it is the finest of the whole family, it is the only tree
with us which disputes for pre-eminence with the Liriodendron. it may

Jefferson’s Garden Book

306

[1805

be called the Jupiter while the latter is the Juno of our groves, the
Prinos, or chestnut oak is also one of the fine and handsome species, the
Phellos, or willow oak combines great irregularity with beauty, the
Palustris of Michaux, which is the Quercus rubra dissecta R of La
March Encyclop. Method. Botan. i. 721. is nearly as singular by the
deep indenture of it's leaves and their very narrow lobes, as the Phellos,
and very handsome, it has also been called by some Quercus montanus,
just as improperly as Palustris. it grows wdl in dry as well as moist
lands, the acorns of the Q. Phellos are the smaller, we know, they
fall early in the season, and I send you every individual acorn which
multiplied researches could now procure, probably some of the minutest
may not come up, but I trust a sufficient number will be found good, in
each of the cells of the box are some leaves of the identical trees from
which the acorns were gathered. Juniperus virgin. I presume some
method is known and practiced with you to make the seeds come up. I
have never known but one person succeed with them here, he crammed
them down the throats of his poultry confined in the hen-yard and then
sowed their dung, which has been completely effectual. Cornus Florida,
we have a variety of this with a flesh coloured blossom, but it is so rare
that I have seen it in but one place on my road from hence to Monticello,
and could only be known at this season by marking the tree when in
blossom, this research must be reserved for a situation more favorable
than my present one. Magnolia acuminata, this plant is not of Vir-
ginia, except it's South Western angle, 250 miles from hence. I send
you the only cone of it I ever saw, and which came to me accidentally
not long since, the tree 1 have never seen. Platanus occidentalis, a
most noble tree for shade, of fine form, its bark of a paper-white
when old, and of very quick growth, cucuibita verrucosa, cymling. I
recommend this merely for your garden, we consider it one of our
finest and most innocent vegetables. I found the chicoree as dressed by
your cooks in a pulpy form to resemble our cymling. Arachis hypogaea,
a very sweet ground-nut. it grows well at this place where we can have
neither figs nor artechokes without protection through the winter, it is
hardier therefore than they are, and cannot be a mere-green house plant
with you as Miller and Diunont Courset suppose. I write to you al-
most in despair that you will get either my letter or the box of seeds,
such are the irregularities committed on the ocean by the armed vessels
of all the belligerent powers that nothing is safe committed to that ele-
ment. were it not for this, I would ask you to send me by some occasion
some acorns of the Quercus rubre, some seeds of the Cedrus Lebani
which you have in the Jardin des plantes, and perhaps some nuts of your
Marronier : but I should only expose myself to the mortification of losing
them. ...

P. S, since writing the above I have been able to get some of the
Pyrus coronaria, or malus sylvestiis virginiana floribus odoratis of Clay-
ton. both the blossom and apple are of the finest perfume, and the apple
is the best of all possible burnishers for brass and steel furniture which
has contracted rust (Ford, Jefferton CarretfondeHce : 118-120.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

307

1805]

(Thomas Main to Jefferson.)

Nursery near Geo; Town

Oct'. 29*'*. 1805.

Intending to set off for Richmond in a day or two, I have directed the
bearer to wait for the Letter which you was so obliging as to offer me.

. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(JeffersOT to Dr. James Currie.)

Washington Oct. 29. 03.

The bearer hereof is nnr Thomas Main whom I have spoken of to you
as the person who has been so successfully engaged here in raising the
thorn hedge & whom you were so kind as to say you would patronize
should he be willing to undertake the same business at Richmond, in-
deed for his integrity, sobriety, industry & skill I can safely recommend
him as worthy general patronage, and I am persuaded that in the present
state of difficulty in fencing farms in that part of the country, he will be
a valuable acquisition & will in a few years change the face of the coun-
try. recommending him therefore, for no interests of mine but merely
for those of the canton to which he goes, to your friendly offices & aid I
offer you with sincerity affectionate salutations & assurances of respect.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to William Hamilton.)

Washington Nov. 6. 05.

Your nephew delivered safely to me the plant of the Chinese silk
tree in perfect good order, and I shall nurse it with care until it shall be
in condition to be planted at Monticello. mf Madison mentioned to
me you wish to receive any seeds which should be sent me by Capt.
Lewis or from any other quarter of plants which are rare. ... I hap-
pen to have two papers of seeds which Capt. Lewis inclosed to me in a
letter, and which I gladly consign over to you, as I shall anything else
which may fall into my hands and be worthy your acceptance, one of
these is the Mandan tobacco, a very singular species, uncommonly weak
and probably suitable for segars. ... I send also some seeds of the
winter melon which I received from Malta, some were planted here
last season, but too early, they were so ripe before the time of gather-
ing (before the first frost) that all rotted but one which is still sound &
firm & we hope will keep sometime, experience alone will fix the time
of planting them in our climate. I hope you will find it worthy a place
in your kitchen garden. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to John Holmes Freeman.)

Washington, Nov. 14. *03.

. . . whenever the mill works shall be done the road and garden, and
the engaging negroes for another year are pressing articles. . . . (Ford,
Jefferson Correspondence: 124.)

3o8

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1805

(Thomas Main to Jefferson.)

Main’s Nursery

[Georgetown] Nov*. i8‘\ 1803.

Immediately on my return from Richmond a sense of duty, with senti*
ments of the most unfeigned thankfulness for your benevolent intention
to promote my interest through a benefit to the community, in an em-
ployment po congenial to my inclination, induces me to take the liberty
to lay before you the result of my journey. It would have given me
pleasure to have waited on the President for this purpose, had I not re-
flected that his time was at this period by far too precious to suffer such
intrusion from my humble concerns.

Doctor Currie received me with great kindness, and was anxious to
favour me with a place, though I found him unhappily afflicted with
much grief for the loss of his only child: and he indeed nevertheless,
honoured my errand with his whole attention. An obstacle of some
magnitude however prevented an agreement. The house which was to
be my dwelling stood contiguous, in the same yard with those of his
overseer and labourers, which I found was permanently to be the case.
This was a difficulty which I really durst not encounter, fearing that
disagreeable collisions might eventually ensue from such an intermixture
of authoritjr, which would endanger that happy tranquility so dear to
the quiet mind ; one half of this dreaded evil being apprehended from a
source over which I could have no control rendered it still more in-
superable. These sentiments I respectfully submitted to the Doctor;
and further added that it would be my anxious care and earhest desire to
cultivate a good understanding with him and wished therefore that every-
thing which might probably produce the seeds of discord should by an-
ticipation be prevented. He allowed the observations to be reasonable
but could not devise a remedy, as it was out of his power to dispense
with the use of that place for ^e residence of his people. Finding this
obstacle not to be overcome, he oblipngly offered to introduce me to
other landholders, gentlemen of his acquaintance, and to lay the Presi-
dents letter before them, if I would tarry a day or two longer: but as I
found I could not with propriety delay my return I was obliged to de-
cline that offer. He then proposed for me to throw my ideas upon
paper and write to him in Dec*. I promised compliance and perceiving
him very unwell took my leave: he requesting me to give his best re-
spects to the President. Perhaps I ought to desist at this time from any
further attempts to fix an establishment at Richmond. When I write
to the Doctor I shall with permission, submit my letter to your correc-
tion, as it would distress me greatly should I inadvertently dictate any-
thing that might seem to derogate in the least from the recommendation
which you have been pleased to give me. Great part of the country
through which 1 passed, and about Richmond appeared so far as I could
observe highly susceptible of the improvement of Hedging and seemed
also much to require it. Being treated with the greatest civility by
every person with whom I had any intercourse in Virginia it could not
fail of making a very favourable impression on my mind respecting its

Jefferson’s Garden Book

309

1805]

inhabitants. I have only to add that your goodness, to me, so much un*
merited, shall ever be held in pleasing remembrance; and that with the
most affectionate attachment and sincere respect. . . . {Jefferson Papers,

L. C.)

(Thomas Appleton to Jefferson.)

Leghorn Nov. 18, 1805.

... I have put on board ship a case of plants which are sent to you
by M’’, Mazzei. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jacob Crowninshield to Jefferson.)

Washington, November 30, 1805.

I beg your acceptance of a head of Egyptian wheat, in high preserva-
tion, which was produced the last season at Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire. It is said to be very prolific, & to produce whiter flour than our
common wheat. I am solicitous it should be distributed in the southern
states & particularly in Virginia & if none of it has already fallen into
your hands I am sure you will give it a fair trial. Should it answer my
expectations it will be a valuable acquisition to the U. States. . . . {Jef~
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin S. Barton.)

Washington Dec. 33 . 05.

Under another cover I send you drawings & specimens of the seed, cot-
ton & leaf of the Cotton Tree of the Western Country, received from
Gen^ Wilkinson at S*. Louis, to these I must add that it appears from
the journals of Lewis & Clarke that the boughs of this tree are the sole
food of the horses up the Missouri during the winter. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Benjamin Smith Barton to Jefferson.)

December 37, 1805.

I am greatly obliged to you for the drawing and specimen, which you
have forwarded to me. The cotton tree is, no doubt, the Populus
deltoides of Bartram and Marshall. I am not certain that it is noticed
in any of the Systematic books on Botany. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. G)

From the Account Book 180$:

Mar. 6. p* mfs Bailey for 80. trees 15. D.

Mar. II. gave Joseph to pay Hepburn 37.675 plants.

Mar. II. Gave Joseph to pay Maine 38. d°,

Aug. 33. J. Holmes Freeman commences as overseer at £. 60. a year.
Oct. 31 . p^ Maine for thorns I3.

i8o6

1806/

Mar. 14. the road from the Shadwell ford* to the top of
the mountain, along the North side of the
mountain, was begun fit. was finished May. ii.
except some little blowing, it has taken 552.
days work @ 2/"= 184. D.

The cherries & peaches are compleatly killed
this year as well on the mountains as elsewhere,
this was effected by cold freezing winds, mostly
from the N.W. in the month of April, & of
considerable continuance, the peaches & cher-
ries (except Morellas) were then in bloom &
killed, the Morelia cherries & apples, not
being" then in bloom, escaped entirely.*

* 1806. The letter to Mrs. Elizabeth Trist, quoted below,
partly summarizes the political and family life of Jefferson
during the early part of 1806;

Washington, Apr. 27, ’06.

... my daughter & her family are here with me & well. They will
set out for Albemarle in 2 or 3 days, whither I shall follow them to pass
as many weeks in order to repose a little after the labors of the winter.
Congress have had a sQually session, some strange phaenomena disturbed
that harmony which has been hitherto unbroken among the Republicans,
however it furnished a comfortable proof of the steadiness Sc independ-
ence of the main body, which could not be led from its principles, and it
has compleated my conviction that ours is the most stable government in
the world, we are trying to lay the foundations of a long peace with
Spain, in which your city is more interested than any other place, from
Albemarle I can give you no news, having nobody there now who writes
me. Mr. Sc Mrs. Gilmer go this ^ring to their lands in the southern

310

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1806]

31J

part of the state, in which the title of the family is confirmed, we ex-
pect Colo. Monroe will return to us next autumn, and I am looking to
my final return there with more desire than to any other object in this
world. It is yet three years distant, this summer will entirely finish
the house at Monticello & I am preparing an occasional retreat in Bed-
ford, where I expect to settle some of my grandchildren. . . . {Glimpses
of the Past, Missouri Historical Society: 97.)

Two observations are of special interest, “this summer will
entirely finish the house at Monticello & I am preparing an oc-
casional retreat in Bedford.” The house at Monticello, al-
though essentially finished this year, required many smaller
alterations during the following years. In fact, Jefferson was
constantly pulling down and rebuilding in a different and more
convenient way.

The new house he was building at Poplar Forest, in Bed-
ford County, was to be a summer haven for him. After he
retired from the Presidency to Monticello, he made at least
two visits there each year. In a letter to Mrs. Randolph,
from Washington, on June 16, he wrote: “I find by a letter
from Chisholm that I shall have to proceed to Bedford almost
without stopping in Albemarle. I shall probably be kept there
a week or 10 days laying the foundation of the house, which
he is not equal to himself.” {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

In 1806 Burr’s conspiracy took place. He was brought to
trial the following year in Richmond. It was also in this year
that the Lewis and Clark Expedition returned. The com-
pletion of this expedition brought as much happiness to Jef-
ferson as the Burr conspiracy brought worry. The following
letter to Meriwether Lewis was written on hearing the good
news that the members of the expedition had arrived safely at
St. Louis.

Washington, Oct, 20, 06.

I received, my dear sir, with unspeakable joy your letter of Sep. 23
announcing the return of yourself, Capt. Clarke & your party in good
health to St. Louis. The unknown scenes in which you were engaged
& the length of time without hearing of you had begun to be felt awfully.
Your letter having been 31 [28?] days coming, this cannot find you at
Louisville & I therefore think it safe to lodge it at Charlottesville. Its
only object is to assure you of what you already know my constant af-
fection for you & the joy with which all your friends here will receive
you. Tell my friend of Mandane also that 1 have already opened my
arms to receive him. Perhaps, while in our neighborhood it may be

Jefferson’s Garden Book

312

[1806

gratifying to him, & not otherwise to yourself to take a ride to Monti-
cello and see in what manner I have arranged the tokens of friendship I
have received from his country particularly, as well as from other Indian
friends : that I am in fact preparing a kind of Indian Hall. Mr. Dins-
more, my principal workman, w 3 l shew you everything there. . . .
(Ford, Jefferson 10: 295-296.)

The spring visit to Monticello this year lasted from May 9
to June 4. The summer vacation extended from July 24 to,
October i. During the second visit he stayed at Poplar
Forest from August 17 to August 28, preparmg the founda-
tion for his house.

The toll mill was completed in the early part of the year.
(See letter, Jefferson to Mr. Cooch, February 23, 1806; and
other letters about the mill.) On July 28 “John Gentry be-
gins to assist & superintend the toll mill at 12. D. per month
(he went off in a few days) .” On August i or 2 “Bacon joins
Gentry in superintend® toll mill.” {Account Book 1804—
1808.) For some reason the toll mill failed to be as success-
ful as Jefferson had planned. Perhaps poor management was
one factor.

Edmund Bacon operated the mill with Gentry until Sep-
tember 29. On that date he became the new overseer at
Monticello, succeeding John Freeman, who had been overseer
only one year. Freeman had proven .unsatisfactory. Jeffer-
son recorded in the Account Book: “Sept. 29. I am indebted
to Edmund Bacon for services to y* day 20. D. he agrees to
serve me as manager one year from this day for 100. D. 600.
lb. pork & half a beef.” Bacon continued as overseer at
Monticello for almost 20 years.

Although no record of planting occurs in the Garden Book
and the Farm Book, the Account Book, memoranda, and let-
ters show the year to have been one of the busiest planting
years at Monticello. Memoranda were left with, and sent to,
Mr. Freeman and Mr. Bacon. Davy’s cart was loaded with
trees and plants from the nurseries in Washington and carried
to Monticello. To show where certain of the plants were to
be placed, Jefferson made a detailed diagram of the upper part
of the mountain. (See plate XXL) This plan was sent to
Mr. Freeman, with planting instructions. Mr. Bacon, re-
counting his reminiscences to the Reverend Hamilton W. Pier-
son, in 1862, said;

Jefferson’s Garden Book

313

1806]

Mr. JefEerson sent home a great many kinds of trees and shrubbery
from Washington. I used to send a servant there with a great many
fine things from Monticello for his table, and he would send back the
cart loaded with shrubbery from a nursery near Georgetown, that be-
longed to a man named Maine, and he would always send me directions
what to do with it. He always knew all about every thing in every
part of his grounds and garden. He knew the name of every tree, and
just where one was dead or missing. (Reverend Hamilton W. Pierson,
Jefferson at Monticello (New York, i86a) : 38—39. Hereafter cited
as Pierson, Monticello.)

In the early spring Bernard McMahon, seedsman and florist
of Philadelphia, published The American Gardener’s Calen-
dar. On April 17 he sent Jefferson a copy and wrote the fol-
lowing letter to him :

Philadelphia, April 17, 1806.

I have much pleasure in requesting your acceptance of one of my
publications on Horticulture which I forward you by this mail. Should
my humble efforts, meet with your approbation, and render any service
to my adopted and much beloved Country, I shall feel the happy con-
solation of having contributed my mite to the welfare of my fellow man,
I am Sir,

With sincere esteem and best wishes yours,
Bernard McMahon.

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson replied to this courtesy on April 25, in the follow-
ing letter :

Washington Apr. 25. 06.

Th; Jefferson returns his thanks to mf M'.Mahon for the book he
has been so kind as to send him. from the rapid view he has taken of it
& the original matter it appears to contain he has no doubt it will be
found an useful aid to the friends of an art, too important to health &
comfort & yet too much neglected in this country, the seeds which
Th: J. received from the Missouri had been sent to the Philosophical
society; but of some which had been received from the Mediterranean
Th: J. sent a few of the most valuable kinds to mf McMahon by mf
Duane ; and will recollect him should he receive any thing in that way
hereafter curious or valuable. Th: J. has been many years endeavoring
to get some seed of the Tarragon, but without success, if mr M*.Mahon
has any, a little of it will be acceptable. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Mr. McMahon’s book made an especial appeal to Jefferson
because it was among the first books to treat of American
gardening and to take into consideration conditions in this
country. From the publication of the book until 1815, sev-
eral letters passed between the two men, each year. Jefferson

314

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1806

bought plants and seeds from McMahon which he planted at
Monticello. Mr. McMahon and Mr, William Hamilton, of
The Woodlands, received many of the plants and seeds sent or
brought to Jefferson by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
(For additional information on McMahon, see p. 478, note
24 -)

* Jefferson’s ford over the Rivanna River at Shadwell.
See letter, Jefferson to James Madison, September 2, i8o6.
Note the mention of this new toad in several letters during
the year. See plate XXII.

‘ 2/ means 2 shillings.

* See letter, Jefferson to Madison, May ii, 1806.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1806
(James Taylor to Jefferson.)

Belle Vue 3**. Feb’'. 1806.

I have thought proper to add a few more of the peach cutings sup-
posing them a curiosity, never having seen any of the kind in Virginia.
If Mr. Madison should wish any more of the peach The President will
please to divide with him. I shall send on some of the Detroit apple as
soon as I can procure them. Those I have were only grafted last sea-
son & will not furnish grafts this season. . . .

Jefferson wrote the following list at the bottom of the letter:

Monthly strawberry vines
Rose col*. Nectarine grafts, clearstone.
a. Magdalene peach cuttings,
a bundle of d°.

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John Freeman.)

Washington, Feb. 7. 06.

... I am sorry you have not yet attacked the road up the mountain.
I suppose the extra work at the mill has prevented it. Jerry with the
light cart & 2. mules had better set off for this place as speedily as you
can get him ready. Fanny need not come, the purpose of his coming
is to carry home a number of trees to be planted, for these the ground
lying Westward from the garden pales to the young hedge must be en-
tirely cleaned up. where pesKh or other fruit trees already exist there
in the regular rows, they may be left; but all out of the rows must be
taken up. the trees he will carry will fill the whole space between the
pales & hedge from East to West, & up & down the hill from North to
South from hedge to hedge, will you be so good as to see that the
water is drawn out of the ice house, once or twice a week, or as often

Jefferson’s Garden Book

315

1806]

as necessary. . . . but really, these immence calls from Monticello dis-
tress me beyond measure, it renders it essential to get the nail house
under steady way, to meet the money calls generally, and to begin our
endeavors to prepare a farm which may furnish the pork, muttons, oats,
peas & hay necessary for me while there & for the place at all times, to
get this under way, the new road, & the fence described in the instruc-
tions I left with you are indispensable & should be undertaken as early
as possible, whether you will be able to get ground ready to sow in
oats & clover, & to plant cow peas, you alone can judge. I think we
might have peas & potatoes in the ground you have to clean up for
peach trees, and that oats & clover ought to be sown in that part from
Bailey’s house upwards which had corn last year. . . . {Jefferson
Papers t U, Va.)

(Jefferson to C. F. Comte de Volney.)

Washington, Feb. ii, 1806.

. . . Our last news of Captn Lewis was that he had reached the
upper part of the Missouri, & had taken horses to cross the Highlands
to the Columbia River. He passed the last winter among the Manians
[= Mandans] 1610 miles above the mouth of the river. So far he had
delineated it with as great accuracy as will probably be ever applied to it,
as his courses & distances by mensuration were corrected by dmost daily
observations of latitude and longitude. ... He wintered in Lat. 4.7^
id and found the maximum of cold 43° below the zero of Fahrenheit.
We expect he has reached the Pacific, and is now wintering on the head
of the Missouri, and will be here next autumn. ... A newspaper para-
graph tells me, with some details, that the society of agriculture of Paris
had thought a mould-board of my construction worthy their notice &
Mr, Dupont confirms it in a letter, but not specifying anything particu-
lar. I send him a model with an advantageous change in the form, in
which however the principle is rigorously the same. (Ford, Jefferson
10: 227-228.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Cooch.)

Washington Feb. 23. 06

In answer to the enquiries in your letter of the 14th I have to observe
that the mill I mentioned to you is on the Rivanna river at a place called
Shadwell in the maps of Virginia 6 miles below Charlottesville, & f
mile above Milton, this last is the head of navigation; but from my
mill boats go down a sheet of dead water to a short fall at Milton,
where the load is transferred to the regular river craft which carry it to
Richmond 80. miles by water, the river is regularly boatable about 7.
or 8. months from the beginning of November (not obstructed by ice.
once in 2 years k then only a few days) and in the Summer months the
boats always hold themselves in readiness to catch the accidental tides
from showers of rain, so that a great deal is done that season: and there

Jefferson’s Garden Book

316

[1806

is rarely any accumulation of produce for want of a tide. I do not
propose to occupy or be concerned in the mill in any way, but to rent her
for 1200. D. she has two independent water wheels, single geered, one
turning a pair of 5. f. Burr stones, the other a pr of 6. f. d". she will be
finished in the best manner with every modern convenience, is about 40,
by 60. f. 3 floors in the body which is of stone, & 2. floors in the roof,
one pair of stones will go July l. the other Jan. i. with a constant supply
of water, there is an excellent miller’s house of stone, 2 rooms below,
& 2. garrets above, well finished, the merchants of Milton, who pur-
chase most of the wheat of the neighborhood, will furnish the chief
employ to be manufactured for a toll. . . .

F. S. a small gristmill near the other, retained by myself, will reserve
the exclusive right to grind corn for consumption of the neighborhood
for a toll. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Thomas Main to Jefferson.)

[Washington] Feb’^ 24® 1806.

To accompany the President’s Thorn plants. There are forty bun-
dles, each containing 250 plants. Besides which there is one bundle of
small plants containing 200. These last, to be planted in nursery to
supply any accidental deficiencies that may happen in the hedges. If the
weather should be dry and warm while the plants are on the road, they
may be watered two [or] three times, according to directions, in the
course of the journey. If the weather then should prove to freeze se-
verely they ought not then to be watered at all during the continuance
of the frost.

After the Hedges are planted the tops of the plants ought to be
trimmed, or cut off with a pair of hedge shears just so low as to miss,
untouched, the tops of the lower plants. This operation not only
renders the hedge evenly and handsome to the eye but is also of essen-
tial benefit by tending to bring the plants to an equality of size and
strength. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John Freeman.)

Washington Feb. 26. 06.

Jerry arrived here the day before yesterday & sets off to-day. his cart
is heavily laden with trees, thorns etc. I inclose you a plan of the
grounds at Monticello where every thing is to be planted [see plate
XXI], and a paper with full directions respecting the thorns & trees
that nothing needs be added here, only to proceed to the planting with
all your force the moment he arrives, as every hour the plants are out of
the ground, sonae die. when a bundle is opened, do not leave the roots
exposed to the air one moment unnecessarily, nothing is so fatal to them.

The garden seeds I send you are of the very best Wnd. if you sow a
bed of each kind of peas immediately they will come to [table] before I
leave Monticello. the sowings should be large as our daily consump-

Plate XXII.— Jeffersoa’s plan.of Memticfllo estate, 1806. T^plan shows Ae of fields,

toads, round-abouts, springs, streams, fords, garden, and houses. {J^erson Jrapers, JW.. £1. a.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

317

1806]

don of such things is great. I send two pairs of hedge shears to be kept
for clipping the tops of the hedges every year. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Charles Clay.)

[Washington] Mar. i. 06.

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Clay, he was mis-
taken in believing he had a packet of seeds from Italy, he was led into
the error by it’s being entered as such at the Custom house, & no letter
of explanation came, it turns out to be a packet containing 2. kinds of
the Peach-Apricot stones & a kind of plumb-stone, the former are dis-
tinguishable from all others by a sheath in the side, through which you
may thrust a pin. no other fruit stone has this peculiarity, so that there
is no doubt what this is. but what kind of plumb-stone is that which
came, he has no means of knowing, he will answer however for it’s
being of distinguished merit, altho’ these may not be within the line of
the gardener on whose behalf mf Qay applied, yet the Apricots are so
valuable that they aie well worth his attention, this particular species
of Apricot is the finest fruit which grows in Europe. Th; J. therefore
sends mr Clay some stones of each kind. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson memorandum.)

Sent to Monticello. Mar. 10. 06.

Cucurbita lagenarla.
a bags peas.

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Sheffield to Jefferson.)

Board of Agriculture
Sackville Street
London

March 24”* i8o6.

Sir

On the receipt of a Box containing a small Model of a Mould Board
which in consequence of a long vacation, was not received till late in
January, it was referred to one of the Members, who has paid particular
attention to the Subject. His report is extremely favorable & the Board
is very generally satisfied, that the Invention is important. There is a
beautiful simplicity in the means of uniformly producing the same re-
sult; and the Theory of keeping a fiat surface of the Mould Board, in
contact wiA the flat bottom of the Furrow Slice, is certainly just, and
entirely applicable to all Land that works, as the Farmers express it,
whole Furrow. But there are some doubts whether the flatness in the
front of the Mould Board, while it rests in its own position, will not be

318

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1806

attended with inconvenience when turning a Furrow, consisting of loose
Mould. As we are much interested in the complete success of this In-
vention, we shall be much obliged to you for the communication of
any alterations, or improvements, which may hereafter be made. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, United States Department of Agriculture.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Apr. 21. ’06.

... In the box No. 4. you will find some willow-oak acorns, peach
stones, & a little more of the Quarentine corn which I had there, this
last you will add to our former stock & plant the whole as I have
formerly directed, put only a single grain in every hole that the seed
may go as far as possible, in this way I think you may have enough to
plant 4. or 5. acres, would it not be best to plant it in your new ground,
which will leave your old ground for oats & clover, the peach stones
Wormly must plant in the nursery, as also the willow oak acorns, the
sooner they are put into the ground the better. (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to William Charles Coles Claiborne.)

Washington, Ap. 27, 06.

... I thank you for a bag of peccans lately received from you. If
you could think of me in the autumn, when they are fresh, they will al-
ways be very acceptable, partly to plant, partly for table use. . . .
(Ford, Jefferson 10: 256.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Appleton.)

Washington April 29. 1806.

[Jefferson thanks Mr. Appleton for] the- packages of trees, cuttings,
plants ti Seeds [that he had sent]. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia 30“. [April] 1806

I have had the honor of receiving your friendly note, and likewise the
seeds you were so good as to send me by M*’. Duane, for which I am
extremely obliged to you, and my best endeavors shall be exerted to
render these, as well as any other kinds that you will please to favour
me with in future, useful to the country.

■ It gives me much pleasure to have it in my power to send you a few
roots of the Artemisia Dracunculus, or Tarragon, these I forwarded by
yesterday’s mail and hope you will receive them in good condition ; they
propagate very freely and abundantly by the roots, and are perfectly
hardy, requiring no additional care or protection in winter. Should
those forwarded miscarry I will send you a small box of them in a grow-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

319

1806]

ing state, and you cannot confer a greater favour on me than to let me
know of any seeds or plants which you would be desirous of obtaining,
that I might have the pleasure of procuring them for you, if possible.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, May ii. 1806.

. . . The drought here is distressing, the crop of oats irrecoverably
lost; the May wheat little better; common wheat tho’ backward is
healthy, and may yet do well, peaches & cherries are almost wholly de^
stroyed. {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, May 23, 06.

... At length we have had a copious rain. It continued with slight
remissions two days (Wed & Thursday) falling moderately so that the
earth is saturated without raising the streams. It was from the N. E.
and has cleared up cold, the wind at N. & thermometer 50“. . . . The
above was written yesterday morning. In the evening it recommenced
raining, continued steadily tho’ moderately thro’ the night, and still con-
tinues this morning, with the wind at N. W. The earth has enough,
but more is wanting for the springs and streams. May 24, 7 o’clock
A. M. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 10: 268-269.)

(Alexander Hepburn to Jefferson.)

City of Washington June la i8o6.
Thomas Jefferson President of the United States

Debtor to A. Hepburn For Trees
Raised at his Garden

1 Apple Peach

5 Alberges do do do . . . . .

34 vaga Lady Peach

12 Soft or Clear stone do .

29 Teat Peach

18 ' St. James Peach

20. Magdelene do do do do

Apricots 8. Peach Apricots .

I. Angelic

Plumbs 15. Mirrable Plumbs
4. Queens Plumbs .

,12^

.624

4-25

1.50
3.6ai
2.2s

2.50
1.00

.124

1.87I

•SO

Received the above amount.

$i8.37i

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

320

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1806

(Jefferson to Christian Mayer.)

June 20. 06.

. . . The parcel of Quarentine corn, for which I return you many
thanks, it is a present of real value, as this kind of corn is a timely suc-
cessor to the garden pea, on our tables, where we esteem it as much as
the pea: but its greater value is to furnish early subsistence after a year
of scarcity. . . . {Jefferson Papers j M. H, S.)

(Jefferson to John H. Freeman.)

Washington June 28. ’06.

... I remarked the day before I left home that the thorns on the
North hillside were very foul. . . . {Jefferson Papers j M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Maury.)

Washington July 1. 06.

. . . We have been lately alarmed with the appearance of a caterpillar
which at first threatened destruction to our small grain, Indian corn,
tobacco & grasses, it has happily however disappeared after little injury,
we are now gathering in one of the most plentiful harvests we have ever
known, of tobacco there has not been plants enough to put in half a
crop, this proceeded from the drought of the spring. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(John P. Van Ness to Jefferson.)

July 5, 1806

I take the liberty of sending you by the Bearer two worms which I
took this afternoon on a lombardy poplar tree standing on dry ground,
that answers, I think, very well (although the colour of the same worm
is variegated and the shades of the two are different from each other)
the description of the reptile, said to be poisenous, which infests these
ornament^ trees. As this subject has lately excited some speculation, I
supposed it would be gratifying to you to observe the worm particu-
larly; and therefore trouble you with this communication which I beg
you will be so obliging as to excuse.

N, B. A description is enclosed. {Jefferson Papers, Missouri.)

(William Hamilton to Jefferson.)

• [Philadelphia] The Woodlands, July 7, 1806

It was not until my return from an excursion of some days that I re-
ceived your favor of the ao“* ult. with the quarantine corn which ac-
companied it. will you be so good as to accept my best thanks for this
mark of your kind attention. . . .

N. 3 , In the autumn I intend sending you if I live three kinds of trees
which I think you will deem valuable additions to your garden viz—

Jefferson’s Garden Book

321

1806]

Gingko biloba or China Maidenhair tree, Broussenetia papyrifera vul-
garly called paper mulberry tree & Mimosa julibrisin or silk tree of
Constantinople. The first is said by Kossmyler [ ?] to produce a good
eatable nut — the 3 "“ in the bark as yields a valuable material for mak-
ing paper to the inhabitants of China, Japan, & the East Indies, & for
clothing to the people of Otaheite & other South Sea Islands-^ the
third is a beautiful flowering tree at this time in its highest perfection,
the seeds of which were collected on the shore of the Caspian Sea. They
are all hardy having for several years past borne our severest weather in
the open ground without the smallest protection. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(John Vaughan to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia, July 8, 1806.

[Mr. Vaughan sends Jefferson from] F. A. Michaux his Voyage Sc a
pamphlet relative to American Trees. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Bowdoin.)

Washington, July 10, 1806.

. . . Our crops of wheat are greater than have ever been known, and
are now nearly secured. A caterpillar gave for awhile great alarm, but
did little injury. Of tobacco, not half a crop has been planted for want
of rain; and even this half, with cotton and Indian corn, has yet many
chances to run. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii: I2i.)

(Jefferson to F. Andre Michaux.)

Washington July 12. ’06.

[He thanks him for his Travels and a pamphlet on trees. Mentions
that he has his father’s Flora Boreali-Americana and has seen his work
on the American oaks,] both of which are valuable additions to our
Botanical libraries. ( Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia July Ia‘^ 1806.

My being from home a few weeks in pursuit of plants and seeds was
the cause of my not acknowledging sooner, the favour you were pleased
to confer, in sending me the quarantine corn, which, I have no doubt,
will become a valuable acquisition: it was sown in my absence, on the
25^. ult”. and is now about 20 inches high.

I take the liberty of requesting your acceptance of a few Tulip roots,
the bloom of which I hope will give you satisfaction : they may remain
in the state I send them till October, and be then planted as directed on
page 528 of my book. I sincerely wish and solicit the favour of your
pointing out to me how I can oblige you.

322 Jeffersok’s Garden Book [1806

I am desirous to know if the Tarragon plants have succeeded, as, if
necessary, I will send you a further supply.

Prefixed to the names of the Tulips you will find the following marks,
significant of the Florist’s divisions of the family; Bx signifies the flower
to belong to the Bizards, Bj to the Bybloemens, I. to the Incomparable
Verports, R, to Baguet Rigauts. t, to the Rose coloured or Cherry, &
P. to the Primo Baguets. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington July 15. 06.

I received last night the tulip roots you were so kind as to send me,
for which I return you my thanks. I shall go in a week to Monticello,
whither I shall [take] them & have them planted in proper season. . . .
about this time two years I shall begin to collect [plants] for that place
because I shall be able to have them attended to. at that time I shall
avail myself with pleasure of your obliging offer, but my situation there
& taste, will lead me to ask for curious & hardy trees, than flowers, of
the latter a few of those remarkeable either for beauty or fragrance will
be the limits of my wishes. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello July 26. 1806.

... the drought in this quarter is successive . . . but there is a good
deal of sickness generally, proceeding from the abundance of stagnant
pools into which all the rivers, creeks, & branches are now converted,
even the Rivanna, after taking out the water for my little toll mill, has
not as much left as would turn another, the shallows in the river are
ail dry, & the deep parts covered with a green coat, all Charlottesville
drinks out of one scanty spring which is constantly muddy, & more'
springs are failing daily, people come for bread from Amherst & Han-
over to the three river mills we have in this neighborhood to wit, mine,
Wood’s 5 miles & Magrudcr’s 10 miles below, we grind each about 40
barrels aday. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Hamilton.)

Washington July 1806.

Your favor of the 7*“ came duly to hand and the plant you are so
good as to propose to send me will be thankfully rec''. The little
Mimosa Julibrisin you were so kind as to send me the last year is flour-
ishing. 1 obtained from a gardener in this nbh^ [neighborhood] a
plants of the paper mulberry; but the parent plant being male, we are
to expect no fruit from them, unless your [trees] should chance to be of
the sex wanted, at a future day, say two years hence I shall ask from
you some seeds of the Mimosa Farnesiana or Nilotica, of which you were
kind enough before to furnish me some, but the plants have been lost
during my absence from home. I remember seeing in your greenhouse

Jefferson’s Garden Book

323

1806]

a plant of a couple of feet height in a pot the fragrance of which (from
it’s gummy bud if I recollect rightly) was peculiarly agreeable to me
and you were so kind as to remark that it required only a greenhouse,
and that you would furnish me one when I should be in a situation to
preserve it. but it’s naitie has entirely escaped me & I cannot suppose
you can recollect or conjecture in your vast collection what particular
plant this might be. I must acquiese therefore in a privation whi^ my
own defect of memory has produced. . . .

Having decisively made up my mind for retirement at the end of my
present term, my views and attentions are all turned homewards. I
have hitherto been engaged in my buildings which will be finished in the
course of the present year. The improvement of my grounds has been
reserved for my occupation on my return home. For this reason it is
that I have put off to the fall of the year after next the collection of such
curious trees as will bear our winters in the open air.

The grounds which I destine to improve in the style of the English
gardens are in a form very difficult to be managed. They compose the
northern quadrant of a mountain for about f of its height & then
spread for the upper third over its whole crown. They contain about
three hundred acres, washed at the foot for about a mile, by a river of
the size of the Schuylkill. The hill is generally too steep for direct
ascent, but we make level walks successively along it’s side, which in it’s
upper part encircle the hill & intersect these a^in by others of easy
ascent in various parts. They are chiefly still in their native woods,
which are majestic, and very generally a close undergrowth, which I
have not suffered to be touched, knowing how much easier it is to cut
away than to fill up. The upper third is chiefly open, but to the South
is covered with a dense thicket of Scotch broom (Spartium scoparium
Lin.) which being favorably spread before the sun will admit of advan-
tageous arrangement for winter enjoyment. You are sensible that this
disposition of the ground takes from me the first beauty in gardening,
the variety of hill & dale, & leaves me as an awkward substitute a few
hanging hollows & ridges, this subject is so unique and at the same time
refractory, that to make a disposition analogous to its character would re-
quire much more of the genius of the landscape painter & gardener than
I pretend to. I had once hoped to get Parkins to go and give me some
outlines, but I was disappointed. Certainly I could never wish your
health to be such as to render travelling necessary; but should a journey
at any time promise improvement to it, there is no one on which you
would be received with more pleasure than at Monticello. Should I be
there you will have an opportunity of indulging on a new held some of
the taste which has made the Woodlands the only rival which I have
known in America to what may be seen in England.

Thither without doubt we are to go for models in this art. Their
sunless climate has permitted them to adopt what is certainly a beauty
of the very first order in landscajpe. Their canvas is of open ground,
variegated with clumps of trees distributed with taste. They need no
more of wood than will serve to embrace a lawn or a glade. But under

3^4

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1806

the beaming, constant and almost vertical sun of Virginia, shade is our
Elysium. In the absence of this no beauty of the eye can be enjoyed.
This organ must yield it’s gratification to that of the other senses ; with-
out the hope of any equivalent to the beauty relinquished. The only
substitute I have been able to imagine is this. Let your ground be
covered with trees of the loftiest stature. Trim up their bodies as high
as the constitution & form of the tree will bear, but so as that their tops
shall still unite & yeild dense shade. A wood, so open below, will have
nearly the appearance of open grounds. Then, when in the open ground
you would plant a clump of trees, place a thicket of shrubs presenting a
hemisphere the crown of which shall distinctly show itself under the
branches of the trees. This may be effected by a due selection & ar-
rangement of the shrubs, & will I think offer a group not much inferior
to that of trees. The thickets may be varied too by making some of them
of evergreens altogether, our red cedar made to grow in a bush, ever-
green privet, pyrocanthus, Kalmia, Scotch broom. Holly would be
elegant but it docs not grow in my part of the country.

Of prospect I have a rich profusion and offering itself at every point of
the compass. Mountains distant & near, smooth & shaggy, single & in
ridges, a little river hiding itself among the hills so as to shew in lagoons
only, cultivated grounds under the eye and two small villages. To pre-
vent a satiety of this is the principal difficulty. It may be successively
offered, & in different portions through vistas, or which will be better,
between thickets so disposed as to serve as vistas, with the advantage of
shifting the scenes as you advance on your way.

You will be sensible by this time of the truth of my information that
my views are turned so steadfastly homeward that the subject runs away
with me whenever I get on it. I sat down to thank you for kindnesses
received, & to bespeak permission to ask further contributions from your
collection & I have written you a treatise on gardening generally, in
which art lessons would come with more justice from you to me. {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C. ; and Fiske Kimball, Jefferson's Grounds and Gar-
dens at Monticello (n. d.) ; 5-7.)

(Jefferson to Mrs. Mary Dangerfield.)

Monticello Aug. 10. 1806.

. . . They [negroes hired from her by Jefferson] have been engaged
this year in some mill works, now nearly compleated. the next year they
would be engaged in levelling some garden grounds, making roads and
other improvements of that nature. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Oliver Evans.)

Monticello Sept. 1. 06.

. . . My mills will be going in October, the situation is one of the
best in the Union, without exception, and I am in want of a tenant for
them, perhaps it may lie in your way to fall in with some one, worthy

Je^terson’s Garden Book

1806]

325

of being received, who would rent them, which would oblige me. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Sept. 2. ’06.

. . . You had better not come through mr Randolph’s farm, but
keep the public road till you get to his gate opposite Milton & there take
the Charlottesville road, and half a mile further, at Johnson’s, take the
left hand by Shadwell mills, the whole road after that is fine, and the
ford made perfectly smooth, the road by Milton is very hilly & doubles
the distance, the one by the mill is along the river bank to the foot of
the mountain, where a new road gives an easy ascent, we have had a
divine rain yesterday afternoon & in the night. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Nicholas King to Jefferson.)

Washington, Sept. 11, 06.

The enclosed seeds were found, carefully folded up in a small bag of
Chinese paper, & deposited among tea of the last importation. ... I
take the liberty of enclosing them to you, than whom no person has been
more zealous to enrich the United States by the introduction of new and
useful vegetables. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

[Jefferson replied to the above letter, saying that he would take the
seeds to Washington and place them in some one’s hand.]

(Jefferson to Thomas Moore.)

Monticello Sept. 16. 1806.

... I have been in the habit myself for a long time of noting the
temperature of the air a little before sunrise & again between 3 & 4
P. M. these giving the maximum of cold & heat in a day where their
progress is regular, the points of time between these arc uninteresting.
I have noted at the same time the state of the weather the course of the
wind & occasionally the access & recess of frost, flowering & leafing of
plants, ripening of the cultivated fruits, arrival of birds & some insects,
their hybernation etc. the latter articles however have been omitted the
last five years because my situation at Washington does not admit of
their observation. 1 now note only the temperature, weather & wind,
any observations you make or procure to be made can always be com-
pared with the cotemporary ones I made at Washington & Monticello.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to W. A. Burwell.)

Monticello, Sept. 17. 06.

. . . Can you send me some cones or seeds of the cucumber tree?
(Ford, Jefferson 10: 291.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

326

[i8o6

(Jefferson to Etienne Lemaire.)

Monticello Sept. 25. ’ofa.

. . . John Freeman is ill now for the s"* day of a fever, which has a.s
yet shewn no signs of abatement, should he recover even quickly, he
will be too weak to return with me. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Oct. 6. 06.

. . . When you have done the dam & pier-head before you go to
digging at the mill, you should take a canoe & go down the canal, sound-
ing everywhere to see if there is no place choaked with mud. I suspect
there is from the circumstance of the canoe’s grounding in it. it should
be from 3. to 4, f. deep ( I forget which) every where, & any obstruction
found in it should be cleared out before it is too cold.

When you clean up the South orchard, you must do the same by the
North orchard, that is to say, all the ground within the Thorn hedge on
the North side of the mountain. I must have that cultivated the next
year in the way in which I shall explain when I come home in March.

I must ask the favor of you to get a peck of the acorns of the ground
oak, to make Wormely plant half of them in a nursery adjoining the
present nursery, & send me the other half by Davy, to be forwarded to a
friend in Europe, the oak I mean abounds in the poor lands about
Hieron Gaines’s, does not grow above 3. or 4. f. high, & is loaded with
acorns shaped like chinquapins, be so good as to write to me once a fort-
night informing me of the progress in our work. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Oct. 19. .06.

... I should imagine that above & near the New road, and in the
clearing you have to make in the river field you would find rail timber
enough for the fence down the mountain, should you not however,
you must get it where it is most convenient, when you proceed to mend
up the fence which incloses the house & it’s grounds, you will find a
great deal of timber ready fallen in that indosure, whidi 1 would wish
you to use as far as it will go, before you cut down any more there, as I
am unwilling to have a single tree fallen in that indosure which can be
done without, might not the lappings of the trees there be got up for
coal wood, & made into a kiln where most convenient? . , , desire
Stewart to send me immediatdy, by return of this post, the list of the
iron wanting for the mill, two mules will be indispensably necessary
for Davy’s cart, when he comes here, as he will have a smart load back;
& the cart shoiild be made strong every where. I would not have you
stop any property of mf Freeman’s. I do not believe him capable of
taking away any thing of mine without accounting for it. the ill-will
of the negroes to their overseer is always such, & their regard to truth

Jefferson’s Garden Book

327

1806]

so doubtful as not to justify our suspecting a man of honest character,
if mf Freeman has taken anything of mine, I am sure I shall see it in his
account. . . . will you be able to buy in the neighborhood as many Irish
potatoes as will plant the whole of the North orchard, & what price must
you pay? according to your answer I will determine whether it will be
better to get them here. I wish you to keep an exact account of all the
grain the mill gets that we may be able to know another year for how
much we may depend on her. . . . (Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Washington Nov. 27. 06.

. . . P. S. Mrs. Nourse has just sent a bundle of Wall flowers for
you, with these there are some tussocks of Peruvian grass she sent me,
& which I will ask Anne to take care of till March, when I will carry
them to Monticello. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Dec. 8. 06.

I enclose you 700. Dollars, of which be pleased to pay to James Walker
100. D. John Perry loo. D. W™. Maddox 50, D. and there will re-
main 450. D. for your corn, fodder & pork, which you must pay out as
you find most necessary, & let me know what will then remain due for
these articles & it shall be remitted about this time next month, after
getting all the coal wood you can on the Meadow branch I should think
it most convenient to get the rest on the high mountain as near the
Thoroughfare as you can. I think there is a great deal of fallen chest-
nut on that mountain which will make better coal than the green wood,
there is a good deal also within the inclosure of the house at Monticello
on the North side of the hill, we must use a good deal of economy in
our wood, never cutting down new, where we can make the old do. I
should think you might get the rails for the upper end ^ your long
fence on the high mountain also, about 2. or 300. yds above the
Thoroughfare gate there is a left hand roundabout road ,* pursuing that
there is a 2^ left hand going to the Secretary’s ford, which is to be
avoided, still pursuing the road on the level to a 3^ left hand which
descends to the Stone spring, and from that goes on to the new road, in
this way rails may be carried from the high mountain. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, Huntington.)

(James Walker to Jefferson.)

Shadwell Detf. la 1806

This comes to inform you of the present state of things about your
Mills, in the first place Mr. Bacon has varied very much from your
directions with regard to the diging and making safe every thing about
the Mill and the waste in the side of the canal, the diging about the

328

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1806

Mill house is not near completed nor is the banks of the canal, and but
little done to the waste, the stem is drawn oif of the gate at the dam not
being half pinned on by Mr. Perry, the wast and canal banks not
being done and the water keeping up so high that we are affraid to take
out the gate to adjust it as it could not be got in again before the water
would overflow the bank at the mill, the weather at this time is too
bad to do any thing towards it. Mr. Bacon had time enough to com-
plete every thing about the mill before bad weather set in which I pressed
to do but in vain, he took the negroes off to getting rails & wood the
probability is that the Mill will not be completed this winter in conse-
quence of these delays & others we are obliged to be very watchful -to
keep the dirting about the Mill from washing away. Maddox has done
but little since you left home. I hardly suppose the addition to the
Toal mill will be finished this winter. Perry has got timber for it but
says he cant get it hailed. Stewart has disappointed us very much in
the balance of the Irons. I have taken many methods to get them done
but all to no purpose, we have not got the spindle for the first pare of
stones as yet also some other Irons for scales & packing Machine, but
am in hopes of gettin them next Monday or Tuesday, the Mill on my
part was ready all to the Irons above mentioned the 26 of Nov'' and
might have begun to grind the I have done all that I can do to-

wards the starting the other pare of stones untill I get Irons, am now
at work about the alteration in toal mill and expect to be stopped for
want of Irons as with the other mill, should Stewart disappoint us as
he has done I think it will be better to get Isaac to do some of the work
Se let Stewart do the most difficult jobs. Mr. Shoemaker has been here
sometime & seeing the prospect so gloomy is getting out of patience and
unless the weather modersites so that the canal can be made safe enough
to let in water he talks of returning back to Washington and not having
anything to do with the Mill, he expects his Miller on every day and
says he cannot afford to be on expenses here all winter & nothing coming
in he seems anxious to be at business & if we can get the Mill in tolerable
order will be satisfied for this season. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Dec^ 26“’'. 1806

It is painful to me to trouble you at this period when you are so much
occupied with the important affairs of the Nation; but your goodness I
hope will excuse my anxiety to procure some seeds of the indigenous
plants of the western parts of America, if you received such from Capri.
Lewis on his return. A small portion of every kind you could con-
veniently spare would greatly oblige me and perhaps render me essential
service; and it would be of some importance to get them as soon as you
could make it convenient to have them forwarded, that each kind might
be treated according to its apparent nature, and different methods tried
to effect its successful propagation with the greater degree of certainty,
especially the nondescripts, if any.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

329

1806]

Of the Cucurbita you were so kind as to send me, some grew to the
length of five feet five inches. I have one of them now in my shop
window, perfectly dry, which is five feet one inch long, perfectly straight
and in every part about four inches in diameter; they are excellent to
use as squashes while young.

The quarantine Corn, was with me fit for the table, in fifty days after
sowing; our last summer was colder than usual, or it probably would
have been fit for use in forty days ; however, it is a great acquisition and
highly deserving of cultivation for the early part of the season. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Dec. 28. 1806.

... I pray you to arrange your work so as to spare your whole force
to be at work in levelling the garden from the io“* of March to the last
of April while I shall be at home. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

From the Account Book 1804-1808;

May 24. rec*. by T. M. Randolph from Gabriel Lilly 1.375 the bal-
ance due me at his departure.

June 17. p* A. Hepburn for trees 18.375.

June 28. p'‘ Holt garden seeds. 13.18.

June 28. p" Maine, thorn plants 60.

Oct. I. left with John Freeman for his expenses to Washington 6. D.

Oct. 1. left with Edm" Bacon for expenses of Davy & Fanny to

Washington 6. D.

Nov. 22. gave Davy for expenses back to Monticello 6. D,

iSof.* Jefferson, feeling the increasingly onerous re-
sponsibilities of his official position, again expressed his old
desire to retire to the loveliness and quiet of Monticello and
his family. On January 13 he wrote to his old friend, John
Dickinson :

I have tired you, my friend, with a long letter. But your tedium will
end in a few lines more. Mine has yet two years to endure. I am
tired of an office where I can do no more good than many others, who
would be glad to be employed in it. To myself, personally, it brings
nothing but unceasing drudgery and daily loss of friends. Every office
becoming vacant, every appointment made, me donne un ingratj et cent
ennemis. My only consolation is in the belief that my fellow citizens at
large give me credit for good intentions. I will certainly endeavor to
merit the continuance of that good-will which follows well-intended
actions, and their approbation will be the dearest reward I can carry into
retirement. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii: 137.)

The Aaron Burr trial, which opened on March 30, in Rich-
mond, Virginia, certainly did not lessen the desire to retire
from public office. The trial continued through the summer
and was finally brought to a close on October 20. Burr was
acquitted. The attack on the American ship, Chesapeake, off
the Capes of Virginia, and the strained relations with Eng-
land, were problems which also gave Jefferson much concern.

During the Burr trial Jefferson visited Monticello twice.
The spring visit was made from April ii to May 13. The
summer visit lasted from August 4 to October i.

The spring visit is of special interest because it was during
Jefferson’s stay at Monticello that he sketched, laid out, and
planted the oval and round flower beds around the house.
(See plate XXIII.) For some unaccountable reason Jefferson
sketched the plan for the beds in a Weather Memorandum
Book, which he had used partly for weather records since
1776, rather than in the Garden Book. In the same book he
placed most of his planting diary for the year, again failing to

* This year not represented in the Garden Book.

r 330

Jefferson’s Garden Book

331

1807]

enter anything in the Garden Book or in the Farm Book, The
diary in the weather book, stray memoranda (chiefly to Bacon,
the overseer) , the account book for the year, and numerous
letters, show this to have been the most active planting year
since the early days of Monticello. It appears that he was
working feverishly to get his mountaintop ready for his re-
tirement.

The plan of the flower beds, referred to above, was the first
one drawn which Jefferson actually laid out and planted with
flowers. Jefferson had drawn a plan for formal beds near
the house as early as 1772, but there is no indication that the
plan was executed. (See plate III.) Jefferson, having de-
cided definitely to retire at the end of his present term, evi-
dently wished this part of his general landscaping plans to be
well advanced.

On June 7 Jefferson wrote to his granddaughter Anne, de-
scribing the new winding walk and flower borders he proposed
laying out on the broad lawn in the rear of the house. On the
back of the letter he drew a sketch of his plans. The walk
and borders were not laid out until 1808. (See letter, Jeffer-
son to Anne Randolph, June 7, 1807; also plate XXIV.)

Minor work was done on the main house, and considerable
work on the South Pavilion and Offices. The Indian Hall,
which was the entrance hall to the house, was fast becoming
filled with Indian relics, bones, rocks, and minerals. It was
to become a show place for visitors in his retirement.

The mill presented its usual problem. It was still uncom-
pleted, although James Walker, the builder, seems to have
done his part in trying to finish it. Mr. Jonathan Shoemaker
was the tenant.

During this period Jefferson carried on an interesting corre-
spondence with his eldest grandchildren. Their letters are
filled with talks about flowers and planting plans. Jefferson
depended on Anne Randolph, his oldest grandchild, to attend
to -the flowers when she was at Monticello.

Two honors came to Jefferson this year which gave him
much pleasure. The first was his reelection, once again, to
the presidency of the American Philosophical Society; the
other was his receiving a gold medal for his “mouldboard of
least resistance” from the Agricultural Society of Paris, On
receiving notice of his reelection to the presidency of the Philo-

Jefferson’s Garden Book [1807

sophical Society, he wrote to the Judges of Election, January

12;

I am again to return the tribute of my thanks for the continued proofs
of favor from the American Philosophical Society ; and I ever do it with
sincere gratitude, sensible it is the effect of their good will, and not of
any services I have it in my power to render them. I pray you to convey
to them these expressions of my dutiful acknowledgments, and to accept
yourselves thanks for the favorable terms in which your letter of the ad
instant announces the suffrage of the Society.

I am happy at the same time to greet them on the safe return of- a
valuable member [Meriwether Lewis] of our fraternity, from a journey
of uncommon length and peril. He will ere long be with them, and
present them with the additions he brings to our knowledge of the ge-
ography and natural history of our country, from the Mississippi to the
Pacific. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii: 133-134.)

He wrote the following letter on May 29 to M. Silvestre,
Secretary of the Society of Agriculture of Paris, on receiving
the gold medal:

I have received, through the care of General Armstrong, the medal of
gold by which the society of agriculture of Paris have been pleased to
mark their approbation of the form of a mould-board which I had pro-
posed; also the four first volumes of their memoirs, and the informa-
tion that they had honored me with the title of foreign associate to their
society. I receive with great thankfulness these testimonies of their
favor, and should be happy to merit them by greater services. Attached
to agriculture by inclination, as well as by a conviction that it is the most
useful of the occupations of man, my course of life has not permitted me
to add to its theories the lessons of practice. I fear, therefore, I shall be
to them but an unprofitable member, and shall have little to offer of
myself worthy their acceptance. Should the labors of others, however,
on this side of the water, produce anything which may advance the ob-
jects of their institution, I shall with great pleasure become the instru-
ment of its communication, and shall, moreover, execute with zeal any
orders of the society in this portion of the globe. I pray you to express
to them my sensibility for the distinctions they have been pleased to
confer on me, and to accept yourself the assurances of my high considera-
tion and respect. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii; 212—213.)

From the Weather Memorandum Book iyj6-i82o:

Note the order of the terrasses below the garden wall is as follows.

the fig terras next to the wall, then

the walk terras.

the strawberry terras,

t‘*. terras of the vineyard & so on to the

the i8'N terras of the vineyard is occupied chiefly by trees.

the ig*. is Bailey’s ally.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1807]

333

Mar. 25. S. W. vineyard, at S. W. end of i®‘. terras planted 2.
Malaga grape vines. Maine,
at N. E. end. i“‘. terras 12 black Hamburgh

grape vines from

2^ 12. red d“. Main

3^ 10. white Frontignac. planted

4^** 20. Chasselas. ’ only

S*** 3. Muscadine. in

II. Brick coloured grapes. vacancies.

y**" 10. Black cluster grapes.

N, E. vineyard, beginning at S. W. end of it, & planting only in
vacancies

i’^ terras. 6. plants of Seralamanna grapes 11. cuttings
from them.

2”

. 1 3. cuttings of the same, or Piedm* Malmsy
.13. Piedmont Malmesy. or Seralamana

3“

4“

. I. Smyrna without seeds.

5"*

. 7. Galetlas.

6*'*

. 7. Queen’s grapes.

^th

. 5. Great July grapes

8’“

. 6. Tokay

gth

.13. Tokay.

lO”*

.13. Trebbiano

1 1’"

.17. Lachrima Christi.

12”*

, 6. San Giovetto.

13”’

.13. Abrostine white

14“'

.21. d“ . . . red or Aleaticos

15"*

.15. Aleatico. or Abrostine red.

lb*"

.13. Margiano.

17**'

.15. Mamsnole.

S. W. vineyard.

N. E. end. g”*. terras 4. Tokays, same as 9*"

N. E. Vineyard.

lo”*

. 6. 'I'rebbianos. same as of N. 1C.

1 1*"

. 3. Lachrima Christi, same as ii”*. of N. E.

Apr. II. Nursery, begun in bed next the pales, on the lower side,
where Gen’. Jackson's peaches end to wit within 2. f. of the
4*'*. post from the S. E. corner.

N®. I. Quercus coccifera. Prickly Kermcs
oalc, 3. cross rows.

2. Vitex Agnus castus. Chaste-trees. faux jg^a

Poioricr. 9. rows DogV

3. Cedrus Libani. Cedar of Lebanon, 2. Qouau at

Montpelier.

4. Citisus Laburnum of the Alps. 2. rows.

5. Lavathera Albia, the shrub Marshmallow.

2. rows.

1807. Apr. 15. 16. 18. 30. planted & sowed flower beds as above
[plate XXIII].

April 16. planted as follovre.

334

Jeffbrsok’s Garden Book [1807

13. Paper mulberries
6. Horse chestnuts
4. Taccamahac poplars
4. purple beach
4. Kobinia hispida
4. Choak cherries

3. Mountain ash. Sorbus

Aucuparia

4. Xanthoxylon
I. Red bud

N. E.

S. E.

clump

S. W.

|N. W.
clump

the above were from Maine except 5 horse chestnuts from
nursery & the Redbud

planted same day I. Fraxinella in center of N. W. shrub

circle from

•1. Gelder rose in d®. of N. E. d®. Maine’s
I. d". in d®. of S. E. d®.

I. Laurodendron in margin of S. W. d® from the
nursery

planted also 10. willow oaks in N. W. brow of the slope, to wit from
the N. Pavilion round to near the setting stones at S. W. end
of level.

and 13. Wild crabs from the S. to the N. pavilion near the
brow of the slope.

*Viburnum opulus rosea.

Apr. 17. planted 3. Robinia hispida Sc 2. choak cherries on the S. W.
slope.

20. Weymouth pines on the slope by the Aspen thicket.
In the Nursery, began at the N. W. corner St extended rows
from N. W. to NE. & planted

iK' iOO- paccans.

a*, d®. 18 I. from that

3^. d® Gloucester hiccory nuts from Roanoke.

4.*, d". d®. from Roanoke, 79 in all. 6. d®. from

Osages. 3. scarlet beans.

5t)>, a bed of 4. f wide, 3 drills, globe artichoke, red.

6'’'. ad®. . . . d® I green

Apr. 18. 7*. a bed. Cooper’s pale green asparagus. 5. rows [?]

feet long, a seed every 6. 1.

at N. £. end of same bed 14. Ricara beans very for-
ward,

8^. a bed 36. f. long. 2. rows & about 8 f. of a 3^ say
60 f. Missouri great Salsafia. I 30 seeds 6. I. apaitf

f As stated elsewhere, the Weather Memorandum Book as a whole is
in the Library of Congress. However, the matter quoted down to this
point is from a detached sheet (comprising pages 51-52) now in the
Dreer Collection at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

PiiATE XXIV. — JefferBOft’s plan of the winding or Rmu^d-dbout JFiUk, flower
borders, and beds, 1807. The flower beds were laid out and plant^ in April, 1807,
The winding walk and flower borders were not laid out and planted until 1808. See

? lates XXIIL XXV, and letter, Jefferson to Anne Randolph, June 7, 1807, (J^etson
*»pirs, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

335

1807]

the following i$ the list of the flowers planted & sowed on the preceding
page. [See Jefferson’s Plan of the Round and Oval Flower Beds, 1807
(pi. XXIII), which is the page just referred to above.]

Dianthus Chinensis China pink

Caryophyllus Sweet William [Single carnation]
barbatus Single carnation [Sweet William]

Glaucium Yellow horned Poppy
Ixia Chinensis
Jeffersonia binata.

Lathyrus latifolius. Everlasting pea
flowering pea of Arkansa. from Cap^ Lewis.

Lavatera Thuringica.

Lilly, the yellow of the Columbia, it’s root a food of the natives.
Lobelia Cardinalis Scarlet Cardinal’s flower.

Lychnis Chalcedonica. Scarlet Lychnis
Papaver Rhoeas flor. plen. double Poppy
Physalis Alkekcngi. European winter cherry

50 Ranunculuses, double

24. Polyanthus tuberosa. double

5, double pink hyacinths 1

10. double yellow d®. I

6. double white d®. | in one bed

6, double blue d®. J

ao. tulips

6. Amaryllis formosissima

24. double anemones

I roots

Apr. 19.

20.

21.

planted 9. Philadelphus coronarius, Mock orange in the 4.
circular beds of shrubs at the 4. corners of the house,
planted among the old cherry trees in the S'*. & 4"’, rows
4. cherry trees from Col®. Coles, to wit Carnations May-
dukes.

planted the following trees from Timothy Matlack, see his
list of Mar. 14. description. [See letter, Timothy Matlack
to Jefferson, February 25, 1807.]

h, (almond row) N. E.
of Vineyard

g. (Apricot row) d®.

fN®, I.

2 .

3 -

S-

6 .

Carolina Canada peach,
clingstone.

two Oldmixon peaches,
the Mammoth peach,
clingstone.

the Oldmixon freestone
peach (supposed Madeira)

the lady’s favorite, lately
imported from France.
The Italian Redstone im-
ported by Ro[bert] Mor-
ris.

the Moore park Apricot

336

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1807

f. (Quince row) d“. 8. the Italian white freestone.

import®, by Rob. Morris.

Note, they were in the places of dead trees. N". 1. 2. 3.
4. run from S. W. to N. E. 7. 5- 6, d“. in this order.

m. (Pear row) Sickel's pear, no N“. blank.

N®. II. the Richmond pear.

6. plants of Purple Syrian grape from Twickenham,
upper row of S. W. vineyard at the N. E. end.

Apr. 24. sowed liburnum in the 6. circular beds of shrubs, also put
into each i. or 2, seeds of the honeysuckle of Lewis’s river,

27. planted il. Kentucky coffee seeds in the upper row of the
nursery contin® N. E. by 2. f. from pales, also some seeds
of a tree from Kentucky, said to be handsome, but name for-
gotten by mrs Lewis, also Clematis or Virgin's bower seeds
about the 3. springs on & near the road from the river up
to the house & at the Stone spring.

29. planted a sod of Peruvian grass 15 I. square in the North
corner of the Nursery.

30. planted 6. scarlet Alpine strawberry roots from M®.Mahon
on the lower side of the Peruvian tussock, within a few
inches. [See letter, McMahon to Jefferson, April 2, 1807.]

May I. planted 90. Antwerp raspberries from M'.Mahon in the 6.

upper raspberry terrasses. [See letter, McMahon to Jeffer-
son, April 2, 1807.]

planted Pani corn in the orchard and Quarantine corn in the
Riverfield.

Aug. II. ray Quarentine corn planted May i. gave rosten ears in
the last week of June, being about 8. weeks, it is now dry
enough to grind, to wit 3J months.

ray Pani corn planted the same day was a week or fortnight
later, but Shoemaker planted Pani corn about the 2®. week
of May, & had rosten ears the last week of June, 7 weeks
exactly, he sais from planting, but by dates it seems less,
mf Randolph’s Mandan corn planted 10 days before my
Quarentine & Pani, yielded rosten ears the 4***. of July, it is
now ht to grind, an ear of Mandan corn which I gave him,
planted May 15. gave rosten ears a few days only later than
that planted Apr. 20.

Aug. 12. Tuberoses blossom.

Sep. 29. traced a road going level from the Thoroughfare towards
Colle 3530. f. & then descending 1. foot in 10. 1600. feet to

the branch at the foot of the stony hill on this side Colle,
which branch proceeds from the Northernmost of the 2.
springs corners between the Colle Sc Monticello tracts.

Jepferson’s Garden Book

337

1807]

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1807

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington Jan. 6. 07.

I received in due time your letter of Dec. 26. but it has been impos-
sible for me to answer it sooner. Cap* Lewis has brought a consider-
able number of seeds of plants peculiar to the countries he has visited.
I have recommended to him to confide principal shares of them to mr
Hamilton of the Woodlands & yourself, as the persons most likely to
take care of them, which he will accordingly do. he will carry them on
to Philadelphia himself.

The tulip roots you were so kind as to send me, I planted at Monti-
cello last autumn. I intend to go there the first week in March in order
to commence planting out some things to be in readiness for my kitchen
& flour gardens two years hence, a small cart will come here for such
articles as I collect here, chiefly trees, but there are several articles for
the selection of which I would rather ask the assistance of your judgment
than that of any other. I note them at the foot of my letter, if you
could be so good as to furnish me with them you would greatly oblige
me. seeds & bulbs can be so packed as to come with perfect safety by
the stage, the best conveyance to this place because we can command
it at all times, whether tuberous & fibrous roots can come success-
fully in moss or any thing else not too bulky, you are the best judge,
to give them the better chance they will be safest with you till about
the ES***. of February, your bill for their amount shall be immediately
provided for by remittance. . . .

best Globe artichoke

Antwerp raspberry

Alpine strawberry

Lillies of a few of the best kinds

Tuberose

Crown Imperials

Anemone

Auricula

Ranunculus

Hyacinths

Sweet William (Dianthus)

Wallflower

Marigold

Saffron

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)
[Sent to Monticello by Jefferson] Jan. 7. 07.

Missouri hominy corn
soft corn

Pani 6. weeks corn,
g. nuts from Missouri
2. boxes d®. from Roanoke.

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Charles Clay.)

Washington, January il, 1807.

... I had hoped to keep the expenses of my office within the limits
of its salary, so as to apply my private income entirely to the improve-

338 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1807

Blent and enlargement of my estate; but I have not been able to do it.

. . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson il: 132.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Jan. u. 07.

... I wish you to keep a very exact account of all the toll the mill
recieves, for a whole year that we may know hereafter what yearly
dependance to place on her. I remind you to have all pressing jobs done
before I come home that I may have all the hands during March &
April, . . . (Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(James Walker to Jefferson.)

Shadwell Jan’' i6*. 1807

I am sorry to inform you that the walls of the new addition to the
toal Mill has fallen down having been underminded by the water pass-
ing through the bank of the canal at the lower side of the long addition
the leak was occasioned by the frost U the bank not being high enough
together. Mr. Bacon is now digging out the foundation deeper it ap-
pears that it will have to be dug as low as that of the old part to get a
foundation, as far as it is dug it appears to be quite miery. Mr. Mad-
dox says he will put up the wall again as soon as they are ready for him.
The part of the house passing over the canal is so low that there is not
sufficient room under it to make the canal bank high enough to hold the
water with safety besides the sills & joists will soon rot as it will have
to be dirted up to the top of them, and as a part is to be pulled down I
would have both new & old raised higher which may be easily done & I
think it will be better in every respect should you incline to do this you
will please let me know shortly, the waist will be done in a few days
except bad weather, we have done but little work for a few weeks past
towards the Mills having been disappointed by persons who ware at work
with me before christmas & promised to return in a few days after but
have not as yet. I shall get the second pair of stones to work as soon as
possible, liie large Mill has not as yet begun to grind for want of a
Miller but was in readiness the eighth in*, perhaps their may be some
little alterations to make after it starts as is generally the case, which
will take up some time. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Walker.)

Washmgton Jan. 26, 07.

I have received your letter of the 16“. but I do not sufficiently mi-
derstand the difficulty of containing the water within the banks of the
canal, under the toll-mill shed, to give directions about it. I must
therefore leave it to your direction.

I receive with real grief the account of the tumbling down of the
new walls of the toll mill. I had hoped that I had seen the end of my
expenses for that establishment. 1 must pray that they may dig the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

339

1807]

foundation now until it’s sufficiency is beyond doubt, even if they must
go down to the rock on which the house itself is built. I hope you will
get the large mill finished off as soon as possible, so that she may begin
by her rent to bring me in something. . . . ( Jefferson Papers. M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Jan. 26. 07.

As I must carry thorn plants home in the spring to fill up the va-
cancies in my hedges, I must now get you to take the trouble of walking
round the whole of the two thorn indosures, and counting exactly how
many are wanting, there should be one every 6. inches. Aen count
how many plants arc living in the thorn nursery, and send me the num-
ber, that I may be able to procure here the proper number. Davy will
have to come on with the little cart & two mules about the i*^ of Marcffi,
... I pray you to consider whatever relates to the mill as the most im-
portant of any thing under your care, and not to fail being there once
every day. . . . (Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(Jefferson to Madame de Tesse.)

Washington Feb. ai, 07.

On the 26th of October 1805 I had the pleasure of writing to you,
and of informing you that I then made up for you a box of seeds acorns
and nuts, which were to go by a vessel bound from Baltimore to Nantes.
The box & my letter were addressed to Mr. Patterson our Consul at
Nantes, not having heard from him in the course of the ensuing summer
I began to apprehend all had miscarried, & in October last 1 wrote to
Baltimore to have enquiry made from the owner of the ship, what had
become of her. I inclose you the answers I received, which with a copy
of my letter then sent, will give you the whole history of that attempt
which I fear proved finally abortive.

I had made up another box for you, nearly similar to the former, this
last autumn, & only waited for an article or two not yet dry enough,
when our river blodced up with ice, a month sooner than usual, and has
continued so till just now that it is again opened. 1 therefore, altho’
late, send off the box to Baltimore to be forwarded to either Nantes or
Bordeaux, to the address of our Consul Mr. Patterson of Nantes, or
Mr, Lee of Bordeaux, who on receipt of it, will write and ask your di-
rections concerning it. it is divided into 15 cells, numbered from I to
XV & containing as follows Cell No. I Quercus Fhellos II 2 Palestris or
Rubra dissecta III 2 Prinos IV 2 Alba V VI IX Liriodendron tulipifera
VII VIII Juniperus Virginiana X XI Bignonia Catalpa XII Cornus
Florida XIII Juglans nigra, & in a bag some Lima beans for your gar-
den. I never saw them in France. XIV Juglans Paccan & in a bag
some Arachis hypogaea XV Diospyros Virginiana. to prevent every
motive for suppressing this letter, I will only add my sincere & constant
attachment and affections to yourself, M. de Tesse, M. & Mdc. de la
Fayette, & that you shall be remembered at the next season for a new
supply. (Glimpses of the Past. Missouri 3: 99.)

340

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1807

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Feb’' 25*^ 1807

By this day’s mail, I do myself the pleasure of sending you as many
of the flower-roots you were pleased to write for, as I had at the time
your kind letter came to hand; also some red and white Globe Arti-
chokes, Early Cabbage and a small variety of Flower-seeds &c. which I
solicit the favour of your accepting as a token of my best wishes.

Almost all my valuable hardy bulbs, I plant in October or in the
early part of November, and previous to the planting season in the en-
suing Autumn I shall do myself the pleasure of sending you a neat col-
lection, and will then have no objection to charge a reasonable price for
them. In a few days, when the weather becomes more mild I will send
you some double Tuberose roots, but as they are extremely impatient of
frost, it would he hazardous to send them at present.

Of Auriculas we have none here worth a cent, but I expect some
good ones from London this spring; if they come safe, you shall have a
division next season.

The Antwerp Raspberries cannot be had, as our ground is still bound
by the frost. I shall forward them as soon as possible. The Alpine
Strawberry is extremely scarce here; however, I think I shall be able to
procure you some before the planting season in the ensuing autumn.

I am extremely obliged to you for your kindness in speaking to Cap*.
Lewis about the seeds; I anxiously wish for his arrival in this City, fear-
ing to lose the advantage of early sowing for some articles which might
require it. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Timothy Matlack to Jefferson.)

Lancaster [Pennsylvania] Feb. 25, 1807.

[He sends] a small bundle containing the nine cuttings which I had
the honor of mentioning to you in the fall, the Oldmaxon peach tree
and several other kinds of fruit in high esteem here, which I hope will
prove acceptable to you. ... I have sent some cuttings both of the
pears and of the stone-fruits. . . . The cuttings of the Richmond pear
are worth particular attention. . . .

List of Fruit Trees

No. I. Carolina Canada — when fully ripe, the most juicy and highest
flavoured of all the Clingstone peaches. For preserving it is
' the best of all the peaches, and being cut round lengthwise,

and gently twisted, one half the peach comes from the stone as
perfectly as from the freestone — the other half is taken out with
the point of a knife. It retains more of the peach flavour in
brandy than any other.

11 , The much boasted oldmixon peach, which I fear will disap-
point you in size.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1807]

341

in. The mammoth peach — ^large, perfectly beautiful and ripens
tender — a clingstone.

IV. The Oldmixon freestone — a fine peach — ^I suppose the same as
the Madeira peach.

V. The Lady’s favourite — a. small yellow peach of exquisite flavour
— a late importation from France — ripens full of juice.

VI. The Italian red-freestone — ^imported by Robert Morris.

VIII. The Italian White-freestone — ^imported by R. M.

VII. The Moore Park Apricot — I presume the same as the Anvon.
The Purple Syrian Grape cuttings from each & also of the
from Twitman Purple Prune and of Coopers plum,
a seedling from the Green Gage
grafted on the Wild plum.

X. Sechell’s pear — a small pear to be gathered about the lo”* of
October — ^They are red upon the tree & ripen in about two
weeks to a beautiful lemon colour — ^They are juicy and tender
as the best of the Burser pears, and much sweeter.

A small parcel of Coopers pale green Asparagus seed, which
has long commanded the Philaddphia market. The head is
large in proportion to its stem & very tender, the whole of this
seed is gathered from one beautiful stalk in my garden.

The long crooked & warted Squash — a native of New Jersey,
which the Cooper’s family have preserved and cultivated for
near a century. It is our best Squash.

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Ellen Randolph.)

Washington Mar. I. 07.

... I shall write to Anne by the cart, because it will carry a box of
flower roots which I shall consign to her care, but not to be opened till
we get to Monticello & have every thing ready for planting them as soon
as they are opened. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Mar. 1, 1807.

I suppose Davy will set out tomorrow, and of course that he will
hardly be back to Monticello before the 13“*. in the meantime the sea-
son is advancing. I think therefore you had better take up the thorns
in the Nursery, & plant them in the hedge of the South orchard as soon
as the weather becomes favorable for it. the plants are to be every
where 6. inches apart, a caution very strictly to be attended to is that
when you take the plants out of the nursery, let the roots be exposed to
the air as short a time & as little as possible, nothing is so fatal to a
plant as the air getting at the root, and more than half the loss in trans-
planting is from that cause, mf Perry was wrong in saying I had
blamed you about the building the cooper’s house & stable at the mill.

341

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1807

there is not such an idea in my letter, the blame was all for himself
which I thought was for any body: however he has given me such an
explanation since as satisfies me as to him also. I expect to be at home
about the I2“‘. or 13“. . . . (Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(John L. E. W. Shecut to Jefferson.)

Charleston, March 4, 1807.

[Mr. Shecut presents through Dr. Mitchill of New York a copy of
his Flora Carolinaeensis,'\ (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Thomas Main sold to Jefferson.)

[Georgetown] Mar. 7, 1807

13 Paper Mulberries

@ SO

cent each

$6.00

4 Ribinias [Robinias]

@ as

1.00

2 Snowballs

@ Do.

•SO

3 Mountain ash

@ 25

.75

2 Tacamahac

@ Do.

•SO

2 Prickly-ash-Xanthoxylon

@ 25

.50

4 Choke cherry

@ 25

1.00

I Fraxinella

1.00

I Buckeye

4 Purple Beeches

4 Thousand American Hedge Thoms

@ 6 Doll

per M.

24.00

$35.25

. . . Great care must be taken in unloosing this smallest bundle not to
injure the buds of the plants particularly the purple Beeches and
Fraxinella. The large buds of the Buckeye are trebly secured with the
bandages.

Directions to accompany the plants for the President

If the weather continues moist there will be little occasion to water
the plants upon the road. But if it turns out dry and windy they may
be watered once a day. They ought not to be watered if it should freeze
while they are upon the journey.

When they arrive at Monticello, the thorns should be untied from
the large bundles and continue an hour or two immersed in water; they
may then be left with their roots only in the water all the night and then
layed in a trench pretty deep so as entirely to cover their roots, where
they may remain until the weather etc. is suitable to have them planted
in the hedge.

If the weather should be frosty on their arrival they may be laid in a
cellar unopened until the frost is over.

Thos, Main

(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

March 10, 1807,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

343

1807]

(Jefferson to Timothy Matlack.)

Washington Mar. la. 07.

You have very much gratified me by the collection of choice fruit trees
you have been so good as to forward me. it is gone on to Monticello
to which place I shall follow it in a few days, whither also I am with-
drawing all my views as a place of rest from the labors & contentions of
public life. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Mar. 13. 1807.

Davy has been detained here until this day. he now carries with him
some bundles of trees, and 4,000 thorns, as to the trees, the moment he
arrives, dig a trench in the garden 18. I. deep and set them in it in their
bundles, side by side, and fill in the earth again very close, so that the
air may not possibly get to them, and let them remain so until I come
home, only watering them every day that it does not rain, with respect
to the thorns, bury them in like manner in a trench in bundles, and press
in the earth close, then proceed to plant them, filling up all vacancies
in the hedges at 6. inches distant, take out of the group only one bundle
at a time, and have a pail of water at hand while planting them, and
dip the root of every plant into the water, before it is planted in its place,
the most fatal thing to plants is the letting their roots be exposed to the
air while planting, these thorns should be planted as soon as the cart
arrives. Davy brings also some little boxes, etc. which may be put
away in the house till my arrival. I expect to get some clover seeds
before he starts from here, but am not yet certain of it. if he brings it,
take care of it till I get home. I shall set out for Monticello as soon as
Mr, Randolph is strong enough to travel; but that will not be for a
wedc or ten days to come. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M, H. S.)

(Jefferson to Albert Gallatin.)

[Washington] March 20, 1807.

. . . Indeed, I have but little moment in the morning in which I can
either read, write, or think; being obliged to be shut up in a dark room
from early in the forenoon till night, with a periodical headache. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii: 165—166.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

' Washington Mar. 20. 07.

I am in hopes I am more fortunate in the seeds I now send you than
the effete roots before sent, the enclosed seeds are given me by Cap*
Lewis for my own garden: but as I am not in a situation to do them
justice, & am more anxious thejr should be saved in any way than merely
to see them in my own possession, I forward them to you who can give
them their best chance, it will give you too an opportunity of com-
mitting them earlier to the ground than those you will receive from

344

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1807

Cap‘ Lewis for yourself, as it may yet be some time before he is with
you. perhaps you may as well say nothing of your receiving this, lest it
might lessen the portion he will be disposed to give you; and believing
myself they will be best in your hands, I wish to increase the portion de-
posited with you. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington Mar. 22. 07.

Governor Lewis’s journey to Philadelphia being delayed longer than
was expected, and the season advancing, we have thought it best to for-
ward to you by post the packet of seeds destined for you. they are the
fruits of his journey across the continent, & will I trust add some useful
or agreeable varieties to what we now possess. I send a similar packet
to mr Hamilton of the Woodlands, in making him & yourself the de-
positories of these public treasures, I am sure we take the best measures
possible to ensure them from being lost. I sent you a small packet a
few days ago which he had destined for myself: but I am in too indiffer-
ent a situation to take the care of them which they merit. . . . (Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Hamilton.)

Washington Mar. 22. ’07.

It is with great pleasure that at the request of Governor Lewis, I
send you the seeds now inclosed, being a part of the Botanical fruits of
his journey across the continent. [He jso mentions sending some of
the seeds to McMahon. See letter above.] . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(John Threlkeld to Jefferson.)

[March 25, 1807.]

About two years ago I saw a peach apricot (at Hepburn’s Garden in
the City) belonging to you and requested Mr. Mason to ask your per-
mission to take buds from it the Ensuing summer and that I would
furnish you with as many as you wanted of the same kind from it, and
that you risked loosing the kind by Removal having but one. this he
omitted, the tree was removed and as I have been since inform’d Lost
on the road. I was so fortunate as to get the twigs cut off to make it
pack and from them got one to live by Grafting and last year raised a
few from that Inoculation, they are small the bud not having grown
more than 9 or 10 Inches last summer, will you please to accept 4 or
5 of them together with two very fine growing trees that derive their
origin from the Bishop of Bourdeaux’s Garden, the fruit is said to be
large, fine and of the cling stone kind, the Peach Apricot can be moved
now, next fall or next spring but after that would probably be too Large,
if you remove them this spring they should be taken up directly to pre-
vent their shooting which they will Do in a few days, , . . (Ford, Jef-
ferson Correspondence; 141 --142.)

Jefferson's Garden Book

345

1807]

(Jefferson to John Threlkeld.)

Washington, Mar. 26. 07.

I thank you for the kind offer of the trees mentioned in your letter of
yesterday, the Peach Apricot which you saw at Hepburn’s was lost on
the road, but I recei\ed with it from Italy at the same time a supply of
the stones of the same fruit, which are planted at Monticello, and from
which I hope to raise some trees, tho’ as j’et I do not know their success,
should these fail I will avail myself of your kind offer the next fall or
spring, the two peach trees 5'ou propose will be very acceptable at the
same time. I am endeavoring to make a collection of the choicest kinds
of peaches for Monticello. presuming you are attached to the culture
of trees, I take the liberty of sending you some Paccan nuts, which being
of the last years growth received from New Orleans, will probably
grow, they are a very fine nut and succeed well in this climate, they
require rich land, between the two lobes of the kernel there is a thin
pellicle, excessively austere and bitter, which it is necessary to take out
before eating the nut. . . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 142.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia March 27^''. 1807

I duly received the roots and seeds you were so good as to send me, for
which I return you and Governor Lewis my hearty thanks. I have no
doubt but 1 will be able to give a good account of the produce, for I
never saw seeds in a better state of preservation, and their having reached
me in good time will be a considerable advantage. 1 have already sowed
several kinds, will treat the whole with very particular care, and have no
doubt but I will be able to send you in due time, plants of every kind
committed to my care.

I request the favour of your informing Governor Lewis that I wish
him to accept from me, a collection of seeds of culinary & ornamental
plants, to take with him when going to the territory over which he is to
preside ; they shall be ready for him whenever he pleases.

The dwarf Cedar of the plains of Missouri, I take, from the seed, to
be a species of Juniperus; the Shallan of the Clatsops, a Vaccinium; and
the flowering Pea of the plains of Arkansas, a Lupinus. I shall from
time to time report to you or to Governor Lewis the progress of this
precious collection, and of any other articles with which I may be
favoured.

M'. Duane intends to leave this City for Washington on Tuesday
next; by him I will send the Antwerp Raspberries. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Monsieur Le Corate Diodati.)

Washington, March 29, 1807.

. , . At the end of my present term, of which two years are yet to
come, I propose to retire from public life, and to close my days on my

Jefferson’s Garden Book

346

[1807

patrimony of Monticello, in the bosom of my family. I have hitherto
enjoyed uniform health; but the weight of public business begins to be
too heavy for me, and I long for the enjoyments of rural life, among my
books, my farms and my family. Having performed my quadragena
stipendk, I am entitled to my discharge, and should be sorry, indeed,
that others should be sooner sensible than myself when I ought to ask it.
I have, therefore, requested my fellow-citizens to think of a successor
for me, to whom I shall deliver the public concerns with greater joy
than I received them. I have the consolation too of having added
nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring
with hands as clean as they are empty. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef~
ferson ri : 182.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia April 2“*. 1807

I do myself the pleasure of sending you per M', Duane who intends
leaving this City for Washington tomorrow, 90 plants of the white
Antwerp Raspberry, cut to the proper lengths for planting; and 8 plants
of the true red Alpine Strawberry, being all I could procure of these
kinds at present. They are packed in moss, in the larger of two boxes
sent, so carefully, as not to suffer the least injury even if they should not
be planted till the beginning of next month. In the small box 1 send
you 24 toots Double Tuberoses and 6 roots of the Amaryllis formosis-
sima; for the management of these, see pages 349 & 350 of my work on
Gardening,

I have fine crops already up of the Aricara Tobacco, and perennial
flax, and expect numbers of the others up in a few days. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Egbert Benson.)

Washington Apr. 7, 07.

With this will be forwarded by the stage for me at Monticello (to
which place I am this moment setting out) two boxes containing plants,
on which I set the greatest value, they are not yet arrived here from
Philadelphia but are expected to-day. the object of this letter is to pray
you to pay particular attention to the forwarding them by the first stage,
that they may be out of the ground as short a time as possible, they are
to be delivered to David Higginbothem at Milton who will pay the
carriage. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia April lo*** 1807

I was much surprised this day, to find that M'. Duane did not pro-
ceed to W^hington as he Informed me he would when I had the pleas-
ure of writing to you last, nor can he now for a few days; therefore, to-

Jefferson's Garden Book

1807]

347

morrow I will forwaid the larger Box by the stage, and the smaller by
the mail. I am very sorry that I did not take this method at first.

I have several sorts growing of the seeds you were pleased to send me,
among which are four varieties of Currants, and I am confidant that I
shall have plants from every kind I received. . . .

P, S. I am not at all apprehensive that the plants will suffer by this
delay, as they are very carefully packed. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Jonathan Shoemaker.)

Monticello April i8. 07.

, . . tho’ I have been here a week I have not had time to go to the
mill, having a great deal of planting to do, & the season having burst
out upon us very suddenly after my arrival. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jacob Crowninshield to Jefferson.)

Salem, Massachusetts, April 21, 1807.

Jacob Crowninshield has the pleasure to send Mr. Jefferson a sample
of fresh Gu%erat Wheat received by him from Bombay, he regrets that
the package will not allow n greater quantity to be sent, but this may be
of less consequence as the object will be merely to make a trial of the
wheat & for the preservation of the seed in Virginia. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, Apr. 25, 07.

, . . We have had three great rains within the last 13. days. It is
just now clearing off after 36. hours of rain, with little intermission.
Yet it is thought not too much. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 10: 39 t 0

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, May 1, 1807.

. , . Our weather continues extremely seasonable and favorable for
vegetation. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii : 199.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Directions for plantation affairs.

May 13, 1807.

. . . Resume levelling of garden. . . .

. . . Use great economy in timber, never cutting down a tree for fire-
wood or any other purpose as long as one can be found ready cut down
fk tolerably convenient, in our new way of fencing the shortest cuts &
large branches and even hollow trees will come in for use. the loppings
will do for firewood & coal wood. . . .

348

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1807

. . . Burwell paints & takes care of the house. . . .

. . . Keep the thorns constantljr clean wed. . . .

. . . Wormly must be directed to weed the flower beds about the house,
the nursery, the vineyards, & raspberry beds, when they need it. I wish
him to gather me a peck or two of dean broom seed, when ripe, (/e/-
ferson Papers j Yale.)

(Jefferson to George Divers.)

Washington May 24. ’07.

. . . We had strawberries yesterday, when had you them? no peas
here yet. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to the Marquis de Lafayette.)

Washington, May 26, 07.

... I wrote to Madame de Tesse on the 21st of Feb and at the same
time sent a box of seeds, nuts, acorns &c. to Baltimore, which were for-
warded to Bordeaux for her, to the care of Mr. Lee our consul there.
I had done the same thing the preceding year. That vessel was taken
by the English, detained, but got to France in April. It is so difficult
in times of war to get anything carried safely across the Atlantic as to
be very discouraging. I shall not fail, however, to repeat my endeavors
as to such objects as are in our neighborhood here, until she has a plenty
of them. I am panting for retirement, but am as yet nearly two years
from that goal. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 10: 41 1.)

(Jefferson to Colonel James Monroe.)

Washington, May 29, 1807.

... I am not certain this letter will find you in England. The sole
object in writing it, is to add another little commission to the one I had
formerly troubled you with. It is to procure for me “a machine for
ascertaining the resistance of ploughs or carriages, invented and sold by
Winlaw, in Margaret street, Cavendish Square." It will cost, I be-
lieve, four or five guineas, which shall be replaced here instanter on your
arrival. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii: 21 1.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington, [May] 31. 07.

. . . The Burr milstones for the toll mill are gone on. the runner
weighs 1800 lbs, the bedstone 1400 lbs. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington June 6, 1807.

We had peas on the 17*'* May 14 days later than last year, you had
strawberries 10 days before us. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

349

1807]

(Jefferson to Anne Randolph.)

Washington June 7. 07.

I received last week from your papa information that you were all
well except your Mama, who had still some remains of the pain in the
face. I hope I shall hear this week that she is restored to her health,
from yourself I may soon expect a report of your first visit to Monticello,
and of the state of our joint concerns there. I find that the limited
number of our flower beds will too much restrain the variety of flowers
in which we might wish to indulge, & therefore I have resumed an idea,
which I had formerly entertained, but had laid by, of a winding walk
surrounding the lawn before the house, with a narrow border of flowers
on each side, this would give us abundant room for a great variety. I
enclose you a sketch of my idea, where the dotted lines on each side of
the black line shew the border on each side of the walk, the hollows of
the walk would give room for oval beds of flowering shrubs. . . . [See
plate XXIV. Jefferson drew the plan on the back of this letter.]
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Doctor Caspar Wistar.)

Washington, June 21, 1807.

I have a grandson, the son of Mr. Randolph, now about fifteen years
of age, in whose education I take a lively interest. ... I am not a
friend to placing j'oung men in populous cities, because they acquire
there habits and partialities which do not contribute to the happiness of
their after life. But there are particular branches of science, which are
not so advantageously taught anywhere else in the United States as in
Philadelphia. The garden at the Woodlands for Botany, Mr. Peale’s
Museum for Natural History, your Medical school for Anatomy, and
the able professors in all of them, give advantages not to be found else-
where. We propose, therefore, to send him to Philadelphia to attend
the schools of Botany, Natural History, Anatomy, and perhaps surgery;
but not Medicine. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii: 242—243.)

(Wm. Lee to Jefferson.)

Bordeaux June 25, 07.

The box of seeds for Madame de Tesse I have received. . . . [See
letter, Jefferson to Madame de Tesse, February 21, 1807.] {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Stephen Cathalan.)

Washington June 29. 07*

, . . The articles by the Three friends, cap*. Harvey came safely to
hand, & I have since received by different conveyances the other articles
desired in mine of Apr. 28. to wit the Artichoke bottoms, Mustard^ de
Mailly, vinaigre d’estragon, Maccaroni, Parmesan & Smyrna raisins.
. . , {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

350

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1807

(Thomas Main to Jefferson.)

Mains Nursery
June 1807

Bo* of Thos Main

Thorn plants, Trees & shrubs — as per acco* Amts

rendered to the amount of 35 ^5

The honorable Thomas Randolph Esq.

for Thorn plants as p' acc‘ rendered 24 00

Received the above in full.

Thos. Main.

$59 • 25

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Randolph Jefferson to Jefferson.)

July 1807

Dear Brother,

I should have wrote to you on this business before but wished to be
certain in seeing whether I could procure the quantity of seed that I
agree** with the nigroes for which was a bushel of Green soard and as
much of White Clover they are now delivering that quantity at Eight
shillings pr Gallon I think the price high at that but I assure you that it
was not in My power to get it cheaper if Convenient be pleased to inclose
to Me as Much Money as will pay them of for these seed. . . . ( Carr-
Cary Papers, Alderman Memorial Library, University of Virginia.
Hereafter cited as Garr-Cary Papers, U. Va. Also published in Thomas
Jefferson and His Uninown Brother, by Bernard Mayo.)

(Jefferson to the Marquis de Lafayette.)

Washington, July 14, 1807.

... I am afraid I have been very unsuccessful in my endeavors to
serve Madame de Tesse in her taste for planting. A box of seeds, etc.,
which I sent her in the close of 1805, was carried with the vessel into
England, and discharged so late that 1 fear she lost their benefit for that
season. Another box, which I prepared in the autumn of 1806, has,

I fear, been equally delayed from other accidents. However, I will
persevere in my endeavors. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ii : 280.)

(Jefferson to J. P. Reibelt.)

Monticello Aug. 12. 07.

Your letter of Mar. 28. did not get to my hands at Washington till
July 7, and as I had left Parkyn’s designs of gardens at this place I was'
obliged to defer answering you till I came here. 1 now enclose it to
you will) many thanks for the use of it. 1 suspect you will find in the
grounds you propose to improve on these models, in the highest degree

1807]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

351

an obstacle which we find considerable even here : that is that the luxuri-
ance of the soil by it’s constant reproduction of weeds of powerful
growth & stature will bid defiance to the keeping your grounds in that
clean state which the English gardens require. . . . [Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Randolph Jefferson.)

Monticello Aug. 12. 07.

Dear Brother,

I did not receive your letter of July 9 till the 8th inst. and now, by
the first post inclose you ao. D. to pay for the clover & greenswerd seed ;
which goes by post to Warren, the greenswerd seed I wish to have
here; but the white clover seed is to go to Bedford. . . . [Carr-Cary
Papers, U. Va.)

(Charles Willson Peale to Jefferson.)

[Philadelphia] Museum Aug. 30. 1807.

. . . Agreeable to the request of Gov. Lewis I have prepaired one of
the heads of the American Argali (big horns) to be placed in your Hall
at Monticello. it will be put on board the Schooner Jane, Capt, Jack-
son on tomorrow. . . . [Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(William Few to Jefferson.)

New York SepP ab*** 1807.

I take the liberty of sending to you by M'. Gallatin a bottle of salad
oil, the first perhaps that was ever made in the United States. It was
pressed from the seed of a plant which grows in the southern States,
and is known there by the name of Bene, and is cultivated in those
States by the Negroes only for their own use, the pod which contains
the seed before it is matured, I am told is the part which they use.

I have not learned the Botanic term of the plant nor under what class,
or order it is arranged.

The seed was sent to me from Georgia by M'. Milledge of the
Senate bf the United States whose Agricultural and scientific researches
have rendered important services to that State.

Six Bushels of the seed produced about six gallons of cold drawn oil,
of the quality I send, and about twelve gallons of warm drawn oil that
is not quite so pure and well tasted, but it may be used as salad oil, or
for painting, or lamps. . . . [Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to George Divers.)

Monticdlo Sep. 29. 07.

I received the inclosed grass seed, & letter from a mf Willis of whom,
or whose place of residence I know nothing, the character he gives of
the grass is such as to make it worthy an experiment, but my vagrant

Jefferson’s Garden Book

35 ^

[1807

life renders it impracticable with me. knowing nobody more likely to
give it a fair trial than yourself I confide it to your care if you think it
worthy of it. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson, to William Duane.)

Washington Oct. 14. 07.
[He asks him to procure the following books :]

McMahon's book of gardening

Barton’s elements of botany, unbound because I

wish to have the two vols bound in one. . . .

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Timothy Matlack.)

Washington Oct. 19. 07.

I duly received your present of Sidrel’s pears, most of them in their
highest point of perfection, two or three just past it. they exceeded
anything I have tasted since I left France, Sc equalled any pear I had
seen there, they renewed my regrets for the loss of the last spring, the
bundle of trees you so kindly sent me, were longer coming here than
they should have been, but going hence to Monticcllo in a cart, they
were out in the remarkable severe weather we had in the middle & latter
part of March, and by the impassableness of the roads & breaking down
of the cart were so long out that not a single one survived. I will not
trouble you with a new request until I go home myself to remain, which
will be on the 4*'' of March after next, but if in the February preceed-
ing that (say Feb. 1809) you should have any plants to spare of what you
deem excellent pears, peaches, or grapes, they will then be most acceptable
indeed, and 1 shall be able to carry & plant them myself at Monticello
where I shall then begin to occupy myself according to my own natural
inclinations, which have been so long kept down by the history of our
times; and shall bid a joyful adieu to politics and all the odious passions
& vices of which they make us the object in public life. I should be
very much pleased to see you at Monticello & to prove to you that my
heart has been always there, altho my body has been every where, except
there, since our first acquaintance in 1775. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Anne Cary Randolph to Jefferson.)

Edgehill November 9 1807

My Dear Grand Papa.

The tuberoses & Amaryllises are taken up we shall have a plenty of
them for the next year, the tulips Sc Hyacinths I had planted before I
left Monticello they had increased so much as to fill the beds quite full,
the Anemonies & Ranunculuses are also doing well, fourteen of Gov-
ernor Lewis’s Pea ripened which I have saved, the pinks Carnation's

Jefferson’s Garden Book

3S3

1807]

Sweet Williams Yellow horned Poppy Ixia Jeffersonia everlasting
Pea Lavatera Columbian Lilly Lobelia Lychnis double blossomed
Poppy & Physalis failed, indeed none of the seeds which you got from
M"" M® Mahon came up. Ellen & myself have a fine parcel of little
Orange trees for the green house against your return. M” Lewis has
promised me some seed of the Cypress vine. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Thomas Main to Jefferson.)

Main’s Nursery

The President Nov. 20, 1807

Bo‘ of Thos. Main

2000 prime Transplants of the American Hedge

Thorn @650 cents p. m. 13.00

2 Portugal peach trees @ 25 cents each ,50

2 Black Georgia peach trees @ 25 cents each .50

4 Purple Beeches
4 Robinias
4 Prickly Ash
6 Spitzenberg Apple trees

I Blood peach, from the stone, had from W. Simmons and
said to be very large & excellent
500 stones of the October peach

A parcel of the roots of the Sweet scented grass
Box & package 2.00

16.00

(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Maury.)

Washington, November 21, 1807.

. . . The crops of the present year have been great beyond example.
The wheat sown for the ensuing year is in a great measure destroyed by
the drought and the fly. A favorable winter and spring sometimes do
wonders towards recovering unpromising grain; but nothing can make
the next crop of wheat a good one. (Lipscomb and Bcrgh, Jefferson
11: 397 -)

(John Threlkeld to Jefferson.)

[Georgetown,] Nov. 23, [1807.]

Mr. Threlkeld is much Obliged to Mr. Jefferson for the trees and
seeds he has the honor to send him six Peach Apricots from the tree
Mr. Jefferson had at Hepburn Marked No. I two Apricots fruit said
to belonge (?) from the Bishop of Bourdeaux’s Garden No. 2 and two
Peach trees the fruit tihe finest Mr T. ever saw Peches not Paries, No 3

354

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1807

they are all he has fit to send. Mr. T received from a Lady near Bour-
deaux abt a month ago and they are now in the Ground 4 doz Peach
Apricot Stones the Lady saj^ Eat by herself and put up so that I may be
sure of the kinds and to use her own words Plus de 8 pouces frangois
dans sa plus Grande et 7^ dans sa plus Petit Circonference some prunes
De Reine Cloude. The best kind she says in France and another kind
called Prunes de Dattes the most beautiful in appearance but not Equal
in taste if they should succeed Mr T begs Mr. Jefferson’s Acceptance of
some of them. (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence' 152.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Washington, Nov. 23. 07.

. . . Davy will set out on his return to-morrow. He will carry an
earthen box of monthly strawberries, which I must put under Anne’s
care till spring, when we will plant them at Monticello. I have stuck
several sprigs of geranium in a pot which contained a plant supposed to
be orange, but not known to be so. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M, H. C.
1; 118.)

(Jefferson to Captain Williana Meriwether.)

Washington Nov. 24. 07.

By the bearer Davy, I send you, according to our arrangement, the
following trees.

N®. I. Six Peach Apricots engrafted from an engrafted tree, of Italy.
N®. 2. two Bourdeaux Apricots, large & fine in quality.

N®. 3. two Peach trees from France, soft, said to be the finest ever
seen.

also a small bag containing about 100. Paccan nuts, fresh, for planting,
wishing you all possible success with these fruits, which are of pre-
eminent value, I salute you with great friendship & respect. (Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Nov. 24. 1807.

Davy has been detained till now, the earth having been so frozen that
the plants could not be dug up. on the next leaf are directions what to
do with them, in addition to which 1 inclose mf Maine’s directions as to
the thorns, he brings a couple of Guinea pigs, which I wish you to
take great care of, as I propose to g^t this kind into the place of those we
have now, as I greatly prefer their size & form. I think you had better
keep them in some inuosure near your house till spring. I hope my
sheep are driven up every night & carefully attended to. the finishing
every thing about the mill is what I wish always to have a preference to
every kind of worL next to that my heart is most set on finishing the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

3SS

1807]

garden. I have promised mf Craven that nothing shall run next year
in the meadow inclosure where his clearing will be. this is necessary
for ourselves that we may mow the clover & feed it green. I have hired
the same negroes for another year, & am promised them as long as I
want them. . . . P. S. I have forgot to mention that in the box of
Paccans there are 3. papers of seeds, to wit, Cucumber tree, Mountain
Laurel, & Pitch pine, the a. former Wormley must plant in the
Nursery, and he must plant the pitch pine in the woods along the new
road leading from the house to the river, on both sides of the road, he
is just to lay the seed on the ground & scratch half an inch of earth over
it. {Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

Directions for Mr. Bacon

If the weather is not open and soft when Davy arrives, put the box
of thorns into the cellar, where they may be entirely free from the in-
fluence of cold, until the weather becomes soft, when they must be
planted in the places of those dead through the whole of the hedges
which inclose the two orchards, so that the old and the new shall be
complete, at 6 inches’ distance from every plant. If any remain, plant
them in the nursery of thorns. There are 2,000. I send Mr. Maine’s
written instructions about them, which must be followed most minutely.
The other trees he brings are to be planted as follows:

4 Purple beaches. In the clumps which are in the southwest and
northwest angles of the house, (which Wormley knows.) There were
four of these trees planted last spring, 2 in each clump. They all died,
but the places will be known by the remains of the trees, or by the sticks
marked No. IV. in the places. I wish these now sent to be planted in
the same places.

4 Robinias, or red locusts. In the dumps in the N.E. and S. E. angles
of the house. There were 2 of these planted last spring, to wit, i in
each. They are dead, and two of them are to be planted in the same
places, which may be found by the remains of the trees, or by sticks
marked V. The other 2 may be planted in any vacant places in the
S.AV. and N.W. angles.

4 Prickly ash. In the S.W. angle of the house there was planted one
of these trees last spring, and in the N.W. angle 2 others. They are
dead. 3 of those now sent are to be planted in their places, which may
be found by the remains of the trees, or by sticks marked VII. The
fourth may be planted in some vacant space of the S.W. angle.

6 Spitzenberg apple trees. Plant them in the S.E. orchard in any
place where apples have been planted and are dead.

5 Peach trees. Plant in the S.E. orchard, wherever peach trees have
died.

300 October peach stones; a box of Peccan nuts. The nursery must
be enlarged, and these planted in the new parts, and Mr. Perry must
immediately extend the paling so as to include these, and make the
whole secure against hares.

Jefflrson’s Garden Book

356

[1807

Some turfs of a particular grass. Wormley must plant them in some
safe place of the orchard, where he will know them, and keep other glass
from the place. (Pierson, Monticello; 41—43.)

(Fred H. Wollaston to Jefferson.)

Fhilada. 9. Deer. 1807

I have the honor to forward to you a letter from your estimabl friend
Mr. Marrie [— Mazzei], whom I left at Pisa on the 19th Septr. re-
covering fast from his late dangerous illness. ... .

I hope in a few weeks to deliver to you in person a small phial of
Strawberry Seeds from the above named respectable friend. . . .
{Glimpses of the Past, Missouri 3: loa.)

(Jefferson to J. P. Reibelt.)

Washington Dec. 22. 07.

Your favor of Oct. 25 with the seed of the wild Estragon came to
hand last night for which I now return you my thanks, the inclosed
duplicate of my letter of Aug. 12. written from Monticello, will ex-
plain to you why your letter of Mar. 12 could not be answered until I
returned to Monticello where I had left Parkyn’s designs of gardens,
and that I then inclosed them to you with the letter. , . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

“Memorandums”

The following miscellaneous memoranda to Mr. Bacon are
taken from Jeferson at Monticello, by Pierson. They are un-
dated except for the year:

The first work to be done, is to finish everything at the mill ; to wit,
the dam, the stone still wanting in the south abutment, the digging for
the addition to the toll mill, the waste, the dressing off the banks and
hollows about the mill-houses, making the banks of the canal secure
everywhere. In all these things Mr. Walker will direct what is to be
done, and how.

The second job is the fence from near Nance’s house to the river, the
course of which will be shown. Previous to this a change in the road is
to be made, which will be shown also.

As this fence will completely separate the river field from the other
grounds, that field is to be cleaned up ; the spots in it still in wood are
to be cut down where they are not too steep for culture ; a part of the
field is to be planted in Quarantine corn, which will be found in a tin
canister in my closet. This corn is to be in drills 5 feet apart, and the
stalks 18 inches asunder in the drills. The rest of the ground is to be
sown in oats, and red clover sowed on the oats. All ploughing is to be
* done horizontally, in the manner Mr. Randolph does his.

180 Cords of coal wood are next to be cut. The wood cut in the
river field will make a part, and let the rest be cut in the flat lands on

Jefferson’s Garden Book

357

1807]

the meadow branch south of the overseer’s house, which I intend for a
Timothy meadow. Let the wood be all corded, that there may be no
deception as to the quantity. A kiln will be wanting to be burnt before
Christmas; but the rest of the wood had better lie seasoning till spring,
when it will be better to burn it.

When these things are done, the levelling of the garden is to be re-
sumed. The hands having already worked at this, they understand the
work. John best knows how to finish off the levelling.

I have hired all the hands belonging to Mrs. and Miss Dangerfield,
for the next year. They are nine in number. Moses the miller is to
be sent home when his year is up. With these will work in common,
Isaac, Charles, Ben, Shepherd, Abram, Davy, John, and Shoemaker
Phill; making a gang of 17 hands. Martin is the miller, and Jerry will
drive his wagon.

Those who work in the nailery, are Moses, Wormly, Jame Hubbard,
Barnaby, Isbel’s Davy, Bedford John, Bedford Davy, Phill Hubbard,
Bartlet, and Lewis. They are sufficient for two fires, five at a fire. I
am desirous a single man, a smith should be hired to work with them, to
see that their nails are well made, and to superintend them generally; if
such an one can be found for $150 or $200 a year, though I would
rather give him a share in the nails made, say one-eighth of the price of
all the nails made, deducting the cost of the iron ; if such a person can be
got, Isbel’s Davy may be withdrawn to drive the mule wagon, and
Sampson join the laborers. There will then be nine nailers, besides the
manager, so that 10 may still work at two fires; the manager to have a
log house built, and to have 500 lbs. of pork. The nails are to be sold
by Mr. Bacon, and the accounts to be kept by him; and he is to direct
at all times what nails are to be made.

The toll of the mill is to be put away in the two garners made, which
are to have secure locks, and Mr. Bacon is to keep the keys. When
they are getting too full, the wagons should carry the grain to the over-
seer's house, to be carefully stowed away. In general, it will be better
to use all the bread corn from the mill from week to week, and only
bring away the surplus. Mr. Randolph is hopper-free and toll-free at
the mill. Mr. Eppes having leased his plantation and gang, they are to
pay toll hereafter.

. . . Davy and Abram may patch up the old garden pales when work
is going on from which they can best be spared.

The thorn hedges are to be kept dean wed at all times.

There is a spout across the canal near the head, which, if left as at
present, will do mischief. I will give verbal directions about it.

As soon as the Aspen trees lose their leaves, take up one or two hun-
dred of the young trees, not moie than 2 or 3 feet high; tie them in
bundles, with the roots well covered with straw. Young Davy being
to carry Fanny to Washington, he is to take the little cart, (which must
be put into the soundest order,) to fake these trees on board. 3 Boxes
in my study, marked to go by him and Fanny and her things. She must
take corn for their meals, and provisions for themselves to Washington.

358

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1807

Fodder they can buy on the road. I leave $6 with you, to give them to
pay unavoidable expenses. If he could have 2 mules, without stopping
a wagon, it would be better. They are to go as soon as the Aspen
leaves fall.

The nailers are to work on the dam till finished, and then go to their
shop. The verbal directions which I gave Mr. Bacon respecting Car-
roll's farm, will be recollected and observed.

When the work at the mill is done, and the fence mended up on the
top of the mountain, take as much time with your hands as will fill all
the gullies in the field north of the overseer’s house, (called Belfield,)
with bushes, &c., so that they may be filling up by the time we are ready
to clean it up. The scalded places should also be covered with bushes.

The orchard below the garden must be entirely cultivated the next
year ; to wit, a part in Ravenscrof t pea, which you will find in a canister
in my closet; a part with Irish potatoes, and the rest with cow-pea, of
which there is a patch at Mr. Freeman’s, to save which, great attention
must be paid, as they are the last in the neighborhood.

Get from Mr. Perry and Mr. Dinsmore, an estimate of all the nails
we shall want for the house in Bedford; and when you have no orders
to execute for others, let the boys be making them, and keep them sepa-
rate from all others; and when the wagon goes up at Christmas, send
what then shall be ready.

Mr. Higginbotham has all my transportation to and from Richmond
under his care. He settles with the watermen, and pays them. I do
not wish to have any accounts with them.

These rains have possibly spoiled the fodder you had agreed for. You
had better see it, and if injured, look out in time for more.

Mr. Dinsmore wants Allen’s plank brought up immediately. If you
choose it, you can take your half beef now, killing one for that purpose,
and sending the other half to the house, or to Mr. Randolph’s. (Pier-
son, Monticello: 45-52.)

A Stray memorandum, probably to Bacon :

1807. dean all the ground [illegible for one line] in autumn finish that
Roundabout or rather finish the 4“*. Roundab* in order — in
winter to move the fence to the 4”*. Roundabout. {Jefferson
Papers, M, H. S.)

From the Account Book 1807;

Mar. 12. gave Davy & Isaac for their expences home 10.D.

April 20. gave Isaac .50 for bringing cider & trees from CoK Cole’s
yesterday,

July 30. gave Tho* Main ord. on bfc. U.S. for 59.25 for trees &c.
Aug. 12. indosed to R. Jefferson 20. D. to pay for grass seeds.

Nov. 34. gave Davy for expenses to Monticello 6. D.

Dec. 17. p^ Maine for plants 16. D.

i8o8

1808 * On December 27 of the preceding year Jefferson
wrote to Mrs. Elizabeth Trist, “The ensuing year will be the
longest year of my life.” It was certainly a trying year.

The year saw not only repercussions of the Burr conspiracy
in the action of the Senate expelling John Smith, an Ohio
Senator, from membership in that body, but also the enforce-
ment of the Embargo and the coming to a head of the New
Orleans Batture Case. On November 7 Jefferson delivered
his final message to the joint session of Congress. It was an-
other election year. Jefferson refused to run for a third term.
The Republicans again were victorious with James Madison
elected President.

The usual two visits were made to Montkello, the first from
May II to June 8, and the second from July 23 to September
28. A trip to Poplar Forest, where his new house was taking
shape, occurred during the summer visit.

Plans, memoranda, and letters were as voluminous as in the
preceding year. However, no entries were made in the Gar-
den Book or in the Farm Book. Jefferson had only one year
left to get Montkello in shape for his retirement, and as yet
it was far from complete.

The two outstanding improvements made in the grounds
were the leveling of the old vegetable garden (see letters, Jef-
ferson to Bacon and Randolph, February 23, 1808), and the
laying out of the winding walk and the flower borders, along
each side of it, on the broad lawn back of the house, (See
letters, Jefferson to Anne Cary Randolph, June 7, 1807, and
February 16, 1808; also plates XXIV and XXV.) A paling
fence was also planned to surround the garden. (See letter,
Jefferson to Watkins, September 27, 1808.)

Jefferson’s new agricultural interest this year was the benne
oil and seed. The oil was sent to him by Mr. William Few,
of New York, and Jefferson thought it equal to olive oil in its

* * This year not represented in the Garden Book.

3 S 9

^60 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1808

uses. He was later to try growing benne seed at MonticcUo,
but never with much success.

The house was still incomplete. Floors were laid, the
South Pavilion was remodeled, and work on the terraces over
the offices went on. More relics were added to the Indian
Hall, especially those given to him by Meriwether Lewis.
Mr. Clark presented bones of an animal he had excavated in
Indiana.

The problem of the mill was still unsolved. Mr. Shoe-
maker was proving to be an unsatisfactory tenant. Added to
these problems was the loss of the mill-dam by a freshet in the
Rivanna River.

Interesting letters passed between Jefferson and his grand-
daughters on plants and the garden. Letters also continued
between Jefferson and McMahon, from whom he again bought
seeds and plants. The following letters and memoranda show
the wide agricultural interest during the year.

A fish pond was built near the South Pavilion, mainly to
conserve water, but also to serve as a decorative part of the
flower garden. Jefferson wrote in his Weather Memorandum
Book X'JT6 -iB20: “The fish pond near the S. Pavilion is an
Ellipses 5. yds. wide, 10. yds. long == 40. sq. yds., very nearly
I. yard deep = 40. cub. yds. contents.”

On February i Jefferson made plans for an experimental
garden. He left with Mr. Bacon the following instructions;

1808. Feb. I. in all the open grounds on both sides of the 3". &
4“*. Roundabouts, lay off lots for the minor articles
of husbandry, and for experimental culture, disposing
them into a ferme ornee by interspersing occasionally
the attributes of a garden. [See plates XXVI and
XXVII.]

the farming articles as follows

perennials

Orchard grass Pani Corn followed by Pumpkins

Peruvian grass Ravensworth pea round Potatoes

S‘. foin Buckwheat carrots

Lucerne Cherokee corn Miami melon

Succory Albany pea Beet

Burnet Sesamum Turneps

Vetch Rape Cotton

Sweet potatoes

Jers. Artichoke »

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

361

1 808]

From the Weather Memorandum Book j7‘/6-i820:

1808. May 22. Magnolia glauca blossoms.

May 31. counted in the nursery as follows

artichokes, red. 35. in upper bed.

green 140. in lower bed
Asparagus. Cooper’s pale green. 237
Salsaha. Missouri. 13.

June 7. sowed in Nursery (lower part) yew berries, and
Furze.

Aug. 16. planted 15. wild cherry stones brought from the
Misipi by mrs Trist, in the nursery. Wormly was
directed to plant them 6. 1. apart & mark them par-
ticularly. they are different from our wild cherry,
mr Randolph supposes it may be Pad us avium.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1808

(Jefferson to Robert R. Livingston, Esq.)

Washington, January 3, 1808.

... It is now among my most fervent longings to be on my farm,
which, with a garden and fruitery, will constitute my principal occupa-
tion in retirement. I have lately received the proceedings of the Agri-
cultural Society of Paris. They are proceeding with enthusiasm & un-
derstanding. I have been surprised to find that the rotation of crops
and substitution of some profitable growth preparatory for grain, in-
stead of the useless and expensive fdlow, is yet only dawning among
them. ... I lately received from Colonel Few in New York, a bottle
of the oil of Beni, believed to be a sesamum. I did not believe there
existed so perfect a substitute for olive oil. Like that of Florence, it has
no taste, and is perhaps rather more limpid. A bushel of seed yields
three gallons of oil ; and Governor Milledge, of Georgia, says the plant
will grow wherever Palmi Christ! will. It is worth your attention, and
you can probably get seed from Colonel Few. (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson il*. 411-412.)

(Jefferson to William Few.)

Washington Jan. 3. 08.

I thank you for the specimen of Benni oil which you were so kind as
to send me. I did not believe before that there existed so perfect a substi-
tute for olive oil. I tried it at table with many companies & dicir guesses
between two dishes of salad dressing, the one with olive oil, the other
with that of Beni, shewed the quality of the latter in favor of which the
greater number guessed, certainly I would prefer to have it always
fresh from my own fields to the other brought across the Atlantic and
exposed in hot warehouses. I am therefore determined to go into the
culture of it for domestic use, and should be thankful to you for the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

362

[1808

process of expressing the oil from the seed in which you appear to have
succeeded so perfectly, all the minutiae in new processes give aid to-
wards perfecting them. D'. Mitchell supposes the Benni is a Sesamum.

. . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Washington Jan. 6. 08.

Your ingenious friend, mf Martin, formerly made for me a drill of
very fine construction. I am now very desirous of sending one of them
to the Agricultural society of Paris, with whom I am in correspondence,
& who are sending me a plough, supposed to be of the best construction
ever known, on trial with their best ploughs, by a dynamometer, it is
drawn by from one half to J of the force requisite to their best former
ploughs, will you be so good as to get mf Martin to make me one of
his best drills, sparing no pains to make the workmanship worthy of the
object, to pack it in a box and contrive it for me to Fredericksburg, the
cost shall be remitted him as soon as known. I sec by the agricultural
transactions of the Paris society, they are cultivating the Jerusalem
artichoke for feeding their animals, they make 10,000 lb to the acre,
which they say is three times as much as they generally make of the
potatoe. The African negroes brought over to Georgia a seed which
they called Beni, & the botanists Sesamum. I lately received a bottle of
the oil, which was eaten with sallad by various companies, all agree it
is equal to the olive oil, a bushel of seed yields 3. gallons of oil. I
propose to cultivate it for my own use at least, the embargo keeping at
home our vessels, cargoes & seamen, saves us the necessity of making
their capture the cause of immediate war; for if going to England,
France had determined to take them, if to any other place, England was
to take them, till they return to some sense of moral duty therefore, we
keep within ourselves, this gives time, time may produce peace in
Europe, peace in Europe removes all causes of differences till another
European war; & by that time our debt may be paid, our revenues dear,
& our strength increased. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(William Few to Jefferson.)

New York Jan. ii, 1808.

[Tells Jefferson how to extract oil from Beni seeds and the history of
its introduction to America.] (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Jan. 19. 08.

... 1 am very sorry indeed to hear how little the tollmill gets, how-
ever I hope you keep an exact account of all the toll she gets, as nothing
bujt exact observations of that can enable us to know for how much we
may depend on her as to our year's provisions. I am in hopes that from
Saturday to this day you will have been able to fill my ice house, the
lambs which fell in this weather will require vast care to be preserved

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1808]

363

from the cold. I have some dropped here which require great attention,
the chief difficulty is to have the ewes in such a sheltered situation that
the lambs dropped may not perish before they are found. ... I shall be
glad to know from time to time how far you advance in finishing the
garden, counting by the hundred feet from the South West end. when-
ever you find that you dig so deep as to have to carry your earth too far,
take a new level at the midway of the breadth of the garden. . . . { Jef-
ferson Papers j Huntington.)

(Anne Cary Randolph to Jefferson.)

Edgehill January 22 1808

... I have not been to Monticello since we came from there but
Jefferson was there the other day & says that the green house is not
done, both your ice house & ours are filled. I was at M” Lewis's on
my way from the North Garden she told me she had saved some of the
seed of the Cypress vine for you & some prickly ash trees, the Alpine
Strawberries are doing very well. ■ we were so unfortunate as to lose
the Mignonett entirely although Mama divided it between M" Lewis
Aunt Jane & herself but none of it seeded M” Lewis supposes that the
climate is too cold for it for she has had it repeatedly before & it never
would seed, we have a plenty of the two kinds of Marigolds that you
gave us. . . . {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

(William Hamilton to Jefferson.)

The Woodlands, Feb. 5, 1808.

[He asks about the winter Haw which grows so beautifully around
Washington. See letter, Jefferson to Hamilton, March i.] . . . Mr.
Lewis’s seeds have not yet vegetated freely, more however may come up
with this coming spring. I have nevertheless obtained plants of the yel-
low wood, or Osage apple, seven or eight of gooseberries & one of his
kinds of Aricara tobacco, have flowered so well as to afford me an
elegant drawing of it. ... I have prepared for you plants of Brous-
sonetia papyrifera or paper mulberry, — iterculia platanifolia (wrongly
called China varnish tree) & Mimosa julibrisin. They were all de-
signed to come last year, but no suitable opportunity offered. I hope I
will be more lucky this year, . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Anne Cary Randolph.)

^ Washington Feb. 16. 08.

The time at which Congress will adjourn is very uncertain ; but cer-
tainly will not till April, and whether I shall be free to come home even
then is doubtful, under these prospects I shall not attempt to get any
more flower roots & seeds from Philadelphia this season, and must rely
entirely on you to preserve those we have by having them planted in
proper time, this you will see from M'.Mahon’s book, & mf Bacon will

Jefferson’s Garden Book

364

[i8o8

make Wormley prepare the beds whenever you let him know, so that
they may be ready when you go over to set out the roots, the first time
I come home I will lay out the projected flower borders around the level
so that they shall be ready for the next fall ; and in the spring of the next
year I will bring home a full collection of roots & plants, we shall then
have room enough for every thing. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Anthony G. Bettay.)

Washington, February 18, 1808.

... I shall be very glad to receive some seed of the silk nettle which
you describe, with a view to have it raised, and its uses tried, I have
not been able to find that any of your delegates here has received it. If
you would be so good as to send me a small packet of it by post, it will
come safely, and I will immediately commit it to a person who will try
it with the utmost care. I salute you with respect. (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 11 : 442-443.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Feb, 23, 08.

I received last night your letter of the by which I learn you have
done 250. f, of the garden, were we to go on, reducing the whole to the
same level we have begun with, the labor would be immense. I there-
fore conclude to do it in 4, levels of 250. f. each, and taking such a level
for each as that the earth to be dug away shall first fill up the part which
is too low. in this way each quarter of 250. f. will do itself, and there
will be no earth to carry out of it. I have this day written to mr Ran-
dolph to request him to go and fix the level of the second quarter, in a
way which I have described to him. this will shorten your work im-
mensely. I am glad to hear you have lost no lambs, you must attend
to the males being cut at a proper season in the spring: and at shearing
time remember that the lambs are not to be shorn. I have here 18
ewes and shall have about the same number of lambs from them, by a
many horned ram, all of which I shall propose to have driven to Monti-
cello in the summer, this breed being very different from the big-tail
we shall have to provide two separate ranges for them.

I am sorry to find the mill gets so little corn, however in the summer
she will get more. . , . (Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington Feb. 23, ’08.

... I received a letter from mf Bacon last night which obliges me to
ask you to take a ride to Monticello to advise him in his operations on
the garden, he has done 250, feet, should he go on in the same level
we assumed at first, the labour will be enormous on account of the
prodigious mass of earth we should have to dig k the great distance to

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1808]

36s

carry it. for that reason I propose to have the garden done in 4. differ-
ent levels of 350. f. length, from East to West, each, having done one
of these, a second should be measured off and a new level assumed for
that, so that the earth to be dug away from what is too high shall just
fill up the part which is too low, as nearly as can be guessed, to do this
I should plant myself in such a point near the middle of the 250 f. piece,
as my eye would tell me would furnish as much to be dug away as to be
filled up. the rafter level should then be run from that point to each
end of the 250 f. and sticks stuck, this would enable the eye to form
a better guess than the first & to correct that by taking a new level
a little higher or a little lower, as the eye should judge, and making
the level line with sticks by the rafter level, and this would divide the
part to be dug from that to be filled. I formerly wrote to him to do
this, but I doubt if he can, and therefore ask the favor of your assistance
to him, as it will save an immensity of work, my affectionate love is
constantly with you all. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Hamilton.)

Washington Mar. 1. 08.

I received in due time your friendly letter of Feb. 5. and was much
gratified by the opportunity it gave me of being useful to you even on
that small scale. I was retarded in the execution of your request by the
necessity of riding myself to the only careful gardener on whom I have
found I could rely, & who lives 3. miles out of town, it was several
days before I could find leisure enough for such a ride, he has this day
brought me a box, in which are packed the plants stated in the enclosed
paper from him; that is to say I2. plants of what he calls the Winter
berry (Prinus verticillatus) which he does not doubt to be the plant
designated in your letter as the Winter haw. in fact the swamps in this
neighborhood are now red with this berry. O'". Ott however conceived
another plant to be that you meant, and delivered the gardener some
berries of it, which I now enclose you. should these berries be of the
plant you meant, on your signifying it to me it may still be in time to
procure & forward it to you. apprehending myself that neither of these
plants might be the one you wished, but a real haw. now full of beautiful
scarlet berries, and which I have never seen but in this neighborhood, I
directed mr Maine (the gardener I mentioned) to put half a hundred
of them into the box. even should they not be what you had in view
still you should know this plant, which is peculiar at least to America &
is a real treasure, as a thorn for hedges nothing has ever been seen com-
parable to it certainly no thorn in England which I have ever seen makes
a. hedge any more to be compared to this than a log hut to a wall of
freestone, if you will plant these 6. I. apart you will be a judge of
their superiority soon, he has put into the box 8, plants of the tree
haw you dcsir^, taken from the very spot from which D'". Ott had
formerly got them for Doct^ Muhlenberg, you will find a nut from

Jefferson’s Garden Book

366

[1808

them in the top of the box. these were all the small plants which he
could get with any roots, to these I have added 9. plants of the Aspen
from Monticello which I formerly mentioned & promised to you. it is
a very sensible variety from any other I have seen in this country,
superior in the straitness & paper whiteness of the body; & the leaf is
longei in it’s stem consequently more tremulous, and it is smooth (not
downy) on it’s underside, the box goes in the stage of this evening
under the immediate care of mf Sodershorn’s servant.

I am very thankful to you for thinking of me in the destination of
some of your fine collection, within one year from this time I shall be
retired to occupations of my own choice, among which the farm & garden
will be conspicuous parts, my green house is only a piazza adjoining
my study, because I mean it for nothing more than some oranges.
Mimosa Farnesiana & a very few things of that kind. I remember to
have been much taken with a plant in your green house, extremely
odoriferous, and not large, perhaps 12. or 15. I. high if I recollect
rightly, you said you would furnish me a plant or two of it when I
should signify that I was ready for them, perhaps you may remember
it from this circumstance, tho’ I have forgot the name, this I would
ask for the next spring if we can find out what it was, and some seeds
of the Mimosa Farnesiana or Nilotica. the Mimosa Julibrisin or silk
tree you were so kind as to send me is now safe here, about 15, I. high.
I shall carry it carefully to Monticello. I will not trouble you for the
paper Mulberry mf Maine having supplied me with I2. or 15. which
are now growing at Monticello. your collection is really a noble one,
& in making & attending to it you have deserved well of your country,
when I become a man of leisure I may be troublesome to you. perhaps
curiosity or health may lead you into the neighborhood of Monticello
some day, where I shall be very happy to receive you & be instructed by
you how to overcome some if it’s difficulties. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L.C.)

(JefEerson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Mar, 8. 08.

I received yesterday yours of the 4*N I would have you sow in oats
the whole of the field we got of mf Craven, and plant your last year’s
clearing in Fani corn, that is the kind of corn which was planted last
year below the garden, the other kinds of corn I would not have
planted at all, as the Pani is the best. I wish it were possible for you to
get red clover seed to sow with your oats. Col“. Lewis used to raise
seed for sale, in the open parts below the garden and in the South
orchard I would plant Ravensworth peas, Cowpeas, and Irish potatoes,
because in cultivating them we shall get rid of the briars, bushes, weeds
&c. you mentioned in one of your late letters that you had not yet re-
ceived your nailrod. two tons left Philadelphia January the 8"'. . , .
{Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

i8o83

Jefferson’s Garden Book

367

(Anne Cary Randolph to JefiFerson.)

Edgehill March 18 1808

... I am very anxious to go to Monticello to see how the flowers
come on but Papa has not a horse that can be riden by a lady with safety.
I hear however from them once or twice a week by Burwell for I never
fail to enquire after their health. The last news was that they were all
coming up very well particularly the tulips of which he counted at least
forty flourishing ones, you will be at home time enough to see them all
bloom, the Strawberries I am sorry to say I cannot give so good an ac-
count of. I put them when they came in a sheltered place but the cold
weather killed them. 2 have put out fresh leaves this spring & I hope
some more of them will, the earth in which they were put was very
bad & 1 have been afraid to transplant them, it is very poor clay & gets
baked as hard as a brick by the sun. the winter has been so wet that
they have not required watering, but I have done it occasionally this
spring with water that had been standing in the sun, & used a watering
pot with such small holes, that it was exactly like a shower, the em-
bargo has set every body to making home spun. Mama has made 157
yards since October, you will see all the children clothed in it. there
has been the greatest number of wild pigeons this spring that I ever saw.
M'. Craven they say, by means of his net has caught nearly three thou-
sand. he kills some days 700 & seldom less than three or four hundred,
he salts & barrels them like flsh for his people. ... I enclose you some
white violets but fear they will lose their smell before they reach you.
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to P, A. Guestier.)

Washington Mar. 20. 08.

Your letter of the 14*’’ is received, and I have to return you my
thanks for the trouble you have been so good as to take in procuring the
seeds requested by mf Reibelt. I remember that he was so kind as to
undertake through his friends to procure for me some maize of Italy, of
the kind called Quarentine, valuable for it’s early coming to table, & I
presume what you have received is of that kind, the rare a’l’huile I am
unacquainted with, but presume it is what we call rape. (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Mar. 22. 08.

The plants of Privet which you have received are from mr Gordon
and I intend them for a hedge in the garden which not being yet ready,
they must be set out in a nursery where you can find a convenient open
spot. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

"Jefferson’s Garden Book

368

[1808

(Jefferson to Anne Cary Randolph.)

Washington Mar. 22. 08.

... I am sorry our strawberries are unpromising; however I trust
they will put out soon, if some sand and stable manure were put on
the earth, the waterings would carry both down into the clay & loosen
& enrich it. but we had better not transplant them till we get them to
Monticello, where we will take out the whole sod unbroken, and set it
in the ground without having disturbed the roots. I ate strawberries
from these plants last October after my return to this place. I Inclose
you some seed of the Beny, or Oriental Sesamum. this is among the
most valuable acquisitions our country has ever made, it yields an oil
equal to the finest olive oil. I received a bottle of it, and tried it with
a great deal of company for many days, having a dish of sallad dressed
with that & another with olive oil, and nobody could distinguish them,
an acre yields 10. bushels of seed, each bushel giving three gallons of oil.
an acre therefore, besides our sallad oil, would furnish all kitchen &
family uses, most of them better than with lard or butter, you had
better direct Wormly to plant these seeds in some open place in the
nursery, by dropping two or three seeds every lo. or 1 2. I. along a row,
and his rows 2. feet apart, the plant grows somewhat like hemp, it
was brought to S. Carolina from Africa by the negroes, who alone have
hitherto cultivated it in the Carolinas & Georgia, they bake it in their
bread, boil it with greens, enrich their broth &c. it is not doubted it
will grow well as far North as Jersey, tho’ M'.Mahon places it among
green house plants. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Mrs. Samuel Harrison Smith to Jefferson.)

March. 26, 1808.

Mrs. H. Smith . . . sends to Mr. Jefferson some plants of the Ant-
werp raspberries which she has just received from Baltimore, with a
number of other shrubs.

The black-rose. {Jefferson Papers. M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John Strode.)

Washington Apr. 13. 1808.

[Jefferson had lost his mill-dam by a freshet in the Rivanna River.
After asking Mr. Strode’s advice as to the best way to repair it, he gave
the following description of the dam.]

... Dam — It is 400. f. long, 15 ft. broad, 4 f. high on the upper
side & 5 f. on the lower, resting from one end to the other on a ridge of
solid rock, and made tight by a io[f] f. dam of earth on the upper side,
the construction is of timber pens filled with loose irregular stones in
pretty large blocks. . , . {Jeff erf iin Papers, L, C.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

369

1808]

(Ellen W. Ranflolph to Jefferson.)

Edgehill April 14, 1808.

... I wont say anything of the flower beds that is sister Anns part,
the level is spoilt nearly. Mr. Bacon has made a mistake (I presume)
and covered it with charcoal, instead of manure, it looks rather dismal
wherever the grass has not grown it is quite black, and is especially dirty
to walk on, it is not near as bad as it was but it is still disagreeable and
ugly. They are finishing your terras now. The sheep eat up 4 orange
trees and bit half of the finest of besides, when we put them out, how-
ever I have 3 tolerably good [ones] though they are only 2 inches high.
They are all mean little things except that which the sheep bit, but they
are very young. Th,e third of April snow drops bloomed, you have none
but I will give you mine if you want them, and have them set out in your
garden when we go to Monticcllo. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Anne Cary Randolph to Jefferson.)

Edgehill April 15 1808

... I have been twice to Monticello to see the sesamum & Governor
Lewis’s pea planted, the hyacinths were in bloom, they are superb
ones, the Tulips are all buding. neither the hyacinths nor Tulips
grow as regularly this spring as they did the last. Wormley in taking
them up left some small roots in the ground which have come up about
in the bed & not in the rows with the others, the Strawberries Arti-
chokes Salsafie Asparagus & Golden willow all look very well, of
the Alpine Strawberries that Davy brought 3 are flourishing, but I am
afraid the others are entirely dead. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(John Strode to Jefferson.)

April 18, 1808.

[Mr. Strode tells Jefferson how to construct his dam.] (Jefferson
Papeis, L. C.)

(Ellen W. Randolph to Jefferson.)

Edgehill April 21, 1808.

. . . We have had blue & white lilac, blue and white flags and jon-
quils. I found in the woods a great many mountain cowslips and wild
Ranunculus besides other wild flowers. I have got the seed of the Jeru-
salem Cherry which I am told is very beautiful. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Marquis de Lafayette.)

, Washington, April 28, 1808.

. . . Till the last autumn, I have every autumn written to Madame
de Tcssc and sent her a box of seeds. I saw with infinite mortification

370

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1808

that they were either carried into England or arrived so late as to an-
swer no purpose to her. The state of the ocean the last fall was, and
continues to be, so desperate that it is vain to attempt anything again till
that be changed. By that time I shall be maker of my own time and
can never employ it more in gratifying my own feelings than in doing
what will be acceptable to her. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson
19: 169-170.)

(Jefferson to A. Thoiiin.)

Washington, Apr. 29. 08.

Your letter of the iith of May last by mr. Godon came safely to
hand together with your essay on the methodical division of rural econ-
omy, for which I return you my thanks, the great views there pre-
sented of this interesting field of science are well worthy of one whose
time and great talents for that science have been so much devoted to it’s
improvement, you mention the having written to me a year and a half
before on the subject of my description of a mould-board, by duplicate
and triplicate, no one of which I assure you, ever came to my hands, nor
a single line from you till that by mr. Godon. my esteem for your
virtues and talents, and the recollection of attentions received from you
at the Jardin royale while I was in Paris, were pledges that I should
have been incapable of omitting to acknolege the reciept of your letter.

With respect to my method of forming the mould-board so as to give
the least resistance, the society of agriculture and yourself have given to
it mote importance that it had occupied in my own eye. your trans-
lation and communication of it cannot but have been flattering to me.
since the first form used, 1 have made a small alteration in the form of
the toe of the Mould-board, which, while it preserves the principle un-
touched enables us to shorten the plough-share six or eight inches, which
is preferred by the Agriculturists here to the first form. I inclose you a
description of this alteration ; and, as the opportunity is favorable, I send
you also a small box containing a model, which will be carried by the
bearer of this letter to Paris, proposing at the close of my present term
(March, 1809} to retire altogether from public affairs, and to indulge
myself in those pursuits more delightful to me, I may then perhaps be-
come of some use to the Agricultural society who have conferred on me
the honor of membership, pretending however, not to be an adept, but
only a zealous Amateur in the objects of the society. . . . (Ford, Jef-
ferson Correspondence: 162-163.)

(Jefferson to Dr. Gustavus Horner.)

Monticello May 15. 1808.

1 found here a small remnant of the Benni seed I had sent on to be
sown, which enables me to fulfil my promise to you. open light furrows
with a plough, si or 4 f. apart, drop a very few seed every 12. inches
along the furrow, when up, thin them to a single plant at each 12.
inches, and when advanced in growth draw a litffe earth to the roots.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

371

1808]

they need little culture, when the leaves fall from the stalk in autumn,
cut off the top part bearing the pods, and tie them in small bundles,
then leave them, with pods up, against a fence, or polls rested in forks
driven in the ground, when about half the pods are open, hold the
bundle down over a sheet or close floor, and with a small stick, whip out
the seed, return the bundle to it’s former position, & the remaining
pods will open in 8. or 10. days, when the remaining seed is to be
whipped out.

The seed is eaten parched, for a desert, ,or used in substance in soups,
puddings etc. but it’s principal use is as an esculent oil. one bushel of
seed yielding about 3. gallons of oil.

The leaf is a specific in dysenteries & other visceral complaints, two
or three, without being bruised, being put into a pint of cold water, in a
few minutes produce a mucilage equal to that of the white of an egg.
5. or 6. pints are taken in the course of the day. the leaves dried under
cover retain the property of producing mucilage.

The seed is usually planted as soon as the danger of frost is over, and
covered with about an inch of earth, it is the Sesamum trifoliatum of
Miller’s Gardener’s dictionary, where a good account of it may be seen.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, Yale.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

June 7, 1808.

Consider as your first object the keeping a full supply of water to the
mill, observing that whenever the water does not run over the waste, you
should take your hands, and having put in a sufficiency of stone, then
carry in earth and heighten till the water runs steadily over the waste.
It ought to do this when both mills are running one pair of stones each.
Take Mr. Randolph’s advise on these occasions.

You will furnish Mr. Maddox, while working on the stable, with at-
tendance, hauling, lime, and sand, so that I may only have to pay him for
laying the stone. I presume Mr. Dinsmore will let him be of his mess
while here. If objected to, however, do for him what vou can best. . . .

Consider the garden as your main business, and push it with all your
might when the interruptions permit.

Rake and sweep the charcoal on the level into little heaps, and carry
them off. Rather do this when tfie grass seed is ripe. (Pierson, Moa/i-
cello: 65-67.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

June 7, 1808.

. . . The orchard below the garden must be entirely cultivated the
next year ; to wit a part in the Ravenscroft pea, which you will find in a
cannister in my closet, a part with Irish potatoes, & the rest with cow-
pea, of which there is a patch at mf Freeman’s, to save which great at-
tention must be paid, as they are the last in the neighborhood. {Jeffer-
son Papers, Yale.)

37a

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1808

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Washington June 23, 08.

The Agricultural society of Paris has had a plough presented to them
which, performing equally good work requires but one half the force to
draw it necessary for what had till then been deemed the best plough in
France, in their zeal for improvement they sent one of them to Eng-
land, and have sent me one, lately arrived at New York, & ordered
round to Richmond where it will be open for inspection, the experi-
ment being made with an instrument for the purpose (something I be-
lieve like a spring steel yard connecting the swingle tree to it’s cross
bar) It’s accuracy may be relied on. they are collecting all the imple-
ments of agriculture of every country, good or bad, whid^ of course will
give them all the good, desiring to be useful to them in turn, I took the
liberty, some time ago of asking the favor of you to procure for me one
of Martin’s drills. I have since heard he has retired from business
which perhaps has produced a difficulty in getting one. should this have
been got over, I shall be very much gratified by having one in time to
send by a vessel which Is to go in 3. or 4. weeks from this place to Havre
& will afford the best possible opportunity of sending it. if it could be
lodged at Fredericksburg & notified to roe, I would have it either brought
here or deposited some where on the Potomak where the vessel could take
it in. all expenses shall be reimbursd as soon as known. I have gone
into a detail of the motives for proposing this trouble to you, to shew
that they are public in their object
We have lately received from S. Carolina & Georgia the seeds of a
plant brought from Africa many years ago by their negroes & by them
called Benney. it is easy of culture, yields about as much seed to the acre
as flax, and three gallons to the bushel of as fine salad oil as that of the
olive, this I can affirm from an abundant sufficiency of trial, you will
find a good account of it in Millar’s Gardener’s Dictionary under the
head of Scsamum trifoliatum. many persons, from the account of this
plant given by the members of the S. C. & G. at the last Congress, and
the sample of the oil, have sown it this year, it bids fair to supply the
place of olive oil, butter, lard & tallow in most cases, should you pro-
pose to try it, I could send you some seed from Monticello ; tho’ as it is
now too late to sow it, & we shall have fresh seed this autumn, perhaps
you would approve rather of waiting till then. {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia June 28“, 1808

I do myself the pleasure of sending you by this mail a few gooseber-
ries, as a sample of what we may have here, by first obtaining good kinds,
and then judicious management. I fear that from the extreme heat of
the present weather, they will undergo a fermentation and turn sour be-
fore they reach you ; at all events, they will perspire and become much
less in size than when pulled.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

373

1808]

I am happy to inform you that I have fine plants of all the varieties
of Currants (7) and Gooseberries (2) brought by Gov''. Lewis, and of
about 20 other new species of plants, as well as five or six new genera;
this will add to natural history and the plants are forthcoming. I will
not forget you in due time.

I would be very happy to know when Gov"". Lewis may be expected
here. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington, June 28th, 08.

... I charged Bacon very strictly to keep the water of the canal al-
ways running over the waste, as Shoemaker has made the want of water
the ground of insisting on a suspension of rent, and will probably con-
tinue to do it. . . . (Ford, Jefferson 11: 37.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington July 6. 08.

I received duly your favor of June 28. with the gooseberries in good
condition, they were certainly such as I had never seen before in any
country, and will excite strenuous efforts in me to endeavor to raise such,
for this purpose early in the next year I shall ask of you some cuttings of
your bushes, and before that shall send a pretty copious list for a supply
of the best kinds of garden seeds, and flowers. I shall be at home early ,
in March for my permanent residence, and shall very much devote my
[time] to my garden. I reserved very few of Gov'. Lewis’s articles,
and have growing only his salsafia, Mandane corn, and a pea remarkeable
for it’s beautiful blossom & leaf, his forward bean is growing in my
neighborhood. I have the tulips you -sent me in great perfection, also
the hyacinths, tuberoses, amaryllis, and the artichokes. I pray you to
accept my thanks for the gooseberries and my respectful salutations.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Monsieur de la Cepede.)

Washington, July 14, 1808.

. . . [Governor Lewis’s Journal] . . . the journal and geographical
part of which may soon be expected from the press ; but the parts relat-
ing to the plants and animals observed in his tour, will be delayed by the
engravings. In the meantime, the plants of which he brought seeds,
have been very successfully raised in die botanical garden of Mr. Hamil-
ton of the Woodlands, and by Mr. McMahon, a gardener of Philadel-
phia ; and on the whole, it is with pleasure I can assure you that the ad-
dition to our knowledge in every department, resulting from this tour of
Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, has entirely fulfilled my expectations in set-
ting it on foot, and that the world will find that those travellers have
well earned its favor. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson la; 85,)

374

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1808

(Jefferson to A. F. Sylvestre.)

Washington, July 15, 1808.

I had received from you on a former occasion the four first volumes
of the Memoirs of the Agricultural Society of the Seine, and since that,
your letter of September 19th, with the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th volumes,
being for the years 1804, ’5, *6, with some separate memoirs. These I
have read with great avidity and satisfaction, and now return you my
thanks for them. But I owe particular acknowledgments for the valu-
able present of the Theatre de Serres, which I consider as a prodigy for
the age in which it was composed, and shows an advancement in the
science of agriculture which I had never suspected to have belonged to
that time. Brought down to the present day by the very valuable notes
added, it is really such a treasure of agricultural knowledge, as has not
before been offered to the world in a single work.

It is not merely for myself, but for my country, that I must do homage
to the philanthropy of the Society, which has dictated their destination
for me of their newly improved plough. I shall certainly so use it as to
answer their liberal views, by making the opportunities of profiting by it
as general as possible.

I have just received information that a plough addressed to me has
arrived in New York, from England, but unaccompanied by any letter
or other explanation. As I have had no intimation of such an article to
be forwarded to me from that country, 1 presume it is the one sent by
. the Society of the Seine, that it has been carried into England under their
orders of council, and permitted to come on from thence. This I shall
know within a short time. I shall with great pleasure attend to the
construction and transmission to the Society of a plough with my mould-
board. This is the only part of that useful instrument to which I have
paid any particular attention. But knowing how much the perfection
of the plough must depend, ist, on the line of traction ; 2d, on the direc-
tion of the share; 3d, on the angle of the wing; 4th, on the form of the
mould-board; and persuaded that I shall find the three first advantages
eminently exemplified in that which the Society sends me, I am anxious
to see combined with these a mould-board of my form, in the hope that
it will still advance the perfection of that machine. But for this I must
ask time till 1 am relieved from the cares which have now a right to all
my time, that is to say, till the next spring. Then giving, in the leisure
of retirement, all the time and attention this construction merits and re-
quires, I will certainly render to the Society the result in a plough of the
best form I shall be able to have executed. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson la; 88-90.)

(Jefferson to C. P. de Lasteyrie.)

Washington, July 15, 1808.

I have duly received your favor of March a8th, and with it your
treatises on the culture of the sugar cane and cotton plant in France.

Jbpferson’s Garden Book

375

1808]

The introduction of new cultures, and especially of objects of leading
importance to our comfort, is certainly worthy the attention of every
government, and nothing short of the actual experiment should discour-
age an essay of which any hope can be entertained. Till that is made,
the result is open to conjecture; and I should certainly conjecture that
the sugar cane could never become an article of profitable culture in
France. We have within the ancient limits of the United States, a
great extent of country which brinp the orange to advantage, but not a
foot in which the sugar cane can be matured. France, within its former
limits, has but two small spots, (Olivreles and Hieres) which brings the
orange in open air, and a fortiori, therefore, none proper for the cane.
I should think the maple-sugar more worthy of experiment. There is
no part of France of which the climate would not admit this tree. I
have never seen a reason why every farmer should not have a sugar
orchard, as well as an apple orchard. The supply of sugar for his family
would require as little ground, and the process of making it as easy as
that of dder. Mr. Micheaux, your botanist here, could send you plants
as well as seeds, in any quantity from the United States. I have no
doubt the cotton plant will succeed in some of the southern parts of
France. Whether its culture will be as advantageous as those they are
now engaged in, remains to be tried. We could, in the United States,
make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of
the same kinds, but doubtless as good. Yet I have ever observed to my
countrymen, who think its introduction important, that a laborer culti-
vating wheat, rice, tobacco, or cotton here, will be able with the proceeds,
to purchase double the quantity of the wine he could make. Possibly
the same quantity of land and labor in France employed on the rich
produce of your Southern counties, would purchase double the quantity
of the cotton they would yield there. This however may prove other-
wise on trial, and therefore it is worthy the trial. In general, it is a
truth that if every nation will employ itself in what it is fittest to pro-
duce, a greater quantity will be raised of the things contributing to hu-
man happiness, than if every nation attempts to raise everything it wants
within itself. The limits within which die cotton plant is worth culti-
vating in the United States, are the Rappahannock river to the north,
and the first mountains to the west. And even from the Rappahannock
to the Roanoke, we only cultivate for family use, as it cannot there be
afforded at market in competition with that of the more Southern re-
gion. The Mississippi country, also within the same latitudes, admits
the culture of cotton.

The superficial view I have yet had time to take of your treatise on
the cotton plant, induces a belief that it is rich and correct in its matter,
and contains a great fund of learning on that plant. When retired to
rural occupations, as I shall be ere long, I shall profit of its contents
practically, in the culture of that plant merely for the household manu-
facture. In that situation, too, I shall devote myself to occupations
much more congenial with my inclinations than those to which I have
been called by the character of the times into which my lot was cast.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

376

[i8o8

About to be relieved from this corvee by age and the fulfilment of the
quadragena stipendia, what remains to me of my physical activity will
chiefly be employed in the amusements of agriculture. Having little
practical skill, I count more on the pleasures than the profits of that oc-
cupation. They will give me, too, the leisure which my present situa-
tion nearly denies, of rendering such services as may be within my means,
to the Institute, the Agricultural Society of the Seine, to yourself, and
such other worthy individuals as may find any convenience in a corre-
spondence here. I shall then be able particularly to fulfil the wishes ex-
pressed, of my sending to the Society of Agriculture a plough with my
mould-board. Perhaps I may be able to add some other implements,
peculiar to us, to the collection which I perceive the Society is making.

. . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson la: 9i>-93.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello Aug. 20. 08.

Your favor of the 8“*. came to hand only two days ago, & I hasten to
say I shall be glad to receive mr Martin’s drill whenever it can be ready,
during the present interruption of commerce we send an Aviso every 6.
weeks to France & England for the purposes of public & mercantile cor-
respondence, and in any one of these I can send the drill.

I have received the plough from the Agricultural society of Paris, it
is a wheel plough, as lightly made as wc should have done it ; and seeing
no peculiar advantage in it's construction, I suspect it owes to it’s light-
ness & shortness it’s superiority over the ploughs with which it was tried ;
for the ploughs of Europe are barbarously heavy, & long, & therefore re-
quire great force. I believe Great Britain has lately begun to use lighter
ploughs. I shall now not be afraid of sending to the society one of our
best ploughs, according to their request, with my mouldboard to it. I
shall previously try it's resistance to the draught, comparatively with
theirs, by the same instrument they have used, which I expect to receive
this fall. A mf Frazer, a gardener near London, whom I knew in Paris,
& afterwards here, has lately sent me a very small parcel of seed of a new
turnup, which he calls Frazer’s new turnep. no letter nor explanation
came, so that I know no more of it than it’s name. I know I cannot
have it tried more fairly than by yourself, and therefore I inclose you one
half of what I received. I shall not sow my half till next year when I
shall be at home to take care of it myself. I shall not fail in the winter
to send you some fresh Sesamum seed, it is now growing luxuriantly in
our neighborhood. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Governor Meriwether Lewis.)

Monticello, August 21, 1808.

. . . Your friends here are all well, except Colonel Lewis, who has
declined very rapidly the last few months. He scarcely walks about
now, and never beyond his yard. Wc can never lose a better man, . . .
(Lipscomh and Bergh, Jefferson la: 144.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

377

iSo8]

(Jefferson to Mr. Watkins.)

Monticello, Aug. 22. ’08.

. . . [About hiring him as a carpenter] . . . The emploiment the first
year will be as a carpenter, with 2 or 3 men under you for work to be
done for myself, the paling a large inclosure of garden & orchard, build-
ing some granaries & other work of that kind would be the most wanted.
. . . [See letter, Jefferson to Mr. Watkins, September 27, 1808, about
the palings for the garden and orchard.] (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Hugh Chisholm to Jefferson.)

Sept. 4, 1808.

... I have done both of the stairways & one of the nursery and in
the course of this week I will have the other done, we have also run
the collums for the South Portico & I think they will when finished be
elegant, the west room is finished in the manner which you told me. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Watkins.)

Sep. 27. 1808.

Directions for mf Watkins when he comes.

Davy, Abram, & Shepherd are to work with him.

Phill Hubard & Bedford Davy are to saw for him when sawing is
wanting, he is to live in Stewart's house.

His first work is to pale in the garden, with a paling 10. feet high,
the posts arc to be of locust, sufficiently stout, barked but not hewed,
12 f. long, of which 2^ f. are to go in the ground, it will take about
300: placing them 9. f. apart.

the rails are to be of heart poplar or pine, the stock is to be split

into 4. quarters thus

then each quarter is to be split diagonally

thus ^ so as to make 2 three square rails out of each quarter, they

are to be of the size usual in strong garden paling. I do not know what
that is. there will be 3. to each pannel & consequently 900. in all.

The pales are to be of chestnut, riven, & strong, 5. f. 3. I long, to be
dubbed on one another on the middle rail like clapboards, so that I. nail

shall do, & two lengths of pales will make the whole height. I suppose
they will be generally from 5, to 7. 1, wide, & should be so near as not
to let even a young hare in. there will be about 7500. wanting, they

are to be sharpened at the upper end thus and not thus as is usual.

they are not to be put up till 1 come home to shew the courses of the
inclosure, the pine for the rails may be got either at Pouncy’s or on my
lands beyond Colle. the chestnut pales had better be got in the high
mountain. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

378

C1808

(William Brown to Jefferson.)

New Orleans lo'"*, October 1808

I have shipped a few Cumpeachy hammocks and a barrel of paccannes
in a vessel for George Town to the care of the Collector of that port
which I pray your acceptance of. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Oct. 17. 08.

... I expect mf Madox is now about the stable, & the house laid off
where an old loghouse stands, & of course that he draws off some of
your force. I think it will be better to employ the rest on the garden
& let us have that off of our hands, as the beginingf of Nov. is the best
season for driving our sheep home, I would have you leave home for this
place about the 30*^ or 31“. of this month. ... You will remember
that our plan was to plant peas the next year in the field next your house,
corn in the field elbowing round by Fhill’s house, and oats in those parts
of our river field & that we had of Craven, as have not clover worth
preserving, wherever the clover is well enough set, it will be worth
more to us than oats. . . . {Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Washington Oct. J8. 08.

. . . tell Anne that my old friend Thouin of the National garden at
Paris has sent me 700 species of seeds. I suppose they will contain all
the fine flowers of France, and fill all the space we have for them, . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mr. John Moody.)

Washington Oct. 36. 08.

I received two days ago your letter of the ao'”. and readily consent to
pay mf Evans the usual compensation for his inventions employed in my
mill, whenever you or he will be so good as to ascertain the amount,
what these are I know not, having left to the millwright to do whatever
he thought would be useful, she began to run in the autumn or winter
of 1806, I make this paiment willingly as a voluntary tribute to a per-
son whose talents are constantly employed in endeavors to be useful to
mankind, and not as a legal obligation, my mill was erected after the
expiration of mf Evans’s first patent & before the date of his second ; and
were there any doubt as to Ae proviso in the act covering those who
adopted those machines when no law forbid it, the text of ihe constitu-
tion which declares that Congress shall have no power to pass an expost
facto law, would annul any enactment of retrospective effect were there
any such in the law in question, meaning however to claim nothing
more than the justice of being considered as doing voluntarily what the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1808]

379

law has not required, I shall receive with pleasure a specification of the
amount. . . . (Jefferson Papers j M. H. S.)

(William Bartram to Jefferson.)

Kingsess near Philadelphia
Oct. 29, 1808.

. . . Dr. Say will hand your excellency a small packet containing a
few seeds of a beautiful flowering tree together with a Catalogue of our
collection. The tree is the Mimosa julibrescens (silk tree) a native of
Persia and Armenia; lately brought to us by the celebrated Michaux
the elder. Its delicate sweet flowers grow in fascicles, composed of a
number of slender silky threads, tipped with crimson anthers. The
packet is tyed with a silky bark of a species of Asclepias, native to
Pensylvania, which should it prove a useful substitute for flax or cotton,
in linnen manufacture, it can be cultivated in any quantities and with
less expense, as it is a perennial plant, and thrives in almost any soil.

I send you these articles. Sir, as a mark of my homage & respect, not
knowing whether they are new to you or of any value. . . , (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Ellen W. Randolph to Jefferson.)

November 11, 1808.

. . . Your orange trees come on very well as to their looks but I
never saw such little short things in my life they are near eighteen months
old and they are not as high (any of them) as my hand is long. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Ellen W. Randolph.)

Washington Nov. 15. 08.

... It is the Anthoxanthum odoratum of the botanist. ... I have
700 species of seeds sent me by Mr. Thouin from the National Garden
of France. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mr. James Lewis.)

Washington Nov. 22. 08.

I have received your letter of the 15“* and by this post desire mf
Bacon to let you take roots from the rose bush you mention as also to
have you furnished with one pair of the East India fowls, our stock
will not afford more and we have constant applications from other
quarters. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Nov. 22. 08.

. . . James Lewis, [give him] also some roots of a rose bush which
he says is in the yard on the East side of the house. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, M, H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

380

[1808

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington, Nov. 22, 08.

. . . For a scientific man in a town nothing can furnish so convenient
an amusement as chemistry, because it may be pursued in his cabinet;
but for a country gentleman I know no source of amusement & health
equal to botany & natural history, & I should think it unfortunate for
such an one to attach himself to chemistry, altho’ the general principles
of the science it is certainly well to understand. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. C. 1 : 125.)

(Jefferson to William Bartram.)

Washington Nov. 23. 08.

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to his friend mr W. Bartram
and his thanks for the seeds of the silk tree which he was so kind as to
send him. these he shall plant in March and cherish with care at Monti-
cello. the cares of the garden and culture of curious plants uniting
either beauty or utility will there form one of his principal amusements,
he has been prevented, by indisposition of some days, from having the
pleasure of seeing Dr. Say. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Anne Cary Randolph to Jefferson.)

Port Royal November 26 1808

. . . On coming from Edgehill I left all the flowers in Ellens care,
however, I shall be with you early enough in march to assist about the
border, which the old French Gentleman’s present if you mean to plant
them there, with the wild & bulbous rooted ones we have already, will
compleatly fill. ... 1 inclose you some Acacia flowers which M'' Lomax
sent me from the tree that you gave him I think he says in 76. {Jeffer-
son Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Doctor Benjamin Waterhouse.)

Washington, December i, 1808.

In answer to the inquiries of the benevolent Dr. De Carro on the sub-
ject of the upland or mountain rice, Orysa Mutica, I will state to you
what I know of it. I first became informed of the existence of a rice
which would grow in uplands without any more water than the com-
mon rains, by reading a book of Mr. De Porpre, who had been Governor
of the Isle of France, who mentions it as growing there and all along
the coast of Africa successfully, and as having been introduced from
Cochin-China. I was at that time (1784-89) in France, and there
happening to be there a Prince of Cochin-China, on his travels, and then
returning home, I obtained his promise to send me some. I never re-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1808]

381

ceived it however, and mention it only as it may have been sent, and
furnished the ground for the inquiries of Dr, Carro, respecting my re-
ceiving it from China. When at Havre on my return from France, I
found there Captain Nathaniel Cutting, who was the ensuing spring to
go on a voyage along the coast of Africa. I engaged him to inquire for
this; he was there just after the harvest, procured and sent me a thirty-
gallon cask of it. It arrived in time the ensuing spring to be sown. I
divided it between the Agricultural Society of Charleston and some
private gentlemen of Georgia, recommending it to their care, in the
hope which had induced me to endeavor to obtain it, that if it answered
as well as the swamp rice, it might rid them of that source of their sum-
mer diseases. Nothing came of the trials in South Carolina, but being
carried into the upper hilly parts of Georgia, it succeeded there perfectly,
has spread over the country, and is now commonly cultivated ; still how-
ever, for family use chiefly, as they cannot make it for sale in competition
with the rice of the swamps. The former part of these details is writ-
ten from memory, the papers being at Monticello which would enable
me to particularize exactly the dates of times and places. The latter
part is from the late Mr. Baldwin, one of those whom I engaged in the
distribution of the seed in Georgia, and who in his annual attendance on
Congress, gave me from time to time the history of its progress. It has
got from Georgia into Kentucky, where it is cultivated by many indi-
viduals for family use. I cultivated it two or three years at Monticello,
and had good crops, as did my neighbors, but not having conveniences
for husking it, we declined it. I tried some of it in a pot, while I lived
in Philadelphia, and gave seed to Mr. Bartram. It produced luxuriant
plants with us both, but no seed; nor do I believe it will ripen in the
United States as far north as Philadelphia. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson 12: 204-205.)

(Jefferson to Anne Cary (Randolph) Bankhead.)

Washington, Dec. 8, 08.

Your letter of Nov. 26 came safely to hand, and in it the delicious
flower of the Acacia, or rather Mimosa Nilotica, from Mr. Lomax.
The mother tree of full growth which I had when I gave him the small
one, perished from neglect the first winter I was from home. Does his
produce seed ? If it does I will thank him for some, and you to take
care of them ; altho’ he will think it a vain thing at my time of life to be
planting a tree of as slow a growth. In fact the Mimosa Nilotica &
Orange are the only things I ever proposed to have in my green house.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. i: 128.)

(Ellen Randolph to Jefferson.)

December 15 i8o8

. . . there are at least a peck of Tuberoses and la or 14 Amaryllis
roots all packed in bran. . . , {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

38a

Jefferson’s Garden Book

ti8o8

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Dec. 19. 08.

I received yesterday yours of the 15*”. I am glad to learn your
progress in the garden, which I wish to have pushed, because it will be
inclosed in March, and it would be very inconvenient to have to do that
work after it is paled in. still we must not sacrifice the crop of the year
for it. for the work absolutely necessary to prepare for the crop, we
must suspend the garden works, when it is necessary, perhaps you might
draw a little aid from your nail house at pinching times, two tons of
nailrod left Phila the 12“*. of this month, & will probably be at Rich-
mond about Christmas. I have written to mfs Dangerfield to renew
the hire of her negroes for the next year, except the runaway one, & I
have no doubt she will do it. When Davy comes with his cart, let him
bring 200. young aspens, in bundles of 50. each, well wrapped round the
roots with straw, tied on close. . . . {Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(Mrs. Anne (Randolph) Bankhead to Jefferson.)

Port Royal Dec. 19 1808

... I have not seen M' Lomax yet but make no doubt of getting the
seed as I heard that he had some. ... I would be much obliged to you
if you will send me in a letter some of the ice plant seed a Lady here
has Lost it & is to give me a few roots of the Lily of the valley & a
beautiful pink for it. I know it is to be had in Washington. M'
Burwell got some there for Ellen. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Charles Thomson.)

Washington, December 25, 1808.

[About retirement] ... I am full of plans of employment when I
get there, they chiefly respect the active functions of the body. To the
mind I shall administer amusement chiefly. An only daughter and nu-
merous family of grandchildren, will furnish me great resources of hap-
piness. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 12; 217.)

Towards the end of the year Jefferson received the follow-
ing note, written on a small piece of paper, from Mrs. Samuel
Harrison Smith, wife of the founder and editor of the Na-
tional Intelligencer, and a close friend of Jefferson.

(Mrs. Smith to Jefferson.)

I have seen in your cabinet a Geranium, which I understood you culti-
vated with your own hands. If you do not take it home with you, I
entreat you to leave it with me. I cannot tell you how inexpressively
precious it wUl be to my heart It shall be attended with the assiduity
of affection and watered with tears of regret each day as I attend it, will
I invoke the best blessings of Heaven, on the most venerated of human
beings 1 {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

383

1808]

(Jefferson’s reply to Mrs. Smith.)

Washington, Mar. 6. 09.

Th: Jefferson presents his respectful salutations to mrs. Smith, and
sends her the Geranium she expressed a willingness to receive, it is in
very bad condition, having been neglected latterly, as not intended to be
removed, he cannot give it his parting blessing more effectually than
by consigning it to the nourishing hand of mrs. Smith, if plants have
sensibility, as the analogy of their organisation with ours seems to indi-
cate, it cannot but be proudly sensible of her fostering attentions, of
his regrets at parting with the society of Washington, a very sensible
portion attaches to mrs. Smith, whose friendship he has particularly
valued, her promise to visit Monticello is some consolation; and he
can assure her she will be received with open arms and hearts by the
whole family, he prays her to accept the homage of his affectionate at-
tachment and respect. (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 177.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Dec. 36. 08.

. . . you have little waggoning to do. it will be well therefore to
have both waggons in order and proceed to waggoning dung to the
garden, that from Milton should be first brought, and for this pur-
pose it will be worth your while to put the road along the river side in
order, I mean that on the South side, as this would be to be put into
good order as soon as I come home, it will be better to do it now, that
you may have the benefit of it In the job of bringing the dung from
Milton. 6. waggon loads are first to be laid on the old asparagus bed
below the wall, which Wormley must immediately spread even & then
fork it in with the three pronged garden fork, taking care not to fork so
Seep as to reach the crown of the Asparagus roots, then begin at the
S.W. end of the garden, and drop a good waggon load of dung every
five yeards along a strait line through die middle of the garden from the
S.W. to the N.E. end. this will take between 60. & 70. loads in the
whole, which will do for the first year.

As it will be necessary that we make preparation for clothing our
people another year, we must plant a large cotton patch, say two acres
at the least, a light sandy soil is best. I suppose therefore it should be
in the low grounds at the mill dam. seed can be procured from those
who have cotton gins, the present method of cultivating cotton is very
little laborious, it is done entirely with the plough, next, to secure
wool enough, the negroes dogs must all be killed, do not spare a single
one. if you keep a couple yourself it will be enough for the whole
land, let this be carried into execution immediately. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, Huntington.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington Dec. a8. 08.

I lately received from my old friend M'. Thouin superintendant of
the National garden at Paris a package containing 700. different kinds of

Jefferson’s Garden Book

seeds of every country, except of the United States ; they were gathered
in 1807. and he says they will be good for sowing in the spring of 1809.
on every paper is written the time for sowing it (according to the French
calendar) and whether under frames, in open air & what sort of soil,
satisfied I could not put them to so good an use as by presenting them to
you, I got the favor of Cap‘ Jones of Philadelphia to take charge of

them by the mail, they are in a small box addressed to you, and as he

set out in the mail of this morning they will have arrived one day be-
fore you receive this. Accept with them my salutations & assurances of
esteem. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

From the Account Book 1808;

Mar. 2, p** Holt for 4 cones of Cedar of Lebanon i. D.

Mar. 14. gave Jonathan Shoemaker ord. on bk. US 21. D. for 2.

bushels clover seed sent to Monticello.

May 4. received from bank US, an order on d“. at Baltimore for
95.04 which I inclosed to P. A. Guestier for seeds.

(Jefferson memorandum.)

To describe on the ground the Labyrinth of broom.

[1808]

go to the 5“*. beginning in the avenue of broom for the apple-tree-rows,
viz. a.

measure off at right angles with that 165. f. to b.

describe round a circle of 55. f radius

^here it crosses the line a. b. viz. at c. stick a pin.

^’Sjide the circle into 8. parts, sticking pins, viz at 43.2 f distance meas-
"'^red on the periphery.

tangent from each point (with the theodolite)
radius (55 f.) on that tangent & describe a quadrant from the
‘ iln in the periphery

V a new center the pin in the periphery which is a quadrant distant
the pin last ment®. & with the semicircle (no f.) for a radius
'^^ibe from the end of the last quadrant a portion of a circle till
^^tersects the tangent.

V® side of this spiral, parallel to it, & at 9 f. distance from it de-
y.'^scribe lines

plant broom every 6 f. along these lines, and allowing the plants to put
out branches 6. f, each way it will leave walks of 6. f. wide, with-
out ever rend®, necess'^ to trim.

between walk Sc walk the whole interval must be filled with broom at
6, f. distance, to bound which properly, a circle of 165 f. rad.
must be circumscribe round the whole.

(note these walks will go off from the circle where the plats of broom
were erroneously placed in the figure.) [See plate XXVL]

{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

re:.C'%

^s,

*>■

f*'?

jiUlLfl'U

iitrx’s

the Moniicelh house, with its broiid lawn, flower borders, oval and round flower beds, and fish ponds.

i8o9

1809.^

Apr. 10. planted in the Nursery next below the little
grass terras, in a bed ranging with the upper
strawberry bed, 68. peach stones [W. Meri-
wether’s * Georgia black, unknown, but sup-
pos* good because saved]

69. plumstones in thel these came from G.

row next below Jefferson,* probably

,0 . . , sent him from abroad,

68. apncotstonesinthe^^.^^^^^^

to me in a

next row & a half ■ ,i,f,ebag.-theycan.e

from mrs Hackley
Cadiz*

Apr. 13. planted 32. seeds of the Mimosa Julibritzin*
in the earthen trough, in which were also
sowed on the 10“. inst. seeds of the Alpine
strawberry from Mazzei.* sowed seeds of
Dionaea muscipula ^ in a pot. they were sev-
eral years old.

in square II.* beginning with the S.W. row
sowed

I. row of rheum undulatum,* esculent rhu-
barb. the leaves excellent as Spinach.

I. d®. Long pod soup pea. or Asparagbs
bean." pods 3.f. long, to run on poles,
when green they are dressed as Aspara-
gus, or as snaps, or boiled in soup.

385

386

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1809

I. d®. African early pea“ lately introduced
from Africa into S. Carol*, where it
gives 3. crops a year, the two last arti-
cles from Gen*. Sumpter.”

I. d“. lentils. Ervum lens.”

3. d®. Windsor beans.

14. sowed oil radish ” in the nursery in the former
asparagus bed.

G. Divers finds the following sufficient for his
family.

Celery 4oo.f. running measure, to wit 10.
rows of my squares 3.f. apart 4 f is better

Salsafy 320.f. = 8. rows of my squares of 40 f.
at 6.1. every way

Carrots 320.f==8. d®. 12.I. apart.

parsneps200.f = 5. d“. 12.I. apart.

beet 200.f = s. d". 12.I. apart,”

26. sowed Monthly strawberry seed from Col®.
Worthington” in Nursery E. corner.

April 29. Squash from Maine.^* in the terras next
soft cymling.** below the garden

solid pumpkin from S. wall & in the or-
America, der here named

long pumpkin from Malta.!- from S.W. to
3. to 4.f. long. 2.f. circum- N.E. considerably
ference. 127. lb weight, distant from each
the seed look like gourd, other,
qu?

Behni.” from Bailey’s walk *® to Stable yard.

iSog] Jefferson’s Garden Book 387

May. 2. Orange gourd in upper terras of N.E. vine-
yard.

long gourd." in 15"’. d". of d'.

Sep. 5. planted 8. figs from D'. Thorton ** under S.W.
end of wall, about I2.f. apart.

mf Randolph’s " onions have yielded at the
rate of 240. bushels per acre, the largest
squares " of my garden of an acre would
yield 9. bush.

Oct. 5. planted 14. Paulina Aurea, or Koelreuteria
paniculata aurea ” in 2 boxes & a pot, to wit 4.
II, III. in the pot, 4. in the large box, N* 3. 2 in the
small one. N*. 2. recieved the seeds from
Mad*, de Tesse.”

Nov. 6. planted from mf Lomax’s "

3. Modesty shrubs,** viz i. in N.E. circular
bed,** I. in N.W.&i.in S.W. d“.

5. Jujubes,*® viz i. in S.E, clump 2. in S.W.
d“, 2. in N.W. d",

21. Star jasmines.** 2 in each of the oval beds

24 Filberts** in the lowest terras below the
old filbert bush. & every other one above
includ* 7. tcrrasses.

VII. VIII. IX. 2. Acacia Niloticas ** box 7. 8. i or-
ange,** I. lime** in boxes in the Green-
house.'* NMX

N®. I. a box. shell barks.*’

V. is a sour orange brot from Washington.

Kalendar** 1809. (continued)

1809]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

389

Kalendar** 1809. (coatinae^

390

Jefferson’s Garden Book

an the 2a4. gpod rain.

Kalendor" 1809. (condnued)

Kalendar** 1809. (eontiaued)

Ealendar" 1809. (condnoed)

394

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1809

* i 8 og. Jefferson retired from the Presidency on March 4.
Three days before, he had signed the bill for the repeal of the
Embargo. As early as January 19, he was busy with “pack-
ing & breaking up my establishment.” On March 2 he wrote
to his friend, Monsieur Dupont de Nemours:

Within a few days I retire to my family, my books and farms; and
having gained the harbor myself, I shall look on my friends still buffet-
ing the storm with anxiety indeed, but not with envy. Never did a
prisoner, released from his chains, feel such relief as I shall on shaking
off the shackles of power. Nature intended me for the tranquil pursuits
of science, by rendering them my supreme delight. But the enormities
of the times in which I have lived, have forced me to take a part in re-
sisting them, and to commit myself on the boisterous ocean of political
passions. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 12 : 259-260.)

He left Washington on March ri, after seeing his devoted
friend, James Madison, inaugurated President to succeed him.
He arrived at Monticello on the 15th. Probably no man
ever returned to his home with more eagerness. He had com-
pleted his public life and now was determined to live the happy
and abundant life which his dear Monticello offered. To help
him enjoy his retirement were his daughter and son-in-law,
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph; their children; and Francis Eppes,
the only child of Maria (Jefferson) Eppes and Mr. Eppes.
Mr. Eppes had remarried.

Jefferson was now in his sixty-seventh year. Two days
after he arrived home March 17, he wrote to President
Madison:

I had a very fatiguing journey, having found the roads excessively
bad, although I have seen them worse. The last three days I found it
better to be on horseback, and travelled eight hours through as disagree-
able a snow storm as I was ever in. Feeling no inconvenience from
the expedition but fatigue, I have more confidence in my vis vitae than
I had before entertained. The spring is remarkably backward. No
oats sown, not much tobacco seed, and little done in the gardens. Wheat
has suffered considerably. No vegetation visible yet but the red maple,
weeping willow and lilac. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson la:
266-267.)

When Jefferson retired, he did not find his estates in the
condition they would have been had he been supervisor; still
they were in a much better state than they had been after any
other of his prolonged absences. New roads and walks had

1809]

Jefferson's Garden Book

395

been completed, the toll mill was now finished and running,
and the orchard had been enlarged and planted with many
new fruit trees and berries. The house, too, had reached its
final form, and was in appearance very much as it is today.

During his vice-presidency and presidency, Jefferson’s ex-
penditures had far exceeded his salary, so that he returned to
Monticello in rather straitened financial circumstances. Yet,
despite this fact, many improvements were undertaken at his
estates.

When he arrived home, he found the garden levelled, ma-
nured, and ready for the spring planting. He divided it into
at least eighteen beds or squares, of varying sizes, with an in-
ner border next to the wall for certain vegetables, and a grass
walk on the outer or opposite side. The squares, by 1812,
had been increased to twenty-four. (See plate XXXIII.)

Mrs. Samuel Harrison Smith, of Washington, who visited
Monticello during the summer of 1809, described the garden
as follows:

When we rose from the table, a walk was proposed and he accom-
panied us. He took us first to the garden he has commenced since his
retirement. It is on the south side of the mountain and commands a
most noble view. Little is as yet done. A terrace of 70 or 80 feet
long and about 40 wide is already made and in cultivation. A broad
grass walk leads along the outer edge; the inner part is laid off in beds
for vegetables. This terrace is to be extended in length and another to
be made below it. The view it commands, is at present its greatest
beauty. (Smith, Washington Society: 68.)

Jefferson filled the garden with an amazmg number of vege-
tables, berries, and fruits. In the Garden Book he made a
Kalendar showing where the vegetables were planted; when
sowed; if transplanted, when; and the time of coming to the
table and when gone. He also arranged columns for seeds
gathered, and observations.

Three and one-half pages of the Garden Book were filled
with plantings made in the garden and orchard. Plants were
discussed in numerous letters and memoranda. The Farm
Book has the following entry about the Monticello farm :

Monticello Farm

1809. Divide it into 3, fields of 60 a*, each. 1. for half corn, half
oats, peas, or millet, one for wheat 60. a*, and one for clover
60 a*, and aim at a 4***. for clover also as soon as we can.

Jefferson’s Garden Book [1809

the North field, to wit the 60 a'. N. of the road leading through
the farm will be one.

the Riverfield, to wit, the field on the River & up, between the
road & Park branch to y*. Ragged br.

Belfield, to wit the grounds South of the same road, & between
that, the N. & S. fence & the perpetual pasture, for a 3*.

During the fall Jefferson visited Richmond, Eppington,
Carysbrook, Montpelier, and Poplar Forest. He was at
Monticello during the rest of the year, except for short trips
to Charlottesville.

* See note 3, under 1804.

' George Jefferson was a distant kinsman of Thomas Jeffer-
son and his business correspondent and agent in Richmond,
Virginia. There exists a voluminous correspondence between
them, in various Jefferson collections,

* Mrs. Harriet Hackley, wife of Richard S. Hackley. Mrs.
Hackley was a sister of Thomas Mann Randolph. She was
in Cadiz, Spain, when these fruit stones were sent to Jefferson.

* Albizzia julibrissin Durazz. Mimosa or silk tree.

* Philip Mazzei, See note i, 1774.

^ See letter, Jefferson to Timothy Bloodworth, January 29,
1804, The seeds of Dionaea muscipula Ellis were over five
years old. Small in his Southeastern Flora gives the range of
Dionaea muscipula today, as Coastal Plain, Eastern South
Carolina and North Carolina. See letter, Benjamin Hawkins
to Jefferson, October 6, 1789.

"This is the first mention that the vegetable garden was
divided into squares.

* Probably the same as Rheum rhaponticum L.

“ Figna sesquipedalis W. F. Wright.

Not identified.

_ “ General Thomas Sumter was born in Orange County, Vir-
ginia, in 1734. He died at Camden, Sputh Carolina, on June
I, 1832. His life was an active one. He served against the
French in 1755 and was at Braddock’s defeat. In March,
1776, he was made lieutenant colonel of the 3rd South Caro-
lina Regiment, and was later raised to the rank of brigadier
general. He was a member of the South Carolina Conven-
tion which ratified the Constitution. From i8oi to 1809 he
was United States Senator from South Carolina, and in 18 ii
was sent as our Minister to Brazil. (Lippincott’s Pronounc-

Jefferson’s Garben Book

1809]

597

ittff Biographical Dictionary (Philadelphia, 1930) : 2267.
Hereafter cited as Lippincott’s Biographical Dictionary.)

“ Lens esculenta Moench.

Oil radish. Raphanus sativus L.

A variety of the Common Radish, particularly adapted for the produc-
tion of oil, and distinguished by the name R. sativus olifer, or Oil Radish.
Its stems are dwarf, from a foot and a half to two feet in height, much
branched, spreading, and produce more seed-pods than the Common
Radish. It is grown rather extensively in China for its oil; from
whence it has been introduced into and cultivated in some parts of
Europe; but it does not appear with any particular success, though much
has been said and written in its favor. (Burr, Vegetables: 613,)

“ See letter, George Divers to Jefferson, April 22, 1809.

“Colonel Thomas Worthington was born July 16, 1773,
near Charleston, Virginia, now West Virginia. In 1798 he
moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, where for the remainder of his
life he had as an avocation the running of his large farm. He
represented the Territory of Ohio and later the State in sev-
eral capacities. He was twice Governor of the State. He
died June 20, 1827. {Diet. Am. Biog. 20: 540-541.)
There are two letters from l^r. Worthington to Jefferson in
the Jefferson Papers of the Library of Congress, both about
strawberries. They are dated March 3 and September 3,
1805. The seeds mentioned above were probably received
in 1805.

” Thomas Main, seedsman and nurseryman of Georgetown,
of whom Jefferson was a customer. In a letter to Mr. Joel
Barlow, written January 24, 1810, he said of Mr. Main:
“You ask my opinion of Maine. I think him a most excellent
man. Sober, industrious, intelligent and conscientious.” See
letter, Jefferson to Madison, April 27, 1809.

“ The botanical names of soft cymbling, solid pumpkin from
South America, and long pumpkin from Malta have not been
ascertained.

Jefferson used various spellings for benne, Sesamum
orientale L. He wrote it “bene,” “benny,” and “benni.”
.See various letters of 1808, 1809, 1810, about benne.

*® See plate XXXII for location of Bailey’s walk and the
garden wall.

" Orange gourd and long gourd, varieties of Lagenaria
leucantha Rusby.

398

Jeffersok's Garden Book

[1809

®* Dr, William Thornton was born in the West Indies on
May 27, 1761, studied medicine at Edinburgh, and came to
the United States and married in 1790. He is Important as
the first architect of the new Capitol in Washington. Jeffer-
son and he were close friends. They often exchanged ideas
on architecture, gardening, and other matters. He died
March 27, 1828. (Cydopedia of American Biography
(Philadelphia, 1912) 2: 448.) See letter, Jefferson to
Thornton, October ii, 1809, concerning these figs.

** Thomas Mann Randolph (October i, 1768-June 20,
1828), son of Thomas Mann Randolph and Anne (Cary)
Randolph, of Tuckahoe. He married Jefferson's daughter,
Martha, on February 23, 1790, at Monticello. They lived
ztMonticello, Farina, and Edgehill. Randolph was a farmer,
a member of Congress, and Governor of Virginia.

** This Is one of the few times that Jefferson mentions the
size of the squares of the garden. This would indicate that
the squares were of different sizes.

** Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. So far as I have been
able to ascertain, Jefferson was the first one to plant this tree
in Albemarle County. The tree is known as the Pride of
India, China Tree, and Varnish Tree. See letter, Jefferson
to Madame de Tesse, March 27, i8n.

*• Madame Noailles de Tesse was an aunt of Lafayette.
She was a connoisseur of gardening and the arts in general.
A warm friendship grew up between her and Jefferson when
he was in France, and it continued until her death. Many of
their friendly letters on horticulture are extant. Jefferson sent
her a collection of plants from Virginia almost yearly after his
return from France. Both she and M. de Tesse died in 1814.

Thomas Lomax was born at Portobago, in Caroline
County, Virgmia, in 1746. He married Anne Corbin Tayloe,
He died in 1811.

*• See letter, Thomas Lomax to Jefferson, October 30, 1809,
and letter of Jefferson to Lomax, November 6, 1809. Moi
esty shrub, unidentified.

** Sec plate XXIII for the location of these flower beds.

** Jujubes. Zizyphus jujuba Mill.

Star jasmine. Probably Jasminum officinale L.

“ Corylus avellana L,

Plate XXIX.— Page 3? of the ormoal Garden Booh. 1 his page shows Jefferson’s
method for keeping the garden Kalendar for the year.

Jefferson's Garden Book

399

1809]

** “The species of acacia which produces gum-arabic, frank-
incense, and the fuccus accaciae is the mimosa nilotica, and not
the mimosa Senegal, as was long imagined” (Colin Milne,
Botanical Dictionary (London, 1805)). The acacia men-
tioned here is Acacia farnesiana WiUd.

** Citrus aurantium L.

** Citrus aurontifolia Swingle.

** Jefferson’s greenhouse was a glassed-in piazza on the
southeastern end of his house. See letter, Jefferson to Wil-
liam Hamilton, March i, 1808; and letter, Jefferson to Mc-
Mahon, April 8, 18 1 1.

Shell barks. Probably Carya laciniosa Loud.

The Kalendar was kept with varying completeness each
year through 1824.

** According to Rogers, the Early York Cabbage was introduced into
England from Flanders, more than a hundred years ago, by a private
soldier named Telford, who was there many years in the reign of Queen
Anne. On his return to England, he settled as a seedsman in York-
shire j whence the name and celebrity of the variety. ... In this coun-
try, it is one of the oldest, most familiar, and, as an early market sort,
one of the most popular, of all the kinds now cultivated. (Rurr, Vege~
tables: 257.)

variety of the so-called cabbage lettuce, Lactuca
sativa L.

" One of the stone houses along the Mulberry Row, the
Round-about just above the vegetable garden.

** Ledman’s dwarf pea. See letters between Jefferson and
McMahon of February 8 and February 28, 1809.

** Crambe maritima L. See letter, Jefferson to McMahon,
February 8, 1809.

** Artemisia dracunculus L. See various letters about tar-
ragon: Jefferson to McMahon, April 25, i8o6 (p. 313) ; Mc-
Mahon to Jefferson, April 30 and July 12, 1806, and January
17, 1809.

" Tree onion, Allium cepa var. viviparum Metz. The un-
derground bulb is small and undeveloped, the bulbils being
borne in flower-cluster, and used for propagation.

" See letter, Jefferson to Benjamin Smith Barton, October
6, 1810.

Rumex acetosa L.

400

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1809

Solatium melongena L.

Probably Benincasa hispida Cogn.

Probably a variety of Cucurbita moschata Duchesne.

“ Malta, Scotch, and Delaware kales are different kinds of
Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC.

“ Probably the same pumpkin that is known today as the
sweet potato pumpkin, Cucurbita moschata Duchesne.

** Ravensworth was the home of William Fitzhugh. It
was about ten miles from Washington and hence a convenient
first night stopping place for Jefferson on his trips to Monti-
cello from Washington. These peas were, no doubt, given to
Jefferson by Mr. Fitzhugh.

** Topinambour, another name for the Jerusalem artichoke,
Helianthus tuberosus L.

*' See letter, Jefferson to Benjamin S. Barton, October 6,

1810.

"TMR. Thomas Mann Randolph.

" John H. Craven, who rented from Jefferson land adjoin-
ing Monticello.

Letters, Extracts op Letters, and Memoranda, 1809

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

Washington Jan. 3. 09.

My letter by Davy would lead you into an error as to the day of his
departure, as I dated it Dec. 30. instead of 31. by mistake, if it is now
as cold with you as it is here I am in hopes you will be able & ready to
fill the ice house, it would be a real calamity should we not have ice to
do it, as it would require double the quantity of fresh meat in summer
had we not ice to keep it. I had really forgotten the artide of flax,
which is quite as necessary as cotton, but I am so much a stranger to
the quantity an acre will bring, that I must leave it to you to fix. you
know how much brown linen it will take to dothe all the people. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philaddphia Jan^ S'®. 1809.

With many thanks and obligations, I adcnowledge the receipt of your
kind letter of the a8‘^ ult”. and also, the very valuable collection of
seeds you were pleased to send me per favour of Cap^ Jones ; and I hope
the confidence you reposed in me on this, as well as on several other
similar occasions, will not be disappointed.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

401

1809]

I have pleasure and pride in the successful cultivation of plants; but
in proportion to the actual or probable good I can render thereby to my
fellow-men ; and indeed I do not begrudge a share to such of the brute
animals as can possibly be benefitted thereby.

Last month I purchased in the vicinity of this City 20 Acres of ground,
well adapted for a Nursery & Botanic Garden, and hope that, in a few
years, I shall enrich that spot, and through it, in some measure, the
country in general, with as extensive and useful a collection of vegetable
productions, as can reasonably be expected from the small means of
which I am possessed ; but perseverance and industry, even with trifling
pecuniary resources, having so frequently surmounted what were con-
sidered great difficulties, leave me room to hope; therefore I do not
despair. . . .

P. S. M'. Michaux informed me that there is a very large fruited kind
of Hickory growing in Glocester County, V\ which he takes to be a
non described species j and at the same time M'. Hamilton, of the Wood-
lands, shewed us some plants, which he said were produced from nuts,
which you were so good as to send him, & as I wish for all the species of
Juglans of the United States, that I can possibly procure, you would
greatly oblige me by putting me in the way of obtaining some of the
Glocester Nuts. I have from time to time given M^ Hamilton a great
variety of plants, and altho’ he is in every other respect a particular
friend of mine, he never offered me one in return; and I did not think
it prudent to ask him, lest it should terminate that friendship ; as I well
know his jealousy of any person’s attempt to vie with him, in a collec-
tion of plants. {Jefferson Papers ^ L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington Jan, 8. 09.

The Gloucester hiccory nut, after which you enquire, has I think,
formerly spread extensively over th» continent from East to West, be-
tween the latitudes of 36°. & 38°. but only in the richest bottom lands
on the river sides, those lands being now almost entirely cleared, I
know of no remains of these nuts but a very few trees specially pre-
served in Gloucester, and some on the Roanoke, in Kentucky there are
still a great many & West of the Missisipi it is, 1 believe, their only nut
of the Juglans family, the Osages brought me a parcel from their coun-
try which I distributed among the members of Congress & planted some
myself, having sent away my books, I have not Gronovius’s (or rather
Clayton’s) Flora Virginica to turn to. but he certainly must have de-
scribed it, as he lived in Gloucester, & I know that it grew in his neigh-
borhood, a gentleman here happening to have two of these nuts lately
brought from Kentucky, I have procured & now send them to you. I
have taken measures to have some sent me by post from Roanoke, and
shall immediately write to Glow^ter for some, these may arrive in
time to be planted. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

402

Jbfferson’s Garden Book

[1809

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Jan^. i?***. 1809.

I duly received the Gloucester nute, and am extremely obliged to you
for them ; the more so as I have for two or three years past paid particu-
lar attention to the Juglans family, and have not been able to make out,
to my satisfaction, more than 7 United States species, viz:

1. Juglans nigra, Lin.

2. Juglans cinerea Lin.

oblonga Du Roi & Mill,
cathartica, Michaux Jim'.

3. Juglans olivaformis Mich.

pecan. Marsh. & Muhl.
cylindrica Link

4. Juglans sulcata Willd.

Mucronata Mich,
amara, Muhl. & Mich j'
alba minima, Marsh.

5. Juglans alba, Mich, nec Lin.

alba ovata. Marsh,
squamosa. Mich, j'.

6. Juglans tomentosa. Mich.

alba Lin. & Gaertner

7. Juglans compressa. Gaert.

alba odorata, Marsh,
porcina, Mich, J'.

With the 7“. species, Willdenow has confounded the S***. or alba
of Michaux, our true Shell-bark; but I am inclined to believe that the
J. glabra & J. obcordata, of Willdenow’s edition of the Sp. Flan are but
mere varieties of the above 7‘’‘. or compressa. I have seen and ex-
amined the trees of M'. Hamilton’s from which these two species are
■said to have been made, by Doctor Muhlenberg, (the obcordata of
Muhl, & Willd. M'. Hamilton calls iiciformis) but 1 really can find
no difference, between either, & the compressa; except a trifling differ-
ence in the shape of the pericarpium, which is not at all uncommon in
every species of the genus.

If the Glocester nut belongs to any of the above species, it must
be to the 6^. the alba of Lin. & tomentosa of Mich, The latter name
I would prefer, on account of its being descriptive. The alba of Mich.
I never saw with more than five leaflet; consequently it cannot or ought
not to be gpven as a synonym to compressa, which Willdenow describes,
"J. foliolis septenis, im.” and which is just.

I wish to l^ow if the Tarragon tMts 1 sent you have succeeded as. I
can send you a supply in </«e time this season if th^ failed.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

403

1809]

I am very anxious to learn when Governor Lewis may be expected
here, as I have detained a man in my house upwards of twelve months,
drawing & describing his plants, which he left with me for that pur-
pose; this was accomplished in May last, as far as it could be done in
the absence of Gov' Lewis, and he told me on his leaving this City he
expected to be here again in that month. This man, who is completely
adequate to the task, is becoming very uneasy, and I wish him not to
leave the neighborhood till the arrival of M'. Lewis, by whose particular
instructions only, he can finish the drawings of some very important, but
imperfect specimens. . . . (Jefferson Papers ^ L. C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Lomax.)

Washington Jan. 19. ’09.

... I thank you for the plant of Acacia you have been so kind as to
deliver mrs Bankhead for me. this is the only plant besides the Orange
that I would take the trouble of nursing in a green house. I rely on
the garden & faim for a great portion of the enjoyment I promise myself
in retirement. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Charles L. Bankhead)

Washington, Jan. 19, 09.

I have waited till I could execute Anne’s commission as to the seed of
the ice-plant, before acknoleging the receipt of her letter of Dec. 19 and
your’s of the 20“*. I now inclose the seed, in the envelope of a pamphlet
for Docf. Bankhead’s acceptance. . . . Mr. Lomax writes me he has
given Anne a small plant of the Acacia for me, with which I hope I
shall meet you both at Monticello in March. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. C. i: 132-133.)

(General John Mason to Jefferson.)

Analoston Island Jan. 22, 1809.

. . . J. Mason presents his respects to the President, and with very
great pleasure sends him the garden seeds asked in his note of the other
day, in addition to which he begs his acceptance of a few of the Buda-
Kale — an excellent kind of Can taleup— Spanish tomato (very much
larger than the common kinds) — ^and Estragon, from the plant the
President was so good as to send J. M. a year or two ago, which has
flourished well in the open air — and will in Spring afford plenty of
slips — Should he find those convenient of carriage.

This Kale is a new vegetable lately introduced from Germany, it has
been cultivated here for the last 3 years and found an acquisition particu-
larly that it passes the winter without protection & is the flrst thing
growing in spring, when it is a very early & grateful green boild as
sprouts — ^it is said to be valuable for stock and particularly sheep in
winter,

404

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1809

These seeds are all of J. M. own sowing and may be depended on.
That they may succeed at Monticello & furnish abundant crops —
and that you Sir may live many years to enjoy your garden & your fields,
in sweet repose from your long and inestimable labours will be the in-
creasing prayer. . . . {Jefferson Papers^ M. H. S.)

(Williamson & Cowling to Jefferson.)

Savannah January 35***. 1809.

At the request of our friend the Hon’*'* John Milledge, we have
shipped to your address, to the care of Mess'. Fall & Brown Merchants,
in Baltimore, Two tierces containing each ten Bushels Cotton Seed —
the one of Green Seed, the other of the Sea Island black seed, which we
hope will get Speedily & Safely to hand and, upon trial, equal your ex-
pectations.

The said seed is shipped on board the Schooner Mary Capt. Almeda,
which vessel left this Port for Baltimore yesterday forenoon. . . . {Jef-
ferson Papers, L, C.) (See also letter, Jefferson to John Hollins, Feb-
ruary ig, 1809.)

(Jefferson to General John Mason.)

Jan. a6. 09.

Th: Jefferson has received the seeds which General Mason has been
so kind as to send him, and returns him many thanb for them, they
will be a valuable acquisition to him. he is very sensible of the kind
sentiments expressed in his note and assures him he reciprocates them
sincerely to mra Mason & himself, and that at whatever distance with-
drawn from them, the information of their welfare will always give him
great pleasure, should any circumstances ever draw them towards his
part of the country it will give him real happiness to receive them at
Monticello. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Ellen Randolph to Jefferson.)

Jan. a6 1809

. . . Although I have not much to say, unless 1 talk about plants;
those in the large box were killed to the roots, but they are coming up
all over the box, those in the small pot were killed also but are putting
out small fresh buds, the evergreens have lost all their leaves, but one
little branch on each which look lively enough. The sweet scented grass
looks very badly although Mama separated the roots and planted them
with great care in a box of fine rich mould and the season in which it
was done was warm and rainy. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(jeffersoh to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington Jan. 37. 09.

I received last night from my friend in Gloucester an answer to my
letter requesting some Gloucester hiccory nuts, he informs me that the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

405

1809]

few which are saved are generally consumed early in the season and that
accident only has enabled him to send me 4. nuts, which are from the
genuine trees. I now forward them to you, and expect soon to receive
a better supply from Roanoke, by comparing the nuts now sent, with
those sent before which were from Kentucky, you will be able to judge
whether there is any difference. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Washington, Jan. 31, 09.

I received in due time your kind letter of the ao^’’. Certainly 1 shall
be much pleased to receive your aid & councel in the management of my
farms, which will become so essential. My whole life has been past in
occupations which kept me from any minute attention to them, and finds
me now with only very general ideas of the theory of agriculture, with-
out actual experience; at a time of life too when the memory is not so
retentive of observation as at an earlier period. The tracts of land
which I propose to you to endeavor to sell are such as can be of little
use to our family. I have acquired or kept them to furnish timber, but
I am certain I never got an half per cent on their value in a year yet.
A property yielding so little profit had better be sold and converted into
more profitable form, and none can be more profitable, that is, yield so
much happiness, as the paiment of debts, which are an unsufferable
torment. Sharp and Crenshaw, who live near Pouncey’s, told'me they
would rather undertake to crop on that land than on the best red land
you or myself possessed. If you could find a purchaser, therefore, it
might be at a price that might remove some more pressing calls. Per-
haps the owner of Colle would buy the tract adjoining that. They can
never be put to a better use, or one so pleasing to me, as in relieving your
more valuable property from calls, and whether they go to pay your
debts or mine is perfectly equal to me, as I consider our property as a
common stock for our joint family. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. C.

I! 134.)

(Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale.)

Washington Feb. 6. 1809-

... I begin already to be much occupied in preparation for my de-
parture to those scenes of rural retirement after which my soul is pant-
ing. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Ellen Randolph.)

Washington Feb. 6. 09.

[Jefferson’s answer to Ellen’s letter of January a6.]

Plants in pot & box:

Savory — a dead plant, it’s leaves very aromatic, a little resembling
thyme my dependance is that it’s seed are 'shed on the earth in the box &
will come up

Jefferson’s Garden Book

406

[1809

arbor vitae — a small evergreen tree, in a small pot.

Ice-Plant — a plant of some size, the leaves mostly dead. I expect
the seed is shattered & will come up.

Geranium — 1 think there was a plant of this but am not certain.

besides the above there was a box containing many sods of Sweet-
scented grass packed one on another, & in the same box a bunch of
monthly raspberry plants, which box Davy was directed to carry to
Monticello. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Washington Feb. 8. 09.

I have been daily expecting some of the large hiccory nuts from
Roanoke which would possess you of what I believe is the same species
from Gloucester, Kentucky & Roanoke. ^ but they are not yet arrived.
I must now ask the favor of you to furnish me with the articles below
mentioned for the garden, which will occupy much of my attention when
at home. I would wish the roots etc. to be so packed up as that they
need not be opened till they get to Monticello. if you will be so good
as to send them by the Stage which leaves Philadelphia on the i*S of
March, addressed to me at this place, they will come in time for me to
carry on to Monticello. I will ask the favor of the bill at the same
time, the amount of which shall be immediately remitted you. . , .

Chili strawberry
Hudson strawberry

some of the fine gooseberry plants of which you sent me the fruit last
year.

some roots of Crown imperials

lilium convallarium

Auricula

Sea kale, or Crambe maritima

I. gall", of Leadman’s dwarf peas mentioned in your book page 310.

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Diffenderffer.)

Washington Feb, 10. 1809.
I have seen in a Baltimore paper an advertisement from you of Spring
rye for sale. _ I did not know that this grain was to be had in America,
and am anxious to get a little for seed. I enclose you a paper dollar,
the only small remittance 1 can make in a letter and will pray you to do
up a parcel in a bit of linen securely, of that value, and addressing it to
me, send it by the stage, for which I will thank you, {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Feb^ 13*^*. 1809
I received your favour of the 8*. ins*, and such of the articles or-
dered as 1 have, or can procure, shall be forwarded in due time, pro-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

407

18093

vided the weather, in the interim, will admit of taking up the plants.
The Chile Strawberry is not, to my knowledge, to be procured in this
part of the Union ; but that called the Hudson I think I can get. The
Crown Imperial roots, as well as all my hardy bulbs, I planted in the
fall, and taking them up before their bloom and subsequent decay of
foliage, would ruin them. In July or August I can furnish you with a
great variety.

The peas, sea-kale seed (for plants I have none) with some good
ornamental flower seeds, I will send in good time, and the others if pos-
sible, but you will oblige me by letting me know, through what channel
I can send you any articles after the 4^’*. of March.

The nuts from Gloucester which you were so good as to send me, do
not appear, as far as I can judge from the nut only, to be of the same
species with the two you sent me of the Kentucky kind. I have planted
them and will attend to the progress of their vegetation. I wish I could
procure a few good specimens from the Gloucester trees when in flower,
for the nuts of them appear to me to be very different from any I have
yet seen. Does this species belong to the Walnut division, or is it a
true Hickory?

I have taken the liberty of enquiring of you, in a letter sent by my
friend Doctor Lieb, when Governor Lewis might be expected here ; and
for the reasons therein mentioned, I am anxious for the information. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Hollins.)

Washington, February 19, 1809.

A little transaction of mine, as innocent a one as I ever entered into,
and where an improper construction was never less expected, is making
some noise, I observe, in your city. I beg leave to explain it to you, be-
cause I mean to ask your agency in it. The last year, the Agricultural
Society of Paris, of which I am a member, having had a plough presented
to them, which, on trial with a graduated instrument, did equal work
with half the force of their best ploughs, they thought it would be a
benefit to mankind to communicate it. They accordingly sent one to
me, with a view to its being made known here, and they sent one to the
Duke of Bedford also, who is one of their members, to be made use of in
England, although the two nations were then at war. By the Mentor,
now going to France, I have given permission to two individuals in Dela-
ware and New York, to import two parcels of Merino sheep from
France, which they have procured there, and to some gentlemen in Bos-
ton, to import a very valuable machine which spins cotton, wool, and
Jax equally. The last spring, the Society informed me they were cultw
vating cotton of the Levant and other parts of the Mediterranean, and
wished to try also that of our southern States. I immediately got a
friend to have two tierces of seed forwarded to me. They were con-
signed to Messrs. Falls and Brown of Baltimore, and notice of it being

Jefferson’s Garden Book

408

[1809

given me, I immediately wrote to them to re-ship them to New York, to
be sent by the Mentor. Their first object was to make a show of my
letter, as something very criminal, and to carry the subject into the news-
papers. I had, on a like request, some time ago, (but before the em-
bargo,) from the President of the Board of Agriculture of London, of
which I am also a member, to send them some of the genuine May wheat
of Virginia, forwarded to them two or three barrds of it. General
Washington, in his time, received from the same Society the seed of the
perennid succory, which Arthur Young had carried over from France to
England, and I have since received from a member of it the seed of the
famous turnip of Sweden, now so well known here. I mention these
things, to show the nature of the correspondence which is carried on be-
tween societies instituted for the benevolent purpose of communicating
to all parts of the world whatever useful is discovered by any one of
them. These societies are always in peace, however their nations may
be at war. Like the republic of letters, they form a great fraternity
spreading over the whole earth, and their correspondence is never inter-
rupted by any civilized nation. Vaccination has been a late and remark-
able instance of the liberal diffusion of a blessing newly discovered. It
is really painful, it is mortifying, to be obliged to note these things,
which are known to every one who knows anything, and felt with ap-
probation by every one who has any feeling. But we have a faction, to
whose hostile passions the torture even of right into wrong is a delicious
gratification. Their malice I have long learned to disregard, their
censure to deem praise. But I observe that some republicans are not
satisfied (even when we are receiving liberally from others) that this
small return should be made. They will think more justly at another
day; but, in the meantime, I wish to avoid offence. My prayer to you,
therefore, is, that you will be so good, under the enclosed order, as to
receive these two tierces of seed from Falls and Brown, and pay them
their disbursements for freight, etc., which I will immediately remit you
on knowing the amount. Of the seed, when received, be so good as to
make manure for your garden. When rotted with a due amount of
stable rnanure or earth, it is the best in the world. I rely on your
friendship to excuse this trouble, it being necessary I should not conunit
mysdf again to persons of whose honor, or the want of it, I know
nothing.

Accept the assurances of my constant esteem and respect. (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson la: 252-254.) (See also letter, Williamson &
Cowling to Jefferson, January 25, i8og.)

(Jefferson to Dr, James W. Wallace.)

Washington Feb. 28. 09,

You were so kind as to procure for me a pair of wild geese & a pair
of Summer ducks, & to say you could give me some plants, to wit
Balsam Poplar tree, Sunbriar, mammom apple etc, . . , {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

409

1809]

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Feb^ 28“. 1809

I have the pleasure of sending you by the mail stage a collection of
Flower seeds, some Early York & Sugarleaf Cabbage, red Celery, Long
French Turnep (Navet de Freneuse) so much and I think so justly
admired, for its flavour, in France; together with 8 Quarts of Lead-
man’s Dwarf peas; they are contained in a small box addressed to you,
and will reach you at the same time of this letter.

Price of the 8 Quarts peas $4.00

Paid freight at the Stage oflice 50

$4.50

Our ground being yet covered with snow and bound by the frost, renders
it impossible to get the Strawberry or Gooseberry plants up ; but, as soon
as possible, I shall send them, addressed to any place and person that
you will please to point out to me. I herewith enclose you one of my
catalogues, and shall be happy to supply you with any articles therein
mentioned, and in my power to furnish at the time. . , . (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Baron Alexander von Humboldt.)

Washington, March 6, 1809.

. . . You have wisely located yourself in the focus of the science of
Europe. I am held by the cords of love to my family and country, or I
should certainly join you. Within a few days I shall bury myself in
the groves of Monticello, and become a mere spectator of the passing
events. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson la: 263.)

(Mr. Threlkeld to Jefferson.)

Wednesday Mar. 8, 1809.

Mr. Threlkeld sends Mr. Jefferson three English mulbenys, an
American ones, & flve Peach apricots he recommends great attention to
be paid by the waggoner to them as the shoots are but small in some, &
may tear off. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to George Jefferson.)

Monticello Mar, 25. 09.

. , . We are entirely unable to get cotton seed in this part of the
country, rof Bacon at my request wrote to you for some, if you have
or can procure it, it will be rendering me a great service. , . . (Jeffer-
son Papers, M. H. S.)

410

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1809

(Philip Tabb to Jefferson.)

Toddsburg 7th April 1809

Having just learnt from Captn Decatur who dfelivered a mole board
I did myself the pleasure to send to you at Washington, that you had
not received my letter pr post which left Gloster Ct. House about the
20 th of Jany last— & which I expect was destroyed by a villainous
rider who we now know was in the habit of robing the mail about that
time, I trouble you with the copy, not willing that the appearance of
neglect should pertain to one who will always feel himself honored by
an oppy of rendering you any services in his power. . . .

(Copy of the letter of January.)

I am sorry it is not in my power to send you as many of the large
hickory nuts of this country as you wished to plant, very few of the best
trees are now left & they produced less than usual the last year & were
soon consumed five only were left by accident which I now forward. I
have not been altogether inattentive to those nuts since apart of the
lands producing them have been in my possession — I have planted some
of the largest and best which are growing vigorously & I have little
doubt but the trees raised properly from the nut will be more produc-
tive than those which grow in the woods, for on clearing the lands &
exposing them suddenly after the tree has matured they become sickly
& unproductive —

Having succeeded in getting moleboards cast in Fensylvania agreeable
to a pattern which I shewed Mrs. ( ?) Thomas M. Randolph at Rich-
mond sometimes since (& where the manager of the furnace failed in the
attempt) I do myself the pleasure to present one of them to you, & have
requested one of my sons who resides in Norfolk to forward it to Wash-
ington, they operate hansomeiy in our lands, much superior to any
thing 1 have seen, after the board gets smooth but it requires some at-
tention to get of the rough scale on the operating part of the board. . . .
(Jefferson Papers j Missouri Historical Society.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farnoington Apr. 22, 1809.

I send you some parsnep seed which I think had better be sow’d pretty
thick, they do not look very well and can easily be thin’ed if they come
up better than I expect. I sow 200 feet each of parsnip and beet.
320 feet each salsafy and carrots and 400 feet cellery, all running meas-
ure in the rows, which is a very ample provision for my table and indeed
more than sufficient. The sm^l seed should be sown in drills 18 inches
apart in the row. I send you a few of the early black eyed pea which
you brought from France and can furnish you with some of the cow
pea, and a large gray pea of the Crouder kind, which think very good
one for the table, but fear I shall not be able to supply you with seed

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1809]

4II

potatoes they having been few away to my sheep nearer than I intended.

. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Etienne Le Maire.)

Monticello Apr. 25. 09.

... my birds arrived here in safety, & are the delight of every hour.
... I am constantly in my garden or farms, as exclusively employed
out of doors as I was within doors when at Washington, and I ^d
myself infinitely happier in my new mode of life. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, April 27, 1809.

. . . Our spring continues cold and backward, rarely one growing
day without two or three cold ones following. Wheat is of very various
complexions from very good to very bad. Fruit has not suffered as much
as was expected, except in peculiar situations. Gardens are nearly a
month behind their usual state. I thank you for the squashes from
Maine; they shall be planted today. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jeffer-
son 12 : 277.)

(Jefferson to Jefferson Randolph.)

Monticello May 6, ’09.

... in what you say respecting the preservation of plants I suppose
you allude to mr Crownin^ield’s speciments which I showed you, but
I could not have promised to give you his method because I did not
know it myself, all I know was from Gen‘. Dearborne, who told me
that mf Crowninshield’s method was, by extreme pressure (with a
screw or weight) on the substance of the plants, but that he could never
make it adhere to the paper until he used garlick juice either alone or in
composition with something else. ... 1 must also pray you to get for
me a gross of vial*corks of different sizes, & 4 dozen phials of i. a. 3 & 4
ounces, one dozen of each size. The largest mouthed would be the best
as they are for holding garden seeds. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to William Hamilton.)

Monticello May 7, 09.

... I have pressed upon him also [Jefferson Randolph] to study well
the style of your pleasure grounds, as the chastest mc^el of gardening
which I have ever seen out of England. ... I am the more tempted to
recommend them [Warm Springs for gout] to you, as it would lead you
near this place where I should be very happy to see you & to take from
you some of those lessons for the improvement of my grounds which
you have so happily practiced on your own. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

412

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1809

(Jefferson to Horatio G. Spafford.)

Monticello, May 14, 1809.

... In page 186 [General Geography, by Spailord,] you say the
potato is a native of the United States. I presume you speak of the
Irish potato. I have inquired much into the question, and think I can
assure you that plant is not a native of North America. Zimmerman,
in his “Geographical Zoology”, says it is a native of Guiana ; and Clavi-
gero, that the Mexicans got it from South America, its native country.
The most probable account I have been able to collect is, that a vessel of
Sir Walter Raleigh’s, returning from Guiana, put into the west of
Ireland in distress, having on board some potatoes which they called
earth-apples. That the season of the year, and circumstance of their
being dready sprouted, induced them to give them all out there, and
they were^ no more heard or thought of, till they had been spread con-
siderably into that island, whence they were carried over into England,
and^ therefore called the Irish potato. From England they came to the
United States, bringing their name with them. ... I shall be happy to
see you at MonticeUo, should you come this way as you propose. You
will find me engaged entirely in rural occupations, looking into the field
of science but occasionally and at vacant moments.

I sowed some of the Benni seed the last year, and distributed some
among my neighbors ; but the whole was killed by the September frost.
I got a little again- the last winter, but it was sowed before I received
your letter. Colonel Few of New York receives quantities of it from
Georgia, from whom you may probably get some through die Mayor of
New York. But I little expect that it can succeed with you. It is
about M hardy as the cotton plant, from which you may judge of the
probability of raising it at Hudson. . . . (Lipscomb and Berg^, Jeifer-
son 12 ; 278-282.)

(Jefferson to Philip Tabb.)

MonticeUo, June i, ’09.

Your favor of Apr. 7 has been duly received, with the copy of that of
“January, on reading the first paragraph of it respecting the nuts, I was
confidrat I had received it, as I had forwarded the nuts on to a friend
in Philadelphia, on searching my letter bundles, I accordingly found
mat of January received on the ayth of that month, yet when Capt.
Decatur sent me the mould board, the part of your letter respecting that
had as entirely escaped me as if I had never seen it. indeed I had found
occasions^ thst for the iininence mass of matter which I wds in
me of receiving, the memory was quite an insufficient storehouse.
I thwk you for the mould board, its form promises well, & I have no
dotAt of its good performance, it resembles extremely one which I
made about 20 years ago which has been much approved by the agricul-
turm societies of England and France, the latter of which sent me a gold
medal as a premium. The form as I observed is very much that of

Jefferson’s Garden Book

413

1809]

yours, with the advantage of being made by so easy a rule, that the
coarsest negro workman can do it. I cannot possibly make it a hair's
breath different from the true form, if I can find a conveyance, I will
send you a small model with its block which will shew you at once how
to make it. A description of it may be found in Maese’s edition of
Reese’s domestic encyclopedia, in agriculture I am only an amateur,
having only that knolege which may be got from books, in the field I
am entirely ignorant, & am now too old to learn. Still it amuses my
hours of exercise, & tempts to the taking due exercise. . . . {Glimpses
of the Past, Missouri 3: 108-109.)

(Jefiferson to Wilson C. Nicholas.)

Monticello, June 13, 1809.

. . . We have been seasonable since you left us. Yesterday evening
and this morning we have had refr«hing showers, which will close and
confirm the business of planting. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson
13 ; 290-291.)

(Jefierson to Henry Dearborn.)

Monticello, June 14, 1809.

So entirely are my habits changed from constant labor at my writing
table, to constant active occupation without doors, that it is with diffi-
culty 1 can resolve to take up my pen. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 12 : 291.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, June 16, 09.

. . . For the last three days we have had fine & plentiful showers of
rain, & were willing they should cease as appearances promised last night,
but it commenced raining in the night & now continues with the wind
at northeast. This may become dangerous to the wheat which at best
can only be a middling crop. That of tobacco cannot become great if
the observation of the planters is correct that there never was a great
crop of tobacco which was not patched before the last of May, This
year not a plant was in the ground till June; but the rains have been so
favorable since that the whole crop is now standing & growing. . . .
(Ford, Jefferson ix: 113-114.)

(Jefferson to Samuel H. Smith.)

Monticello Aug. 3. 1809.

[After expressing the hope that Mr. and Mrs. Smith would visit him
again, Jefferson wrote:] and that I may be able to shew mrs Smith
who is fond of gardening, the progress I shall have made the next year
in the improvement of the grounds around me, as well those of pleasure
as utility. . . , {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

414

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1809

(Jefferson to Mess". Jones & Howell.)

Monticello Aug. 10. 09.

It is with real mortification that, instead of a remittance for the last
supply of rod & iron, now due, I am obliged to send you this letter, yet
my feelings on the failure will not permit me to be merely silent. I have
now been for 13. or 14. years a customer of your house Sc of it’s prede-
cessors, and have never failed beyond a few days over the term of re-
mittance, except on one occasion, I believe, where it had escaped atten-
tion. my income is mainly from the produce or the rents of tobacco Sc
wheat farms, knowing that this came in but once a year, and owning
a mill rented at 1200. D. a year, I reserved, when I leased it, quarterly
paiments of the rent with the single view of meeting therewith your
quarterly supplies of rod. I had not pressed my tenant for two years
past, not then wanting the money; but did so when I desired your last
supply, he made me fair promises, which I did not expect he would
fail in, till within these few da)rs. he still renews his promises, but I
cannot be certain that they are better than those he has broken, we
have no banks here to relieve disappointments. Sc little money circulation,
all is barter, my nails have never commanded money, even the mer-
chants, if cash were demanded, would prefer importing them, because
they would then make paiment by remittances of produce, under these
circumstances I am obliged to throw myself on your indulgence, with
the assurance it shall never be wilfully abused. I am endeavoring to
get rid of my present mill-tenant, in order to place that under arrange-
ments which may ensure my paiments to you. I have no other resource
but agriculture, & that can supply deficiencies but once a year, you
must be so good as to indemnify yourselves by charging interest whenever
I fail, for this may not be the only instance under present circumstances,
formerly while 1 had this business under my own direction, it was very
profitable, in as much as it employed boys, not otherwise useful, during
ifiy absence it has not been so, but has been continued merely to preserve
the custom. I think to try it for a year or two, in my own hands, Sc if
I find it is become unprofitable from causes which cannot be remedied I
shall abandon it. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to J. Vaughan.)

Monticello Aug. 31. 09.

. . . P. S. Can you inform me whether the instrument called the
Distiller’s sj^hon is to be had in Philadelphia, and what one sufficient to
work in a cistern [Jefferson was then building his four cisterns] of S.
feet cube would cost? I believe they are usually made of tin. . , .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.) (See appendix II.)

(Judge William Johnson to Jefferson.)

Charleston, Sept. 30, 1809,
Judge Johnson having heard Mr. Jefferson express his admiration of
the Popinaqve, avails himself of the opportunity of Mr. Mitch^’s visit

Jefferson’s Garden Book

415

1809]

to Monticello to transmit one of the Pods of that delicate little Acacia.
The seeds may be put in the ground immediately about an inch deep but
possibly they may not sprout till spring. The tree blossoms so late and
is so wholly inacapable of withstanding the Frost that it is very seldom
we are able to procure the seed. In the same packet, Mr. Jefferson will
find a few seeds of the Grass which in Georgia is called Egyptian & the
Benn^. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Robert Quarles.)

Monticello Oct. 4. ’09.

. . . My mill has been established 52 years and although carried
away in the meantime, & very long in the rebuilding, yet the right was
always kept up by constant renewals of the order of courts. . . . (Jef-
ferson Papers. M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to General John Smith.)

Monticello, Oct. 6, ’09.

I am desirous of sowing largely the next spring a kind of grass called
Tall Meadow oat, or Oat-grass, and sometimes, erroneously Peruvian
grass, which I am told is much cultivated about Winchester, but cannot
be had here. I have ilatered myself I would so far make free with your
friendship as to ask you to procure for me about a couple of bushels to
be put into a tight barrel & forwarded to Staunton to the care of Judge
Stewart. ... I wish it to be of this year’s seed, as I found it would not
come up the second year, on a trial of some procured for me by Mr.
Nourse which arrived too late in the first spring to be sowed. ... if
you have cultivated it, I should thank you for any instructions your ex-
perience may enable you to give, as to the soils it will delight in, or do
in, the sowing & the care of it, the produce etc. for I am much a stranger
to it . . . (Jefferson Papers, Missouri Historical Society.)

(Jefferson to John Adlum.)

Monticello Oct 7. 09.

... I think it would be well to pu^ the culture of that grape [Fox
Grape], without losing our time & efforts in search of foreign vines,
which it will take centuries to adapt to our soil & climate, the object of
the present letter is so far to trespass on your kindness, & your disposition
to promote a culture so useful, as to request you at the proper season to
send some cuttings of that vine, diey should be taken off in Feb-
ruary, with 5 buds to each cutting, and if done up first in strong linen &
then covered with paper St addressed to me at Monticello near Milton,
and committed to the post, they will come safely & so speedily as to render
their success probable. Fraying your pardon to a brother-amateur in
these things. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

416

[1809

(JefiEerson to Governor John Milledge.)

Monticello Oct. 10. 1809

I have received from M. Thouin, Director of the National garden of
France, a collection of many different species of rice, whether any of
them possess, any properties which might render them preferable to those
we possess, either generally or under particular circumstances of soil or
climate I know not. but the scripture precept of ‘prove all things &
hold fast that which is good’ is peculiarly wise in objects of agriculture.
(Jefferson Papers j L. C.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin H. Latrobe.)

Monticello Oct. 10. 09.

. . . Your promised visit to Monticello, whenever it can be effected,
will give me real pleasure, and 1 think could not fail of giving some to
you. my essay in Architecture [house at Monticello^ has been so much
subordinated to the law of convenience, & affected ^so by the circum-
stance of change in the original design, that it is liable to some unfavor-
able & just criticisms, but what nature has done for us is sublime &
beautiful and unique. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William Thornton.)

Monticello Oct. li. 1809.

. . . The tarragon you were so kind as to send me is now growing
with the former bunch, but so extraordinary has been our drought that
no efforts could save the figs. I think, in the spring, I must ask a few
very small plants or cuttings to be done up in strong paper & addressed
to me by post. I will take some occasion of sending you some cuttings
of the Marseilles fig, which I brought from France with me, & is in-
comparably superior to any fig I have ever seen. (Jefferson Papers,
L.C.)

(Thomas Lomax to Jefferson.)

Port Tobaco, Oct. 3b“* 1809.

By the carriage, which I now send up for my Daughter, you will re-
ceive some filbert cions, and Nuts, as well as the Juboli, and Acacia the
latter 1 have been obliged to lay in a flat Box, as the weight of those,
out of which they were taken, I was afraid would be too heavy, and
dangerous to be put into the Carriage. They will 1 hope reach you in
safety, to be placed in other Boxes. The Nuts, if you chuse to plant
any of them, it ought to be done immediately] but I am doubtful whether
they will Vegitate; as I always after they are put into Bags, expose them
very much to the heat of the Sun; but you can try them, and should
they come up in the Spring, they should, as well as the young trees, be
watered whenever the weather biscomes dry. The trees I think you had

Jefferson’s Garden Book

417

1809]

better set at 20 feet asunder; as mine are only fifteen, which I discover
to be too near each other. I have also sent some of the Star-Jasmine,
and a beautiful flowering shrub which I took from the Woods, and not
knowing its real name, have given it that, of modesty, from its handsome
delicate appearance, a quality which will disgrace no Garden. If you
have any of the Paccan nut that you can conveniently spare, I will thank
you for some by the return of the Carriage ; as I expect they can now be
moved with safety. . . . T. L. requests some of Mr. Jefferson’s fine
Lima-Beans, if he has any to spare. The Silk-Tree is very flourishing.
There is an Orange and Lime Tree sent, the Orange has the broadest
Leaf. (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence; 186-187.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Lomax.)

Monticello, Nov. 6, ’09.

Your carriage arrived here Jast night only, having been detained some
days at Edgehill by the late rains and consequent rise of the river, all
the donations which you have been so kind as to charge on it have ar-
rived in perfect order, and being to set out tomorrow for Bedford, this
day will he employed in setting out the plants, by the return of the
carriage I shall send you three or four Paccans and some Lima beans.
I propose to make me a large orchard of Paccan and Roanoke and Mis-
souri scaly barks which I possess, and of Gloucester and common scaly
barks of which I shall plant the nuts, to these I shall add the sugar
maple if I can procure it. I do not see why we may not have our sugar
orchards as well as our cyder orchards. . . , (Ford, Jefferson Corre-
spondence: 190.)

(Jefferson to Judge William Fleming.)

Monticello Nov. 28. ’09.

I have received safely the extraordinary rattle of the rattle snake, as
also the foliage of the .Alleghany Martagon. a plant of so much beauty
& fragrance will be a valuable addition to our flower gardens, should
you find your roots of it I shall be very thankful to participate of them,
& will carefully return you a new stock should my part succeed & yours
fail. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Dec', 24**', 1809

With many thanks I acknowledge the receipt of the fine collection of
seeds you were pleased to send me some time ago, and would have done
this much sooner, were I not in daily expectation of receiving from Lon-
don a variety of esculent vegetable seeds, that I wished to send you some
of, at the same time. Having received them by the Ship Coramandal
which arrived here a few days ago, I do myself the pleasure of sending
you by the same mail that conveys this letter, some early cabbage &

4i8 Jepfbrson’s Garden Book [1809

cauliflower seeds &c, and shall send you by subsequent mails several
other seeds for your spring sowing.

I am extremely sorry for the death of that worthy and valuable man
Gov'. Lewis, and the more so, for the manner of it. I have, I believe,
all his collection of dried specimens of plants, procured during his jour-
ney to the pacific ocean, and several kinds of new living plants, which I
raised from the seeds of his collecting, which you and himself were
pleased to give me. In consequence of a hint, to that effect, given me
by Gov'. Lewis on his leaving this City, I never yet parted with any of
his plants raised from his seeds, nor with a single seed the produce of
either of them, for fear they should make their way into the hands of
any Botanist, either in America, or Europe, who might rob M'. Lewis
of the right he had to first describe and name his own discoveries, in his
intended publication ; and indeed I had strong reasons to believe that this

opportunity was coveted by which made me still more

careful of his plants.

On Governor Lewis’s departure from here, for the seat of his Gov-
ernment, he requested me to employ M'. Frederick Pursh, on his return
from a collecting excursion he was then about to undertake for Doctor
Barton to describe and make drawings of such of his collection as would
appear to be new plants, and that himself would return to Philadelphia
in the month of May fallowing. About the first of the ensuing Nov'.
M'. Punh returned, took up his abode with me, began the work, pro-
gressed as far as he could without further explanation, in some cases,
from M'. Lewis, and was detained by me, in expectation of M'. Lewis’s
arrival at my expense, without the least expectation of any future re-
muneration, from that time till April last; when not having received
any reply to several letters I had written from time to time, to Gov'.
Lewis on the subject, nor being able to obtain any information when he
probably might be expected here; I thought it a folly to keep Pursh
longer idle, and recommended him as Gardener to Doctor Hosack of
New York, with whom he has since lived.

The original specimens are all in my hands, but M'. Pursh, had taken
his drawings and descriptions with him, and will, no doubt, on the de-
livery of them expect a reasonable compensation for his trouble.

As it appears to me probable that you will interest yourself in having
the discoveries of M'. Lewis published, I think it a duty incumbent on
me, to give you [illegible] preceding information, and to ask your ad-
vice as to the propriety of still keeping the living plants I have, from
getting into other hands who would gladly describe and publish them
without doing due honor to the memory and merit of the worthy dis-
coverer. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Mrs. Anne (Randolph) Bankhead.)

Monticello, Dec. 39th, 1809.

Your mamma has given me a letter to inclose to you, but whether it
contains any thing contraband 1 know not. Of that the responsibility

Jefferson’s Garden Book

419

1809]

must be on her ; I therefore inclose it I suppose she gives you all the
small news of the place — such as the race in writing between Virginia
and Francis, that the wild geese are well after a flight of a mile and a
half into the river, that the plants in the green-house prosper, etc., etc.
A propos of plants, make a thousand acknowledgments to Mrs. Bank-
head for the favor proposed of the Cape jessamine. It will be cherished
with all the possible attentions ; and in return proffer her calycanthuses,
pecans, silk-trees, Canada martagons, or anything else we have. . . .
What is to become of our flowers ? I left them so entirely to yourself,
that I never knew any thing about them, what they are, where they
grow, what is to be done for them. You must really malm out a book
of instructions for Ellen, who has fewer cares in her head than I have.
Every thing shall be furnished on my part at her call. . . . (Randolph,
Jefferson: 330 - 33 I-)

From the Account Book i8og-i82o:

Feb. 1. Theophilus Holt garden seeds 31.36.

Feb. TO. inclosed to Baltimore for Spring rye 1. D.

[see letter of Jefferson to John DiffenderfEer, February 10.]
Mar. 31. gave to Tho‘. J. Randolph 50. D. for his expenses to Phila-
delphia, out of which he is to pay 2. D. to J. Taggert whose
bill is 72. D. and 6.50 to McMahon for seeds.

April 9. paid for a plough 2. D.

Dec. 4. Paid Price for 6 geese 2.50 (owe him for I2. muscovy
ducks.)

i8io.^

i8io

Mar. 17. — 20. planted in the orchard as follows

a — 1.2 + I.

b. — 1,2 + I

c. — I. + I

d. — 1.2

10. Italian peaches from Mazzei. ante
pa. 30. Maddelena. poppe de Venere.
melon peaches & vaga loggia

from Threl-
keld.“

General Arrangem‘.
of the Nursery
almonds
apples
apricots
cherries

Terras, i.
2.

3 -

4 -

d. 3.4.6.7.8. Nectarines from
the Nursery,
g. 28.29.39. Peach
Apricots
38.42.43. Bor-
deaux Apricots

37-39.43^. j

f.29.4f.i3 .Jf^°"’T. Lomax.

d. — 3

f. 1.2.3.

g. — 1.2.3. + 15.6.8.

h. 27.30.33.35.38.43.

i. 28.29.35.37.38.39.

40.41.42.

j. 30.38.

k. — 1.2. + 2.4.5.7.8.

9.14.18.19.21.26.30.

36.

n. 9. 0.9 p.9

~ 2 . + 2.3. Spitzenburg apple trees from mf Divers.*
New Nursery * Mar. 21,

46. select
peaches
from the
Nursery.

5. nuts
«;}p=achc

8. pears

9. plumbs

’'^’l-Miscellan*

etcj

400

Plate XXXI.— Page 40 of the original Garim Book. Note the artangement of
the nutaery.

■sXXJLIL — Jefiferson’e plan of the orchard and garden, about i8ll. Note the location of the nursery, Bailey’s alley, garden
JeSerson’s scheme for location of fruit trees. Q^mon Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8io]

421

Terras. i“. i.toS.feet. 52. hardshelled sweet Almonds

from Cadiz."

2®. 9. Spitzenburgs from mr Tay-

lor.* grafted

13. Calvites & Red apples from
Detroit, mf Taylor, grafted

21. Spitzenburgs. cuttings from
the 3. trees from mr Divers

30. Newtown pippings. cuttings
from my own trees, grafted.

3* 70. Taliaferro apples, grafted

from my own trees, begin-
ning them at E. end.

3*. I. to 5.f. planted 24. Peach apricot stones,
saved the last year from the
tree f.42. at W. end.

5“ I. to I f.f. planted 141. filbert nuts from T.
Lomax.^

6**. I. to ly.f 48. softl
peach trees, from
T. Lomax.

18. to 20.f II.
November soft
peach stones.

20 . to 2 I.f 6.
plumb peach
stones gathered
Oct. s-

21. to 27.1. 41.
black plumb
peach stones of
Georgia.’

14. cuttings of the Mag-
dalen peach, soft,
grafted. Taylor
Terras y*”.

9. cuttings of Kaskas-
kia* soft nectarine.
Taylor

4.22

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1810

10“. I. root & 5. cuttings of the

Mountain currant brought in
by Gov'. Lewis.“ from mf
Taylor.

ii”*. I. row of Umbrella seeds." i.

d*. of Cucumber tree seeds."

3. to i6.f. seeds of the Magnolia glauca."

12*'’. I. to 13 f. seeds of Kentucky locust,"

Mar. 21. planted 7. Rhododendrons” in 4. oval beds”

in each corner of the house.

N". VI . . planted 36. Acacia. Popinaques ” (prob-
ably Farnesiana) seeds from Judge Johns-
ton,” in a box.

23. sowed Egyptian grass” in the old nursery
lowest bed, West end.

set out sprigs of sweet scented grass ” in low-
est bed Eastwardly.

24, Nursery. 8®. Terras, grafted 4. pear cut-

tings from Galli-
polis." very large,
eaten Dec. Jan. Tay-
lor

9®. grafted 6. plumb cut-

tings from d.27. or
e.36. a large blue
plumb.

26. 3*. grafted 12. codlings

& 12. iron wildings,
next to the Taliafers.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

423

1810]

7“*. planted 13. stones of

the Magdalen or
White blossomed
peach, soft. Taylor

Apr. 18. flower borders.*® sowed larkspurs.** poppies.**
balsam apple.**

N. oval bed on S.W. side, nutmeg plant.**

S. oval bed on S.W. side. American Co-
lumbo.*^

20. planted in the ii. uppermost terrasses of the
E. vineyard 165. cuttings of a native winegrape
rec*. from Major Adlum ** of Maryland, this
grape was first discovered by a gardener of
Governor John Penn’s ** & transplanted into
his garden in or near Philadelphia. I have
drank of the wine, it resembles the Comartin
Burgundy.

planted 3. yellow Jas-'

in the oval beds

mines*® from mf

next to the cov-

Coles *^

. ered ways on

5. d®. from mr

both sides of

Divers

each.

planted in boxes, viz. N®. IV. Acer Tartari-
cum.** joli petit arbre. propre au bos-
quets. & 8. grains Poland spring
wheat **

X. hard shelled bitter almond. 10. kernels.

XI. Mespilus Pyracanta.** Prickly medlar.
2.y. to come up. & Ghibeba Melli-
meni.** fescues

4^4

Apr. 26.

28.

May. 7.
8 .

Jefferson’s Garden Book [1810

XII. Lonicera Alpigena.** red berried
honey suckle

XIII. Broussonette papyrifera.” paper mul-
berry of China.

sowed. Phaseolus rufus. Haricots roussa-
tres.** West bed of XV. N.end.

Brassica sempervirens.** middle of same bed.

Valeriana vesicaria.^* Candia corn sallad.
S.end of same bed.

Pani corn " in the S.E.end of the Supplemen-
tary ground below Bailey’s walk forward corn
from Claxton in S.W. corner of d“.

Cherokee latter com in the middle part.

Sweet or shriveled corn in the N.W.corner of
d*. above Bailey’s walk.

forward blackeyed peas of Georgia, 2. upper-
most rows, ibidem.

forward French black eyes “ in the rows next
below.

Ravcnsworths in the next. 3563. of these = i
pint

Cow peas in all the rest of the Supplement ex-
cept as follows. *2587 = I. pint.

Benni “ in all the E, end above Bailey’s walk.

sowed upland rice** at the mouth of the
Meadow branch.

sowed yellow jasmine seed in 2. boxes. XIV,
XV.

i 8 io].

Jefferson’s Garden Book

415

14. planted 12. figs, just received from D'. Thorn-
ton, “ in the vacancies at the S.W. end of the
wall.

beginning where those of Sep. 5, 1809. end.
these of 1809. are all sprouting at the root.

June. 6. Note the following cluster of trees in the old
nursery, to be suflfered to remain there & be
taken care of

1. in the row e. 15 f from the gate a May Duke
cherry of the finest quality.

2. about 10 f below that a May cherry of very
fine quality.

3. in a line with that, I2.f. eastwardly a plumb,
supposed Magnum bonum.

4. a pear 2.f. from the 3*.

5. due West from the May Duke y.f. a
quince

6. due West nearly from the Quince 8.f. a
pear.

The cherry trees along the brow of the garden
wall are as follows.

I"*, in the S.W. angle opposite the Asparagus
beds a May cherry.

a”, opposite walk A. a Carnation.

3". square I. a May cherry.

4‘" II. d“.

XVI.I a seedling black, but
in center of XVI. large & fine

4^6

Jefferson’s Garden Book [i8io

in center of IX not a May duke, yet like
it. perhaps a black heart.

July. 2.
3 -

Sep. 14.

cucumber from mfs Lewis.**
squashes from the Asparagus bed.
the ice in the ice house fails.

millet " is now fit for use.

• the largest cups of the drill hold 5. cowpeas each, & 5 cups to a turn
of the wheel require 25. peas to a revolution of the wheel which is 6.f.
in circumference, then i. pint will sow lOO. revolution s= aoo yds,
and 18 pints or peck will drill an acre in rows 4.f. apart, but it will
be better to use the cups which take up a single pea only each, with 6.
cups to the band, or 6. peas to the 6.f. in this way 4I pints sow an
acre, and i, bushel sows 15. acres.

^ 1810. Jefferson, at Monticello now for almost a year,
found that retirement, to which he had looked forward with
keen anticipation for so many years, resolving itself into a life
of financial worry. However, his release from" public affairs
and his many interests at home gave him much happiness.

A letter to his friend. General Thaddeus Kosciusko, written
from Monticello on February 26, gives a bright picture of how
his days were passing since his return home :

I am retired to MontiMllo, where, in the bosom of my family, and
surrounded by my books, I enjoy a repose to which I have been long a
stranger. My mornings are devoted to correspondence. From break'
fast to dinner, I am in my shops, my garden, or on horseback among my
farms; from dinner to dark, I give to society and recreation with my
neighbors and friends: and from candle light to early bed-time, I read.
My health is perfect; and my strength considerably reinforced by the ac-
tivity of the course I pursue; perhaps it is as great as usually falls to the
lot of near sixty-seven years of age. I talk of ploughs and harrows, of
seeding and harvesting, with my neighbors, and of politics too, if they
choose, with as little reserve as the rest of ray fellow citizens, and feel,
at length, the blessing of being free to say and do what I please, without
being responsible for it to any mortal. A part of my occupation, and by
no means the least pleasing is the direction of the studies of such young
men as ask it. They place themselves in the neighboring village, and

i8io] Jefferson’s Garden Book 427

have the use of my library and counsel, and make a part of my society.
In advising the course of their reading, I endeavor to keep their atten-
tion fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom and happiness of
man. So that coming to bear a share in the councils and government of
their country, they will keep ever in view the sole objects of all legitimate
government. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson la: 369-370.)

Improvements continued at Monticello and at the other
estates, hut they were more with an eye to utility than to orna-
ment. He makes this point in a letter written on August 6 to
Mr. Samuel H. Smith, who had visited him at Monticello the
year before ; “I have made no progress this year in my works
of ornament : having been obliged to attend first to the utile,
my farms occupy me much, and require much to get them un-
derway.” (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Although the spring had been “wonderfully backwards,” the
cold weather having done much damage to fruit trees and the
“devastating rain" of the latter part of February having
greatly injured the fields, a considerable amount of planting
had been done throughout the spring and fall. This was
especially true of fruit trees, of which a large variety had
been set out.

Toward the close of the year Jefferson completed four
cisterns which he had been constructing during the preceding
years. Although they added to the supply of water which he
had been getting from springs and the well, they were never
satisfactory, and the water supply for his mountaintop con-
tinued to be a serious problem.

Trouble continued at the mill. On November 9 the mill
dam was almost completely destroyed, and the water stood on
the floor of the mill, four feet deep. The Farm Book states:

there fell in the course of 48. hours about 4f I. of rain, it raised the
river to the brim of the bank between the mill dam & ford on this side
and carried away the middle of the dam, & tore very much to pieces the
Eastern i. it barely entered the lowest part of the low grounds there
& at Milton, the water was about 4. f, deep in the lowest floor of the
manufacturing mill.

The incompetent Shoemaker was still the manager of the mill.
The nailery, however, was more prosperous, manufacturing
six tons of nails during the year.

The Garden Book for this year contains numerous entries
of planting, but no garden Kalendar, while the Farm Book in-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

428

[1810

eludes observations on various agricultural improvements and
plans. As usual, the letters are replete with discussions of
agricultural and gardening subjects.

In addition to the Randolph family, Francis Eppes, Jeffer-
son’s grandson, spent most of the year with him, studying
under his tutelage. Jefferson spent a greater part of the year
at Monttcello; however, he went to Poplar Forest in the
spring, in August, and in December. No doubt he went there
to hasten the work on his new house, which was nearing com-
pletion.

* See letter, Mr. Threlkeld to Jefferson, March 8, 1809.

' Mr. George Divers, of Farmington, Albemarle County.

* See entry of January 9, 1810, under Farm Book.

“ Cadiz, Spain. The almonds were probably sent by Mrs.
Harriet Hackley. See April 10, 1809, in Garden Book.

* Probably James Taylor, of Norfolk, Virginia. He was
born December 14, 1771, and died June 7, 1826. He mar-
ried his first cousin Sarah Newton, June ii, 1800; was clerk
of the court, merchant, and importer of wine. (See William
and Mary College Quarterly 3: 18, 1895; also letter, James
Taylor to Jefferson, February 3, 1806.)

^ See letter, Thomas Lomax to Jefferson, October 30, 1809.

‘ Probably named after the Kaskaskia River, in Illinois, or
one of the several settlements on that river.

® See entry in Garden Book for April lo, 1809.

” Meriwether Lewis (1774-1809), private secretary to
President Jefferson in 1801, and co-leader with Captain Wil-
liam Clark on the Northwest Expedition. After their re-
turn in 1806, Captain Lewis was appointed governor of the
Missouri Territory. (Lippincott’s Biographical Dictionary:
1 S 43 -)

“ Seeds of Magnolia tripetala L.

Seeds of Magnolia acuminata L.

“ Now called Magnolia virginiana L. Common name,
sweet bay.

Gymnocladus dioica (L.) Koch. Commonly called Ken-
tucky coffee tree.

” Probably either Rhododendron mateimum L. or R. cataw-
biense Michx.

See plate XXIII for location of these beds.

i8io] Jefferson’s Garden Book 429

Acacia farnesiana Willd. See letters, Judge Johnson to
Jefferson, September 20, 1809, and Jefferson to Judge John-
son, March 17, 1810.

“Judge William Johnson (1771—1834), born in Charles-
ton, South Carolina, in 1771 and graduated from Princeton
College in 1790 with high honors; became distinguished in
law, and in 1801 was appointed by Jefferson to the Supreme
Court of the United States. (Lippincott’s Biographical Dic-
tionary: 1 3 94-)

Egyptian grass. Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd.
See letters, Jefferson and Judge Johnson, mentioned in note
17.

Sweet scented grass. Anthoxanthum odoratum L. See
letter, Jefferson to Ellen Randolph, February 6, 1809.

^ Gallipolis, Ohio. A small manufacturing city on the
Ohio River.

** This is the first mention of the flower borders in the
Garden Book. They were on each side of the winding or
Roundabout Walk on the western lawn. See plate XXIV.

^Delphinium sp.

Papaver sp.

Momordica balsamina L.

“ Unidentified.

Fraser a caroliniensis Walt.

Major John Adlum, of Maryland, collected and grew a
large number of grape vines for commercial purposes, and
owned one of the best vineyards in the United States. He
carried on some correspondence with his friend Jefferson,
mainly on the subject of grapes and wines. See letters, Jef-
ferson and Adlum, March 13, 1810, and April 20, 1810.

John Penn, the grandson of William Penn, was born in
London on July 14, 1729, and died in Philadelphia on Feb-
ruary 10, 1795. He was educated at the University of
Geneva and came to this country in 1753. He was Lieu-
tenant Governor and Governor of Pennsylvania. {Encyclo-
pedia Americana {New York, 1942) 21; 511.)

May be either a species of Jasminum L. or Gelsemium
sempervirens Juss.

Probably Isaac A. Coles, who “was a member of the
Albemarle bar, for a time President Jefferson's private secre-

430

Jefferson's Garden Book

[1810

tary, and a member of the House of Delegates. He lived at
Enniscorthy, married Mrs. Julia Strieker Rankin, widow of
Hon. Christopher Rankin, of Louisiana, and had two chil-
dren, Isaetta and Strieker. He died in 1841, and his wife in
1876.” (Woods, Albemarle County: 173.)

Acer tartaricum L. Pretty, small tree, suitable for a
thicket (translated).

** Triticum aestimm var. polonicum Bailey.

** Now Pyracanthus coccinea Roem.

Unidentified.

Lonicera alpigena L.

Broussonetia papyrifera Vent.

” Sowed red beans.

Brassica sempervirens. See letter, Jefferson to Bernard
McMahon, February 16, 1812.

** Valeriana vesicaria. Unidentified.

Pani corn. See letter, Jefferson to Edmund Bacon,
March 8, 1808. A corn brought back by Meriwether Lewis
from the West.

” French black-eye pea. See letter, George Divers to Jef-
ferson, April 22, 1809.

" Benne. See letter, Jefferson to Judge Johnson, March
17, 1810, and various quoted letters about the benne plant.

“Upland rice. See letter, Jefferson to Benjamin Water-
house, December 1, 1808.

" See letter, Jefferson to William Thornton, May 24, 1810.

“ Probably the wife of Colonel Nicholas Lewis. Colonel
Lewis died in 1808.

Panicum miliaceum L.

“ A machine for sowing seeds.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, i8io

(Jefferson to Honore JuUien.)

Monticello Jan. 8. 1810.

... the occupations of the garden, the worbhops, & the farms fill
up the whole of T, Jc.'s time. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello Jan. 13. 10.

Your favor of Dec. 24. did not get to hand till the 3* inst. and I re-
turn you my thanb for the garden seeds which came safely. I am

Jefferson’s Garden Book

431

1810]

curious to select only one or two of the best species or variety of every
garden vegetable, and to reject all others from the garden to avoid the
dangers of mixture & degeneracy, some plants of your gooseberry, of
the Hudson & Chili strawberries, & some bulbs of Crown imperials, if
they can be put into such moderate packages as may be put into the
mail, would be very acceptable, the Cedar of Lebanon & Cork oak are
two trees I have long wished to possess, but, even if you have them,
they could only come by water, & in charge of a carefid individual, of
which opportunities rarely occur.

Before you receive this you will probably have seen Gen*. Clarke, the
companion of Governor Lewis in his journey, & now the executor of
his will, the papers relating to the expedition had safely arrived at
Washington, had been delivered to Gen'. Clarke, & were to be carried
on by him to Philadelphia, and measures to be taken for immediate
publication, the prospect of this being now more at hand, I think it
justice due to the merits of Gov'. Lewis to keep up the publication of
his plants till his work is out, that he may reap the well deserved fame
of their first discovery, with respect to mf Pursh I have no doubt Gen'.
Clarke will do by him whatever is honorable, & whatever may be useful
to the work. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Barnes.)

Monticello Jan. 17. 10.

... I have 450 acres in wheat this year, all in excellent land, h the
next year I shall be able to raise it to 600 acres, & to increase my tobacco
crop from 40 to 60. in a couple of years more 1 shall be able to ,clear
out all the difficulties I brought on myself in Washington. 11,000 D.
(Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to Thomas Main.)

Monticello, Jan. 20, 1810.

Your favor of the loth inst. has been duly received & I now return
you the paper it inclosed with some subscriptions to it. I go rarely
from home, & therefore have little opportunity of promoting subscrip-
tions. these are of the friends who visit me, and if you will send their
copies, when ready, to me, I will distribute them, and take on myself
the immediate remittance of the price to you. I am anxious to learn
the method of sprouting the haws the first year, which that work
promises to teach us,

I visited always with great satisfaction your useful establishment and
became entirely sensible of your own personal merit. I saw with regret
your labours struggling against the disadvantages of your position, the
farm is poor, the country around it poor, & the farmers not at all
emulous of improving their agriculture. 1 was sensible that the James
river lowgrounds were the field where your system of hedges would be
peculiarly useful, it is the richest tract of country in the Atlantic states.

432

Jefferson’s Garden Book

Its proprietors are all wealthy, and devoted to the improvement of their
farms, timber for wooden inclosures is getting out of their reach and
is liable to be swept away by floods, the hedge would quickly become
an inclosure in such lands, & would withstand the floods, yet I was
sensible of the difficulties of your removal. Nurseries are the work of
years, they cannot be removed from place to place, nor all sold out at
a moment’s warning, to renew them in another place requires years
before they begin again to yield profit, wishing you therefore all the
success which your present situation admits & your own efforte, industry
& good conduct merit I pray you to be assured of my entire esteem.
(Glimpses of the Past, Missouri, 3: 113.)

(Jefferson to Joel Barlow.)

Monticello, January 24, 1810.

... You ask my opinion of Maine. I think him a most excellent
man. Sober, industrious, intelligent and conscientious. But, in the
difEculty of changing a nursery establishment, I suspect you will find an
insurmountable obstacle to his removal. . . .

P. S. The day before yesterday the mercury was at si® with us, a very
uncommon degree of cold here. It gave us the first ice for the ice house.
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 12: 351-352.)

(Jefferson to J. Garland Jefferson.)

Monticello, January 25, i8io.

... I am leading a life of considerable activity as a farmer, reading
little and writing less. Something pursued with ardor is necessary to
guard us from the tedium-viatae, and the active pursuits lessen most our
sense of the infirmities of age. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson
12; 35 S 0

(Jefferson to William A. Burwell.)

Monticello, February 25, 1810.

. . . The present delightful weather has drawn us all into our farms
and gardens; we have had the m(Kt devastating rain which has ever
fallen within my knowledge. Three inches of water fell in the space
of about an hour. Every hollow of every hill presented a torrent which
swept everything before it. I have never seen the fields so much in-
jured. ^ Mr. Randolph’s farm is the only one which has not suffered ;
his horizontal furrows arrested the water at every step till it was ab-
sorbed, or at least had deposited the soil it had taken up. Everybody
in this neighborhood is adopting his method of ploughing, except tenants
who have no interest in the preservation of the soil. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferton 12: 364-365.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

433

(Jefferson to Mrs. Elizabeth Trist.)

Monticello Feb. 28. 10.

. . . Within ten days Monticello will begin to enrobe itself in all it’s
bloom, we are now all out in our gardens & fields. Since Christmas I
have taken my farms into my own hands. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(James Ronaldson to Jefferson.)

Paris Mar. 4, 1810.

List of seeds sent

Canary seed

Oil poppy

do. do

Dates

Olive

Leigle de Mare

Madder

Teazel

Wood

Blue Wood

Ferrenial flax

Gold of Pleasure (Oil plant)

Oil Raddish

Sainfoin that gives two crops per annum

Fall Cabbage

Scarlet clover (an annual)

Naked Barley

Alpiste
oeillette
Pavot blaue
Datties
Olivies
Spring Rye

Chardon a foulen

Pastel
lin vivace
Cameline

Radis oleifer de la chine

Chou Cavalier
Trifle de Roussillon
Orge nud

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(John Adlum to Jefferson.)

Wilton Farm Mar 13, 1810.

With this day’s mail I send you a number of cuttings of the vines
which I made the wine. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(I. A. Coles to Jefferson.)

Mar. 13“*. 1810.

I. A. Coles presents his complem*" to M'. Jefferson & sends him a few
scions of the Mountain Laurel. He hopes they will reach him without
injury. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Captain W. D, Meriwether.)

Monticello Mar. 14. 1810.

’ The bearer now comes for the trees you have taken care of for me,
that is to say my half of them, whete there is only a single one of a

434

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8io

kind do not risk the taking it up. a graft from it another }'ear will do
as well for me. be so good as to have the roots of those sent well wrapt
in straw to keep the cold air from them. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Judge William Johnson.)

Monticello Mar. 17. 1810.

I received by mr. Mitchell your letter of Sept. 20. and the favor of
the Benne seed, Egyptian Grass and the Accacia seeds, a journey im-
mediately succeeding took off my attention from the subject in the
moment, and it was not till overhauling my seeds for the operations of
the present season that I was reminded of the duty & pleasure of the
acknolegement still due for your kind attention, all of these articles
are highly acceptable, they bring nourishment to my hobby horse: for
my occupations at present are neither in reading nor writing, the cul-
ture of the earth in the garden, orchard and farms engage my whole at-
tention. two essays of the last year and year before with the Benni
have failed, the first by the earliest frost ever known in this country,
which killed the plants before maturity, and the last by as extraordinary
a drought. I raised however the last year about as much as 1 sowed,
and shdl make another effort this year, and not without good hopes. ^ I
have provided myself with a press of cast iron, to wit, a cylinder holding
half a bushel with an iron lid moving within it, and a screw to force
that, it has not yet however been tried. I am very thankful for the
Egyptian grass, having long heard of it & wished to try it. I have not
been able to find the term Popinaque which distinguishes the species of
Acacia you have been so kind as to send me, nor do I recollect the oc-
casion of my mentioning it to you. being a great admirer of the two
species Nilotica & Farnesiana, I suspect it must be one of these, & prob-
ably the latter which is a native of the W. India islands. I shall how-
ever cherish it. some two or three years ago, among other seeds I re-
ceived from Malta, was that of the Wintermelon. I gave it to two or
three gardeners near Washington, only one of them succeeded in rais-
ing it, on account of the criticalness of the time of planting, he raised
a few, of which he sent me one on Christmas day. he planted on the
I5‘\ of July, the fruit is gathered before the danger of frost, the
planting must have been so timed that when gathered in autumn, and
put away in a warm dry place, it will go on mellowing as an apple, it
is eaten through the months of Dec. Jan. & February, it is a very fine
melon. I inclose you a few seeds, as I think it will be more likdy to
do well with you than here, and shall be happy to administer to your
taste for the care of plants in any way you can make me useful. . , ,
(Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Mar. 25. 1810.

... it is believed the fruit has been all killed in the bud by the late
extraordinary cold weather, mine is untouched, tho I apprehend that a

i8io]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

435

very heavy white frost which reached the top of the hill last night may
have killed the blossoms of an Apricot which has been in bloom about a
week, a very few peach blossoms are yet open. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello Apr. i6. lo.

. . • our spring is wonderfully backward, we have had asparagus
only two days, the fruit has escaped better than was believed, it is
killed only in low places. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Robert Fulton.)

Monticello, April i6, 1810.

. . . The object of this prompt reply to your letter, is the offer you
so kindly made of lending me your dynamometer. It will be the great-
est favor you can do me.

The Agricultural Society of the Seine sent me one of Guillaume’s
famous ploughs, famous for taking but half the moving power of their
best ploughs before used. They, at the same time, requested me to send
them one of our best, with my mould board to it. I promised I would,
as soon as I retired home and could see to its construction myself. In
the meantime I wrote to a friend at Paris to send me a dynamometer,
which he did. Unfortunately this, with some other valued articles of
mine, were lost on its passage from -Washington to Monticello. I have
made the plough and am greatly deceived if it is not found to give less
resistance than theirs. In fact I think it is the finest plough which has
ever been constructed in America. But it is the actual experiment alone
which can decide this, and I was with great reluctance about to send off
the plough untried when I received your kind offer. I will pray you to
send the instrument to Mr. Jefferson of Richmond by some careful pas-
senger in the stage, who will see that it does not miscarry by the way;
or by some vessel bound from New York direct to Richmond, which is
the safest though slowest conveyance. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 19: 172-173.)

(Jefferson to W. C. Nicholas.)

Monticello Apr. 16. 1810.

On enquiry of mr Randolph I find his process for rolling his seed corn
in plaister varies a little from what I told you. he first dilutes the tar
with water stirred into it to such a consistency as will make the plaister
adhere, corn is then put into a trough and diluted tar poured on it and
stirred till the whole of the grains are perfectly coated, there must be
no surplus of the tar more than covers the grains, then put the plaister
in and stir the whole until the corn will take up no more, and remains
dry enough to be handled, he observed that if the corn was rolled in
pure tar and then plaistered, it would become as hard as marbles and
would be very late in coming up, and sometimes not come up at all. he

Jefferson’s Garden Book

436

[iSio

takes this process from some Northern practice. I wish you may receive
this in time to correct my imperfect statement of it to you. {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Colonel Skipwith.)

Monticello Apr. 17. 10.

Overhauling my seeds reminded me that I was to send you some
Millet seed, it is now inclosed, put it into drills j. or 4. f. apart so
that you may conveniently plough it, and the stalks at 6. I. distance in
the drill, it is planted immediately after corn planting, say in May.
it is to be used for the table as homony, boiled or fried, needs neither
husking nor beating, & boils in about two hours, it is believed here it
will yield 100 bushels to the acre. I shall have some acres of it this
year. {Jefferson Papers, United States Department of Agriculture.)

(Jefferson to John Adlum.)

Monticello Apr, 20. 1810.

. . . On the 15*“ inst. I received yours of the io‘'*. & concluding the
bundle of cuttings had been rejected at some post office as too large to
pass thro’ that line, I had yesterday, in despair, written my acknolege-
ments to you for the kind service you had endeavored to render me but
before I had sent off the letter, I received from the stage office of Milton
the bundle of cuttings & bottle of wine safe, yesterday was employed in
preparing ground for the cuttings, 165. in number, & this morning they
will be planted, their long passage gives them a dry appearance, tho I
hope that out of so many some will live and enable me to fill my ground,
their chance will be lessened because living on the top of a mountain I
have not yet the command of water, which I hope to obtain this year by
cisterns, already prepared for saving rain water. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L.C.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Jonathan Shoemaker.)

Monticello Apr. 22. 10.

A little before my departure for Bedford I informed you that the
pressures on me for money for corn & other objects would oblige me to
rely on you for a very considerable sum of money, of which no delay
could be admitted, on my return it was some days before I went to the
mill to call on you, & then learned for the first time that you were gone
to the Northward & would not be back till June, & no information left
for me as to what I might expect, the urgency of my necessities there-
fore oblige me to come to an immoveable determination, and so to state
it to you candidly, your arrears of rent are at present about 600. D. &
within 10 days after you receive this will be about goo. after giving
every credit of which I have any knolege. not doubting but that this
proceeds from difficulties of your own, I am willing to be accomodating
as far as my own will permit; but my own necessities & my own credit

Jefferson’s Garden Book

437

i8io]

must be attended to before those of others. I would not demand this
whole sum at once, if I could be assured of receiving 200. D. on the i®*.
day of every month for 3. months, & 100. D. a month on the i"‘. day of
every month after, the first remittance to be made immediately on the
receipt of this, it would be with infinite reluctance that I should take
any step which would destroy the credit of the mills, but necessity has no
law, and I must yield to it unless you can engage the monthly paiments
above mentioned and punctually fulfill the engagements, in this case I
might obtain indulgencies for myself until these monthly paiments should
clear me ; but I cannot get along unless I can count on the rents of the
mill as a regular resource. I pray you to let me hear from you immedi-
ately on the receipt of this letter, as after this painful explanation it
would be as vain as inadmissible to admit the delay of writing another,
be assured that it has cost me much to write this, and that I sincerely
wish you well. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(William Thornton to Jefferson.)

Farm. May 7, 1810.

... I shall take some young Fig trees down with me this Evening,
but do not recollect the Post-Day, & consequently do not know whether
I shall be in time for the Present Post I hope these will succeed, for I
have taken them up myself, with good roots. They ought to be planted
in very light woodland mould, such as is generaaly obtained to put in
Asparagus Beds, that the root may shoot freely in all directions, and run
deep for a supply of moisture. If placed toward the south they will
also enjoy more sun, & be less subject to frosts. . , . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, May 13, 1810.

I thank you for your promised attention to my portion of the Merinos,
and if there be any expenses of transportation, etc., and you will be $0
good as to advance my portion of them with yours and notify the amount,
it shall be promptly remitted. What shall we do with them? I have
been so disgusted with the scandalous extortions lately practiced in the
sale of these animals, and with the description of patriotism and praise
to the sellers, as if the thousands of dollars apiece they have not been
ashamed to receive were not reward enough, that I am disposed to con-
sider as right, whatever is the reverse of what they have done. Since
fortune has put the occasion upon us, is it not incumbent upon us so to
dispense this benefit to the farmers of our country, as to put to shame
those who, forgetting their own wealth and the honest simplicity of the
farmers, have thought them fit objects of the shaving art, and to excite,
by a better example the condemnation due to theirs? No sentiment is
more acknowledged in the family of Agriculturists than that the few
who can afford it should incur the risk and expense of all new improve-
ments, and give the benefit freely to the many of more restricted circum-
stances. T^e question then recurs, What are we to do with them ? I

Jefferson’s Garden Book

438

[1810

shall be willing to concur with you in any plan you shall approve, and
in order that we may have some proposition to begin upon, I will throw
out a first idea, to be modified or postponed to whatever you shall think
better.

Give all the full-blooded males we can raise to the different counties
of our State, one to each, as fast as we can furnish them. And as there
must be some rule of priority for the distribution, let us begin with our
own counties which are contiguous and nearly central to the State, and
proceed, circle after circle, till we have given a ram to every county.
This will take about seven years, if we add to the full descendants those
which will have passed to the fourth generation from common ewes.
To make the benefit of a single male as general as practicable to the
county, we may ask some known character in each county to have a
small society formed which shall receive the animal and prescribe rules
for his care and government. We should retain ourselves all the full-
blooded ewes, that they may enable us the sooner to furnish a male to
every county. When all shall have been provided with rams, we may,
in a year or two more, be in a condition to give an ewe also to every
county, if it be thought necessary. But I suppose it will not, as four
generations from their full-blooded ram will give them the pure race
from common ewes.

In the meantime we shall not be without a profit indemnifying our
trouble and expense. For if of our present stock of common ewes, we
place with the ram as many as he may be competent to, suppose fifty, we
may sell the male lambs of every year for such reasonable price as, in
addition to the wool, will pay for the maintenance of the flock. The
first year they will be half-bloods, the second three-quarters, the third
seven-eighths, and the fourth full-blooded; if we take care in selling an-
nually half the ewes also, to keep those of highest blood, this will be a
fund for kindnesses to our friends, as well as for indemnification to our-
selves ; and our whole State may thus, from this small stock, so dispersed,
be filled in a very few years with this valuable race, and more satisfac-
tion result to ourselves than money ever administered to the bosom of a
shaver. There will be danger that what is here proposed, though but
an act of ordinary duty, may be perverted into one of ostentation, but
malice will always find bad motives for good actions. Shall we there-
fore never do good? It may also be used to commit us with those on
whose example it will truly be a reproof. We may guard against this
perhaps by a proper reserve, developing our purpose only by its execution.

Vive, vale, et siquid novisti rectius istis
Candidas imperti sinon, his ulere mecum.

(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 12: 389-391.)

(Jefferson to William Thornton.)

Monticello May 24. 10.

Your favors of May 7. & to. are both received, and with them came
the figs in perfect condition, on my proceeding to plant them in the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

439

i8io]

same places where I had planted those you were so kind as to send me
the last year, & reopening the holes, to my great astonishment I found a
young bud putting out from the root of every one. they had been long
on the road, were planted late, & this succeeded by the most calamitous
drought which had been known for 55 years, so that not the smallest
symptom of life had ever shown itself above ground. I covered them
carefully & hope soon to see them rise from the dead, the others were
planted elsewhere & I consider m3rself by your bounty as now in stock.
I have this spring laid down some of the young branches of my Mar-
seilles fig, to take root, this method being more secure than that of
cuttings. I shall take care in due season to forward you some of them,
when in a condition to be severed from the parent stock. . . . {Jejferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello May 25. 10.

. . . We are suffering under a most severe drought of now 3. weeks
continuance. Late sown wheat is yellow but the oats suffer especially.
. . , (Ford, Jefferson 11: 141.)

(William Thornton to Jefferson.)

Washington, June 8, 1810.

I am very glad that the young Fig-trees arrived safe, and also that the
former ones were still alive. I am much obliged by your kindness in
reserving one of the sheep dogs for me. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M.
H. S.)

(Jefferson to General John Mason.)

Monticello June 22, 1810.

You were so kind, when I left Washington, as to give me some seed
of the Swedish turnep. I sowed it carefully, but a drought from the
middle of July till autumn, prevented a single plant from coming to
perfection, can you give me a few seeds now, & inform me when you
plant them. McMahon directs it in April or May. but this is so dif-
ferent from the season of sowing other turneps that I am in hopes this
apph'cation is not yet too late. I lost by the same drought my egg
plants but it is now too late to ask that seed, my garden & farms oc-
cupy me closely from breakfast to dinner, after which it is my habit to
lounge, so that I read little. ... I have the genuine Alpine Strawberry,
which I received from Italy, but it bears so little that I think it would
take acres to yield a dish. I propose therefore to remove it from the
garden to the fields where alone we have acres to spare. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

440

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8io

(Jefferson to David Warden.)

Monticello July 15. 10.

My distance from the seat of government and ignorance of safe con-
veyances to Paris have occasioned me to be late in acknoleging your
favor of Oct. 27. that of Jan. 19. is lately received, with the former
came the Memoires d’ Agriculture, the map of M. Romarzewski, and
with the latter the seeds from the nationd garden, will you do me
the favor to make my just acknolegement to those to whom they are due
for these favors. . . . (Jefferson Papers^ Maryland Historical Society.)

(Jefferson to William Lambert.)

Monticello, July 16, 1810.

. . . My occupations here are almost exclusively given to my farm
and affairs. They furnish me exercise, health and amusement, and with
the recreations of family and neighborly society, fill up most of my time,
and give a tranquility necessary to my time of life. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 12: 398-)

(Charles Clay to Jefferson.)

[Bedford County] September 5, 1810,

My boy brings you some seed of the late invented Hay-Rye, — in its
wild state it is generally found on a light rich soil by the sides of Rivers,
Creeks etc. Yet from the single experiment I have made with it I ap-
prehend it will thrive very well on any good clover soil. — ^This is the
fourth year it has stood where you saw it, — ^it has every year increased
in quantity, being at first sown very thin, in the month of March, — ^but
I am inclined to think the fall is the proper time for seeding it, & then it
would probably produce seed the next summer, which it does not when
sown in the spring. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Hugh Chisholm.)

Monticello Sept. 10. iSio.

... unless the Cistern be done in time to dry, it will give away again
in winter. (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Benjamin S. Barton.)

Monticello Oct. 6. 1810.

, . . When we had the pleasure of possessing you here, you expressed
a wish to have some of the Ricara snap beans, and of the Columbian
Salsafia brought from the Western side of the continent by Gov'. Lewis.
, I now enclose you some seeds of each, the Ricara bean is one of the
most excellent we have had: I have cultivated them plentifully for the
table two years. I have found one kind only superior to them, but
being very sensibly so, I shall abandon the Ricaras. I have not yet
raised enough of the Salsafia to judge it. Gov'. Lewis did not think it
as delicate as the kind we possess. (Jefferson Papers, \j. C.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

441

1810]

From the Weather Memorandum Book i'jj6-i82o:

1810. Jan. 21. the thermometer in the Greenhouse is 4J Reamur =
21.3 Farenheit. in my bedroom it was 37“ in the open air 9|“.

Jan. 22. bedroom 33°. greenhouse 19^“. outer air 5^°.

23. bedroom 32^“. greenhouse 20|°. outer air ii®.

1810. Feb. 24.-Mar. i. in dressing the terras which forms the N. W.
side of the garden, digging turf below the garden wall, and
bringing & laying it on the terras. 3. men did 41. square yards
a day.

From the Farm Book:

1810. June 25. began the wheat harvest at Monticello.

1810. Jan. 9. running the rafter level through a field to guide the
ploughs horizontally, Thruston makes a step of the level (lO f.)
every minute, which is 600. f. = 200. yds an hour,

Jan, 9. in terrassing the new nursery in 4. f. terrasses 2 men
do 50. yds in length a day.

1810. Nov. the batteau with 8 hands collecting rock for the dam on
the mountain side about i a mile above the dam, bring about 6.
loads a day of 2. perch each. = 12. perch a day. a waggon col'
lecting stone in the plantation from the E. side of the meadow
branch bring 12 loads a day of i perch each — 6 perch a day.
having it’s driver & 2, of the nail boys to load & unload. i2.
hands get the long logs (6 of 50 f. long) and tyers (21. of t6
to 20 f. long) for a pen 12. f. wide in the dear, 50. f. long &
3. f. high, bring them into place by water, and lay them down in
3. days, the cost then of a pen 50. by 12. f. for the timber part

is 18. D.

the stone 70. perch @ 4/ = 48.67

64,67

about 1.30 or 8/ a foot running measure
or I. D. the cubic yard of the dam.

Lego

plan for the crop of 1810

1810 clear the low grounds on the W. side of Secretary’s ford (ab^ I2
or IS a’) for tobacco.

clean up the Square field for corn. 40 a*.

Triangle & Oblong, put into oats. 80. a*,
the belted grounds, not in wheat, put into oats.

iSii. (continoed)

Jefpekson’s Garden- Book

443

i8n]

i8ii. (condnned)

444

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8ii

Jefferson’s Garden Book

445

i8ii]

i8il.

Mar. 1 6. planted 5. Tuckahoe* gray cherries in the row
e-i-2 + 1 .4.5 from Enniscorthy.”

18. planted 30 Monthly raspberries “ in the 3 ter-
rasses next below the common raspberry.

planted Asparagus seed in beds 5.6.7. & re-
planted 3.4.

22. Mimosa pudica.^® Sensitive plant, oval bed
in ^ of N.W. Piazza & cov'* way.

Reseda odorata.“ Mignonette d®.
near N.W. cistern

Delphinium exaltatum.^* American larkspur,
outer flower border. N.W. quarter.^*

Pentapetes Phoenicia.” Scarlet Mallow.
Outer flower border. S.W. quarter.

23. Lathyrus odoratus,^’ sweet scented pea. oval
bed in S.W. £ of S.W. portico and d“. S.W.
£ of S. piazza & cov”. way also Ximenesia
Encelioides. in the same belle grande plante
annuelle d’ornement. from Thouin

Apr. 3. asparagus to table.

8. Anemone pulsatilla.” belle plante vivace."
oval in S.W. £ of S.W. portico & chamber

Mirabilis tota varietas," plante vivace d’orne-
ment. oval in N.W. £ of S.W. portico &
Din*. R.

8. New nursery, planted 5*”. Terras 15. Gloster
hiccory nuts.“

446

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8n

7“* Peach stones, fine soft from Pop. For.**

13“. Genista juncea.” Span-
ish broom

14. Cytisus Laburnum **

15. 16. Thorn haws from Algiers *®

13. planted residue of the seeds of the Genista
juncea on both sides of the Upper Round-
about.**

9. sowed Burnet *’ in the lower part of the W. end
of the orchard ground, rye grass ** from mf
Clay *" next above that

- planted Pani corn in the middle part of
grounds below Bailey’s alley, come to table
July 18.

Cherokee corn in the S.W. angle of those
grounds.

13. Quarantine com from Thouin*® in the old
Nursery.

forward cucumbers, in the hhd** by the
middle gate of the garden

long green d®. in the same hogshead.

tomatas ** in the high border VI.

16. in drilling the Benni with the smallest cups i.
gill of seed drilled 12. rows of 153. yds on an
average equal to 1836 yds. consequently to
drill an acre in 4.!. drills would take 2. gills of
seed.

• from Thouin ®®

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8ii]

447

sowed seed of the silk plant** from mr Erv-
ing ®* in oval bed near the S.E. cistern.

May. 15. sowed in Old Nursery, dbie cropped S*. foin.®“
considble square near S.E. corner.

madder** from France, in a bed below the
former.

Span. S*. foin. in a small bed above the dble
cropped.

Palma Christ!.*^ in a row round the Nursery.

16. strawberries come to table.

28. artichokes come to table, the last dish is July
28.

*■ 1811. The year passed quietly and interestingly for Jef-
ferson. His financial affairs were improving, so that he was
able to turn his mind to interests more to his liking.

A letter written on May 26, from Monticello, to his grand-
daughter, Mrs. Anne Cary Bankhead, shows the even tenor
of the passing days on his mountain.

. . . Nothing new has happened in our neighborhood since you left us;
the houses and the trees stand where they did; the flowers come forth
like the belles of the day, have their short reign of beauty and splendor,
and retire, like them, to the more interesting office of reproducing their
like. The Hyacinths and Tulips are off the stage, the Irises are giving
place to the Belladonnas, as these will to the Tuberr«es, etc, ; as your
mamma has done to you, my dear Anne, as you will no to the sisters of
little John, and as I shall soon and cheerfully do to you all in wishing
you a long, long good-night. . . . (Randolph, Jefferson: 349’)

The two high points of this year were the birth of a son to
Mr. and Mrs. Bankhead, making Jefferson a great-grand-
father, and the beginning of a reconciliation between Jefferson
and his old friend, John Adams.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

448

[i8ii

While teaching mathematics to his young grandson, Francis
Eppes, Jefferson became again deeply interested in its prin-
ciples and spent much of his time studying it. The eclipse of
the sun on September 17 brought back his old interest in
astronomy. He sent his observations to William Lambert,
and after receiving a reply from him, wrote the following
letter, on December 29:

I am very thankful for your calculations on my observations of the
late solar eclipse. I have for some time past been rubbing off the rust
of my mathematics contracted during 50 years engrossed by other pur-
suits, and have found in it a delight & a success beyond my expectations.
I observed the eclipse of the sun with a view to calculate my longitude
from it, but other occupations had prevented my undertaking it before
my journey; and the calculations you have furnished me will shew it
would have been more elaborate than I had expected, & that most prob-
ably I should have foundered by the way. ... As soon as I have fitted
up a little box for my instruments, I shall amuse myself with the further
ascertainment of my longitude by the lunar observations, which have the
advantage of being repeated ad libitum, and requiring less laborious cal-
culations. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

In the late summer Jefferson suffered another attack of
rheumatism, which lowered his spirits considerably. In Sep-
tember he was grief-stricken over the death of his sister, Mrs.
Dabney Carr, a member of long standing in the household at
Monticello.

As in the preceding years he made three visits to Poplar
Forest, each visit lasting several weeks. These visits gave
him a relief from the constant flow of visitors at Monticello,
and also a chance to pursue his own interests more freely.

The Garden Book again recorded the daily plantings and
the names of the persons who had sent him plants. Pertinent
letters there were, but in a decreasing number. Both the
Farm Book and the Account Book contain several entries.

* Mrs. Isaac A. Coles, of Enniscorthy, Albemarle County.

* Probably Richard Price, who was one of the earliest in-
habitants of Milton, Albemarle County. He was twice mar-
ried and died in 1827. (Woods, Albemarle County: 298.)

* Probably Allium cepa var. viviparum Metz., which pro-
duces bulbils in the flower cluster.

* Jeremiah Goodman, who became overseer at Poplar Forest
in 1811. See letters and memoranda, Jefferson to Goodman,
i8it, i8i2, 1813, 1814. .

Jefferson’s Garden :Pook

449

i8n]

• Leghorn, Italy.

^ McReery, unidentified.

« qu. = query.

Tuckahoe gray cherries, probably named after Tuckahoe,
the home of Colonel William Randolph, a friend of Peter
Jefferson, where Jefferson spent part of his childhood. See
letter, Coles to Jefferson, March 13, 1811.

Enniscorthy, Albemarle County, home of Isaac A. Coles.

“ Probably a variety of Rubus idaeus L. See letter,
George Divers to Jefferson, March 17, 18 ti.

Mimosa pudica L.

“ Reseda odorata L.

“ Delphinium exaltatum Ait.

Pentapetes Phoenicia L.

« "Outer flower border. N. W. quarter” and "Outer
flower border. S. W. quarter” refer to the flower borders
along the round-about walk on the western lawn. See plate
XXIV.

" Lathyrus odoratus L.

Anemone pulsatilla L.

“ Translated; beautiful perennial plant.

Mirabilis L. Translated; all varieties, ornamental per-
ennial plant.

Gloster hiccory nut. A special kind of hickory from
Gloucester County, Virginia. This nut has been mentioned
frequently in Jefferson’s correspondence.

** Poplar Forest, Bedford County.

” Now called Spar Hum junceum Lam.

Now called Laburnum anagyroides Medic. Golden
Chain Tree.

Capital of Algeria.

**The Upper Round-about was also known as the First
Round-about, and included the Mulberry Row.

Sanguisorba minor Scop.

®*See letter, Charles Clay to Jefferson, September 5, i8io.

The Reverend Charles Clay was a friendly neighbor of
Jefferson at Poplar Forest. They often exchanged plants.

Rev. Charles Clay, a cousin of Henry Clay, was an earnest minister,
preaching not only in the churches, but also in private houses and at the
Prison Barracks. ... He finally settled in Bedford County, where he
died, and by the directions of his will an immense heap of stones, twenty

450 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i8u

feet in diameter and twelve feet high, was piled up upon his grave.
(Woods, Albemarle County: 126.)

*® Andre Thoiiin, a French botanist, was born in Paris in
1747. He was appointed chief gardener of the Jardin des
Plantes about 1765. Jefferson formed a friendship with him
when he was living in Paris, followed by a correspondence be-
tween them until Thouin’s death in 1824. Thouin sent Jef-
ferson a large assprtment of plants and seeds not native to
the United States. Jefferson planted some of them at Monti-
cello; but others were sent to botanical gardens and seedsmen,
chiefly to Bernard McMahon and David Hosack. Thouin
wrote, besides others works. Lectures on the Culture and
Naturalization of Plants (3 v., 1827). “Few men,” says
Cuvier, “exercise a more useful influence.” (See Lippincott’s
Biographical Dictionary: 2314; also letter, Jefferson to Bern-
ard McMahon, May 4, 1811.)

hH 3 = hogshead.

** Tomatoes, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.

** Probably Boehmeria nivea Gaud.

** George W. Erving.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, 1771 J went with his father’s family
to England in 1776; was educated at Oxford, England, and returning
to his native country, was made Consul to London by Jefferson; was
Secretary of Legation to Spain in 1804; Special Minister to Denmark
in 1811, and Minister to Spain in 1814. Died in New York July,
1850. (Charles Lanman, Biographical Annals of the Civil Govern-
ment of the United States (Washington, 1876) : 138.)

Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop. Jefferson first became ac-
quainted with Saint-Foin grass when he was in Paris. It was
one of the plants he wished to introduce into the United States.
He was only partially successful. The grass has been men-
tioned frequently in his correspondence.

** Madder, Galium mollugo L.

Palma Christ! or castor-oil plant, Ricinus communis L.

Letteks and Extracts of Letters, i8ii
(William Coolidge to Jefferson.)

Boston 9 Jan^ 1811

. . . The Agriculture and Manufactures of our Country have con-
siderably improved, and are rapidly progressing; and while we can m^e

Jefferson’s Garden Book

451

1811]

the one, in a measure dependant on the other, it will tend, not only to
promote both, in a degree, render us independant of other nations, on
whom we now depend for supplies.

The article of Madder, is of primary importance in Manufacturing:
no ingredient yet discovered, for Dyeing, can have such almost universal
application in the forming of different colors, and shades. Our climate
& soil, are undoubtedly congenial to its cultivation ; and considering the
price we pay for that of foreign growth; it might be made an important
article to our Agriculturalists: yet I do not find any attempt has been
made in N. England, towards its cultivation, not even for experiment.
But observing in one of our Newspapers, that a Lady in Virginia, had
made a number of successful experiments in dyeing ; and that in some of
them she made use of Madder in its undried state; of course conclude
that the article is then cultivated.

Not having the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with any Gentle-
men of observation in that State, have taken the liberty to address to
you for information in that subject viz.

1. In what part of the State is it cultivated? and when may applica-
tion be made for the roots in a fit state for setting.

3 . Presuming that experiments have been made, what is the soil best
adapted to its growth?

3. What the most suitable season for planting?

4. Does it require artificial watering in a dry season?

5. How long before it comes to maturity?

6. What the most suitable season for gathering? or if any marks, what
are they of its maturity?

7. The best mode of drying, whether in a kiln, as I understand is
practiced in Holland, or in the open air. Any information you will
afford me on these inquiries, or any of them, will confer an obliga-
tion. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to D. B, Warden.)

Monticello Jan. 12. ii.

When I wrote my letter of the day before yesterday, I had not yet
had time to look into the pamphlets you had been so kind as to send me.
I have now entered on them, and find in the very entrance an artidc so
interesting as to induce me to trouble you with a second letter, it is the
first paper of the i"*. fasciculus published by the Belfast society in which
mr. Richardson gives an account of a grass which he calls Florin, or
agrostis Stolonifera, which from his character of it would be inestimable
hefe to cover what we call our galled lands, these are lands which
have been barbarously managed tiU they have all their vegetable mould
washed off, after which we have no permanent grass which can be made
to take on them, from the length of time which the fiorin is said to
retain it’s vegetative power after being severed from the earth, I am
persuaded that if done up in moss under proper envelopes, it would come
here with life still in it. perhaps your connections in Ireland might en-
able you to procure a little of it to be sent to me. if done up in a

452

Jefferson's Garden Book

[i8ii

packet not exceeding the size of a 12 or 8 volume and addressed
to me, it would come from any port of this country where it should be
landed, by post, with safety, & what is equally important, with speed,
you would render in this a great service to our agriculturists, for none
can be greater than the communication of the useful plants of one coun-
try to another. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to William CooHdge.)

Monticello Jan. 24. ii.

Your letter of the 9*’'. has been duly received. I am able to give but
little information on the subject of Madder. I know it has been culti-
vated, ever since I can remember in this state for household use; and
before the revolution it was cultivated on a large scale by some. Col".
Harrison, a member of the 1“^ Congress, was one of these and told me
he did not believe it could be cultivated to better advantage in any
country than in this. I do not know why he discontinued it, but prob-
ably for the want of sale, there not being enough made to employ
merchants for that article only, and our merchants of that day being all
confined to the tobacco line, it is still cultivated over the whole of this
state, I believe, that is to say, by some one in every neighborhood, a little
being sufficient for a whole neighborhood: for altho with us, nearly
every family in the country make their own clothing, scarcely any is
made for sde. this answers pur first quaere, and for all the rest I
must refer you to M" Mahon s book of gardening, published in Phila-
delphia where he resides, & carries on the business of a seedsman, he
gives the best account of it’s culture, & can probably furnish the seed of
the best species, here it is preferred to use the root undried, in that
case it is washed, & after la hours beaten into a paste, the same quan-
tity of root will go twice as far in that way as dried, we dry it in the
open air when necessary, it takes three years from the planting to be
fit for use. this is the sum of the information I have received on the
subject. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, March 8, 1811.

, . . We have had a wretched winter for the farmer. Great con-
sumption of food by the cattle, and little weather for preparing the en-
suing crop. During my stay in Bedford we had seven snows, that of
February 22, which was 15 inches about Richmond, was 6 inches here,
and only 3^ in Bedford. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13:
22-23.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia March 10*’*. 1811.

I have it now in my power to send you some plants of the Hudson
3trawberry, and some good gooseberry plants, and anxiously wish to

Jefferson’s Garden Book

453

i8n]

know by what means or rout I can convey them to you, this being a
very proper period for sending them. I earnestly request the favor of
your sending me a list of any plants and seeds, which would be acceptable
to you and add to your collection ; but lest I should not have some par-
ticular kinds which you wish for, I pray you to enlarge the list, to af-
ford me the better opportunity of furnishing you with some of them.
Be so good as to inform me whether you have a Green House & a Hot
House or only the former. As to fruit-trees my Nursery is of too re-
cent an establishment to have as yet apple, pear, cherry, plum and peach
trees, &c, and indeed, with the exception of a few superior sorts, these
shall always be a minor consideration with me, as there are enough to
devout their attention to them.

By this mail you will receive a small package of the Crambe maritima
seeds from me, with a few other trifling seeds; the former you should
sow immediately on the reception of them. In hopes of hearing from
you shortly. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

At the end of the above letter Jefferson wrote the follow-
ing list of plants. Whether they were plants to be ordered
from McMahon or some that McMahon had sent Jefferson
is not stated.

dEIe Anemone. Auricula dble. Carnation
dEIe Ranunculuses. Crown Imperial
Mignonette.

seakale egg plant

Chili Hudson strawberries

Gooseberries
Cape Jasmine

Cork tree. Cedar of Lebanon

Balm of Gilead fir. Spanish Chestnut. Mar.

dble Anemone
Auricula,
dble Carnation
Mignonette
Sea Kale
egg plant
dble Ranunculus
Crown Imperial

Chilf****} Strawberries

Gooseberries
Cape Jasmine
Cedar of Lebanon
balm of Gilead Fir
Cork tree

Spanish Chestnut. Maronnier.

seeds.

bulbs.

plants.

454

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8n

(1. A. Coles to Jefferson.)

Enniscorthy Mar; I3*^ i8ii.

I take the liberty of sending my servant for a few more Aspen trees,
& for some cuttings of the Detroit Apple, and of the Spitsenburg. The
season is I fear, ^most too much advanced, but as I did not get back
from the lower country until the day before yesterday, the evil has been
unavoidable. I send a few of the Tuckahoe Cherry which may pos-
sibly succeed. Next Spring I will send others, with the Pears which I
promised, but that I am so much occupied with planting, & sowing
clover too, I had promised myself the pleasure of a visit to Monticello
on tomorrow, & I still hope that it will be in my power to do it, in the
course of a week. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to George Divers.)

Monticello Mar. i6. ii.

I send the bearer for a bushel and a half of timothy seed, which I will
replace in your hands as soon as it can be purchased the ensuing season.
I send you a larger supply of Asparagus beans. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington 17^ Mar. 1811

I send you a bushel & a half of Timothy seed which is all I have, it
will not be wanted till September next. You expressed a wish some
time ago for some of the Monthly Rasp-berry which I now send you.

. . . Accept my thanks for Asparagus beans, and the box for sowing
clover seed which I am told will be ready tomorrow. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to George Divers.)

Monticello Mar. 18. ’11.

The ground I have prepared for grass along a branch, is, in several
spots too dry for timothy, and especially where we run a little up hill,
it is moreover a red soil; thinking it will be better to put these spots into
oat-grass if you can spare me a little seed of that, I shall be thankful for
it. it will serve as a commencement to raise seed from as I wish to go a
good deal into that kind of grass. [Jefferson sends the clover box.]
{Jefferson Papers, M. H, S.)

(Jefferson to Madame de Tesse.)

Monticello Mar. 27, 1811.

Since I had last the pleasure of writing to you, I have to acknolege
the receipt of your favors of 1809 June 12, & Oct 9 & 1810 March 24.
With the first came the seeds of die Paullinia or Koelreuteria, one of
which has germinated, and is now growing. I cherish it with particular

Jefferson’s Garden Book

455

i8n]

attentions, as it daily reminds me of the friendship with which you have
honored me. yours of Octob. g, mentions the having sent some
Marrons d’Inde (Aesculus hippocastanea) perhaps however Marrons
cultivees (castanea Sativa) which were what I requested. These how-
ever got into the hands of some English pirate. I regret it the more as
that delicious nut has never yet been introduced into the United States,
& altho’ the nut itself, when planted, does not produce uniformly the
same fruit, yet it is said to do it generally. I should have had also to
regret the print of our illustrious & much valued friend Humboldt, had
not your goodness supplied another by Count Fahlen, which came safe
to hand, when shall I have the opportunity of returning these kind-
nesses? in other words when will the ocean be freed from the piracies
which have so long shut it up? nothing would give me so much pleas-
ure as to prepare annually here a box of what we have acceptable to you,
but the several unsuccessful efforts which I made at Washington, one
only of which reached you, & that in bad condition, have deterred me
from the attempt, the time however will I hope return when the
restoration of peace & safe intercourse may enable me to give you these
proofs of my wishes to contribute to your happiness, which will, in that
way, become a part of mine also. . . . (Glimpses of the Past, Missouri,
3: 114-115.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello Apr. 8. ii.

I have been long wishing for an opportunity, by someone going to
Philadelphia in the stage, to take charge of a packet of seeds for you.
it is too large to trespass on the post-mail. I received them from my
old friend Thouin, director of the National garden of France, but the
advance of the season obliges me to confide them to a gentleman going
no further than Washington, there to look out for some one going on to
Philadelphia. I have added to them a dozen genuine Glocester hiccory
nuts of the last season sent me from the place of their growth, your
favor of the io‘'‘ ul“ came safe to hand with the seeds, for which accept
my thanks, you enquire whether I have a hot house, greenhouse, or to
what extent I pay attention to these things. I have only a green house,
and have used that only for a very few articles, my frequent & long
absences at a distant possession render my efforts even for the few
greenhouse plants I aim at, abortive, during my last absence in the
winter, every plant I had in it perished. I have an extensive flower
border, in which I am fond of placing handsome plants or fragrant.
those of mere curiosity I do not aim at, having too many other cares to
bestow more than a moderate attention to them, in this I have placed
the seeds you were $0 kind as to send me last, in it I have also growing
the fine tulips, hyacinths, tuberoses & Amaryllis you formerly sent me.
my wants there are Anemones, Auriculas, Ranunculus, Crown Imperials
& Carnations: in the garden your fine gooseberries, Hudson & Chili
strawberries : some handsome l^ies. but the season is now too far ad-
vanced. during the next season they will be acceptable, small parcels

Jefferson’s Garden Book

456

[1811

of seed may come by post; but bulbs are too bulky. We have always
medical students in Philadelphia coming home by the stage when their
lectures cease in the fall who would take charge of small packages, or
they may come at any time by vessels bound to Richmond, addressed to
the care of Mess” Gibson & Jefferson. I have put into your packet
some Benni seed, we now raise it and make from it our own sallad oil
preferable to such olive oil as is usually to be bought. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to F. A. Michaux.)

Monticello Apr. 15, 1811.

I have duly received your favor of Aug. 10 and, with it, your
beautiful account of the pines & firs of our country, for which be
pleased to accept my thanira. I sincerely wish the work may be prose-
cuted, & that the citizens of the U. S. may not be wanting in due en-
couragement to it. nothing should be spared which I could do to be-
friend it. Accept my best wishes that you may enjoy health to con-
tinue your useful labors. . . . {Glimpses of the Past, Missouri, 3; 115-
116.)

(John Dortie to Jefferson.)

New York, April 24, 1811.

[Mr. Dortie wrote Jefferson that he had some seeds sent him from
Paris. Jefferson later wrote him that they were from Thoiiin, and for
him to send them on to Bernard McMedion of Philadelphia.] {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Joel Barlow to Jefferson.)

May 2, 1811.

[Mr. Barlow sends the following seeds to Jefferson :]

Caspian wheat
Mammoth Rye
Persian Barley.

{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello May. 4. 1 1.

My old friend Thouin, Director of the National garden of France
has just sent me a fresh parcel of seeds which he ^us describes. ‘They
consist of about 200. species, foreign to N. America, selected from among
J. the large trees, the wood of which is useful in the arts. 2. small trees
& shrubs, ornamental for shrubberies, 3. plants vivacious & picturesque.
4. flowers for parterres. 5. plants of use in medicine & all the bran^es
of rural & domestic economy.' they left France in March & I presume
therefore are of the last year’s raising, they are arrived (in a small

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8ii]

457

box) at N. York in the care of mf John Dortie. 121. William Street,
who came passenger. I have requested him to address them to you by
one of the Philadelphia stages, on the assurance that you will pay the
stage transportation, which I have no means of doing, accept of them
if you please with the assurance of my great esteem & respect . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticelloj May 5, 1811.

We are suffering here, both in the gathered and the growing crop.
The lowness of the river, and great quantity of produce brought to
Milton this year, render it almost impossible to get our crops to market
This is the case of mine as well as yours, and the Hessian fly appears
alarmingly in our growing crops. Everything is in distress for the want
of rain. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 60.)

(John Dortie to Jefferson.)

New York May ii***. 1811.

Agreeably to your instruction respecting the Garden seed sent I for-
warded it today to Philadelphia through the swift sure stage with the
directions to Mr. Bernard McMahon.

The entry of that box was made with many other things and the
value was estimated so low that the duty can not be calculated. As for
the freight, it is over paid by the pleasure I had to be agreeable to your-
self. I am sorry that the object was of so little consideration. What-
ever be the case you may depend upon my care as much as you may be-
lieve me very Respectfully. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Governor John Milledge.)

Monticello June 5. ii.

Our cultivation of Benni has not yet had entire success, the i**. year
we sowed late & the frost caught it, so that we had scarcely seed the 2^
year to raise seed for the 3*. we have at length made in the neighbor-
hood two or three bushels. I succeeded in expressing the oil in the iron
press you saw at Foxall’s. but the iron giving a brown tinge to the off,
altho transparent & free from taste, I tried a wooden press, on the
principle of that for flaxseed: which is a Mortise in a bench, into one
end of which a small bag of seed is put, and the remaining space being
filled with blocks, a wedge is forced between them by a sledge hammer
& die oil drops from the bag, through a hole in the bottom of the mortise,
into a vessel below, we found this troublesome & embarrassing, and 1
then tried a conceit of my own. it is a simple mortise in a block, 6.
In^es square & deep, into which is inserted a stem of wood 2. feet long
& pitted nicely to slide up & down in the mortise, under this the bag of
seed is placed in the mortise, & the whole put under the beam of a cyder
or tobacco press, this answered best of all. I had but one bushel of

Jefferson’s Garden Book

458

[1811

seed, & having to try so many new projects before any one succeeded, I
got from the whole but one gallon of oil. I have mentioned these essays
at presses on the possibility you might wish to make the oil at home.
My greatest difEculty now is in separating the seed from the broken
partiaes of the pod & leaf, if we attempt to winnow, the seed is so
light that it goes of! with the refuse particles, will you be so good as to
inform me how you clear the seed from these particles, the plant ap-
pears to me about as hardy as Cotton, & consequently our climate will
barely permit us to make enough for family use. ... I have written
you quite a farmer's letter. I am done with politics and have banished
all it’s passions, except the love of free government. . . . {Jefferson
PaperSj L. C.)

(Jefferson to Isaac Coles.)

Monticello June la 11.

. . . P. S. We were told by some one that mfi Coles would be so
kind as to spare us some bulbs of the Mourning bride, altbo the season
is not naturally that of removing roots, yet they are so hardy a plant, that
I have supposed it possible they might bear it. mri Coles is a better
judge; and if she thinks the removal would be safe I would ask a few:
but if not safe, I would rather wait a more favorable season. . . . (Jef-
ferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Isaac A. Coles to Jefferson.)

Enniscorthy June lo*** 1811.

I have been intending for some days to visit Monticello, & have been
prevented from doing so by indisposition which has confined me at Home
& which I fear may still prevent me from executing my intention ; — If
however I am not worse I will be with you on Wednesday.

The Mourning Bride has not flourished well in our Garden, & I send
2 bulbs which were all that could be safely taken from the only remain-
ing bunch of which we were certain — from another, which the Gardener
believed to be Mourning bride, I have also sent a few roots, around
which to distinguish them from the others, I directed him to fold a rag.
As they are taken up with the hard earth adhering to them, I have no
doubt but that they will succeed perfectly. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Charles Bankhead.)

Monticello June 10. ii.

. . . altho' we have lately had very seasonable rains, the wheat does
not get over the injury of the fly. the crop will be light except in the
tobacco grounds & other very rich lands, the Shoemakers deliver up the
mill to morrow to mf Randolph & M‘.Kenny, who have bought them
out at considerable sacrifices, and will carry on the business in partner-
ship. the Shoemakers, under all their bad management, have ground be-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

459

i8ii]

tween 7. & 8000. barrels this year, on which they confess they have made
a Dollar a barrel. I think their successors will receive, at least 60,000.
bushels of wheat a year, without buying a bushel. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, Huntington;.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, July 3, 1811.

... we are in the midst of a so-so harvest, probably one-third short
of the last. We had a very fine rain on Saturday last. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 64.)

(Jefferson to David B. Warden.)

Monticello July 8. ii.

. , . Arthur Young carried the Sichorium Intibus from France to
England, & sent some seed to Gen’. Washington who gave me a part,
it has been growing here in abundance & perfection now 20. years with-
out any cultivation after the first transplanting. I know no plant so
valuable for green feeding, and mr Strickland told me they cut up the
dry plant in England, & fed their horses with it. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
Maryland Historical Society and L. C.)

(Governor John Milledge to Jefferson.)

Near Augusta, Georgia,
12*'*. July 1811.

I have received your esteemed favor of the s’" of last month. I was
apprehensive that Monticello and its neighborhood’ would be too cold
for the bene so as to make it a profitable article of cultivation for market.
If you can raise a sufficiency of seed for your own use, it will be in my
opinion, as much as can be done. Accept my warmest thanks for com-
municating your different essays at presses for making of the oil. 1 have
made oil for my own use and neighbors for two years past, it took me
some time before I succeeded, and now with very little trouble, I can
make about a gallon and a quart of pure cold drawn oil, to a bushel of
seed. I took a block of sweet gum, 4 feet by 2^, a mortise in the centre,
12 inches long, 8 wide, and 9 inches deep, an inch Auger was passed
obliquely through it, so as to hit the centre of one side of the mortise at
the bottom, into which I introduced a piece of gun barrel as a tube at
the bottom of the mortise, grooves were cut, with a chisel, in different
directions, gradually made deeper as they inclined to the tube, strips of
sheet iron about an inch wide, and nearly the length of the mortise, was
placed over the grooves, about 3-8*’* of an inch apart. In my first essay
I had no grooves, a considerable part of the oil was forced up, little ran
out at the tube. I have the seed bruised in a mortar, then put into a
bag, Irni tted of coarse yarn, the bag with the seed is placed in the mortise,
a piece of sweet gum, about 3 indies thick, made exactly to occupy the
mortise, is put on the bag, a block of the size of the mortise follows next.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

460

[i8u

A large wooden screw, which I have for compressing cotton into square
cakes, is made to act on the block, the lever is of considerable length,
and of course the power great. Your method of the beam must answer
equally as well as the screw, perhaps better, or the pressure is more
gradual. I was impressed with the belief, that the beam would answer,
and recommended it last winter to Mr. Willis Alston of North Caro-
lina. The way I have hitherto taken to clear the seed of the refuse
particles is by wenches riddling the seed in small baskets, in the same
manner that is done with corn, to take the husk from it, after being
beat for hommony. I some times charge the seed by wind, putting a
bench on a sheet for a person to stand on and lowering and raising the
seed, according to the force of the wind. I once used a wheat fanner,
the only objection, the sieve was too coarse. Col**, Few informs me,
that a fanner has been invented for the bene seed, and is used at an oil
mill on second river, New Jersey, which separates the seed remarkably
well. The rice which you sent me, I distributed among some of our
best rice planters near Savannah, one of the aquatic kind, is said to be
equal if not superior, to the rice now generally Cultivated. The bearded
rice grows well on high land, and requires only the usual seasons for
bringing Indian Corn to perfection. I will have the result of the ex-
periments published.

I intend sending to our friend Gen*. Smith of Baltimore, a nice barrel
of bene seed for you, with a request that he send it to Richmond. I
think you will find a difference in the weight of the seed, raised in
Georgia, and that with you. I should like to know the method which
is used in the Old Country to clarify oil, I find a sediment after the oil
remains some time bottled, and it retains a vegetable scent which ought
to be remedied. As we appear to have somewhat of an intercourse with
France, would you be desirous of making a second attempt of cotton
seedl it is only to inform me, and it shall be sent to whatever port you
may dictate. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Archibald Stuart.)

Monticello, August 8, 1811.

I ask the favor of you to purchase for me as much fresh timothy seed
as the enclosed bill will pay for, pack and forward, and that you will
have the goodness to direct it to be lodged at Mr, Leitch’s store in
Charlottesville by the waggoner who brings it. You see how bold your
indulgencies make me in intruding on your kindness. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 71.). [See Account Book, August 8, 1811.]

(Jefferson to Benjamin Rush.)

Poplar Forest, August 17, 1811.

I write to you from a place ninety miles from Monticello, near the
New London of this State, which I visit three or four times a year, and
stay from a fortnight to a month at a time. I have fixed myself com-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8ii]

461

fortably, keep some books here, bring others occasionally, am in the
solitude of a hermit, and quite at leisure to attend to my absent friends.
. , . Having to conduct my grandson through his course in mathe-
matics, I have resumed that study with great avidity. It was ever my
favorite one. We have no theories there, no uncertainties remain on
the mind; all is demonstration and satisfaction. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 13; 74 - 7 S<)

(Jefferson to Charles W. Peale.)

Poplar Forest, August 20, 1811.

... I have heard that you have retired from the city to a farm, and
that you give your whole time to that. Does not the museum suffer?
And is the farm as interesting? Here, as you know, we are all farmers,
but not in a pleasing style. We have so little labor in proportion to our
land that, although perhaps we make more profit from the same labor,
we cannot give to our grounds that style of beauty which satisfies the
eye of the amateur. Our rotations are corn, wheat, and clover, or corn,
wheat, clover and clover, or wheat, corn, wheat, clover and clover ; pre-
ceding the clover by a plastering. But some, instead of clover, substi-
tute mere rest, and all are slovenly enough. We are adding the care of
Merino sheep. I have often thought that if heaven had given me choice
of my position and calling, it should have been on a rich spot of earth,
well watered, and near a good market for the productions of the garden.
No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no
culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects,
some one always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired
by the success of another, and instead of one harvest a continued one
through the year. Under a total want of demand except for our family
table, I am still devoted to the garden. But though an old man, I am
but a young gardener. . . . But Sundays and rainy days are alwa^ days
of writing for the farmer. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13:

78-79-)

(J. Chambers to Jefferson.)

New York, i6“. Sept. 1811

When my friend D, B. Warden was last here, he communicated
to me a letter of yours on the subject of the Fiorin Grass mentioned in
the Belfast Ag. Society’s papers, & requested me to endeavor to procure
some of it for you.

I have very great pleasure in now informing you, that in consequmce
of having written to a Botanical friend in Belfast, 1 have just received
a small parcel in excellent preservation, & have put it into the care of
M'. Weightman, Bookseller, of Washington City who is now on his re-
turn, & expects to be in that City in about a week, & will then, search
for the safest conveyance of it to you — but it is possible you may be able
to point out one to him, upon which you may have more perfect reliance.

^^62 Jefferson’s Garden Book [i8ii

The parcel is too large to convey by Post, & I was unwilling to divide &
put it into so small a compass, from a fear of injury.

This Grass has been chosen by a Gentleman of much Botanical knowl-
edge, who has put it up in the manner directed by you in your letter to
M'. Warden ; & I hope it will reach you in perfect safety, & fully answer
the expectations you entertain of it.

Permit me to express the satisfaction I feel in having an opportunity
of paying you even this small mark of attention. . . . (Jefferson Papers^

L. C.)

(Jefierson to J. Chambers.)

Monticello Sep. 30. ii.

Your favor of Sep. 16. has been duly received, and I pray you to ac-
cept my thanks for the trouble you have been so kind as to take in ful-
Ming my request to Mr. Warden. I had been impressed with the value
of the florin grass described in the papers of the Belfast Agricultural so-
ciety, and hoped it might answer good purposes here. I have ever con-
sidered the addition of an useful plant to the agriculture of a country as
an essential service rendered to it, the merit of which in this case will be
entirely yours. Mr. Weightman to whom you have been so kind as to
confide the grass, will, I doubt not, forward it safely, the stage passing
weekly between Washington & Charlottesville will furnish a safe con-
veyance. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Dortie.)

Monticello Oct. i. ii.

Your favor of Aug. 14. was received after an unusual delay of the
post. I formerly believed it was best for every country to make what it
could make to best advantage, and to exchange it with others for those
articles which it could not so well make. I did not then suppose that a
whole quarter of the globe could within the short space of a dozen years,
from being the most civilized, become the most savage portion of the
human race. I am come over therefore to your opinion that, abandon-
ing to a certain degree those agricultural pursuits, which best suited our
situation, we must endeavor to make every thing we want within our-
selves, and have as little intercourse as possible with Europe in it’s pres-
ent demoralised state, wine being among the earliest luxuries in which
we indulge ourselves, it is desirable it should be made here and we have
every soil, aspect Sc climate of the best wine countries, and I have myself
drank wines made in this state & in Maryland, of the quality of the best
Burgundy, in answer to your enquiries respecting soils & their depth,
in this state, I can only say in general that any character, & any depth
of soil required may be found in the different parts of the state. I am
best acquainted with James river, and may therefore affirm this fact
more certainly as to that, the low grounds of that river are a deep
vegetable mould, the same for 20. P. depth. I live in a mountainous
country, the vegetable mould of which is from 6, to 12. inches deep, &,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8n]

463

below that, many feet of fertile loam without any sand in it. but these
soils are probably too rich to make fine wine, the Italian, Mazzei, who
came here to make wine, fixed on these South West mountains, having a
S. E. aspect, and abundance of lean & meagre spots of stony & red soil,
without sand, resembling extremely the Cote of Burgundy from Cham-
bertin to Monrachet where the famous wines of Burgundy are made.

I am inclined to believe he was right in preferring the South Eastern
face of this ridge of mountains, it is the first ridge, from the sea, begins
on the North side of James river, & extends North Eastwardly, thro’ the
state under the diffeient names, in different parts of it, of the Green
Mountain, the Southwest Mountains, and Bull run mountains, doubt-
less however, other parts of the state furnish the proper soil & climate,
beyond the blue ridge the climate becomes severe, & I should suppose less
favorable, this. Sir, is as much as my scanty knolege of the subject will
permit me to say. . . . (Jefferson PaperSj L. C.)

(R. C. Weightman to Jefferson.)

Washington, Oct. 12, 1811.

M'. Chambers of N. York put into my charge a parcel of Fiorin grass
recently received from Ireland, with directions to take the earliest and
safest mode of conveyance to Monticello. Since my return home I have
had it boxed and directed to the care of the post master at Fredericks-
burg. M'. W". B. Randolph did me the favor to take charge of the
box and will deliver it safely into the hands of the post master. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman.)

Monticello, Oct. 19, ’ii.

I have duly received your favor of the rath and also the parcel of
fiorin grass of which you were so kind as to take charge and for your
care of which I pray you to accept my thanks. It has been immediately
planted, and every care will be taken to add it to the useful grasses of
our country. . . . (Glimpses of the Past, Missouri, 3: 116.)

(Jefferson to Archibald Stuart.)

Monticello, Nov. 14, il.

We have safely received the cask of timothy seed, and also the very
excellent parcel of butter which you have been so kind as to send us j for
which be pleased to accept my thanks, or perhaps I should more properly
request you to tender them with my respects to mrs. Stuart. (Ford,
Jefferson Correspondence: aoi.)

From the Farm Book 1811:

1811. May. I think the road from the Pierhead up the riverside, about
60. or 70. yards which is now finished, has cost about 100. D.

464

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1811

it took 22. lbs. of powder, about i4' days work of 2. men & a.
boys blowing call then 43. days repair of augers, about 90. days
work of common laborers last year, & about iS- days work, of
common labourers now.

Lego

i8ii. clear adjoining the Belted grounds for tob®.
clean up Hickman's field for corn.

Squarefield. wheat.

Culpepper, enlarge to 40 a®. & sow wheat.

[ ?] field wheat or oats & clover.

aim as soon as possible at getting 3. fields of 80. a®, each for thi?
rotation, to wit:

I field, half in corn, half in peas, oats or millet :

& in the next rotation change the halves.

1. in wheat 80. a*.

1. in clover 80. a*, and

a fourth field, as fast as we can, to be in clover also,
the A and Dry field will be one.
the Oblong & □ field another.

Hickman’s and the Belted field a third.

Culpeper etc. a 4*.

‘ From the Account Book iSog-zSzo:

July 2. agreed this day with E. Bacon that his wages shall be £ 40.

Aug. 3. bought of W“. D. Meriwether 26. ewes

12. ewe lambs
5. weather lambs

43 @ 2 D. 86.

August 4. agreed with Jeremiah Goodman to serve me next year as
Overseer in Bedford over a plantation & 16. hands, for
which I am to give him 200. D. a year, & all other articles
to stand as by our original agreement.

Aug. 8. inclosed to Judge Stewart [Stuart] lO. D. to buy timothy
seed. [See letter, Jefferson to Stuart, August 8.]

Planting Memorandum for Poplar Forest j8ii:

1811, Feb. 27. planted 30. gooseberries. W. end of the patch

II. grapes of one kind! S. side of d®. & E.
21. d®. of another ) end.

rose bushes) xt ‘j ^ m j

bear grass }

pinks, in locks of fence N. & W.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8ii]

465

50 cutting of Athenian poplar. Nursery next
N. fence between a. stables,
prepared bed next Southwardly for tomatas
next d®. lettuce

next d”. 80. f. long for
Asparagus.

planted 16. raspberries along side of the gooseberries
25. cutting of Weep®, willow along side of
the Ath. poplars.

Memo”, plant on each mound

4. weeping willows on the top in a square
20. f. apart.

Golden willows in a circle round the
middle. 15. f. apart.

Aspens in a circle round the foot. 15. f.
apart.

plant 6. weeping willows round each
Cloadnal.

Aug. 13. I find growing in the truck patch 30. golden willows.

20. weeping d^

10. Athenian poplars.

3. Lombardy poplars.

2. Aspens.

(Jefferson Papers, U, Va.)

(Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman.)

[Memorandum Poplar Foresi\ Dec. 1811.

The crop of the Tomahawk plantation for 1812.

corn, oats & peas. The Shopfield, the best parts of it 64. acres
the Eastern parts of M’Daniel’s fiel d 36. acres

100.

of the above, put about three fourths into corn, of the best parts, the
rest in oats & peas, there will still remain about 16. a*, of the Shopfield
for Burnet.

Wheat & oats, the Ridgefield 130. a". Early’s 54. Upper Toma-
hawk 25. in all 209. acres.

tobacco, half of the 2. year old ground 15. a*, the ground on the
road cleared & not tended last year 10. acres about 2. now cut down,
& perhaps some parts of the meadow ground, as this is more than can
be tended, perhaps the 10. a*, on the road, or part of them may go
into corn.

In general I would wish 4. a", of meadow ground to be prepared, to
be tended one year in tob®. and 8. or 10. a", of high ground to be tended
2. years in tob®. which will give from 20. to 24. a®, of tob®. every year,
the high land for this year 1812. is to be cleared on the South side of
Tomahawk creek, between the upper & lower fields, but as to the

Jefpekson's Garden Book

466

[i8n

meadow ground, I wish as much as possible to be prepared, of that
which is easiest to prepare, & to be tended in tob“. pumpkins, peas or
whatever will best suit it, Sc clean it, to be sown in timothy in the Fall,
the parts already dean should be sown this^ spring.

All the ground which is in wheat, or which will be in oats. Sc turned
out to rest, is to be sown in clover in February, and Burnet, if I can get
seed, is to be sown in the old South hill side of the Shop held.

An acre of the best ground for hemp, is to be selected, & sown in
hemp & to be kept for a permanent hemp patch.

The laborers for the Tomahawk plantation are to be the following:
Men. Dick, Jesse, Gawen, Phill Hubard, Hercules, Manuel, Evans.
Women. Betty, Dinah, Cate’s Hanah, Gawen’s Sd, Agg, Lucinda,
Dinah's Han^, Amy, Milly.

Nace, the former headman, and the best we have ever known, is to be
entirdy kept from labour until he recovers, which will probably be very
long, he may do any thing which he can do sitting in a warm room,
such as shoemaking and making baskets, he can shell corn in the corn
house when it is quite warm, or in his own house at any time.

Will & Hal, when they have no work in the shop, are to get their coal
wood, or assist in the crop, they will make up for the loss of Hanah’s
work, who cooks Sc washes for me when 1 am here, the smith’s should
make the plantation nails of the old bits of iron.

Edy b not named among the field workers, because either she or Aggy,
whichever shall be thought most capable, is to be employed in weaving,
and will be wanting to clean the house and assist here a part of the day
when I am here, until a loom can be got ready both may be in the
ground.

Bess makes the butter during the season, to be sent to Monticello in
the winter, when not engaged in the dairy, she can spin coarse on the
big wheel. Abby has been a good spinner, they may each .of them
take one of the young spinners, to spin with them in their own house,
& under their care, in that way one wheel will serve for two per-
sons. the spinners are to be Marie (Nanny’s) Sally (Hanah’s) Lucy
(Dinah’s) and Nby (Maria’s), this last may spin at her grandmother
Cate’s Sc under her care ; and so may Maria who is her niece, & whose
mother will be there, they had better spin on the small whed.

2. cotton wheds will suffice for Abby & Bess and the 2. girls with
them, & a flax wheel apiece for each of the other two girls, hemp
should be immediately prepared to set them at work, & a supply be
kept up ; and as there will be no wool to spin till May, mis Gorman
may employ the wool spinners for hersdf till then, if she chuses. what-
ever terms have been settled between mrs Bacon & mrs Randolph, shall
be the same with her. (I do not know what they are) and as a com-
pensation for teaching Aggy or Edy to weave, I propose to give her the
usual price for all the weaving she may do for me, the first year, con-
sidering it as her apprenticeship: and that afterwards she shall have the
same proportion of her time as she is to have of the spinners.

Several of the negro women complain that their houses want repair
badly, this should be attended to every winter, for the present winter.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8ii]

467

repair, of preference those of the women who have no husbands to do it
for them, the removal of so many negroes from this to the other place
will require a good deal of work there to lodge them comfortably, this
should be done at once, by the gangs of both places joined.

10. bushels of clover seed to be got early from Cofe, for the 2. planta'
tions. fresh seed.

The ground laid off for my garden is to be inclosed with a picquet
fence, 7. feet high, & so close that a hare cannot get into it. it is 80.
yards square, & will take, I suppose about 2400. rails 8. f. long, besides
the running rails & stakes, the sheep to be folded in it every night.

As soon as a boat load of tob". is ready, it must be sent down to Gib-
son & Jefferson in Richmond, & an order given the boatman on them
for the price of the carriage, good enquiry should be made before hand
for responsible faithful boatmen, mf Griffin knows them well; mf
Robinson also will advise.

If a physician should at any time be wanting for the negroes, let our
neighbor D'. Steptoe be called in. In pleurisies, or other highly inflam-
matory fevers, intermitting fevers, dysenteries, & Venereal cases, the
doctors can give certain relief; and the sooner called to them the easier
& more certain the cure, but in most other cases they oftener do harm
than good, a dose of salts as soon as they are taken is salutary in al-
most all cases, & hurtful in none. I have generally found this, with a
lighter diet and kind attention restore them soonest, the lancet should
never be used without the advise of a physician, but in sudden accidents,
a supply of sugar, molasses and salts should be got from mr Robinson &
kept in the house for the sick, there are 2. or 3. cases of ruptures among
the children at the two plantations, to which the Doctor should be im-
mediately called, & great attention paid to them, as if not cured now,
they will be lost for ever.

The workhorses are to be equally divided between the 2. places, and
one more apeice to be purchased if good ones can be got on good terms
and on credit till the sale of our tob°. say April or May. a pair of well
broke oxen, not above middle age is to be set apart for Monticello; &
the rest equally divided, the cattle, sheep, & hogs to be equally divided
as to numbers, ages, sexes &c but when the cows begin to give milk in
the spring of the year, reserving at Bear creek enough for the overseer
& negroes, the surplus milch cows must come to Tomahawk for the
butter season, to make a supply for Monticello. the carts & tools
equally divided.

Of the 28. hogs at Bear creek, the 39 in the pen at Tomahawk & 8.
more expected at the same place, in all 75. 30 of the fattest must be
sent to Monticello, 2 be given to the 2. hogkeepers Jame Hub*'. & Hal,
28. be kept for the negroes & harvest, & 15 to furnish the allowance to
the 2 overseers, & what remains of the 15 after furnishing them, to be
kept for my use while here, the offal of the 28. hogs for the negroes
and of those for myself will serve them, it is expected, 6. weeks or 2.
months before entering on the distribution of meat to them regularly.
(Courtesy of Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach.)

468 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1811

Jefferson’s plan for the Orchard, 1811:

the vacancies to be filled in 1811. as follows

e. 7. cherries.

h. 15. pippins

i. 7. Spitzenbp

j. II. calvites

k. I. qu? 16.

l. 16. paccans.

m. 6 pears.

n. I +0. 3. +p.

viz. —I. a. +1. 4. 6. 7. 8.

— I. +a. 3. 5. 7. 13, 14. 16. 18. 19. 42 . 23.
24. 25. 26.

+5. 8. 13. 16. 17. 24. 26.

—I. 2 . 4 - 2 . 9. 12. 13. 16. 17. 24. 25. 26.

—2. 4-1. 2. 6. 8. 13. 16. 20. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
28, 31. 36.

I. 4-9. II. 29. 33.

3. 4 -q. I. “8. Taliafers.

1811. Mar. 16. in the row e. I found 4-5. d

therefore platUed e— 1—24-14-4+5 with Tuckahoe grey
hearts from mr Coles [See Garden Book, March 16, x8ii, and
plate XXXII.]

{Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

i8ia.>

Fruits.

ri'*.

II.

III.

IV.

VI.
r VII.

VIII.

IX.

■s

Roots.

il-S .

Leaves.

1812

Arrangement of the Garden.*

7. beds of Asparagus, at S.W. end
square. Peas. Hotspur.
Peas. Leadman’s dwarfs.
d“
d»

Beans. Snap.
d“.

Haricots, red

Cucumbers
Gerkins

1.3.3. Nasturtium.

4.5.6. Melons.

7.8.9. Melongena.
10 . 11 . 13 . Capsicum.
Tomataa.

Okra.

Ardckokes.

Squashes.

Carrots.

Salsafia
Beets
Garlic.

Leeks.

Onions.

Scallions.* Shalota
Radish
Lettuce
Enifive
Corn sallad.

Terragon.

I XVIII. Celery.

( XIX. SjMnach.

Sorrel
Mustard.

Sea kale.

Cauliflower
Broccoli.

XXII. Cabbage early.

XXIII. Savoy.

I XXIV. Kale Sorout

XI.

i.XIL

XIII.

XIV.

I, XV.

XVI.

XVII.

XX.

XXL

I^N. W.

Border

Frame

Peas.

^ Snaps
Windsors
^ Cucumbers

Capucum.

^ Tomatas,

^ Strawberries.

Radish
Lettuce
Endive
Corn sallad
Terragon

S^nacb.

Brassica pla

469

Jefferson’s Garden Book

471

where when transpl^ come to table gone Miscellanies.

47a

Jefferson’s Garden Book

473

i8ia]

i8ia.

Calendar for this year.

Feb. I.

manure & make up hop-hilla.

Asparagus, dress Sc replant,

15. Frame peas

Radish Sc lettuces. XIII
Spinach. XII

early Cabbage
Savoys

Mar. I, Peas Frame, 1*'. or submural terrace
Hotspurs. II.

Ledmans I.

Potatoes, early, strait terras i,f.

Strawberries. Hudson, s'*. Ter. i.a.

Alpine. Circular Terras4.s.

15. Nasturtium. IX.i.a,3,

Tomatas. X.

Artichokes. XI.

Carrots XIII.

.j*. Ter. C.

Beets XlV.a.

Garlic.' XIV.3.

Leeks. XIV4.

Onions. XV.

Chives.* XVI.1.

Shalots. XVl.a.

'rS}xVIL..

Seakale. Circ.T.3.

Hops.’ .3*.T.b.

Summ' turneps 3*.T.e,

Apr. 1. Peas Ledman’s. III.

Snaps. V.

Capsicum Major. IX.10.

Bull nose. IX.ii.

Cayenne. IX.ia
Mustard Durham. XII
Salsaiia. XIV. 3.T.d.
lettuce, radishes. XVII.1.
terragon. XVII.
long haricots. Circ.T.7.

Lima beans. Circ.T.8.a.

Corn Pani, Ciro.T.8.ti. & orchard.
Ravensworths. Circ.T.io^.b. A orchard,
cow peas. Circ.Ter.II.a.b. & orchard.

15, Peas Ledmans. IV.

Snaps. VI.

Cucumbers. Gerkins. VIII.

Melons. IX4.j.6.

Melongena. white IX./. purple 8. prickly 9.
Okra. X,

Squashes XU.

lettuce, radishes. XVII.3.

Sorrel. .3.T.e.

May. X. red Haricots. VII.

lettuce, radishes. XVILa.
homony beans. Circ.TJl.b.

Swedish Turneps. Cire.T.9***i>.

474

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1812

May. June. July, take up flower bulba. separate offsets, replant lillies.

Aug. 1$. Spinach. Lettuce.

Sep. I. BOW spinach. Lettuce.

October, dress flower borders & set out bulbs.

Oct. cover figs and tender plants, litter Asparagus beds.

Nov. I plant trees, privet, thorn

Dee. rtrim trees, vines, rasp, gooseb. currants, turf, bring in manure
Jan. J and trench it into hills.

Mar. 28.

Apr. S.

Apr. 8.
* 7 -

June. 25.

July 23.
Mat. 12,

E. Vineyard. Mar. 26.

Terras. 4*". B. end. Sweet scented grass seed

5. d°. a grass from Gen'. Mason.'

6"'.W. end. rye grass." Ronaldson*

7. yellow clover." R

8 .

9 Oats Scotch." R.

to 'd®. red. Tuscany

XI. ‘barley” naked

12. Tares.” R

13. Scarcity root” R

14 Parsneps R

15 Scorzonera.” R

id Cabbage, red. R

17 Aberdeen R

18 large Cattle R

19 Kale Russian. R.

the articles marked R. were sent me by mr Ronaldsoit from Edinbg.
towed in Square XII. beg*, on the West aide in rows,
row t‘*. Cauliflower
r Broccoli white

green

purple

Cabbage. May

dwarf •

....... sugar loaf

Savoy green

yellow

Sprouts Brussels.

N. end Spinach Prickly.}

dower borders." Apr. 8. laid them off into compartm". of io.f.

length each.

in the N, borders are

in the S. borders are 44!/® roptm .

the odd Compartments are for bulbs requir®. taking up

the even ones for seeds Ic permanent bulba.

denote the inner borders J. and the outer .0.

sowed Bellflower ” in 28. on both sideal ^ .In-

African Marigold ” 32®. d®.

White poppy ” 42®. N. and 44**. S.

Asparagus comes to table.

Arbor beans " white, scarlet, crimson, purple, at the trees of the
level on both sides of terrasses, and on long walk of garden.

E. Vineyard.

terras ao. Polygonum Tartaricum.” buckwheat
ax. Panicum Virgatum.” Guinea millet,
last dish of artichokes.

planted in the la. 1 . boxes, N®. IV. red gooseberry

V. Lewis’ sweetscented Currant.
Odoratissima.

4“.

s“*.

7 *‘

8 “

P'”

10“

bed. II.

terchange of place be-
tween one of the parcels
of bellflower tc Poppy.

Plate XXXIII. — Page 45 of the origmal Garden- Book; ‘'Arrangement of the
Garden,” 1812. This shows Jefferson’s detail^ arrangement and planting in the
vegetable garden. The garden was divided into three terraces, called ^atforraa.
The Roman numerals mark the numbers of the squares.

i9n

Sjvy^nfuAt yt

Cctv^i'wd^Mtfi,

/•Wftve , Jw

t /ttunxan^ I ,

/«>«trM &x«^ f.f

SAfOit/luirm^ /A^Mn / *

ii/n*4. A'TCu.Ctfr ?</t»-if ,< i*.
^1* 7 Uj/ 0 iAu«v !*#'»'»

7fyf4it»^ %

Av£<W^ Xt
CenriU VU
_ y'> e

ZUi

^A«Z.« Xtv «

K\y ^

fS55i.^i'«i

- UkAi - '

Jub^e«£sA 4

^ *!i(t

Vwvsnm 4«vtu^i
fyvr* I 7<« I i!c^>t>»v
jrwi^i V,

?^<4i£tWM \^u

75i*T»* j(^ ^ i «■«<*?
^ ^ ^^riui fr**^

ff*

•i^fi

ifi/tf/X A

‘*V^>V«4) yuAUvitM

Scd^^SCtjryr^ A

- «^*tfyawn^«* A

‘ ICl ^ A ^

^ au^u^ti

QJIfitt A

lu.

• w «v /t* t'u**!'' »~ > "

PUMtM;JI a4ir^*f*i XM.

4 o£i^ 4V)<1<

(Vhj 1 ^

tfffT" f^unk"* d«y< ^

R^MAT«4Wy^^Ct.y^ » /<» • ^ V«r*/k**'
I (t V«r«k«pk4^

^ <wM LV

5n « i?v

tnciCr^ IK 4 ^ O ^

!<f, , l!^‘'^t>

W**

f«-'.

L..

' rt* 5 itary^frr

31 f' „ .

--oil

^yr^la^^»<^•wn.<rt»*»» , JU ! , IJ

/«WM fM^*^a4t9rtil'rn*^1« A^JfgpnviwlTrtMXM^r* '»ujl«S(W

1 . .WaV

FLA,rrB XXXIV.— Page 48 of the original Garitn Book, Note: “flower borders.
Apr. 8. laid them oCF into compartm^. oi laf. length each.”

Jefferson’s Garden Book

475

i8ia]

VI. L's Snowberry bush.

VII. Vi Yellow currant.

talso planted 3. plants ot same gooseberry in the 3^ strait terras or
upper Terras of Gooseberry Sq. at S.W. end.
ri. currants, same, in the s* & 4 • strait terras or 3"*. &
3* raspberry terrasses. S.W. end. ribes odoratiss"*
9. Yellow Currants in the 7“. and S"* terrasses or i'*. &
Currant terrasses. S.W. end.

8. Cape grapes for wine in the a** terras or i**. terras of
E. Vineyard. S.W. end.

6. d°. for wine or eating, z* terras of d°.

S.W. end.

all the above were from M°. Mahon,”

planted 40. plants of Hudson strawberry from d°. in the Strait Ter-
ras. a, + 3.

Mar. 17. & 18. planted as follows.

d. 38. to 36. 9 soft November peaches.

e. 4. a Carnation cherry.

. 37. 38. 31. 35. 39. 43. 43. 44. 8 plumb peaches of October.

f. 37. 39. 35.40.1 plumbs, suppos*. f. 4s. \3 October plumb

g. 37. 30.38. 39. j Cherokee from Bailey” g.43.43.J peaches.

h. a. 5. 6. 7. ta. 13. 14. 18. 19. 33. 33. 24. 3$. a<. 28. 39. 30. 31. 33. 36.
39. 43. = 33. pippings

i. 5. 8. 9. 13. 13. li. = 6. Spitzenbgs from mr Taylor.”

17. r8. 34. 35. z6, 37. — 6. Spitzenbgs from mif Divers.”

— 1. + 3. 8. October, or November, or T. Lomax’s” soft
peaches, uncertain which,

13. 13. if. 17. 33. 34. 35. 3f. 39. = 9 soft peaches from T. Lomax.

k. 3. 6 . 13. 17, 33. 35. Oct. or Nov. or T. Lomax’s soft peaches.

l. I. a Carnation cherry. 3. 6. Carnations or May Dukes.

8. pear from mr Divers”

13. 15, 16. 30. 33. 34. 35. = 7. choice pears from Walter Coles.”
36. 27. 38. 39. 3t. 33. = 6 choice pears from mi Divers.”

Mar. 30,
31 .

8. Taliaferro apples.

m. 6. 37. 38.

n. 3.

o. 3. 7,

p. 4* <•

Allies of the Vineyards 25. paccans.
round the S.W. & N.E. ends of the garden pales, and about x2.f. from
the pales 39, Roanoke hiccory nuts, and i. Osage d°. 35i. apart,
planted 9. Snowberry cuttings in the earthen trough.

Nursery, i". terras, planted 34. sweet almond 1
kernels from mr Diver’s
tree

I. plant hardshelled bitter
Almond from box X. pa.

& 61ied It up with
Larix seeds.”
Ronaldson

4 ®

6’*. beg*, at W. end. 1$. Brock’s soft peach stones,
line soft peach stones, from P.R (y* ” kernels only)
10. W. end. English oak acorns.”^

E. end. elm seed”

Ash seed,” Plane.”

something label lost Crab

kernels

Scotch fir teed Silver

fir seed"

Larix .... thro the whole . , , ,

Bladder Senna”

I^racanthni.

16. Hawthorn Broom*

9**. Cedar of Lebanon * thro

IX.

Z3.

* 3 '

»4-

li*

33-

all these were sent
me from Edinburg
by mr Ronaldson.

^^6 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1812

tMar.aS. planted 6. plants of goose berries, continuing the same row. In the
4^". Terras, from Ronatdson Edinbg
ap. sowed fiorin grass seed " in the new ia.I. boxes N°. i. to 7. & in the
old boxes i.a4>6.io. and in the Meadow

Apr. 2. planted in the old boxes N*. 3. Silver fir. 7. Scotch fir. 13. Larix.
13. Cedar of Lebanon.

3. sowed on the N.B. & N.W. sides of Aspen thicket seeds of Broom &
Fyracanthus from Edbg. Ronaldson.

in the grove, ^ Ash, elm, plane. Silver fir. Scotch fir. Larix

^ 1812. The year 1812 opened with the happy reconcilia-
tion between Jefferson and John Adams. The warmth of
their former friendship returned, and they carried on a large
correspondence until their deaths in 1826.

This was the first election year since Jefferson had retired
from the Presidency. Certain groups urged him to become a
candidate for the Presidency again, and others even suggested
that he be appointed Secretary of State in Madison’s cabinet.
He disregarded all of these suggestions. Madison was re-
elected President, and Elbridge Gerry, Jefferson’s old friend,
was chosen Vice President.

War was declared against England on June 18. Although
Jefferson was in favor of the declaration under existing cir-
cumstances, it brought great hardships on the people, and
placed pecuniary obstacles before him. Despite his straitened
circumstances, Jefferson was obliged on account of the war
to increase his household manufacture of linen, cotton, and
woolens, in order to supply his household needs.

This was a flourishing year for the garden and farm.
There are five pages in the Garden Book tabulating the plant-
ings and other activities in the garden. For the first time
Jefferson wrote down the exact plan and arrangement of the
vegetable garden. It was divided into three long terraces or
platforms, called the Upper Platform, the Middle Platform,
and the Lower Platfrom (sec pi. XXXHI).

In the early spring Jefferson completed a fish pond on the
Colh Branch. He made several attempts to stock it with
carp, but without much success. He later made several other
fish ponds, a few of which were washed away by freshets in
the branches. (See letters following about fish and fish
ponds.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

477

1812]

The mill still continued unprofitable. On account of this,
Mr. Randolph became the sole tenant. The change, how-
ever, did not increase the revenues.

In the early spring Jefferson made one important change
in the flower borders along the winding or Round-about Walk
on the west lawn. He divided the borders into lo-foot com-
partments and planted them with groups of like flowers in-
stead of a mixture in each compartment. This change gave
an interesting massed effect to the borders. (PI. XXXIV.)

Letters show that the exchange of plants and seeds con-
tinued between Jefferson and his neighbors and friends.
Thoiiin sent his yearly supply of seeds from France, and
James Ronaldson, of Philadelphia, sent another large packet
of them. Bernard McMahon, as in previous years, sent roots,
plants, and seeds.

Jefferson made his usual visits to Poplar Forest, where
work on the house was progressing rapidly. Extensive im-
provements were made in the grounds. (See letters, Jeffer-
son to John W. Eppes, April 18 and September 18, 1812;
memoranda, Jefferson to Jeremiah Goodman, May 12 and
December 13, 1812; and Planting Memorandum for Poplar
Forest, 1812.)

* See plate XXI for location of the garden.

' Allium ascalonicum L. Also called shallot.

* James Ronaldson was bom in Scotland in 1780. Emi-
grating to Pennsylvania, he settled in Philadelphia, and be-
came identified with the industrial and educational interests of
that city. He was one of the largest type founders in the
country and also an extensive horticulturist. He was a friend
of Jefferson and sent to him seeds and plants, which were
planted at Monticello. Mr. Ronaldson died in Philadelphia
in 1841. {National Cyclopedia of American Biography 12:
507—508.) (See letter, Jefferson to Mr. McIntosh, March
15, 1812; and letter, Jefferson to Mr. Ronaldson, October ii,
1812.)

* Allium sativum L. Garlic.

* Allium schoenoprasum L. Chive.

^ Humulus lupulus L. Hop.

* John Thomson Mason was an American lawyer and states-
man. He was the son of Thomson Mason, the younger
brother of George Mason. He was born in Stafford County,

Jetfebson’s Garden Book

478

[1812

Virginia, in 1764, and died in 1824. He was a personal
friend to Jefferson, who appointed him to several high offices.
(Lippincott’s Biographical Dictionary: 1676.)

* See letter, Jefferson to Ronaldson, October ii, 1812.

Lolium perenne L.

Probably Trifolium agrarium L.

Probably a variety of Avena sativa L.

“ A variety of Hordeum vulgare L.

Vicia sativa L. Tares.

“ Mangel-wurzel, a large, coarse kind of beet. Beta vulgaris
macrorhiza, extensively grown, especially in Europe, as food
for cattle.

“ Scorsonera hispanica L. Black salsify.

” The flower borders of the western lawn were laid out in
1808. (See pis. XXIV, XXV.)

“ Campanula sp.

“ Tagetes erecta L.

Papaver sp.

The arbor bean here is probably Phaseolus coccineus L.
It is more frequently called scarlet runner.

Buckwheat, now Fagopyrum esculentum Gaertn.

** Panicum virgatum L. A native grass sometimes grown
for ornament.

** Bernard McMahon was born in Ireland circa 1775.
came to America in 1796 and soon after settled in Philadel-
phia, where he established a successful seed house and botani-
cal garden. He was one of the first successful gardeners in
the United States. In 1806 he published The American
Gardener's Calendar, which went through several editions.
Horticultural letters passed frequently between McMahon
and Jefferson. A large number of plants grown at Monti-
eello came from McMahon’s seed house. McMahon died
circa 1815. (John W. Harshberger, The Botanists of Phila-
delphia and Their Work (Philadelphia, 1899): 117-119.)
(See letters, McMahon to Jefferson, February 28, 1812; and
Jefferson to McMahon, October ii, 1812,)

Robert Bailey, a nurseryman, living in Washington, who
often furnished Jefferson with plants.

** James Taylor, See note 6, 1810.

George Divers, of Farmington, Albemarle County.

Thomas Lomax. See note 27, 1809.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

479

1812]

See letter, George Divers to Jefferson, March 18, 1812.

’“Walter Coles (1772-1854) was a son of John Coles and
a brother of Isaac Coles. His home was PFoodville, Albe-
marle County, where he lived until his death. (Woods, Albe-
marle County: 172.)

See letter, George Divers to Jefferson, March 18, 1812.

Larix decidua Mill. Larch.

” Y“ means the.

Quercus robur L. English Oak.

” Probably Ulmus campestris L. English elm.

*“ Fraxinns sp. Ash.

" Platanus sp. Plane tree.

Abies alba Mill. Silver fir.

” Colutea arborescens L. Bladder senna.

" Probably Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius Link.

*\Cedrus libani Loud. Cedar of Lebanon.

" A grostis palustris Huds. Fiorin grass.

** In the Grove Jefferson planted a larger assortment of na-
tive and exotic trees. (See pi. XXI for the location of the
grove.)

Letters and Extracts op Letters 1812

(Jefferson to John Adams.)

Monticello, January 21, 1812.

I thank you beforehand (for they are not yet arrived) for the speci-
mens of homespun you have been so kind as to forward me by post. I
doubt not their excellence, knowing how far you are advanced in these
things in your quarter. Here we do little in the fine way, but in coarse
and middling goods a great deal. Every family in the country is a
manufactory within itsdf, and is very generally able to make within
itself all the stouter and middling stuffs for its own clothing and house-
hold use. We consider a sheep for every person in the family as suffi-
cient to clothe it, in addition to the cotton, hemp and flax which we
raise ourselves. For fine stuff we shall depend on your northern manu-
factories. Of these, that is to say, of company establishments, we have
none. We use little machinery. The spinning jenny, and loom with
the flying shuttle, can be managed in a family; but nothing more compli-
cated. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13; 122.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello Feb. 16. la.

In your letter of March last, as on various other occasions, you were
so kind as to offer to supply my wants in the article of plants, add in my

Jefferson's Garden Book

480

[1812

answer of April 8. 1 mentioned a few articles, as also the mode of con-
veyance, which could not occur till about this time, an opportunity now
presents itself of the most fortunate kind, mf Harmer Gilmer, a stu-
dent of medicine now in Philadelphia, and my neighbor, will be setting
out on his return to us very soon after you receive this, he will come in
the stage and will, 1 am sure, take charge of any small box you may be
so good as to put under his care. I write to him on this subject, never
expecting so good an opportunity again, & so seasonable a one, I will
still add a little to my former wants so as to put me in possession once
for all of every thing to which my views extend, & which I do not now
possess.

seeds. Auricula, double Anemone, double Carnation.

nette. egg plant. Sea Kale,
bulbs. Crown Imperial, double Ranunculus,
plants. Hudson & Chili strawberries, fine gooseberries,
mine.

trees. Cedar of Lebanon, balm of Gilead hr. Cork tree.

Chestnut or Maronnier of y‘ French.

one plant of the Cape jessamine, & one or two of the trees will suffice,
the seeds may come in a letter packet by mail ; the bulbs, plants & trees
(if the latter be chosen small) in a smdl and light box, packed in moss
v'hich mr Gilmer will take charge of: and if you will be so kind as to
inform me of the amount in the letter by mail, it shall be promptly re-
mitted. mr. Gilmer will be so near his departure as to require immedi-
ate dispatch.

Among other plants I received from M, Thouin, was the Brassica
sempervirens, or Sprout Kale, one plant only vegetated, the i**. year,
but this winter I have 20. or 30. turned out for seed. I consider it
among the most valuable garden plants, it stands our winter unpro-
tected, furnishes a vast crop of sprouts from the beginning of December
through the whole winter, which are remarkably sweet and delicious.
1 enclose you a few seeds, a part of what the original plant gave us; the
noct year I hope to have a plenty. 1 send it because I do not perceive
by your catalogue that you have it. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Jeremiah Goodman.)

Monticello Feb. 21. 12.

I have just received a letter from Maj». Flood informing me that his
neighbor m'. Duval will spare me from 6. to 8. bushels of Burnet seed,
you will therefore be plea^d to send off two boys on horseback to bring
it. they should take bags which will hold 4. bushds each, die seed is
as light as chaff, it is sown half a bushel to the acre. Major Flood’s
is 34. miles from Poplar Forest on the Great main road leading from
New London to Richmond. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Mignon-

Cape-jas-

Spanish-

Jefferson's Garden Book

481

1812]

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Fcb^. aS**". i8ia.

I duly received your kind letter of the ins^ and am much obliged
to you for the Brassica sempervirens. This morning I done myself the
pleasure of sending you by M'. Gilmer a box containing the following
articles.

2 Roots Amaryllis Belladonna

6 pots of Auriculas, different kinds.

1 d”. of a beautiful polyanthus

32 Roots best Tulips of Various kind

32 d°. Best double Hyacinths assorted.

40 plants of the Hudson Strawberry, the best kind we have here.

I have none nor have I seen any in America of the large Chili straw-
berry.

4 roots Lillium superbum. L.

4 small plants Gooseberries, large red fruit & the best I have ever
seen.

Some roots Amaryllis Atamasco L.

The labels are Ja/d in with the above and the numbers attached to the
following.

N”. 1 Ribes odoratissimum (mihi). this is one of Cap^ Lewis’s and
an important shrub, the fruit very large, of a dark purple colour,
the flowers yellow, showey, & extremely fragrant.

N”. 2 Symphoricarpos Icucocarpa (mihi). This is a beautiful shrub
brought by C. Lewis from the River Columbia, the flower is
small but neat, the berries hang in large clusters and of a snow
white colour and continue on the shrubs, retaining their beauty,
all the winter ; especially if kept in a Green House. The shrub
is perfectly hardy; I have given it the trival english name of
Snowberry-bush.

N*. 3 The yellow Currant of the river Jefferson; this is specifically
different from the others, but I have not yet given it a specific
botanical name.

N*. 4 Cape of Good hope Grape Vine, according to M'. Peter Legaux,
who says he received it originally from thence. This I am con-
fident, from several years observation, is the variety of grape
most to be depended on for giving wine to the United States,
but particularly to be cultivated for that purpose in the middle
and eastern states.

N®. 5 An improved variety of the Cape grape, somewhat earlier and
better for the table, and equally good for making wine.

I am very sorry that I cannot at present supply all your wants, but
shall as soon as in my power; and that the opportunity which now offers

Jefferson’s Garden Book

482

[1812

does not admit of a conveyance for many articles which I wish to send
you. I hope you will do me the favor of informing me whenever you
hear of a favorable opportunity, for conveying them, other articles
which I wish to send you. Excuse the confused manner in which I
write, as there are several people in my store asking me questions every
moment.

I would thank you to inform me whether you take the Glocester Nut
to be a distinct species, as announced by Mich*, f. (Juglans laciniosa)
or whether, if only a variety, it is nearer allied to the Juglans tomentosa
Mich*, or to the J. squamosa Midi*, fi. the J. alba of his father.

I send you a few seeds by this mail, and shall send some more in a few
days. . . . P. S. You will please to excuse me for not making any
charge for the new articles sent; such I could not think of. {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(JefiEerson to Patrick Gibson.)

Monticello Mar. x. 12.

... I have usually got my stock of red clover seed from the other
side of the Blue ridge, but am quite disappointed there this year, and
am therefore obliged to apply for it at your market where I am told
there is plenty but high in price as is general this year. I must pray you
to procure & send me in tight barrels ten bushels, as it is an article of
sudi necessity as to render the price but a secondary consideration. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Jeremiah. A. Goodman.)

Monticello Mar. i. [1812.]

Our distress on the article of hauling obliges me to send for the yoke
of steers which were to come from Poplar Forest, you know our situa-
tion and will I hope send us a pair which will do solid service, of those
which mf GtiiSn sent while you were here, we have never been able to
make any thing. I have given Moses leave to stay a day with his friends.
I suppose he can bring on the back of his steers as much corn as will
bring them here, on your furnishing him a bag. I wrote to you on the
2i“. of February by post; but as I know that letters linger long on the
road sometimes, I will repeat here one article of my letter which was
pressing. Maj'. Flood has informed me that mf Duval, his neighbor,
can furnish me with 6. or 8. bushels of Burnet seed, two boys on horse-
back should therefore be sent off immediately with bags whi^ will hold
4. bushels each, the seed is as light as chaff, it is sown half a bushel to
die acre. Major Flood’s is 34. miles from Poplar Forest on the great
main road leading from New London to Richmond.

I inclose some lettuce seed, and shall be glad if you will sow about 8.
or la feet of one of the beds behind the stable, and do the same on the
I**, day of every month till the falL . , . (Giurtesy of Dr. A. S. W.
Rosenbach.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

483

1812]

(Charles Willson Peale to Jefferson.)

Farm Persevere, Mar. 2*. l8l2.

. . . Can you find no inducements to visit Philadelphia? It would
give me a great deal of pleasure to see you at the Museum. Your gar-
den must be a Museum to you. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Larkin Smith to Jefferson.)

Norfolk 3d March 1812

A small package of garden seed was this day delivered to me, with
your address, by a very safe conveyance to Richmond. I have committed
it to the care of Mr. James Barbour, with a request that he would trans-
mit it to you without loss of time, as the season for sowing the seeds has
commenced. . . . (Glimpses of the Past, Missouri 3: 116.)

(James S. Barbour to Jefferson.)

Richmond March 10. 1812

The accompanying collection of garden seeds was forwarded to me
by Colo Larkin Smith of Norfolk. He suggested to me the necessity of
sending them as soon as possible as the time for sowing them had, prob-
ably, arrived. Supposing the Stage both the safest and most expeditious
conveyance I avail myself of that opportunity. I hope you will receive
them in the time. . . . N. B. Just as I had finished this note a waggon
from Milton passed and I have confided the Seeds to him, R. Johnston.
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to George Divers.)

Monticello Mar. 10. 12.

I promised to stock you with the Alpine strawberry as soon as my
beds would permit. I now send you a basket of plants and can spare
you 10. baskets more if you desire it their value, you know, is the giv-
ing strawberries 8. months in the year, but they require a large piece
of ground and therefore I am moving them into the truck patch, as I
cannot afford them room enough in ^e garden. I have received from
McMahon some plants of the true Hudson strawberry, the last rains
have brought them forward and ensured their living. I have been 20
years trying unsuccessfully to get them here, the next year I shall be
able to stock you. I have received also from McMahon 4. plants of his
wonderful gooseberry. I measured the fruit of them 3. I. round, by
the next year I hope they will afford you cuttings, about 20. plants of
the Sprout kale have given us sprouts from the i** of December, their
second growth now furnishes us a dish nearly every day, and they will
enable me this year to stock my neighbors with the seed, we have now

f ot the famous Irish grass, Fiorin, ensured and growing, they make
ay from it in December, January, February. I received the plants
from Ireland about a month ago. 1 am now engaged in planting a col-

484

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8ia

lection of pears. I know you have several kinds of very fine, if your
nursery can spare 2. of each kind I will thank you for them : if not then
some cuttings for engrafting, tying up each separately. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefiferson to George McIntosh.)

Monticello Mar. 15. 12.

I am this moment favored with your’s of the 4“* inst. informing me
you had received some plants for me from mf Ronaldson. I had be-
fore received a letter from him notifying me that he had forwarded them.
I will ask the favor of you to commit them to the Richmond stage ad-
dressed to Mess”. Gibson & Jefferson of Richmond who will pay the
portage & forward them to me. they will come much safer if you can
get some passenger to take them under his patronage by the way. I pre-
sume they are properly packed ; if not, a light box, and wet moss invelop-
ing them, would be the best mode of preserving them, the expense of
which will in like manner be reimbursed by Mess" Gibson & Jefierson.
Accept my thanks for your attention to this object. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington i8“* Mar: 1812

I received the aspine [= alpine] strawberry plants sent by your serv-
ant, for which accept my thanks. I send you seven pear cions, they
are small being ingrafted the last spring, two of them is a very good
forward pear, the other five are of the best kinds that I have, would
have sent you some slips, but I shall engraft some for myself and shall
think of you when I set about it,

The Irish grass you speak of must be a great acquisition, I shall be
thankful for a little of the seed of the Sprout Kale and a few cuttings
of the large gooseberry when they can be spar’d. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Col. Larkin Smith.)

Monticello, Mar. 22, ’la.

Your letter of the 3d', inst. with the packet of seeds you were so kind
as to forward came safely to hand yesterday evening, and of course in
good time for being committed to the earth, accept my thanks for this
Idnd attention and indeed I am afraid it may not be the last, as my
foreign correspondents are much in the habit of directing packages for
me to the Collector of the port to which the vessel is bound, duties, or
any other expenses which may have occurred, or may occur on such oc-
casions, will always be immediately remitted by Messrs. Gibson & Jef-
ferson, my established correspondents at Richmond, on notice of them;
who v^l also receive such packages, pay charges & forward them to me,
I mention this to lessen Ae inconveniences to which your friendship

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1812]

485

might expose you on any future similar occasion. . . . ( Glimpses of the
Pastj Missouri 3: 117.)

(Jefferson to Governor James Barbour.)

Monticello Mar. 22. 12.

Your favor of the 16*'* was safely delivered last night by the wag-
goner, together with the packet of seeds you were so kind as to receive
and forward. I pray you to accept my thanks for this friendly care,
my friends & correspondents Gibson & Jefferson, would have saved you
the trouble of seeking a conveyance for the packet, & would do it on any
future similar occasion, if simply sent to them ; & would pay all charges.
I mention this in the event of your being embarrassed again with such
an address, the packet arrived in good time, exactly in the season for
planting. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, April 17, 1812.

. . . Our wheat had greatly suffered by the winter, but is as re-
markably recovered by the favorable weather of the spring. . . . (Lips-
comb and Berg, Jefferson 13: 140.)

(Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes.)

Monticello Apr. 18. 12.

... I have already resumed the inside finishing [house at Poplar For-
est], which I had not before intended. I have engaged a workman to
build offices, have laid off a handsome curtilage connecting the house
with the Tomahawk, have inclosed and divided it into suitable ap-
pendages to a Dwelling house, and have begun it’s improvement by
planting trees of use and ornament. . . . (The Huntington Library
Quarterly 6 (3) : 345 . 1943-)

(Jefferson to Mr. Ashlin.)

Monticello Apr. 20. 12.

1 have just made me a fish pond and am desirous to get some carp fish
to stock it. we used formerly when hauling the seyne for shad, to
catch some carp also, and I presume therefore that some few are now
caught at your place. I send the bearer therefore with a boat, with di-
rections to stay a few days, and procure for me all the carp which shall
be caught while he is there. I shall be obliged to you if you can aid him
in getting them at as reasonable a price as you can. I presume they will
not be higher than what is paid for shad, as thqr are by no means as
good a fish, if through your interest he can be admitted to join in haul-
ing the seyne & come in for a share of shad so as to bring us some, 1 will
thank you, as well as for any other aid you may give him towards his
object, . . , (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

486

[i8ia

(Jefferson to James P. Cocke.)

Monticello Apr. 23. 12.

I have just ffnished a fish pond and wish to get some of the Roanoke
chub to stock it. I am told you now possess the pond that was your re-
lation & neighbor mf Cocke's. Could you spare me a few to begin with ?
if you can, I will send tomorrow a light cart with a cask for water so
that the cart may start the next morning and keep the fish out as short
a time as possible. I propose so short a term, because I presume you
have the means of commanding the fish at any time, and I am to set out
for Bedford on Monday or Tuesday. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(James P. Cocke to Jefferson.)

Ap*. 23. 1812.

I am sorry to observe that the geting [?] [a] supply of fish is most
uncertain, not having made arrang*. to command them, yet if you wish
send and [ 7 ] the risque be assumed I will do my indeavors to procure
them. I shall shortly set about some method in order to have them at
command k would ^ink the fall would be more proper to summons
them as they are now spawning & would more certain to get them. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James P. Cocke.)

Monticello Apr. 24. I2.

I am so anxious to save a year,- by taking advantage of the present
spawning season, not yet over, that I send the bearer to take the chance
of your being able by some means to catch some chubs and the rather as
his time is not very valuable insomuch that if a detention of 2. or 3.
days could secure my object I should think it more than an equivalent
for his time. I suppose that if taken with a hook & line and the hook
carefully withdrawn from the mouth it would not hurt them, especially
if the beard of the hook were filed off. I have therefore furnished the
bearer with a line and hooks of different sizes, and altho’ he knows
nothing about angling, yet with a little of your kind direction he would
immediately understand it, and may employ himself in collecting them
until you diink he has a sufficiency. I am sorry to give you so much
trouble, and must rest for the apology on your friendship. . . . (Jef-
ferson. Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Maury.)

Monticello, April 25, 1812.

... I have withdrawn myself horn all political intermeddlings, to
indtdge the evening of my life with what have been the passions of every
portion of it, books, science, my farms, my family and friends. To these
every hour of the day is now devoted. I retain a good activity of mind,
not quite as much of body, but uninterrupted health. Still the hand of

Jefferson’s Garden Book

487

1812]

age is upon me. All my old friends are nearly gone. Of those in my
neighborhood, Mr. Divers and Mr. Lindsay done remain. If you
could make it a partie quarree, it would be a comfort indeed. We
would beguile our lingering hours with talking over our youthful ex-
ploits, our hunts on Peter's mountain, with a long train of et cetera, in
addition, and feel, by recollection at least, a momentary flash of youth.
. . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 148-149.)

(Jefferson to Captain Mathew Wills.)

Monticello, Apr. 26, ’12.

I return you many thanks for the fish you have been so kind as to
send me, and still more for your aid in procuring the carp, and you will
further oblige me by presenting my thanks to Capt. Holman & Mr.
Ashlin. I have found too late, on enquiry that the cask sent was an
old and foul one, and I have no doubt that must have been the cause of
the death of the flsh. The carp, altho’ it cannot live the shortest time
out of water, yet is understood to bear transportation in water the best
of any fish whatever. The obtaining breeders for my pond being too in-
teresting to be abandoned, I have had a proper smack made, such as is
regularly used for transporting fish, to be towed after the boat, and have
dispatched the bearer with it without delay, as the season is passing
away. I have therefore again to solicit your patronage, as well as Cap-
tain Holman’s in obtaining a supply of carp. I think a dozen would be
enough, and would therefore wish him to come away as soon as he can
get that number. . . . {Glimpses of the Past, Missouri 3: 118.)

(James P. Cocke to Jefferson.)

Ap*. ap*** i8i2.

I am concerned that every effort to procure fish for you have been in-
effectual. two has been caught but so managed [ ?] that they are dead.
So soon as I can command them I will advise you & then will endeavor
to manage the thing better. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman.)

[Memorandum Poplar Forest] May 12. 1812.

[Memorandu]*". for mf Goodman.

[as] soon as the green swerd seed is ripe, have [somje gathered by
the negro children and sowed on all the naked parts [of ^e] mound,
and then cover those parts lightly [with s]traw first, & brush laid over
that.

[if m]ore seed could be gathered by the children it might be sowed
in the fall or spring in the square round the house where the greenswerd
has not as yet taken.

have strong stakes la. f, long stuck by such of the young trees as grow
crooked, and tie them up to the stake in as many places as necessary.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

488

[1812

I promised mr Caruthers oi Rockbridge to give him a ram & ewe
lamb of this year, I bdieve if he should send, we must give him one of
our rams, and a ewe lamb, and turn out another ram for ourselves the
next year.

weed the gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries & rose bushes,
sow lettuce the i*‘. of June.

bottle the beer. (Courtesy of Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach.)

(Jefferson to J. Peter Derieux.)

Monticello June i. 1812.

Your favor of May 1“ is just received, with the seed & root of the
Tarragon, for which I return my thanks, the root had become entirely
dry and without any principle of vegetation left in it. this was less im«
portant, as I had some years ago succeeded in obtaining the plant from
N. Orleans where it grows wild. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry.)

Monticello, June ii, 1812.

. . . Who knows but you may fill up some short recess of Congress
with a visit to Monticello, where a numerous family will hail you with
a hearty country welcome. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13;
164.)

(Jefferson to Andrew Ellicott.)

Monticello, June 24, 1812.

. . . All this will be for a future race. . . . Yet I do not wish it less.
On the same principle on which I am still planting trees, to yield their
shade and ornament half a century hence. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 19: 185.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia 16*''. Sept'. 1812

I do myself the pleasure of sending you by this mail, in a small box, 3
roots of Crown Imperial which cary two tiers of flowers, when in very
luxuriant growth; also 12 Roots of Gladiolus communis: both kinds
hardy and fit for the open ground — ^please to have them planted as soon
as possible. I will send you other kinds of bulbs by subsequent mails.
. . , (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes.)

Monticello Sep. 18. 12.

... it [the house at Poplar Forest^ is an Octagon of 50. f. diameter,
of brick, well built, will be plaistercd this fall, when nothing will be
wanting to finish it compleatly but the cornices and some of the doors,
when finished, it will be the best dwelling house in the state, except that

Jefferson’s Garden Book

489

1812]

of Monttcello ; perhaps preferable to that, as more proportioned to the
faculties of a private citizen. I shall probably go on with the cornices
and doors at my leisure at Monticello, and in planting & improving the
grounds around it. I have just paid between 3. & 4000 Dollars cash
for the building, besides doing all the planter’s work, which is fully the
half, so that it’s cost may be very moderately rated at 6000. D. out
of the lands South of Tomahawk, I should have to reserve 4. or S- acr«,
from it’s entrance into Blackwater down to my line for a canal & site
for a mill St threshing machine I am about building there, the stream
is very meagre, the head springs all rising in my own lands: but it may
thro’ a good part of the year grind for a family, there are on these
lands about 100. acres cleared ; 67. of them originally fine, but very old.
they have now been at rest 4. or 5. years, & I am about taking them
again into my rotation, the rest are fresh & of first quality, and I shall
from time to time make clearings adjacent until the actual exchange
of possession. . . . (The Huntington Library Quarterly 6 (3): 344,

1943.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia 23''*. Sept'. i8ia

I herewith send you a small box containing 6 Dwarf Persian Iris, 12
Cloth of Gold Crocus 6 Iris Xiphium, 6 Iris Xiphium, a new iff fine
variety j 12 Double Persian Ranunculuses; with the seeds of some very
superior Impatience Balsamina, Red Antwerp Raspberry & Centaurea
macrocephala, as a part of a collection to be forwarded in a few days
for your acceptance. . . . P. S. I am happy to inform you that my
little business enables me to progress,, in my line, in a ratio somewhat
greater than I at first expected. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia 24*N Sept'. 1812
Herewith you will receive a small box containing

3 Roots of Antholyza aethiopica, a Green House bulb,

6 Feathered Hyacinth roots, Hyadnthus monstrosus L.

3 Double blue Hyacinths, named Alamode by the Dutch, remarkably
early & proper for forcing.

6 Roots of a beautiful variety of Crocus vernus, of very early bloom;

flower white inside & beautifully striped outside.

2 Roots Parrot Tulips, color of the flowers red, green and yellow mixed.
Some seed of the Mirabilis longiflora, or Sweet-scented Marvel of
Peru. . . , (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Samuel Brown to Jefferson.)

Natchez Oct, i*‘. 1812.

Mr. Poindexter has obligingly offered to carry you a small package of
Guinea Grass seed & a species of Capsicum indigenous in the provence

490

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8i2

of Taxas. For all I know on the subject of Guinea Grass I take the
liberty of referring you to a communication I Jiave just made to the
Editor of the Archives of Useful Knowledge. It is highly probable,
however, that you are much better acquainted with it than I am. Of
Ae Pepper I feow little except that it grows in very great abundance
in the prairies west of the Sabine & that it is vnth the Spaniards &
Savages, an article in as great use as common Salt is anaong the inhabit-
ants of the U. S. As soon as I can obtain a more particular account of
it I shall do myself the pleasure of communicating it to you. The Roots
are Perennial & in your climate would only require protection from the
most severe frost. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Ronaldson.)

Monticello Oct. ii. l8i2.

... I had received in the spring the assortment of seeds you had been
so kind as to address to me. they were very long in their passage from
Norfolk to this place, insomuch that the season was far advanced before
they got to hand, many have consequently failed, but several succeeded,
the oats & barley particularly, the latter of which is valuable as being
naked, several of the cabbages and Kales succeeded, as also the spinach
and a single plant of early turnep will give us seed, three Scotch firs
have vegetated, the horin grass seed came up well, but was soon checked
by our own hot sun. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello Oct. ii. 12.

Your three boxes with flower roots are all safely arrived & carefully
disposed of, for which accept my particular thanks, the articles re-
ceived in the spring by mf Gilmer have been remarkably successful, one
only of the cuttings of the Snowberry failed, the rest are now very
flourishing and shew some of the most beautiful berries I have ever seen,
the sweet scented currant, the yellow currant, the red gooseberries .and
the Hudson Strawberries are all flourishing. I received from the Na-
tional garden of France a box of seeds, which came too late for use this
year; and no opportunity has occurred of a passenger going in the stage
to Philadelphia to whom I could confide them, but a medical student
will be going from this neighborhood at the commencement of the next
lectures by whom I will forward them to you: and as they are seeds of
l8n. I presume they will generally succeed the next season. . . . {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia Oct'. 24*^. 1812.

I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the ii“. insh and am happy
that the artides sent to you last spring have succeeded to your satisfac-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

491

1812]

tion, and that you rec^. the few roots I lately sent you in good condition.
I am much obliged to you for your former favors and also for your in-
tention of sending me the box of seeds you were pleased to mention.
With this letter I expect you will receive a small box containing,

6 Roots Watsonia Meriana. (Gawles)

6 d®. Trittonia fenestrata d”.

6 d°. Trittonia fenestrata d®.

6 Morea flexuosa

All Cape of Good Hope bulbs and consequently, with you, belonging to
the Green-House department.

1 Root silver striped Crown Imperial, Hardy
3 Roots Amaryllis Belladonna or Belladonna Lily:

they belong also to the Green-house; if their strong succulent fibers or
roots retain their freshness on receipt of them, do not have them cut off,
but let them be planted with the bulbs in pots of good rich mellow earth;
the flowers are beautiful and fragrant; their season of flowering is Sept'.
& Oct'. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(James Ronaldson to Jefferson.)

Phila. Nov'. 2 1812.

To remedy as far as possible the ill consequences arising out of the
late arrival of the seeds I have sent you a few, by one of the last weeks
mail, the quantity of each is very small, as my stock was about ex-
hausted ; they may be sufficient to shew which of ’em are adapted to the
country and furnish the seed. I am sojry at not having it in my power
to give you some of the European Ash, Scots fir. Silver fir, cedar of
Lebanon etc. having handed all that class over to Mr. McMahon, with
him however they will be in good keeping; and have the best chance of
being introduced into the Nation, it was very unfortunate the Cork
seeds I ordered from Bayonne were on board the Amanda taken and
condemned last spring under the British orders of Council, this plant
should be procured from Portugal, now that so much intercourse exists
with that country. The Cork thrives on poor sandy land and I think
is suited to all the coast land from Delaware to cape florida. it would
be more profitable than pine trees. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to E. I. Du Pont.)

Monticello, Nov. 8, 12.

... I am in hopes the Merino race of sheep is so well established
among us as to leave you in no danger of wanting that article. I have
been unlucky with them. I began with one ram & 3 ewes. One of the
ewes died of the scab, and the others for two years have brought me only
ram lambs, so that I remain still with only 2 ewes. But I have many
half bloods. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. 1: 177 *)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

49a

[1812

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia 24^". Nov'. 1812

By this mail I send you a small box of Hyacinth rootSi to be planted
in the open ground, as soon as you shall have received them ; they are of
the first rate kinds, and nearly of as many varieties as roots: with due
attention they will bring you into a stock of the best kinds. ... {Jef-
ferson PaperSj L. C.)

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia i“‘. Dec'. 1812

I enclose you a small paper of the Agrostis stolonifera or Fiorin-grass,
which I rec*. from the Edenburg Botanic Garden. This grass had been
highly spoken of in that country, but I fear it will not prove equal to
the report given of it, and I conceive that it grows wild about this City,
whether indigenous or introduced I cannot say ; however, next season I
will have a fair comparison of the imported and aparently indigenous
kinds, and I think both will turn out to be the same species.

I also do myself the pleasure of enclosing you some superior China
Pink and Auricula seeds; the latter should be sown sometime in this
month, as directed in page 646 of my work on Gardening. . . . (Jef-
ferson Papers j L. C. )

(Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman.)

[Memorandum Poplar Forest\ Dec. 13. 1812.

. . . Supposing there are 40. bacon hogs at this place & 32. at Bear
creek reserve 23. for the negroes, which allows a hog apiece for Hal &
Jame Hubbard, and half a one for every grown & working negro, keep
6. for my use & Chisolm’s then take out the Overseer’s parts and send
the rest to Monticello vnth the muttons, send also Sally & Maria to
learn to weave & spin, if you can fix the time when the hogs will be
ready, I will send up some of the young people from Monticello who
want to visit their relations here and they will return with the waggon
& drove & assist in driving them. Billy is also to go, and can aid in
driving.

The winter’s work is to be i. moving fences, to wit, the fences for
the curtilage of the house as laid off by Cap‘ Slaughter, that for the
meadow by the still, and inclosing the Tomahawk field.

a. roads, to wit, to change the road from the smith’s shop down
round the foot of the hill de across the meadow to where it will join mf
Darnell’s part on the Ridge branch ; & to assist him in making the road
down Bear branch, and up into the public road as Griffin marked it. 1
have the establishment of this road extremely at heart, which will de<
pend entirely on it’s being done in an unexceptionable manner.

jErFERSON’s Garden Book

493

1812]

3. the negro houses all to be mended.

4. the meadow grounds which are cleared or nearly so, & only want
cleaning, to be got in order for timothy, the meadow at Coleman’s to
be sowed with his leave.

all the rest of the winter to be employed in belting and clearing lands
on the other side of the South branch of Tomahawk, to be prepared for
a crop of tobacco, taking care of the wood for rails & for coalwood and
stacking what remains, clearing & cleaning such meadow grounds as are
adjacent to your clearing,
sow about half an acre of hemp.

Sow a bed of Carrots, & one of Salsaha, each about as large as the
Asparagus bed; and sow a small bed of spinach. Long haricots to be
planted as usual, & lettuce to be sown in the spring, if a thimblefull of
seed could be sowed every other Monday, on a bed of 4. f. wide & 6, or
8. feet long it would be best, as I should then always hnd some fit for
use when I come. (Courtesy of Dr, A. S. W. Rosenbach.)

(Jefferson to Charles Clay.)

Poplar Forest Dec. 14. la.

I go certainly tomorrow, wind Sc weather permitting, and both have
abated considerably. I promised you some sprout Kale seed, which I
now send. I do not remember to have seen Salsafia in your garden, &
yet it is one of the best roots for the winter, some call it oyster plant
because fried in butter it can scarcely be distinguished from a fried
oyster. I send you some seed, it is to be sowed and manag;ed as car-
rots & to be taken up at the same time & put away for winter use. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

From the Farm Book 1774—1822:

1812. Sep. in making the Carlton path on the high mountain, thro’
the woods & exceedingly steep, Wormly & Ned did about 50
yds a day, 4 f. wide, which is 25., yds apiece.

From the Weather Memorandum Book 1776—1820:

April. 1812. the two fish ponds on the Colle branch were 40. days
work to grub, clean, & make the dams. {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

From the Account Book i8og—i820:

Mar. 19. p®. Gnovanini for work in vineyard i. D,

Mar. 21. a waggoner for bringing seeds i. D.

April 20, gave James 3. D. to procure carp at Ashlin’s for the pond.
April 26. gave James a 2* time to buy live carp for the pond 5, D.

494

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1812

Planting Memorandum for Poplar Forest, 1812:

t8i2, Jan. planted Aspens from Monticello. May 19. 5. living.

Calycanthuses. May 19; i* living.

Alpine strawberries, living.

White strawberries, living,

Nov. plant a double row of paper mulberries from stairways
to the Mounds.

Clump of Athenian & Balsam poplars at each corner of
house, intermix locusts, common and Kentucky, red-
buds, dogwoods, calycanthus, liriodendron.

Nov. 20. there are living 31. Golden willows, 19. Weeping
willows. 10. Athenian Poplars, 3. Lombardy pop-
lars, & 2 Mont°. Aspens.

Nov. 26. the road & outer gate leading from the house to the
Waterlick road bears S. 43i W. Magnetically 179.
po, to the center of the house.

25-27. took from the Nursery Se planted in the grounds
round the house

20. weeping willows. 30. golden willows. 10.
Athenian poplars. 3. Lombardy poplars. 2.
Mont®. Aspens. 16. Calycanthuses.

27. planted in the Nursery. i2. Mont®. Aspens.
16. paper mulberries.

Dec, 5. planted Mont®. Aspens from mf Clay’s, viz.

12. round the Eastern mound & 4, round West d®.
6. still wanting.

planted also 2. European mulberries from mf Clay’s
as part of the double row from the Western Mound
towards the house.

from the wall of the Western Stairway to the foot
of the Western mound 91. feet.

Eastern d®. Eastern d®. 84. feet.

from the N. door along the circular road to the gate
due South from the house is 270. yds. Consq’^ 540.
yds round, plant a row of paper mulberries on each
side all around except the curve at the N. door; at
20 f, apart, will take about 160. trees,
plant on each bank, right & left, on the S. side of
the house, a row of IUrcs, Althaeas, Gelder roses,
Roses, Calycanthus. {Jefferson Papers^ U. Va.)

i8i 3- (continued)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

497

1813.

Mar. aa. Guinea grass' from D'. Brown’ Terras F. 7.

Apr. a. Fiorin roots.' in F. 8. 9.

10. planted in Nursery peach stones as follows

Terras i.W. ax. early soft peaches, from ror Clay*

I. £. a6. large yellow soft, ripe Sep. i. Clay
4. £. a6. line white soft Clay

4. W. 13. large white soft. Pop. for.”

5. W. z6, Malta peaches.

5. E. 108. line soft peaches of Aug. Clay

Dates of Asparagus coming to table."

* 794 -

Apr.

1814.

Apr.

13-

1795

. . .

1815

Mar.

31.

6 .

. . .

18x6.

Apr.

S-

7 -

Mar.

* 3 -

> 7 -

Apr.

II.

9 .

Apr.

31 .

Apr.

1804.

s s a

1810.

a . a

13 -

II.

e a a

a a a

...

XI.

‘. 5“. or 6 . put a. chubs" from Carl
lower one.

put 5, more from Ja'. P. Cocke" into d'
Dates of Artichokes coming to table.

from Cartersville " into the lish pond.

1794. May 31. 1818. June a6.

9i. June S. X819. June t4.

99. ... la.

i8ro. July. 6*

II. May aS.

13. June 7.

14 -

15-

16. June II.

» 7 -

"planted Mar. aa. preceding.

July 6, cymlins "I

4. cucumbers ^from rars Lewis.”

II. corn J

14. figs.

29, tomatas

Oct. 6. Nursery. 5*". terras.

W. end 4. fine Heath peach stones. Caiysbrook”

next za. fine soft white. like Brock’s 1

33. very good soft ^ from Poplar Forest

8. d' J

Dec. 34. filled the ice house with snow.

1815. Mar. a. the ice having sunk 5. or 6.f. was now replenished
with ice fiom the river.”

Method of distinguishing or designating the terrasses” below the
garden wall, according to the squares of the garden to which they
are opp osite.

A. the curved terrases at the West end of the garden.

I. a. 3. 4. vacant.

5. 6. Alpine strawberries.

7. Walk being a prolongation gf a. the Terras Walk.

8. 9. so. II. la. i3f 14. ij. vacant.

June a6.
June 14.

June II.

498

Jefferson’s Garden Book

C1813

B. opposite to squares I. II. III.

i' . or Submural figs. a*, the Walk.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Hudson strawberries.

C. IV. V, VI. squares. i“. hops,
next below is the old Nursery.

D. VII. VIII. IX. X.

Submural. Frame peas,
s'*, vacant for Fruits,
below is the W. Vineyard.

£. Xt. XII. submural. Frame peas. 3. vacant for fruits,
below are the squares of gooseberries, rasps, currans.

F. XUI. XIV. XV.

3". vacant for Roots,
below is E. Vineyard.

G. XVI. XVII. XVIII. Submural Asparagus.

3'. vacant for Leaves. Raw.

H. XIX. etc.

s'*, vacant for Leaves. Dressed.

Location of each article. 1S13.**

Peas. Bord. I-V. Sq. I. II. III. IV. Terras.
Snaps. Sq. V. VII.

Haricots red. VI.

Harricots long. Terras. A. i. 4.

Lim as a. 3.

Cucumbers. Sq. VIII.

Gerkins. XII. a.

Nasturtium. IX

Tomatas. X. Bord. X.

Okra. X.

Artichokes XI.

Squa shes.

Carrots.

Salsafia.

Beets

Garlic. .

Leeks,

Onions.

Scallions.

Shalots.

Chives.

XII.

XIII. Terras. A. 10. xi. is.

XIV. 1. F. 3. G. 3-

3 -

4 *

XV.

XVI. X.
a.

Terras. C. x.

D. I. 3.

Lettuce XVH. Bord. VI. VIII. IX

Terragon. x. N. Terras. H. 3.

Celery. XVIII.

Spinach Bord. XI. XII. Terras E. 3.

Sorrel. H. 3.

^ _t_l_ a V a •

Cabbage, early dwarf.

York.

Savoy.

Sprout Kale.

Panl corn.

Ravensworths. ... A. 15.

Homony beans.

Arkansa pea A. 14.

Swedish turnep. Ter. A. .14.

Potatoes Early.

French black eyed pea. among Pan! corn

E. I.

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

499

500

Jefferson’s Garden Book

■S "IIAX •'>s

i8i3] Jefferson’s Garden Book ^01

‘ 1813. The war with England was almost one year old.
Although the United States had won victories, there had also
been reverses. The Chesapeake Bay was closely blockaded;
this prevented free shipping and caused much hardship in Vir-
ginia and the adjoining states. Jefferson, at Monticello, wrote
letters to President Madison and others about the progress of
the war, and in them offered suggestions which he thought
would hasten the victory for the United States. The war was
having a profound effect on his own finances.

He was removed, however, from the center of the activity
of the war, so that he could still enjoy the peace of his Monti-
cello and Poplar Forest. The following letter to his old
friend, Mrs. Elizabeth Trist, gives us a glimpse of the life at
the two estates.

Poplar Forest, May w, ’13.

I brought the inclosed book to this place, the last fall, intending to
forward it to you; but having a neighbor here who loves to laugh, I
lent it to him to read ; he lent it to another, and so it went the rounds
of the neighborhood and is returned to me at my Spring visit to this
place. I now forward it, and if it diverts you for an hour or two, I
shall be gratified by it. I was myself amused by its humor as much as
its object would permit me to be ; for that is evidently to deride the Re-
publican branches of our government. I left all well at Monticello,
except Benjamin whose health is very precarious. Lewis is become the
favorite of all. his vivacity, his intelligence, & his beauty (for the mark
on his forehead is disappearing) make him a perfect pet. you will per-
ceive from these senile details of the nursery that I am becoming old.
I wish I had no other proofs, but I am weakening very sensibly. I can
walk no further than my garden. I ride, however, and in a carriage can
come here without fatigue. I fear however this will not long be the
case, your friends Mr. & Mrs. Divers, tho’ they think themselves get-
ting crazy are in better health than usual. I am hastening back to their
first pea dinner, but I think I shall be too late. In your Southern situa-
tion I presume you have them now. Mr. Randolph has been seized
with the military fever. He expects to be called to his regiment at
Black Rock this month. He will be a great loss to his family, and no
man in the world a greater one to his affairs. . . . {Glimpses of the
Past, Missouri, 3: I 30 .)

The friendship between Jefferson and John Adams grew
more felicitous. Letters passed more frequently. Letters
also renewed the friendship with Mrs. Adams, but Jefferson
lost a close friend in the death of Dr. Benjamin Rush in April.
He had been one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

502

[1813

pendence, and had been the avenue through which the friend-
ship of Jefferson and Adams had been renewed.

A new friend came into Jefferson’s life this year in the per-
son of Jose Francisco Correa da Scrra, a learned botanist,
Portuguese Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington, and a
man of wide interests, who visited him at Monticello. After
Mr. Correa’s visit, Jefferson wrote to Mr. Du Pont :

I am indebted to you also for your letter by Mr. Correa, and the bene-
fit it procured me of his acquaintance. He was so kind as to pay me a
visit at Monticello, which enabled me to see for myself that he was still
beyond all the eulogies with which yourself and other friends had pre-
conized him. Learned beyond any one I had before met with, good,
modest and of the simplest manners, the idea of losing him again filled
me with regret. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 19: 196.)

The following year William Short wrote to Jefferson from
Philadelphia: “Correa is here & has been for some time. He
was enchanted with Monticello & delighted with the owner, &
intends repeating his visit in the spring or summer.” {Jeffer-
son Papers, M. H. C., i: 190.)

Jefferson was at Poplar Forest three times during the year.
The visits were made in the spring, late summer, and early
winter. His house there was nearing completion.

Extensive plantings were made at Monticello in the garden,
orchard, and fields, but the weather was unfavorable so that
poor crops were harvested. Jefferson wrote to James Madi-
son from Monticello, on July 13:

We are at the close of the poorest harvest I have ever seen. I shall
not carry into my barn more than one-third of an ordinary crop. But
one rain to wet the ground since April. A remarkably drying wind
with great heat the first days of the harvest, dried up the skin of the
wheat so that it fell before the scythe instead of being cut. I have seen
harvests lost by wet, but never before saw one lost by dry weather. I
have suffered more by the drought than my neighbors. Most of them
will make half a crop, some two thirds. Much of the evil had been
prepared by the winter and the fly. It is not too late yet for the corn
to recover should there come rains shortly. It never was seen so low
before at this date. Our gardens are totdly burnt up and the river so
low that you can almost jump over it in some places, (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 19: 191-193.)

Details about the arrangement of the vegetable garden and
the calendar of plants and seeds to be planted were recorded
in the Garden Book as in 1812. More detailed accounts of

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1813]

503

the terraces below the garden wall were added. Letters con-
tinued to flow to and from JeSerson about agricultural mat-
ters, and the exchange of plants went on unabated.

’ James Ronaldson, of Philadelphia.

* See letters, Jefferson to Richard Fitzhugh, April 25, 1813;
Fitzhugh to Jefferson, May 9, 1813; and Jefferson to Fitz-
hugh, May 27, 1813.

* Cucumis anguria L. Gherkin. (See letter, Jefferson to
Randolph Jefferson, June 20, 1813.)

® See letter, Jefferson to John Taylor, June 8, 1795.

• Panicutn maximum Jacq. Guinea-grass. (Sec letter, Jef-
ferson to Dr. Samuel Brown, April 17, 1813.)

^ Dr. Samuel Brown (1769-1830) was born in what is now
Rockbridge County. He studied medicine with Dr. Benjamin
Rush, of Philadelphia, and spent two years at Edinburgh.
He practiced medicine at Bladensburg, Maryland; Lexington,
Kentucky; New Orleans; and Huntsville, Alabama. About
1819 he accepted a chair at Transylvania College, at Lexing-
ton, Kentucky, where he stayed until 1825. {Diet. Am. Biog.
3:152.)

*Agrostis palustris Huds. Fiorin grass. (See letters,
Jefferson to McMahon, January 11, 1813, and Jefferson to J.
Chambers, March 4, 1813.)

• The Reverend Charles Clay, of Bedford County, Virginia.

” Poplar Forest, Bedford County, Virginia.

Jefferson often made summaries of this kind. In the case
of vegetables the summary gave him a knowledge of the for-
wardness and lateness of the seasons, so that he knew at about
what time to expect certain articles for the table. See below,
“Dates of Artichokes coming to table.”

Chub. In America the word chub is used locally to mean
any of several very different fishes, as the Black Bass, etc.

” See letters, James P. Cocke to Jefferson, May 18, 1813,
and Jefferson to James P. Cocke, May 22, 1813.

James Powell Cocke (1748-1829), life-long contempo-
rary and friend of Thomas Jefferson, was the last of his line
to live at the ancestral home Malvern Hills in Henrico County
on James River. Not long after the end of the Revolutionary
War he sold Malvern HUls to Robert Nelson, taking in ex-
change 1,600 acres of land in the North Garden of Albemarle
County. In 1791 he purchased Springhill in Augusta County,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

504

[1813

and two years later he moved from the Valley to Albemarle
County, where he built his home called Edgemont on the south
fork of the Hardware River, and where he lived all the rest
of his days. The house at Edgemont was built according to
plans drawn by Thomas Jefferson. {Virginia Mag. Hist,
and Biography 43: 80-81, 1935, and 44: 129, 1936. Cour-
tesy of Professor James P. C. Southall.)

Probably Mrs. Nicholas Lewis, of The Farm, Albemarle
County.

Carysbrook, Fluvanna County, Virginia, was the home
of Wilson Miles Cary (1723—1817).

Rivanna River.

This was the first complete plan of the Terraces below
the vegetable garden and wall.

Compare with the “Arrangement of the Garden” for
1812, and the “Disposition of grounds, 1813.”

Atriplex hortensis L. Orach.

" Hibiscus esculentus L. Okra.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1813
(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello Jan. 11. 13.

I have too long delayed returning you thanks for your favors of Nov.
24. Sc Dec. I. and the hyacinth roots with the seeds of the China pink,
Auricula, & fion'n grass, which came safely to hand. I had in a former
letter mentioned that I should avail myself of the opportunity of a
young medical student going on to Philadelphia to send you a box of
seeds which I received from M. Thouin of the National garden of
France, they had arrived too late for spring sowing, the gentleman
I had in view, went off so suddenly that I missed the opportunity of
getting the box into his hands. I have been waiting since in the hope
some other passenger might be going on; but none having occurred &
the season beginning to approach, I have sent it to a friend in Richmond,
between that place & Philadelphia there is a frequent intercourse by
passengers, and my friend will find some one who will take care- of the
box by the way and deliver it safely to you. on the subject of the Fiorin
grass, I received 2. years s^o some roots from Ireland, which we planted
in moist ground, and took care of. they flourished handsomely till the
warm season, when the warmth of the sun & otir cloudless climate proved
too much for them, the last spring I received some of the seed from
Edinburg and sowed a part in a moist meadow, & a litde in boxes, the
former failed, the latter came up well, but the sun destroyed it. I will
carefully repeat the experiment with what you have been so kind as to
send me, but I fear it requires the protection of the clouds, fogs, & drip-

Jsfferson’s GARDRiir Book

1813]

SOS

ping climate of Ireland, of all of which our clinnate presents the reverse.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Ronaldson.)

Monticello, January 12, 1813.

Your favor of November ad arrived a little before I set out on a
journey on which I was absent between five and six weeks. I have still
therefore to return you my thanks for the seeds accompanying it, which
shall be duly taken care of, and a communication made to others of such
as shall prove valuable. I have been long endeavoring to procure the
Cork tree from Europe, but without success. A plant which I brought
with me from Paris died after languishing some time, and of several
parcels of acorns received from a correspondent at Marseilles, not one
has ever vegetated. I shall continue my endeavors, although disheart-
ened by the nonchalance of our Southern fellow citizens, with whom
alone they can thrive. It is now twenty-five years since I sent them two
shipments (about 500 plants) of the Olive tree of Aix, the finest Olives
in the world. If any of them still exist, it is merely as a curiosity in
their gardens; not a single orchard of them has been planted. I sent
them also the celebrated species of Sainfoin, from Malta, which yields
good crops without a drop of rain through the season. It was lost.
The upland rice which I procured fresh from Africa and sent them, has
been preserved and spread in the upper parts of Georgia, and I believe
in Kentucky. But we must acknowledge their services in furnishing us
an abimdance of cotton, a substitute for silk, flax and hemp. The ease
with which it is spun will occasion it to supplant the two last, and its
cleanliness the first. Household manufacture is taking deep root with
us. I have a carding machine, two spinning machines, and looms with
the flying shuttle in full operation for clothing my own family; and I
verily believe that by the next winter this State will not need a yard of
imported coarse or middling clothing. I think we have already a sheep
for every inhabitant, which will suffice for clothing, and one-third more,
which a single year will add, will furnish blanketing. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson 13; 204-205.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, February 8, 1813.

. . . The autumn and winter have been most unfriendly to the wheat
in red lands, by continued cold and alternate frosts and thaws. The
late snow of about ten inches now disappearing, has relieved it. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 320 .)

(Randolph Jefferson to Jefferson.)

[Snowden] Fcby 24; 1813

Dear Brother,

, I have sent Squire over to you for the garden seeds you were $0 kind
as to promise us. . . . {Carr-Cary Papers, U. Va.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

506

[1813

(Bernard McMahon to Jefferson.)

Philadelphia a?*"*. Feb^. 1813

I do myself the pleasure of sending you herewith a small packet of
Oats raised by myself; it is the produce of the 5‘**. annual crop, after the
original importation (by myself) from Ireland, where, as well as in
England and Scotland, it is known by the trivial name of Potatoe Oats.
The seed I imported 5 years ago weighed 40. lb. per Bushel, my crop
this season of about 150 Bushels, the same as the sample I send you will
average 42 or very near it per bushel ; for which I am now able to com-
mand from our neighbouring farmers who have seen it growing, $2 per
bushel, for seed, and a demmand for much more than I have this sea^n.

1 would advise you to sow the sample I send you, as soon as possible,
that is to say, the very first day that the ground will plough and harrow
freely: the earlier in the season the better, tomorrow if it was possible.
By good seed, good ground, proper management, and early sowing, I am
convinced that we can have as good Oats in the middle and eastern
States, as in any part of Europe, and as productive and abundant crops.

I am extremely obliged to you for your effort to have the box of seeds
forwarded to me as early in the season as possible, but I have not yet
received it, nor heard from your friend in Richmond. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Randolph Jefferson.)

[Monticello] Mar 2. 13.

Dear Brother,

Having been from home the last fall during most of the season for
saving seeds, I find on examination that my gardener has made a Very
scanty provision, of that however I send enough to put you in stock:
to wit Early Frame peas. Ledman’s peas, long haricots, red haricots,
grey snaps Lima beans, carrots, parsneps. sdsafia. spinach. Sprout
Kale, tomatas I have sent you none of the following because all your
neighbors can furnish them, & my own stock is short, towit Let-
tuce radidi. cucumbers, squashes cabbages, turneps. mrs. Ran-
dolph makes up some flower seeds for my sister. . . . (Carr-Cary
Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson, to J. Chambers.)

Monticello Mar. 4, 13.

The roots of the florin grass which you were so kind as to forward to
me were received, with still enough of life in many of them to encourage
the hope of their doing well, the hill on which I live being entirely dry
& of a thirsty soil, I got im son in law, mf Randolph, to take them to
his place, about 4. miles off, and set them out in a moist and favorable
spot there, he inclosed diem in a triangular pen. they recovered their
hfe perf etitly and gave the highest hopes of their success, but when our <

Jefferson's Garden Book

507

1813]

hot sun of July & August came on, it appeared to kill them completely;
and I never doubted their being entirely lost, till, on the occasion of
your letter, I enquired again into the subject, and was told the plants
had recovered again in autumn, & had taken a new growth, the ground
being covered with snow at that time I deferred answering your letter
till the snow should be gone, and I might go & examine the plants,
this has not been till lately. I fotmd that in the autumn they had taken
a luxuriant growth; had filled the pen compleatly, and now formed a
mat of about 4. I. thick on the ground, but so killed by the winter as to
be like other dry winter killed grass, of course not convertible into
hay. I shall now make trial of it here on my hill to see if it will an-
swer in a dry soil. I suspect it to be a grass peculiarly adapted to the
humid climate & the covered sky & mild winter of Ireland, but doubtful
under our hot sun, cloudless skies & severe cold of winter, but yet it
may possibly give us a good growth in spring before the summer hepts
set in, and another after they are over in autumn & before the severe
cold comes on. I will give a careful trial in the hope that sufficient ex-
periments may point out the situations in which we also may participate
of it’s benefits. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. G.)

(Jefferson to John H. Cocke.)

Monticello Mar. 12. 13.

Th : Jefferson presents his compliments to mr Cocke, whose servant is
desired to take as many Broom plants as he pleases, but having never
found them to succeed by transplantation, he sends him some seed, which
generally succeeds, altho sometimes it does not come up till the second
spring, he sends him also a little seed of the Sprout-Kale, a plant he re-
ceived from the National garden of France about 3 years ago, never be-
fore in this country, it is to be sown & managed as the Cabbage, but
to stand in it’s place thro’ the winter uncovered ; it’s only use is to fur-
nish sprouts, of which it will yield 2. or 3. crops of 6. or 8 I. long, in a
winter, beginning in December & continuing thro’ the whole winter,
till the plant goes to seed in the spring, it is a tender & delicious winter
vegetable. . . . {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson to William Caruthers.)

Monticello Mar. 12. 13

Your letter of Feb. 3 has been received, and in answer to your en-
quiries respecting sheep, I will state that 1 have three distinct races which
I keep at different places. 1. Merinos; of these I have but 2. ewes, and
of course none to spare. President Madison has been more successful,
and sells some ram lambs, but not ewes, the Merino is a diminutive
tender sheep, yielding very little wool, but that of extraordinary fine-
ness, fit only for the finest broadcloths, but not at all for country use.
1 do not know mf. Madison’s prices, but in general the price of these
rams is fallen to from 30. to 100. D. a piece, the wool sells high to the
Northward to the hatters, but our hatters do not know how to use

Jbfferson’s Garden Book

508

[1813

2. I have the bigtail, or Barbarrjr sheep. I raise it chiefly for the table,
the meat being higher flavored than that of any other sheep, and easily
kept fat. the tail is large. I have seen one 12. I. square & weighing
14. lb. they encumber the animal in getting out of the way of dogs,
and are an obstacle to propagation without attentions which we do not
pay to them, they are well sized, & well fleeced but the wool is apt to
be coarse & hairy. 3. I have a Spanish race, the ram of which I re-
ceived from Spain in 1794. I bred from him 7. years in and in, suffer-
ing no other ram on the place, and after his death I still selected the
flnest of his race to succeed him, so that the ram may now be considered
as pure as the original, they are above common size, finely formed, the
hardiest race we have ever known, scarcely ever losing a lamb fully
fleeced, the belly & legs down to the hoof covered with wool, & the wool
of fine quality, some of it as fine as the half blood Merino, we consider
it the finest race of sheep ever known in this country, having never cut
or killed a ram lamb of them, but given them out to those who wished
them, this part of the country is well stocked with them, and they sell
at the public sales 50. per cent higher than the country sheep. I sent
my flock of them to a place.I have in Bedfordf, where they are beginning
to be known & in great demand, if you should wish to get into this
breed, and will accept of a pair of lambs the ensuing summer, you shall
be wdcome to them. ... 1 have no hesitation in pronouncing them the
fittest sheep in the world for that country. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Samuel Brown.)

Monticello Apr. 17. 1813

Your favor of Octob. i. came to hand with a note from mf Poindexter,
on the 20^. Ult. as also the Guinea grass seed, and Capsicum, they
were exactly in time for sowing and were immediately sowed, they had
got mixed by the way, and the capsicum seeds were difficult to find,
not more than three or four could be discovered, & these rather doubt-
ful, I dibbled them however in a pot to give them their best chance,
as being the production of a more Northern climate than those we culti-
vate I am in hopes they will be hardier, and if so, more valuable, of
the Guinea grass I know little, the gentlemen of S. Carolina have told
me of it’s importance to them, and I have heard it yields a good growth
in the West Indies in the driest seasons, as we also are subject to long
droughts,^ this grass may be useful to us when such occur. I wish my
interior situation admitted my getting, with more facility, useful articles
of the growth of your region, and which would stand ours. mfs. Trist
has named to me several trees of use and ornament with you which would
be desirable to us. but the safe transportation of the plant itself I know
from experience to be desperate, should any more of the Capsicum seed
fall into your hands, it will come safely by mail in a letter and will be
thankfully received J it may ensure ^ success of the plant, should the
three or four fail which I have planted, planting is one of my great
amusements, and even of those things whidi can only be for posteri^,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1813]

509

for a Septuagenary has no right to count on any thing beyond annuals.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Charles W. Peale.)

Monticello, Apr. 17, 13.

I had long owed you a letter for your favor of Aug. 19, when I re-
ceived eight days ago that of Mar. 2, i8ia [= 1813]. . . . Both your
letters are on the subject of your agricultural operations, and both prove
the ardor with which you are pursuing them. . . . Your position that a
small farm well worked and well manned, will produce more than a
larger one ill-tended, is undoubtedly true in a certain degree. There are
extremes in this as in all other cases. The true medium may really be
considered and stated as a mathematical problem: "Given the quantum
of labor within our command, and land ad libitum offering it’s spon-
taneous contributions: required the proportion in which these two ele-
ments should be employed to produce a maximum.” It is a difficult
problem, varying probably in every country according to the relative
value of land and labor. The spontaneous energies of the earth are a
gift of nature, but they require the labor of man to direct their opera-
tion. And the question is so to husband his labor as to turn the greatest
quantity of this useful action of the earth to his benefit. Ploughing
deep, your recipe for killing weeds, is also the recipe for almost every
good thing in farming. Tm plough is to the farmer what the wand is
to the sorcerer. It’s effect is really like sorcery. In the country wherein
I live we have discovered a new use for it, equal in value almost to it’s
services before known. Our country is hilly and we have been in the
habit of ploughing in strait rows whether up and down hill, in oblique
lines, or however they lead; and our soil was all rapidly running into
the rivers. We now plough horizontally folowing the curvatures of
the hills and hollows, on the dead level, however crooked the lines may
be. Every furrow thus acts as a reservoir to receive and retain the
waters, all of which go to the benefit of the growing plant, instead of
running off into streams. In a farm horizontally and deeply ploughed,
scarceljr an ounce of soil is now carried off from it. In point of beauty
nothing' can exceed that of the waving lines & rows winding along the
face of the hills & vallies. The horses draw much easier on the dead
level, and it is in fact a conversion of hilly grounds into a plain. The
improvement of our soil from this cause the last half dozen years, strikes
every one with wonder. For this improvement we are indebted to my
son-in-law, Mr. Randolph, the best farmer, I believe, in the United
States, and who has taught us to make more than two blades of corn to
grow where only one grew before. If your farm is hilly, let me beseech
you to make a trial of this method. To direct the plough horizontally

we take a rafter level of this form A boy of 13 or 14 is able

to work it round the hill, a still smaller one with a little hough marking
the points traced by the feet of the level. The plough follows running

510

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1813

thro’ these marks. The leveller having compleated one level line thro’
the field, moves with his level 30 or 40 yards up or down the hill, and
runs another which is marked in like manner & traced by the plough,
and having thus run what may be called guide furrows every 30 or 40
yards thro the field, the ploughman runs the furrows of the intervals
paralld to these. In proportion, however, as the declivitiy of the hill
varies in different parts of the line, the guide furrows will approach or
recede from each other in different parts, and the parallel furrows will
at length touch in one part, when far asunder in others, leaving un-
ploughed gores between them. These gores we plough separately.
They occasion short rows & turnings which are a little inconvenient,
but not materially so. I pray you try this recipe for hilly grounds.
You will say with me, “Probatum est,” and I shall have the happiness
of being of some use to you, and thro’ your example to your neighbors,
and of adding something solid to the assurances of my great esteem &
respect. (^Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. 1: 178-180.)

(Jefferson to Richard Fitzhugh.)

Monticello Apr. 25. 13.

I have unluckily got out of the Ravensworth pea, which I value so
highly as to wish to recover it. I am in hopes you are able to supply me
with a little, a few peas quilted into a piece of cloth, so as to lie flat,
of the size and form of a letter, and indosed in a paper cover and di-
rected to me as a letter by mail will be sufficient to put me in seed by
another year.

I indose you the seeds of a very valuable garden vegetable which I
received from France 3. or 3. years ago, it is called Sprout K^e. it is
sowed and transplanted as other Kale or Cabbages, and about the be-
ginning of December it begins to furnish sprouts, and will furnish 3.
crops of them thro the winter; so abundantly that a few plants will give
a dish every day. it stands our winter perfectly without cover. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Richard Fitzhugh to Jefferson.)

Ravenswbrth May 9*"*, 1813

I send you agreeable to your request a few of the Ravensworth pea,
and am sorry that the mode of conveyance will not admit of my sending
you a larger quantity— however perhaps it will be in my power to send
by M^ Eppes, when he returns from Congress about half bushd. if
you think he can convey them to you, please to write to me. I have not
the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with M^ Eppes, ^erefore should
thimk you for a letter of introduction to him. my late ill health and my
retirement from the world, prevented my regular inquiry at the post
office, consequently your letter remained several days before I rec*. it.
It would give me singular pleasure to see you at my House once more —
if not pray let me hear from you whenever it may be convenient for you
to write. , . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson's Garden Book

1813]

511

(James Powell Cocke to Jefferson.)

May i8‘'* 1813

Untill within a few days past we have not been able to procure the
Chub hsh. If you will send on Thursday next a careful hand prepaired
for there conveyance, I have little doubt but the necessary supply for
your pond can be made which will give pleasure to your friend. . . .
P. S. Growth of the Chub at i year old 8 to 9 in. long, at 2-1 1 to
la — 3-13 to 16 — the weight not asertained but suppose the latter as 3
to 3^ lbs. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, May 21, 1813.

. . . We have never seen so unpromising a c^op of wheat as that now
growing. The winter killed an unusual proportion of it, and the fly is
destroying the remainder. We may estimate the latter loss at one-
third at present, and fast increasing from the effect of the extraordinary
drought With such a prospect before us, the blockade is acting se-
verely on our past labors. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13:
232.)

(Jefferson to Mr. Barnes.)

Monticello May 21. 13.

Jefferson requests Mr. Barnes to get Mr. Milligan to buy for him
Gardiner and Hepburn’s book on gardening.] (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to James F. Cocke.)

Monticello May 22. 13.

Your favor of Tuesday came to hand yesterday (Friday) afternoon,
and expressing the expectation that you could furnish me with a supply
of Chub fish for my pond if I should send on Thursday next, now past,
I sent off a careful man with a cart and a cask this morning. I am
very thankful for this kindness having been very unsuccessful in my
endeavors to get a stock for my pond. I sent a boat & a couple of hands
about three weeks ago to Cartersville, where mf Harrison was so kind
as to exert himself to get some, he procured 9. but they were taken with
a hook & line, and 7. of them died soon. 2 only got here alive, one of
them much wounded, & both having the appearance of being the same
sex; so that I had little expectation of a stock from them. . . . (Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Randolph Jefferson.)

Monticello May 25. 13.

Dear Brother,

Supposing the shad season not to be quite over, and that in hauling
for them they catch some carp, 1 send the bearer with a cart and cask to

512

Jefferson’s Garden Book

Cj8i3

procure for me as many living carp as he can to stock my fishpond. I
should not regard his staying a day or two extra, if it would give a rea-
sonable hope of furnishing a supply, he is furnished with money to pay
for the carp, for which I have always given the same price as for shad,
should he not be able to lay out the whole in carp he may bring us 3, or
4. shad if he can get them. . . .

Reflecting on the manner of managing your very valuable farm, I
thought I would suggest the following which appears to me the best, &
of which you will consider, to form your lowgrounds into two di-
visions, one of them to be in wheat, and the other to be half corn & half
red clover, shifting them every year, then to form your highlands into
three divisions, one to be in wheat & the other two in red clover, shift-
ing them from year to year, in this way your low ground fields would
be in corn but once in 4 years, in wheat every other year, and in clover
every fourth year ; and your highland in wheat once in every three years,
and in clover two years in every three, they would improve wonder-
fully fast in this way, and increase your produce of wheat & corn every
year, if it should be found that the low grounds should in this way be-
come too rich for wheat, instead of putting them every fourth year into
clover, you might put them that year into oats, your annual crop would
then be half your low grounds in wheat, a fourth in corn, and a fourth
in oats or clover; and one third of your highland in wheat, and two
thirds in clover j and so on for ever, and for ever improving. I sug-
gest this for your consideration. . . . {Carr-Cary Papers, U. Va.)

(Samuel Brown to Jefferson.)

Natchez May 25*** 1813.

Your letters of the I 7 ‘’‘ & 214*'' ult. arrived by the last mail & having
just obtained a large supply of the Capsicum, it gives me great pleasure
to transmit some of it, to you, in time for planting. That whidh I
planted this spring is just coming up — the plants of last season are
loaded with pods & will continue to bear both blossoms & fruit until
December or January if protected from the severe frosts by a slight
covering of straw. By the next mail I shall do myself the favor of
sending you as much of the Capsicum as you can use tmtil your own be-
comes productive. A tablespoonful of the pods will communicate to
vinegar a fine aromatic flavor & that quantity is as much as wmUd serve
a northern family many months. In this warm climate our relish for
Capsicum is greatly increased & I am much inclined to subscribe to the
opinion of Mr Bruce that “nothing is so great a preservation of health
in hot climates." I have even had thoughts of hinting to the Secretary
of War the propriety of substituting Capsicum for a part of the Ration
of Spirits which are allowed our troops & I am very confident that the
effect of this change would soon be perceptible. I am informed by those
who have lately returned from S‘. Antonio that the Inhabitants of that
part of the Continent use this small indigenous Capsicum in almost every
thing th^ eat & that they attribute to it medicind qualities to which
th«gr acknowledge fhemselves indebted for the singular portion of health

Jefferson’s Garden Book

513

1813]

which they are said to enjoy. In a few cases here, of disorders of the
alimentary canal, I have had reason to think very highly of it but my
experience has been too limited to permit me to say much of it at pres-
ent. The results of future observations I shall do myself the favor to
com'municate to you at another time. ... I am more than ever pleased
with the Guinea grass. We have here a grass that will defy the heat of
your "brown autumn." I shall send it to you when the seed is ripe.
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Randolph Jefferson to Jefferson.)

May the a6: 1813

Dear Brother,

I received your friendly letter by the boy they catch no shad at all at
this time so that I have sent James up to Warren to try and procure
some carp for you and have wrote to Mr Brown about them if it is in
his power to git any to fernish your boy With What you directed him to
bring in the barril a live I have understood they catch a Number there
every Night in the Mill race. ... I am extreemly oblige to you for
your advice as to Managing My farm but am a fraid it will be two
great an undertakeng for Me your Method I highly approve of I hope
Mr Brown Will fernish you with the carp if they cetch any. . . .
{Carr-Car]/ Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson to Richard Fitzhugh.)

Monticello May 27. 13.

Your favor of the has been safely received, together with the
packet of Ravensworth peas, these are now in the ground & will abun-
dantly supply me with seed for the next year. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello May 30. 13.

I just now receive information from my old friend Thouin of the
national garden of Paris that he has sent me a box of seeds of 270. kinds
of trees of every sort for either use or ornament, this box, mf Warden
informs me, he sends by mf Breuil of the schooner Bellona, bound to
Philadelphia, if you will be so good as to watch the arrival of this ves-
sel, perhaps already arrived, this letter may suffice to authorize the de-
livery of it by M'. Breuil to you, to whom I should send it were it to
come here, as being the best mode of fulfilling the intentions of the
benevolent giver, if you could make up a collection of the seeds of the
plants brought to us by Governor Lewis from beyond the Missisipi, it
would be a just and grateful return which M. Thouin merits at our
hands, he expresses to me a great desire for the plants of the region be-
yond the Missisipi. if within the reasonable compass of the mail, it will
come safest to me thro’ that, if larger, the stage is a good conveyance if

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1813

a passenger can be found who will take charge of it. such opportunities
to Richmond must be almost daily with you, and if addressed to Mess'.
Gibson & Jefferson there it will come safely to me. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Samuel Brown to Jefferson.)

Natchez June 13®. 1813

I hope that the small package of Capsicum, which I sent you, a few
weeks ago, has arrived in safety. You may even a month hence be very
certain of obtaining Plants which, with a little care, can be preserved
through the Winter & which will yeild fruit before the last of May. I
now send you as much as you will be able to use until that time. The
Spaniards generally use it in fine Powder ic seldom eat anything with-
out it. The Americans who have learned to use it make a Pickle of
the green Pods with Salt & Vinegar which they use with Lettuce, Rice,
Fish, Beefstake and almost every other dish. A single Tablespoonful
will communicate to as much Vinegar as I can use in six months, as
strong a taste of Capsicum as I ffnd agreeable & I find this taste grow-
ing so fast that it will soon become as essential to my health as salt
itself. Many of my friends to whom I have recommended it, here
ascribe to it Medicinal qualities for which I am not prepared to vouch.
I do believe however that in cases of debility of the stomach & alimentary
canal it may be employed with great advantage. A Spanish officer with
whom I conversed yesterday on the subject says that in Cuba it is called
Achi & that the wealthy Inhabitants not only season almost every dish
with it but place a cup of it beside every plate that each guest may use
it ad libitum. I have not yet been able to learn with certainty its
“habitat". It is abundant at S* Antonio & some distance North of that
Post. I shall continue my enquiries & communicate the results.

This morning I rec^ from S* Antonio a small package of seeds. The
gentleman who procured them for me has given me but a very imperfect
account of them.

The Red Bean called Friholio has been often described to me by the
Inhabitants of Taxas; & the Indians who inhabit the sources of the Red
River seldom travel without it as it is their only means of Intoxication.
They pulvarize it between two stones mix it with warm water & drink
it throu^ a cane until it produces violent vomiting & a most frantic
kind of intoxication accompanied with an unstable disposition to violent
bodily exercise. The dose is often renewed & the debauch continued
for three or four days. Mr Davenport of Nacagdoches & a h^f In-
dian who lived severd years with me often described these scenes. But
1 never could procure the Bean before this day & have made no experi-
ments of my own. They ate an article of commerce (as opium is in the
east) among all the tribes west of Nacagdoches, I suspect the plant
which produces them is a species of the Erythryna — The Erythryna
CoroUadendron grows abundantly here & is a most beautiful Plant. I
send you some of the seeds, 1 have often Planted them but they did not
vegetate; 1 have somewhere read an acc‘ of a method of exposing such

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1813]

SIS

seeds to the action of the gastric juice of Turkeys in order to fit them
vegetation. But of this I have only an indirect recollection.

The round Black nut is said to be used at Antonio as a Poison for
animals & insects & this is all the information that accompanies them.

The Gallavance Peas are the growth of S‘ Antonio & much esteemed.
They are sometimes cultivated in Louisiana.

It is much to be regretted that no man of much knowledge of Botany
or Natural History has been permitted to visit the Country surrounding
the Gulf of Mexico. I do not look for much from such men as com-
pose the army of Patriots who are now marching towards Santa Fe.
Their object must be rapine & Plunder. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello June IS. 13.

I have just received some Capsicum of the province of Techas, where
it is indigenous as far Eastwardly as the Sabine river, it’s roots are
perennial there, and it is believed it will stand our frosts with a little
covering, it grows in great abundance there and the inhabitants are
in the habit of using it as a seasoning for everything as freely as salt,
and ascribe much of their health to it. the other kinds cultivated with
us, coming from still warmer climates are difficult of cultivation, my
expectation is that this being indigenous so much nearer our latitudes,
may be easier raised, of what I received I send you a part, altho’
probably too late for the season, I have sowed a few seeds in a pot, and
reserve others for the spring, they will be more likely however to be
preserved in your hands. . . . P. S. I hope you have received the box
of seed. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, June 18, 1813.

. . . We are here laboring under the most extreme drought ever re-
membered at this season. We have had but one rain to lay the dust in
two months. That was a good one, but was three weeks ago. Corn is
but a few inches high and dying. Oats will not yield their seed. Of
wheat, the hard winter and fly leave us about two-thirds of an ordi-
nary crop. So that in the lotteries of human life you see that even
farming is but gambling. We have had three days of excessive heat.
The thermometer on the i6th was at 92°, on the 17th 92^“, and yester-
day at 93°. It had never before »cceeded 92^° at this place; at least
within the periods of my observations. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 13: 260-261.)

(Jefferson to Randolph Jefferson.)

Monticello June 20. 13.

Dear Brother,

. . . My sister desired that when I should send her seeds of any kind
1 would give her directions how to plant & cultivate them, knowing
that there was an excellent gardening book published at Washington

Jefferson’s Garden Book

516

[1813

[see letter, Jefferson to Barnes, May 21, 1813], I wrote for one for her,
which I now inclose, she will there see what is to be done with every
kind of plant every month in the year. I have written an index at the
end that she may find any particular article more readily: and not to
embarras her with such an immense number of articles which are not
wanting in common gardens, I have added a paper with a list of those I
tend in my garden, & the times when I plant them, the season being
over for planting everything but the Gerkin, I send her a few seeds of
them, she will not find the term Gerkin in the book, it is that by
which we distinguish the very small pickling cucumber. . . . (Carr-
Cary PaperSj U. Va.)

(Randolph Jefferson to Jefferson.)

Snowden June 21: 1813.

Dear Brother,

I Received your letter by James and also the book Which you sent:
... I wrote very pressingly to capt Brown by your boy in respect to
the carp for you but found it was all in Vane from What James tell Me
he got none. . . . {Garr-Cary Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson to N. G. Dufief.)

Monticello June 24. 13.

[He asked Mr. Dufief to purchase the following books for him:]

Tull’s horseshoeing husbandry, an old book in 800.

Young’s Experiments In Agriculture (I think in 3 vols.). {Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John L. E. W. Shecut.)

Monticello, June 29. 1813.

[Jefferson thanks Mr. Shecut for being elected to the Antiquarian
Society of Charleston and comments on his botany for its alphabetical
form and popular style &c.] ... I avail myself of this occasion of en-
closing you a little of the fruit of a Capsicum I have just received from
the province of Texas, where it is indigenous and perennial, and is used
as freely as salt by the inhabitants. It is new to me. It differs from
your Capsicum Minimum, in being perennial and probably hardier;
perhaps, too, in it’s size, which would claim the term of Minutissimum,
This stimulant being found salutary in a visceral complaint known on
the seacoast, the introduction of a hardier variety may be of value. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 295-296.)

(Jefferson to Dr. Samuel Brown.)

Monticello, July 14, 1813.

Your favors of May 23th and June 13th have been duly received, as
also the first supply of Capsicum, and the second of the same article with

1813] Jefferson's Garden Book 517

other seeds. I shall set great store by the Capsicum, if it is hardy
enough for our climate, the species we have heretofore tried being too
tender. The Galvance too, will be particularly attended to, as it ap-
pears very different from what we cultivate by that name. I have so
many grandchildren and others who might be endangered by the poison
plant, that I think the risk overbalances the curiosity of trying it. The
most elegant thing of that kind known is a preparation of the James-
town weed, Datura-Stramonium, invented by the French in the time of
Robespierre. Every man of firmness carried it constantly in his pocket
to anticipate the guillotine. It brings on the sleep of death as quietly
as fatigue does the ordinary sleep, without the least struggle or motion.
. . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 310—311.)

(Jefferson to Samuel Harrison Smith.)

Monticello Aug. 15. 13.

. . . mrs. Smith would find I have made no progress in the improve-
ment of my grounds, all my spare labor having been in constant de-
mand for the improvements of my farms, mills, canals, roads &c. having
given me constant occupation, to these are added our establishment for
spinning & weaving, which occupy time, labor & persons. (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman.)

[Memorandum Poplar Forest] Sep. 8. 1813.
M"". Goodman’s crop for the next year 1814. will be as follows.

Corn in M®Daniel’s field; but as this turns out to be but 50. acres,
we must add other grounds to it ; and there are none but what be-
long to some other field, except those over the S. Tomahawk, &
above the lower corn field, we must of necessity then give the
tobacco ground & the stubble ground there to corn, and put the
upper corn grounds into oats to help out. some of the strongest
spots in the Forkfield may be in corn.

Peas in the Forkfield.

Wheat in the Tomahawk Cornfield and in the Ridgefield.

tobacco, in such meadow grounds on S. Tomahawk as can be cleaned
up, and in a new clearing to be made on the S. side of the S. Toma-
hawk. I should be glad to have 80. thousand tob®. hills tended,
the clearing to extend ^ mile from the branch.

sow from half an acre to an acre in hemp.

sow timothy in the meadow ground ready for it, this month.

in all your fields of corn or small grain, reserve the galled & poor
spots and put peas into them.

let the ox-cart be employed in winter in carting out any manure you
may have, and straw, generally speaking this ought to be put on

5i8

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1813

the galled & poor places of the field turned out to rest for 2, years,
because that would give time for the straw to rot. but as that
would be for the present year, the Beltedfield which needs it least,

I would give it to the galled & poor spots of the Ridgefield, which
needs it most, and I would leave them without putting any thing
into them.

take for your own use one eigth of the peach or apple brandy which
will be made, & put the rest into the cellar of the house,
let the people have hereafter a fixed allowance of salt ; to wit, give to
their breadmaker a pint a month for each grown negro to put into
their bread; and give besides to each grown negro a pint a month
for their snaps, cymlins & other uses, this will be a quart a month
for every grown negro.

the people have asked for a little flour for their labors in harvest.

give half a peck to each grown person.

I accept mf Mitchell’s terms for grinding my flour this year. let all
the wheat be delivered to him in the course of this & the next
month, and sent down in all October & November to Richmond.
(Courtesy of Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach.)

(Jefferson to Isaac McPherson.)

Monticello, September 18, 1813.

. . . Your inquiry as to the date of Martin’s invention of the drill-
plough, with a leathern band and metal buckets, I cannot precisely an-
swer; but I received one from him in 1794, and have used it ever since
for sowing various seeds, chiefly peas, turnips, and benni. I have al-
ways had in mind to use it for wheat; but sowing only a row at a time,
I had proposed to him some years ago to change the construction so that
it should sow four rows at a time, twelve inches apart, and I have been
waiting for this to be done either by him or myself ; and have not, there-
fore, commenced that use of it. I procured mine at first through Colonel
■John Taylor of Caroline, who had been long in the use of it, and my
impression was that it was not then a novel ding. Mr. Martin is still
living, I believe. If not. Colonel Taylor, his neighbor, probably knows
its date. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 13: 380.)

(Jefferson to Dr. Samuel Brown.)

Monticello Nov. 13. 13.

. , . The Capsicum which accompanied your letters received in June,
was of course too late for that season, hut I shall give it a fair trial in
the spring, if it proves more equal to our climate than our former kinds
it will be a valuable addition to our gardens. I sent some to Dr. Shecut
of S. C. author of Flora caroliniensis, and some to mf McMahon of
Philadelphia that it might be tried in those places also. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, h. C,} v « -

i8i3] Jefferson’s Garden Book ^19

(Jefferson to Thomas Mann Randolph.)

Monlicello Nov. 14. 13.

... we are just finishing our wheat sowing, as your people are also,
and we are about to begin that of rye to feed us from harvest till the
next corn season; for of corn I do not make a barrel to the acre. I
believe it is expected you will make enough to serve till harvest at least.
I buy largely at 20/ the price at which it starts, the manufacturing
mill is just beginning to receive wheat and to do something, there have
been some discouragements to the bringing it in. the want of a visible
and responsible head is supplied to a certain degree of Jefferson’s taking
that post, which I dare say he will discharge satisfactorily, some flour
for neighborhood use, perhaps too closely ground (to wit the barrel
from 4 bush. — 7 lb ) has discredited the mill for a while, an assistant
miller has been engaged by Jefferson on trial, and after a month’s trial,
the opinion of his skill & good conduct is favorable, and perhaps that he
may understand grinding better than Gilmer, but he could not supply
Gilmer’s place as principal. I am still afraid it will be a losing concern
to you as long as you are absent, unless you had a skilful and honest
partner, not easy to be found, since our last operations on the dam,
altho’ the river is now very low indeed so that no boat can go down, we
have the greatest abundance of water. I was at the mills yesterday,
all were going with full heads, the locks leaking as usual, and a great
deal of water running over the waste. I was disappointed in raising
the breast of the dam a foot higher by the water becoming extremely
cold just as we had got all our logs & stone in place ready to be laid
down, this is therefore deferred to the spring, and will remove our difE-
culties from the dam to the Canal bank which will be in danger of
overflowing. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Judith Lomax to Jefferson.)

Port-Tobago November 30, 1813.

I send you my dear Sir, the promised Acacia seed, together with a few
of the Flowers, knowing you to be an admirer of the perfume. The
Filbert scions you will get, whenever an opportunity shdl occur at the
proper season for removing them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Madame de Tesse.)

Monticello, December 8, 1813.

. . . But let us drop these odious beinp and pass to those of an
higher order, the plants of the field. I am afraid 1 have given you a
great deal more trouble than I intended by my inquiries for the Maron>
nier or Castanea Sativa, of which I wished to possess my own country,
without knowing how rare its culture was even in yours. The two
plants which your researches have placed in your own garden, it will be

520

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[t8i3

all but impossible to remove hither. The war renders their safe pas-
sage across the Atlantic extremely precarious, and, if landed anywhere
but in the Chesapeake, the risk of the additional voyage along the coast
to Virginia, is still greater. Under these circumstances it is better they
should retain their present station, and compensate to you the trouble
they have cost you.

I learn with great pleasure the success of your new gardens at Auenay.
No occupation can be more delightful or useful. They will have the
merit of inducing you to forget those of Chaville. With the botanical
riches which you mention to have been derived to England from New
Holland, we are as yet unacquainted. Lewis’s journey across our conti-
nent to the Pacific has added a number of new plants to our former
stock. Some of them are curious, some ornamental, some useful, and
some may by culture be made acceptable on our tables. I have grow-
ing, which I destine for you, a very handsome little shrub of the size of
a currant bush. Its beauty consists in a great produce of berries of the
size of currants, and literally as white as snow, which remain on the
bush through the winter, after its leaves have fallen, and make it an
object as singular as it is beautiful. We call it the snow-berry bush,
no botanical name being yet given to it, but I do not know why we
might not call it Chionicoccos, or Kallicoccos. All Lewis’s plants are
growing in the garden of Mr, McMahon, a gardener of Philadelphia,
to whom I consigned them, and from whom I shall have great pleasure,
when peace is restored, in ordering for you any of these or of our other
indigenous plants. The port of Philadelphia has great intercourse with
Bordeaux and Nantes, and some little perhaps with Havre. I was
mortified not long since by receiving a letter from a merchant in Bor-
deaux, apologizing for having suffered a box of plants addressed by me
to you, to get accidentally covered in his warehouse by other objects,
and to remain three years undiscovered, when everything in it was found
to be rotten. 1 have learned occasionally that others rotted in the ware-
houses of the English pirates. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 14;
27-29.)

(Jefferson to Andre Thouin.)

Monticello Dec. 14. 1813.

The perils of the ocean, my good and antient friend, are such that I
almost despair of getting a letter to you. yet I cannot permit myself
longer to withold the acknolegement of the reciept of your letters of
Mar. 2, and Dec, 7. 1 1. and Mar. 11, 13. the boxes of seeds which you
were so kind as to forward me in 1810. 1811. came safely to hand
and were committed to our best seedsmen, in order that they might be
preserved and distributed so as to become general, the box announced
in yours of March 15. 13. has, I presume, been captured on the Ugh
seas: as I have never heard of it’s arrival in any port. I thank you for
the pamphlet sent me with the letter by M. Correa, as wdl as for having
made me acquainted with that most excellent character, he favored me
with a visit at Monticello, which gave me opportunities of judging of

1813]

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

his great science, worth and amability. when he left me he meant to
leave our continent immediately for Portugal, but I learn that he
changed his mind afterwards and winters in Philadelphia. I learn with
pleasure the success of several new cultures with you, and that you will
by example teach us how to do without some of the tropical productions,
the bette-rave, I am told, is likely really to furnish sugar at such a price
as to rivalize that of the Cane, if you have any printed recipes of the
process of manipulation, and could send me one, naming also the best
species of beet, you would add a valuable item to the repeated services
you have rendered us by a communication of the useful plants, if ever
we should get the sea open again, I shall take great pleasure in repaying
some of your kindnesses by sending you a collection of the seeds & new
plants which were brought to us by Lewis & Clark from the other side
of our Continent, they have been well taken care of by M'. Mc-
Mahon, seedsman and botanist at Philadelphia from which port they
can be readily shipped, at present we are blockaded by our enemies;
as we were indeed for many years while they called themselves our
friends. I know not therefore how the present letter is to get to you:
but should it be so fortunate, let it be the bearer to you of sincere assur-
ances of my great friendship and respect. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to David B. Warden.)

Monticcllo Dec. 29. 1813.

. . . and the box of seeds from M. Thouin came safely, the seeds
were delivered to mf McMahon of Philadelphia, as the most likely per-
son to preserve and distribute them. ... the box of seeds therein men-
tioned from M. Thouin committed to the Bellona, I presume to have
been captured, as I have never heard of it. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
Maryland Historical Society.)

From the Account Book i8og-i82o:

May 25. gave Ned’s James to buy fish 2. D.

Jan. 16. gave James for expenses to W. Champe Carter’s 2. D. [for
fish.]

From the Weather Memorandum Book 1776-1820:

1813. Sep. 18. 19. 20. there fell 9. I. of rain, it did not rabe the
river out of it’s banks at the low grounds adjacent to the saw
mill, it fell very moderately, & the extraordinary drought of
5. months proceeding occasioned the earth to absorb a great deal
of it

where

i8i 4* (condnaed)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1814

1814.

Feb. 16. planted 56 seeds of the Acacia Nilotica in the
earthen trough, & the box N°. VI. they were
from mfs Lomax’s* which was from the plant
at Greenspring.®

Mar. 19. planted in vacant places in the Fruitery* as
follows.

10. pipins from terras 2. of 1810.

14. Spitzenbergs. from d“.

20. Taliaferro apples from terras 3. of 1810.

14. soft peaches, to wit 3. terras 6“. suppos®
Nov. from P.F. & ii. soft d®. from terras
7. from P.F.

8. black Georgia plumb peaches from terras
6. of 1810.

3. filberts from terras 5. of 1810.

26. Almond in blossom.

28. peaches d".

Apr. 10. planted inbox N". I. Liburnum^ seeds in 16.
holes, 2. in a hole.

16. Nursery. 9"*. terras, planted stones of the
' native Florida plumb,® said to yield fruit in 2.

years from the stone.

box N®. IV, planted Liburnum seeds in other
16. holes, 2. or 3, in a hole.

May 3. put 6 living carp into the 2*. fishpond.®

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1814]

S^S

June I. a buck and a doe f rom Enniscorthy were put
into the Paddock inclosing the brick yard.

July 29. in the course of 20. hours there fell i2| I. of
rain, the earth being at the time extremely dry,
it raised the river to tlie eves or upper floor of
my toll mill, or, more exactly half way up
the joists.

at the saw mill" it was lo.I. deep on the barn
floor, this seems to have been a rise of about
I5.f. perpendicular from the surface of the
river at the issue of the tail-race, or entrance
of the ford. Hardware ” is said to have risen
30.f. perpendicular, see page 31. for the
freshes of 1771. 1795. 1804.

this fresh carried away the dam of my chub-
pond. see ante 1813. May 5. & 23, and ran
so deep over the dam of the carp pond that
those ante May 3. probably went oflf.

Nov. 25. carrots made this year 18. bushels
salsafia — — — ii. bushels.

^ 1814. The year 1814 saw the burning of the Capitol at
Washington by the British, and the termination of the war.
Jefferson was alert to all the events taking place in this im-
portant year, and he discussed them in a large number of
letters.

Life at Monticello seems to have run the usual course.
Jefferson was busy with his garden, farm, family, and neigh-
bors and friends, who came to see him. But the crops were
not good, and prices paid for produce were low. He wrote
to Mr. Madison on March 10 :

Jefferson’s Garden Book

526

[1814

Our agriculture presents little interesting. Wheat looks badly, much
having been killed by the late severe weather. Corn is scarce, but it’s
price kept down to 3. D. by the substitute of wheat as food both for
laborers and horses, costing only 3/6 to 4/. . • . Tobacco is high, from
it's scarcity, there having been- not more than ^ of an ordinary crop
planted the last year. TTiis year there will probably be . . . (Ford,
Jefferson 11: 393.)

But by December 26 he was able to write Mrs. Elizabeth
Trist, from Monticello, in more cheerful tones :

We are all well, little and big, young and old. Mr. and Mrs. Divers
enjoy very so-so health, but keep about. Mr. Randolph had the com-
mand of a select corps during the summer; but that has been discharged
some time. We are feeding our horses with our wheat, and looking at
the taxes coming on us as an approaching wave in a storm ; still I think
we shall live as long, eat as much, and drink as much, as if the wave had
already glided under our ship. Somehow or other these things find
their way out as they come in, and so I suppose they will now. God
bless you, and give you health, happiness, and hope, the real comforters
of this nether world. (Randolph, Jefferson: 360.)

When the Capitol was burned, the books which had been
collected for a library were destroyed. On September 21, in
a letter to Mr. Samuel H. Smith, Jefferson offered to sell his
extensive library to the Government. After much debate the
offer was accepted, but the confirmation of it was not made
until the following year. (See appendix VII.)

During the year Jefferson was elected to several American
and foreign societies. These included the New York Histori-
cal Society, the American Antiquarian Society, and the Agro-
nomic Society of Bavaria. In late November he resigned
from the presidency of the American Philosophical Society, an
office he had held since 1797.

He made only two visits to Poplar Forest during the year :
one in May, and the other in October. Both visits lasted sev-
eral weeks. During the summer most of the interior of the
house at Poplar Forest was completed and a wing of offices,
1 10 feet long, in the manner of those at Monticello, was built.
(See letter, Jefferson to John W. Eppes, July 16, 1814.)
On his return from Poplar Forest in May, he spent a day at
Enniscorthy.

The same variety of plants were used in the garden this
year as in 1813. The Garden Book recorded the plantings
and the progress in the garden. New fishponds were made,

jBrpBRsoN’s Gardbk Book

527

1814]

but the dam of the chub pond was carried away, and most of
the carp were lost by the freshet of July 20 (see Garden Book,
July 29). However, Jefferson continued to buy carp and
chub to stock the ponds.

Of the unusually large number of letters written this year,
the most interesting relevant one was that directed on Feb>
ruary 22 to Dr. John Manners, giving his reasons for adher-
ing to the Linnaean classification as over against the newer
theories (see letter, Jefferson to Dr. John Manners, February
22, 1814). Letters to and from Jefferson on agriculture
were far less numerous than in the preceding years. Ex-
change of plants also slowed down, probably owing to the un-
certainty of the war. There was only one observation made
in the Farm Book for the year.

® Capsicum sp. A pepper from Texas. (See letter, Jeffer-
son to Dr, Brown, April 28, 1814.)

“ Cicer arietinum L. Garavance, also called garbanzo and
chick-pea. (Sec letter, Jefferson to Dr. Brown, April 28,
1814.)

* Mrs. Lomax, the wife of Thomas Lomax. (See letter,
Judith Lomax to Jefferson, November 30, 1813.)

• Greenspring. See entry in Garden Book, May, 1778.

• The Fruitery was located below and at both ends of the
vegetable garden.

’’ Liburnum, probably Laburnum Griseb.

* The Florida Plum here mentioned may be Prunus genicu-
lata Harper, which Small, in his Southeastern Flora (1933),
says grows in the sandy pinelands of central Florida.

“ See entry in Account Book 1814., under April 27.

“ See letter, Isaac Coles to Jefferson, March 21, 1814.

"Jefferson had only recently completed his sawmill. At
this time he had three mills on the Rivanna River, a manu-
facturing mill, a small grist mill, and a sawmill.

“ Hardware River, a small river in the southern part of
Albemarle County,

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1814

(Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman.)

Monticello Feb. 3. 14.

... let the clover be sown about the i** of March, and if the earth
has no crust on the top, the first rain will cover it sufBciently, without

Jefferson’s Garden Book

528

[1814

drawing a bush over it. clover sown at that time is pretty much out of
danger of being injured by frost, and will get so strong before the heats
set in as not to be hurt by them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, Thomas Jef-
ferson Memorial Foundation.)

(JetEerson to Dr. John Manners.)

Monticello, February 22, 1814.

The opinion which, in your letter of January 24, you are pleased to
ask of me, on the comparative merits of the different methods of classifi-
cation adopted by different writers on Natural History, is one which I
could not have given satisfactorily, even at the earlier period at which
the subject was more familiar ; still less, after a life of continued occupa-
tion in civil concerns has so much withdrawn me from studies of that
kind. I can, therefore, answer but in a very general way. And the
text of this answer will be found in an observation in your letter, where,
speaking of nosological systems, you say that disease has been found to
be an unit. Nature has, in truth, produced units only through all her
works. Classes, orders, genera, species, are not of her work. Her
creation is of Individuals. No two animals are exactly alike; no two
plants, nor even two leaves or blades of grass ; no two crystallizations.
And if we may venture from what is within the cognizance of such or-
gans as ours, to conclude on that beyond their powers, we must believe
that no two particles of matter are of exact resemblance. This infini-
tude of units or individuals being far beyond the capacity of our memory,
we are obliged, in aid of that, to distribute them into masses, throwing
into each of these all the individuals which have a certain degree of re-
semblance; to subdivide these again into smaller groups, according to
certain points of dissimilitude observable in them, and so on until we
have formed what we call a system of classes, orders, genera and species.
In doing this, we fix arbitrarily on such characteristic resemblances and
differences as seem to us most prominent and invariable in the several
subjects, and most likely to take a strong hold in our memories. Thus
Ray formed one classification on such lines of division as struck him most
favorably; Klein adopted another; Brisson a third, and other naturalists
other designations, till Linnaeus appeared. Fortunately for science, he
conceived in the three kingdoms of nature, modes of classification which
obtained the approbation of the learned of all nations. His system was
accordingly adopted by all, and united all in a general language. It
offered die three great desiderata: First, of aiding the memory to retain
a knowledge of the productions of nature. Secondly, of rallying all to
the same names for the same objects, so that they could communicate
understandingly on them. And thirdly, of enabling them, when a sub-
ject was first presented, to trace it by its character up to the conven-
tional name by which it was agreed to be called. This classification was
indeed liable to the imperfection of bringing into the same group indi-
viduals which, though resembling in the characteristics adopted by the
author for his classification, yet have strong marks of dlssitnilitude in

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1814]

549

other respects. But to this objection every mode of classification must
be liable, because the plan of creation is inscrutable to our limited facul-
ties. Nature has not arranged her productions on a single and direct
line. They branch at every step, and in every direction, and he who at-
tempts to reduce them into departments, is left to do it by the lines of
his own fancy. The objection of bringing together what are disparata
in nature, lies against the classifications of Blumenbach and of Cuvier,
as well as that of Linnaeus, and must forever lie against all. Perhaps
not in equal degree; on this I do not pronounce. But neither is this so
important a consideration as that of uniting all nations under one lan-
guage in Natural History. This had been happily effected by Linnaeus,
and can scarcely be hoped for a second time. Nothing indeed is so
desperate as to make all mankind agree in giving up a language they
possess, for one which they have to learn. The attempt leads directly
to the confusion of the tongues of Babel. Disciples of Linnaeus,, of
Blumenbach, and of Cuvier, exclusively possessing their own nomencla-
tures, can no longer communicate intelligibly with one another. How-
ever much, therefore, we are indebted to both these naturalists, and to
Cuvier especially, for the valuable additions they have made to the sci-
ences of nature, I cannot say they have rendered her a service in this
attempt to innovate in the settled nomenclature of her productions; on
the contrary, I think it will be a check on the progress of science, greater
or less, in proportion as their schemes shall more or less prevail. They
would have rendered greater service by holding fast to the system on
which we had once all agreed, and by inserting into that such new genera,
orders, 'or even classes, as new discoveries should call for. Their sys-
tems, too, especially that of Blumenbach, are liable to the objection of
giving too much into the province of anatomy. It may be said, indeed,
that anatomy is a part of natural history. In the broad sense of the
word, it certainly is. In that sense, however, it would comprehend all
the natural sciences, every created thing being a subject of natural his- '
tory in extenso. But in the subdivuions of general science, as has been
observed in the particular one of natural history, it has been necessary to
draw arbitrary lines, in order to accomodate our limited views. Ac-
cording to these, as soon as the structure of any natural production is
destroyed by art, it ceases to be a subject of natural history, and enters
into the domain ascribed to chemistry, to pharmacy, to anatomy, etc.
Linnaeus’ method was liable to this objection so far as it required the
aid of anatomical dissection, as of the heart, for instance, to ascertain
the place of any animal, or of a chemical process for that of a mineral
substance. It would certainly be better to adopt as much as possible
such exterior and visible characteristics as every traveller is competent to
observe, to ascertain and to relate. But with this objection, lying but in
a small degree, Linnaeus' method was received, understood, and conven-
tionally settled among the learned, and was even getting into common
use. To disturb it then was unfortunate. The new system attempted
in botany, by Jussieu, in mineralogy, by Hauiy, are subjects of the same
regret, and so also the no-system of BufEon, the great advocate of indi-
vidualism in opposition to classification. He would carry us back to

530

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1814

the days and to the confusion of Aristotle and Pliny, give up the im-
provements of twenty centuries, and co-operate with the neologists in
rendering the science of one generation useless to the next by perpetual
changes of its language. In botany, Wildenow and Persoon have in-
corporated into Linnaeus the new discovered plants. I do not know
whether any one has rendered us the same service as to his natural his-
tory. It would be a very acceptable one. The materials furnished by
Humboldt, and those from New Holland particularly, require to be di-
gested into the catholic system. Among these the Ornithorhyncus men-
tioned by you, is an amusing example of the anomalies by which nature
sports with our schemes of classification. Although without mammae,
naturalists are obliged to place it in the class of mammiferae; and
Blumenbach, particularly, arranges it in his order of Palmipeds and
toothless genus, with the walrus and manatie. In Linnaeus’ system, it
might be inserted as a new genus between the anteater and manis, in the
order of Bruta. It seems, in truth, to have stronger relations with that
class than any other in the construction of the heart, its red and warm
blood, hairy integuments, in being quadruped and viviparous, and may
we not say, in its taut ensemble, which Buffon makes his sole principle
of arrangement ? The mandible, as you observe, would draw it towards
the birds, were not this characteristic overbalanced by the weightier ones
before mentioned. That of the Cloaca is equivocal, because although a
character of birds, yet some mammalia, as the beaver and the sloth, have
the rectum and urinary passage terminating at a common opening. Its
ribs also, by their number and structure, are nearer those of the bird
than of the mammalia. It is possible that further opportunities of ex-
amination may discover the mammae. Those of the Opossum are as-
serted, by the Chevalier d'Aboville, from his own observations on that
animal, made while here with the French army, to be not discoverable
until pregnancy, and to disappear as soon as the young are weaned.
The Duckbill has many additional particularities which liken it to other
genera, and some entirely peculiar. Its description and history need yet
further information.

In what I have said on the method of classing, I have not at all meant
to insinuate that that of Linnaeus is intrinsically preferable to those of
Blumenbach and Cuvier. I adhere to the Linnaean because it is suffi-
cient as a groundwork, admits of supplementary insertions as new pro-
ductions are discovered, and mainly because it has got into so general
use that it vnll not be easy to displace it, and still less to find another
which shall have the same singular fortune of obtaining the general con-
sent. During the attempt we shall become unintelligible to one another,
and science^ will be really retarded by efforts to advance it made by its
most favorite sons. I am not myselz apt to be alarmed at innovations
recommended by reason. That dread belongs to those whose interests
or prejudices shrink from the advance of truth and science. My re-
luctance is to give up an universal language of which we are in posses-
sion, without an assurance of geqeral consent to receive another. And
the higher the character of the authors recommending it, and the more
excellent what they oBer, the greater the danger of producing schism.

Jbffekson’s Gardbn Book

531

1814]

I should seem to need apology for these long remarks to you who are
so much more recent in these studies, but I find it in your particular re-
quest and my own respect for it, and with that be pleased to accept the
assurance of my esteem and consideration. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 14; 97—103.)

(Jefferson to Henry Muhlenberg.)

Monticello, Mar. 16. 14.

I thank you for your catalogue of North American plants, it is in-
deed very copious, and at the same time compendious in its form. I
hardly know what you have left for your “Descriptio uberior”. the dis-
coveries of Govr. Lewis may perhaps furnish matter of value, if ever
they can be brought forward, the mere journal of the voyage may be
soon expected; but in what forwardness are the volumes of the botany,
natural history, geography and meteorology of the journey I am unin-
formed. your pamphlet came during a long absence from home, and
was mislaid, or this acknowledgement should have been sooner made,
with my wishes for the continuance and success of your useful labors I
embrace with pleasure this first occasion of assuring you that I have had
long and much gratificatior. in observing the distinguished part you have
borne in making known to the literary world the treasures of our own
country and I tender to you the sentiments of my high respect & etseem.
. . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence; 21 1.)

(Isaac A. Coles to Jefferson.)

Enniscorthy. 2i" Mar. 1814,

I have at length been able to steal a few days from my duty in Staun-
ton to spend with my fr“^. here, & since my arrival have been examining
the Deer & find there are three Does and a Buck that can very con-
veniently be spared. I have ordered a pen to be made in which they
shall be fed, & in which it will hereafter be easy to secure them when-
ever it may be convenient for you to send for them. If the waggon c“
bring me a few small chub I sh'^ consider it, a great favor. . . . {Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to David Gelston.)

Monticello Apr, 3. 14.

Th ; J. presents his compliments to mf Gelston and his thanks for the
pumpkin seed he has been so kind as to send him. he will with pleasure
give them a trial, the pumpkin being a plant of which he endeavors every
year to raise so many as to maintain all the stock on his farms from the
time they come till frost, which is from a. to 3. months, besides feed-
ing his workhorses, cattle and sheep on them entirely, they furnish the
principal fattening for the pork, slaughtered, a more productive kind
will therefore be of value. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

532

Jsfferson's Garden Book

[1814

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington Apr. xi. 1814.

You \rill please to accept of a Bushel of the Mazzei pea which I send
by your servant, which are all I have to spare. Plant them about the
middle of next month. I am sorry they are so mixed with the cow pea,
as you want them to put you in stock it will be well to have the latter
pi<^ed from them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to J. Correa da Serra.)

Monticello, April ig, 1814.

. . . You will ffnd the summer of Monticello much cooler than that
of Philadelphia, equally so with that of the neighborhood of that place,
and more healthy. 'Hie amusements it offers are such as you know
which, to you, would be principally books and botany. Mr. Randolph's
resignation of his military commission will enable him to be an associate
in your botanical rambles. Come then, my dear Sir, and be one of our
family as long as you can bear a separation from the science of the
world. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ig: 209-210.)

(David Gelston to Jefferson.)

New York ai“ April 1814.

Perceiving by your note of the 3^ Instant, that, the seeds I sent you
may be more useful than I had contemplated, and having plenty on hand,
which are of the same species, but were taken from a pumpkin of a
smaller growth, I do myself the pleasure to enclose a further supply.

1 will just mention, that I have observed the greatest growth in a
potatoe patch of strong new ground, and it appeared to me the moisture
of the ground under the potatoe vines contributed greatly to the growth
of the plant, a single seed in the situation here described, produced more
than in any other way, without apparently injttring the crop of potatoes.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, M, H. S.)

(Jefferson to Samuel Brown.)

Monticello Apr. 28. 14.

... I have carefully committed to the earth the seeds you were so
kind as to send me the last summer, the Capsicum I am anxious to see
Up ; but it does not yet show itself, nor do the garavances appear. I do
not yet however despair of them. I have just received from an Euro-
peM friend, M. Correa de Serra, a request to engage some friend on the
Missisipi to send me a young branch or two of the Bow-wood, or bois
d’arc of Louisiana pressed in brown paper with their leaves and both the
male & female flowers, also some of the fruit, either dry, or in a mix-
ture of i whiskey k water, the dry no doubt can come most con-
veniently by mail, also in the proper season some ripe seeds, can I get
the favor of you to execute the commission? Correa is now at

Jefferson's Garden Book

533

1814]

Philadelphia, setting out on a visit to Kentucky, he is perhaps the most
learned man in the world, not merely in books, but in men & things,
and a more amiable & interesting one I have never seen, altho' a
stranger to no science, he is fondest of Botany, should you have gone
to Kentucky as your last letter seemed to contemplate, take him to your
bosom, and recommend all the attentions to him by which our brediren
of Kentucky can honor themselves. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(JeSerson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Poplar Forest June 6. 14.

. . . there have not been more than 2. or 3. days without rain since I
came here, and the last night the most tremendous storm of rain, wind
& lightning I have ever witnessed. ... I have not seen a pea since I
left Albemarle, and have no vegetable but spinach and scrubby lettuce.

. . . If Wormly & Ned should get through the hal hal and cleaning all
the grounds within the upper roundabout, they should next widen the
Carlton road, digging it level and extending it upwards from the corner
of the grave yard up, as the path runs into the upper Roundabout, so as
to make the approach to the house from that quarter on the northside
instead of the South. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Mease.)

Monticello June 29. 14.

On my return home after an absence of five weeks, I find here your
letter of May 24. of the history of the Hughe’s crab apple I can furnish
nothing more than that I remember it well upwards of 60. years ago, &
that it was then a common apple on James river, of the other apple
after which you enquire I happen to know the origin, it is not a crab,
but a seedling which grew alone in a large old field near Williamsburg
where the seed had probably been dropped by some bird. Maj'. Talia-
ferro of that neighborhood remarking it once to be very full of apples
got permission of the owner of the ground to gather them, from these
he made a cask of cyder which, in the estimation of every one who
tasted it was the finest they had ever seen, he grafted an orchard from
it, as did also his son in law our late Chancellor Wythe, the cyder they
constantly made from this was perferred by every person to the Crab or
any other cyder ever known in this state, and it still retains it’s character
in the different places to which it has been transferred. I am familiar
with it, and have no hesitation in pronouncing it much superior to the
Hughes’s crab, it has more body, is less acid, and comes nearer to the
silky Champaigne than any other. Maj'. Taliaferro called it the Rob-
ertson apple from the name of the person owning the parent tree, but
subsequently it has more justly and generally been distinguished by the
name of the Taliaferro apple, after him to whom we are indebted for
the discovery of it’s valuable properties, it is the most juicy apple 1
have ever known, & is very refreshing as an eating apple. . . . {Jeffer-
son Papers, L. C.)

534

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1814

(Jefferson to John Wayles Eppes.)

Monticello. July 16. 14.

... I had built a most excellent house {^Poplar Forest] and, since
our correspondence on the subject, have been doing much towards it’s
completion, the inside work is mostly done, and I have this summer
built a wing of offices 110. feet long, in the manner of those at Monti*
cello, with a flat roof in the level of the floor of the house, the whole,
as it now stands, could not be valued at less than io,ocx}. D. and I am
going on. I am also making such improvements of the grounds as re-
quire time to perfect themselves: and instead of clearing on the lands
proposed for him [Francis Eppes] once in 5 years only as formerly men-
tioned, I dear on them every year, and by the time he comes of age,
there will probably be 300. acres of open land. . . . ( The Huntington
Library Quarterly 6 (3) : 348, 1943.)

(Jefferson to Dr. Thomas Cooper.)

Monticello, October 7, 1814.

. . . And Botany 1 rank with the most valuable sciences, whether we
consider its subjects as furnishing the principal subsistence of life to man
and beast, delicious varieties for our tables, refreshments from our or-
chards, the adornments of our flower-borders, shade and perfume of our
groves, materials for our buildings, or medicaments for our bodies. To
die gentleman it is certainly more interesting than Mineralogy (which I
by no means, however, undervalue), and is more at hand for his amuse-
ment; and to a country family it constitutes a great portion of their so-
dal entertainment. No country gentleman should be without what
amuses every step he takes into his fields, (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jef-
ferson 14: 201.)

(Isaac Coles to Jefferson.)

Enniscorthy Oct: 1814,

I send you by the Bearer the Wild Orange of South Carolina. It
grows in the middle upper parts of the State, is said to be a very hardy
tree, some of the most beautiful in the world. I am induced to believe
from the account I have received of it, that it will do well in our climate,

M"*. Singleton [?] from whom I received it, is very desirous of get-
ting a few plants of the Marseilles Fig to carry back with her to Caro-
Ima, where it is not known at ail, & where the climate will suit it so
well. You will oblige me much by sending a few plants by the Servant.
. . . (Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

(Jefferson to Jeremiah Goodman.)

Monticello Dec. 10. 1814.

... He [servant] brings some trees etc., [for Poplar Forest] which
please have planted immediately in the nursery behind the stables 12,
inches apart. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1814]

535

(Jefferson to Jeremiah A. Goodman.)

Monticello Dec. 23. 14.

... I have a letter from mr Radford desiring the road thro’ his land
may not be opened until the court establishes it, assuring me he 'will
make no opposition, we must let that part lie then, & ffnish the rest,
the account of your wheat crop is really disheartening, after taking out
the seed sown, it does not give 2. for i. the corn too is short, but it is
suiGcient if dealt out economically, by which I do not mean that any
thing is to be under-fed. I know that neither people nor horses can
work unless well fed, nor can hogs or sheep be raised, but full experi-
ence here has proved that 12. barrels for every laborer will carry the
year through if kept under lock & key. we have tried this year the
grinding the corn for the fattening hogs, & boiling the meal into mush,
it is surprising how much sooner they have fattened, we think we have
saved one half, the same saving might be made by grinding the corn for
your horses and mixing the meal with chopped straw, the sending only
2a blankets was a mistake of mrs Randolph’s, the other 2. shall go by
the waggon. I hope you are hurrying the tobacco. Davy, Bartlet,
Nace & Eve set out this morning for Poplar Forest, let them start on
their return with the hogs the day after your holidays end, which I sup-
pose will be on Wednesday night, so that they may set out Thursday
morning, caution them against whipping the hogs, the last year there
was one so bruised all over that not a single piece of it could be used, &
several were so injured that many pieces of them were lost. I am very
glad to learn that the negroes have r«:eived their clothes. . . . (Courtesy
of Dr. A S. W. Rosenbach.)

(Jefferson to Correa da Serra.)

Monticello, December 27, 1814.

Yours of the 9th has been duly received, and I thank you for the recipe
for imitating purrolani, which I shall certainly try on my cisterns the
ensuing summer. The making them impermeable to water is of great
consequence to me. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 14: 221-222.)

From the Farm Book 1814:

1814, May 3. the period for sowing wheat is from Oct. 10. to Nov.

10. what is sown either earlier or later is subject to
the fly.

From the Account Book 1809-1820:

Apr. 27. James (label’s) to procure some living carp for the pond 5. D.

Sigi

ty snaps

!•

**•

537

Jefferson’s Garden Book

538

[181S

‘ 18 1§. Early in January Congress passed a bill to pur-
chase Jefferson’s library. On April 29 Jefferson wrote in his
Account Book i8og-i820; “the sale of my library to Congress
for 23,950 D.” The sale of his magnificent library no doubt
gave Jefferson many sorrowful moments, but the money re-
ceived came as a boon to his depleted finances.

Jefferson spent a happy year doing the things he most en-
joyed.

His family remember that he was particularly active during the sum-
mer in both indoor and outdoor improvements, inventions, scientific in-
vestigations, etc. He contrived a leather top for a carriage, which
could be readily arranged to exclude rain, or leave the vehicle entirely
uncovered — and which worked essentially on the plan of the modern ex-
tension-top carriage. He invented a machine for breaking hemp, which
he first had moved by the gate of his sawmill, and afterwards by a
horse. It answered its purpose completely, and produced a material
saving in expense. His fertile ingenuity also gave birth to many minor
contrivances. He measured the heights of Monticello and various con-
tiguous hills — and of the peaks of Otter when he made his autumn visit
to Poplar Forest. Altogether he spent an active and agreeable year.
(Randall, Jefferson 3: 423-486.)

The outdoor activity mentioned by Randall was not re-
corded in the Garden Book, where there is only one short
page of notes on the plantings in the garden. The Farm
Book mentions only a few articles planted.

Varied letters continued from Jefferson’s pen. He was ap-
pealed to on almost every subject, and he usually had some
answer for each correspondent. Letters on agriculture were
more numerous than in 1814.

There was a custom in Jefferson’s neighborhood among the
older gentlemen, that whoever first had peas in the spring
should announce it by an invitation to the others to dine with
him. This custom stimulated a pleasant rivalry among them,
each one planting his pea seed in early spring with the hope
that his peas would be the first to come to the table. Thomas
Jefferson Randolph, writing to Mr. Randall, said:

A wealthy neighbor [Mr. George Divers], without children, and fond
of horticulture, generally triumphed. Mr. Jefferson, on one occasion
had them first, and when his family reminded him that it was his right
to invite the company, he replied, “No, say nothing about it, it will be
more agreeable to our friend to think that he never fails.” (Randall,
Jefferson 3: 674.)

' w lawn arid honse ^ McinticeUo. This photc^raph shows the graveled Round-about Walk, flower borders, and beds about

th^ehiOT^ n6’i^toi«^.b}r the Qub of Virgima.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

539

1815]

Jefferson wrote to Mrs. Elizabeth Trist on June i ;

Your friends mf & mfs Divers arc in as good health as usual. I dined
with them on peas the of April, here our first peas were the 29th
of May, which shews the inattention here to the cheapest, pleasantest, &
most wholesome part of comfortable living. (Jefferson Papers^ M.
H. S.)

See entry in Garden Book, April 30, and letter, George Divers
to Jefferson, April 30, 1815.

Jefferson began this year to formulate outlines for the Uni-
versity of Virginia, a project which was to crown his later
years.

Three visits were made to Poplar Forest during the year.
During the autumn visit he made trips to the Peaks of Otter
and to Natural Bridge. Joel Yancey was made overseer
at Poplar Forest, succeeding Jeremiah Goodman. Edmund
Bacon was still the efficient overseer at Monticello.

On August 7 Jefferson lost his only brother, Randolph Jef-
ferson. This appears to have been the only sadness that came
to Monticello during the year.

*Thi8 entry was removed from page 56 of the Garden
Book to place it in its chronological order. See letter, George
Divers to Jefferson, April 30, 1815.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1815

(Jefferson to Jeremiah Goodman.)

Monticello Jan. 6, 15.

Dick arrived here on the 4“*. with the butter, salt, beef Sc hogs, one
he said had been left at Lynchburg, one tired and was killed on the road,
the other 13. have been killed here, their weights were lOi. 99. 91. 91.
80. 76. 67. 67. 67. 61. 56. 53. 47. as they would not make bacon at
all, being so small they would dry up to nothing, we shall try to make
them up into salt pork, in which way they may do for the people, but
such a supply of pork, and 14. bushels of wheat a hand carried to market
are very damping circumstances. Dick carries with him a pair of the
Gumea breed of hogs, of the same which I sent formerly, but which
seem to have had no effect we killed hogs of this breed here this year,
not 18. months old weighing 200. lb. and a great part of them 150. &
all under that age. yours average 73f . I send by Dick 4. ploughs,
which with the one sent by James, and a Peacock plough sent formerly,
allows three for each place, he brings 2. barrels containing bottled beer,
to be put into the cellar, and 2. barrels containing 40. lb of wool, we
can very illy spare it, not having enough for our people here, but we will
try a mixture of hemp & cotton for the negro children here, in order to

540

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8is

help out for your people, it is indispensably necessary that you take as
much care of the lambs & sheep as if they were children, we feel now
the misfortune of the loss of so many last year, as well as mf Darnell’s
trespass, the wool sent is half blo^ed Merino, and very difficult to
make any thing of for coarse cloth, you can do nothing with it with
wool-cards. it must either be carded with hne cotton cards, or carded
at some of the carding machines, it would be better indeed if you could
exchange it for common wool with some of the neighbors who want to
make fine cloth for their own use. I expected to have received by Dick
a list of the stock, and now send you blank lists for each place, which I
will be glad to have filled up and returned to me by the mail. 1 must
get you to speak to mr Watkins and let him know I depend on his
promise to come and make a wheat machine for me. the stuff has been
all ready this twelvemonth, if he can make his arrangements to come
about the middle of April, it would be in time. I should have an op-
portunity of seeing him at Poplar Forest the i'‘. week in April, when I
shall be there. Phill Hubard arrived here the 2 * day after Christmas,
his subject of complaint is exactly what you supposed, he says that he
and Dick’s Hanah had become husband & wife, but that you drove him
repeatedly from her father’s house and would not let him go there,
punishing her, as he supposes, for receiving him. certainly there is
nothing I desire so much as that all the young people in the estate should
intermarry with one another and stay at home, they arc worth a great
deal more in that case than when they have husbands and wives abroad.
Phill has been long petitioning me to let him go to Bearcrcek to live with
his family, and Nanny has been as long at me to let her come to the
Poplar forest, we may therefore now gratify both, by sending Phill &
his wife to Bearcreek, and bringing Nanny and any one of the single
men from there, that is to say Reuben, Daniel, or Stephen, no new
house will be wanting because Phill can take the house Nanny leaves,
and Nanny may take the house which Cate’s Hanah leaves. I would
wish you to give to Dick’s Hanah a pot, and a bed, which I always
promise them when they take husbands at home, and I shall be very
glad to hear that others of the young people follow their example, a
crocus bed may be got from mf Robertson. I would by no means have
Phill punished for what he has done; for altho I had let them all know
that their runnings away should be punished, yet Phill’s character is not
that of a runaway. I Have known him from a boy and that he has not
come off to sculk from his work. . . . Dick carries the two blankets
whidi were short of the number intended to have been sent by James,
let the beer be put into the cellar immediately, for fear of it's freezing,
setting the proper head of the barrels uppermost, dbat ihe bottles in them
may stand widi the corks up. . . . (Courtesy of Dr. A. S. W. Rosen-
bach.)

(John Vaughan to Jefferson.)

Philad, Jan>' 9, 1815,

. . . P. S. I do not know whether you possess any part of Michaux’s
Am*. Forest Trees. The a* & 3* vol. are here. The first vol. consists

Jefferson’s Garden Book

541

1815]

of the Fines & Noyers. Some persons who had taken this being re-
moved from the country, these two last vol. can be procured, but not, I
believe, the whole work. It is much appreciated, & I could very readily
dispose of several complete copies if I had them. (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. C., 1: 224-225.)

(Jefferson to William Thornton.)

Monticello Feb. 9. 15.

... I have endeavored to constitute a supply of water at Monticello
by cisterns for receiving and preserving the rain water falling on ray
buildings, these would furnish me 600 gallons of water a day, if I
could by cement or plaister make them hold water, but this I have not
been able to do as yet. they are of brick, 4 in number being cubes of
8. f. sunk in the ground. ... my expectation is that my cistern water
may be made potable, which will add much to their value. . . . (Jeffer-
son Papers, M. H. S.) [See appeiidix II.]

(Randolph Jefferson to Jefferson.)

Snowden February 13: 1815

Dear Brother,

... I would be extreemly oblige to you for a few science, of your
good fruit, of apple & cherry, if it should not be too late to moove
them Now, or any other fruit that you Would oblige Me With, that
you have to spare also a few cabbage seed and ice lettuce seed, if it is
but one half spoon full provided you have as Many to spare Without
disfernishing yourself. . . . (Carr-Cary Papers. U. Va.) [Note in
T. J.’s hand: Apples, cherries, cabbage, ice lettuce.]

(Jefferson to Randolph Jefferson.)

Monticello Feb. 16. 15.

Dear Brother,

... I send you some green curled Savoy cabbage seed. I have no
ice lettuce, but send you what I think better the white loaf lettuce, the
ice lettuce does not do well in a dry season. I send you also some sprout
kale, the finest winter vegetable we have, sow it and plant it as cab-
bage, but let it stand out all winter, it will give you sprouts from the
first of December to April. . . . (Carr-Cary Papers, U. Va.)

(Jefferson to B. S. Barton.)

Monticello, February St6, 1815.

Congress having concluded to replace by my library the one they lost
by British vandalism, it is now become their property and of course my
duty to collect and put in place whatever stood in the catalogue by which
they purchased. This renders it necessary for me to request the return
of PersQon's Botanical work of which you asked the use some time ago.

542

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[x8i5

I am in hopes that you have been able to make it answer the purposes for
which you wished its use. If well enveloped in strong paper it will
come safely by mail. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 19: 223.)

(Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Say.)

Monticello, March 2, 1815.

... I will proceed now to answer the inquiries which respect your
views of removal; and I am glad that, in looking oyer our map, your
eye has been attracted by the village of Charlottesville, because I am
better acquainted with that than any other portion of the United States,
being within three or four miles of the place of my birth and residence.
It is a portion of the country which certainly possesses great advantages.
Its soil is equal in natural fertility to any high lands 1 have ever seen;
it is red and hilly, very like much of the country of Champagne and
Burgundy, on the route of Sens, Vcrmanton, Vitteaux, Dijon, and
along the Cote to Chagny, excellently adapted to wheat, maize, and
clover; like all mountainous countries it is perfectly healthy, liable to no
agues and fevers, or to any particular epidemic, as is evidenced by the
robust constitution of its inhabitants, and their numerous families. As
many instances of nonagenaires exist habitually in this neighborhood as
in the same degree of population anywhere. Its temperature
French may be considered as a medium of that of the United States.
~ 16° The extreme of cold in ordinary winters being about 7° of
= 5° Reaumur below zero, and in the severest 12“, while the ordi-
nary mornings are above zero. The maximum of heat in sum-
== 96“ mer is about 28®, of which we have one or two instances in
a summer for a few hours. About ten or twelve da3rs in
July and August, the thermometer rises for two or three
— 84® hours to about 23®, while the ordinary mid-day heat of those
= 80“ months is about ai®, the mercury continuing at that two or
= 70® three hours, and falling in the evening to about 17°. White
frosts commence about the middle of October, tender vege-
tables are in danger from them till nearly the middle of April. 1110
mercury begins, about the middle of November, to be occasionally at the
freezing point, and ceases to be so about the middle of MarcL We
have of freezing nights about fifty in the course of the winter, but not
more than ten days in which the mercury does not rise above the freez-
ing point, _ Fire is desirable even in close apartments whenever the out-
ward air is below 10®, (= 35® Fahrenheit,) and that is the case with
us through the day, one hundred and thir^-two days in the year, and
on mornings and evenings sixty-eight days more. So that we have con-
stant fires five months, and a little over two months more on mornings
and evenings. Observations made at Yorktown in the lower country,
show that they need seven days less of constant fires, and thirty-eight
less of mornings and evenings. On an average of seven years I have
found our snows amount in the whole to fifteen inches depth, and to
cover the ground fifteen days 5 these, with the rains, give us four feet of
water m me year. The garden pea, which we are now sowing, comes

Jefferson’s Garden Book

543

i8is]

to the table about the I2th of May; strawberries and cherries about the
same time; asparagus the ist of April. The artichoke stands the winter
without cover ; lettuce and endive with a slight one of bushes, and often
without any; and the fig, protected by a little straw, begins to ripen in
July; if unprotected, not till the ist of September. There is navigation
for boats of six tons from Charlottesville to Richmond, the nearest tide-
water, and principal market for our produce. The country is what we
call well inhabited, there being in our county, Albemarle, of about seven
hundred and fifty square miles, about twenty thousand inhabitants, or
twenty-seven to a square mile, of whom, however, one-half are people
of color, either slaves or free. The society is much better than is com-
mon in country situations; perhaps there is not a better country society
in the United States. But do not imagine this is a Parisian or an
academical society. It consists of plain, honest, and rational neighbors,
some of them well informed and men of reading, all superintpding
their farms, hospitable and friendly, and speaking nothing but English.
The manners of every nation are the standard of orthodoxy within itself.
But these standards being arbitrary, reasonable people in all allow free
toleration for the manners, as for the religion of others. Our culture
is of wheat for market, and of maize, oats, peas, and clover, for the sup-
port of the farm. We reckon it a good distribution to divide a farm
into three fields, putting one into wheat, half a one into maize, the other
half into oats or peas, and the third into clover, and to tend the fields
successively in this rotation. Some woodland in addition, is always
necessary to furnish fuel, fences, and timber for constructions. Our
best farmers (such as Mr. Randolph, my son-in-law) get from ten to
twenty bushels of wheat to the acre; our worst (such as myself) from
six to eighteen, with little or more manuring. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 14: 260-263.)

(Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale.)

Monticello Mar, 21. 15.

... we have indeed had a hard winter, our average of snow in a
common winter is 15. I. which cover the ground 15. days in the whole,
this winter we have had 29. I. of snow which covered the ground 39.
days, in general we have 4. ploughing days in the week, taking the
winter through. I do not think we have had 3, a week this winter; so
that we have much ploughing still to do for our oats and corn, but we
have had a method of planting corn suggested by a mf Hall which
dispenses with the plough entirely, he marks the ground off in squares
of 10 f. by a coulter, or an iron pin. at each crossing of the lines he
digs 2 f 3 I. square (equal nearly to 5. square feet) as deep as the
mattock will go. this little square is manured as you would have
manured the whole ground, taking consequently but ^ of the manure;
a grain of corn is planted within 6. I. of each corner, so as to produce
4. stalks about 15. I. apart. _ this is to be kept clean of weeds either by
the hoe, or by covering it with straw so deep as to smother weeds, when

544

Jefferson’s Garden Book

ti 8 i 5

the plant is 12. 1. high, he asks but 2. laborers to make 2500 bushels
of corn, he has taken a patent for his process, and has given me a right
to use it, for I certainly should not have thought the right worth 50. D.
the price of a licence. I am about trying one acre. I have lately had
my mouldboard cast in iron, very thin, for a furrow of g, I. wide & 6. I.
deep, and fitted to a plough, so light that two small horses or mules draw
it with less labor than I have ever before seen necessary, it does beauti-
ful work and is approved by every one. I will have one made and send
it to you now that the sea is open. I think your farming friends will
adopt it, . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John C. Carter.)

Monticello Apr. 26. 15.

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mf Carter and his thanks
for the Copy of Arator which he has been so kind as to send him. we
are indebted to Col® Taylor for a great deal of valuable information
given us in that volume on the subject of Agriculture. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, L. C.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington SO***. April 1815

We returned home yesterday from a visit of several days and I did
not examine into the state of our peas till late in the evening, when I
found them quite ready, they have suffered so much fronj the drought
that they will last but a few days. We should be glad you will come
up and partake of our first dish today & that Maddison would come
with you. . , . (Jefferson Papers, M. H, S.)

(Jefferson to Archibald Robertson.)

Poplar Forest June i. 15.

. . . Having found it necessary to make a change in the management
of my affairs here, I have engaged mf Joel Yancey to undertake the di-
rection of them & superintendance of the overseers. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, U, Va.)

(Jefferson to Joel Yancey.)

Monticello June 7. 15.

I omitted among my memorandum to request you to have all the seed
of the oat-grass at mf Goodman’s saved, in order to make lots near each
of the overseer’s houses, it comes a month earlier than any other grass,
and is therefore valuable for ewes and lambs, calves, yearlings, and poor
cows, there should also be good doyer lots adjoining, independent of
the larger dover fields. I have inquired and got go<d information on
the subject of dover sown in the husk, it is to be cut as usual and laid
up in hmd-ricks of 3. or 4. feet high to rot to such a degree as to leave

Jefferson’s Garden Book

S45

i8is]

the husks separable from the stalk and from one another, whenever it
rains the ricks should be turned over to prevent its rotting too much or
spoiling the seed at the bottom, when it is sufficiently rotted it must
either be beaten to pieces with flails on a plank floor, or passed thro’ the
threshing machine, the object is not to separate the seed from the husk,
but merely to separate at their bottom, where they grow together, the
numerous husks of which a single clove blossom is composed. 7. bushels
of this separated husk is necessary to an acre, the time of solving is
from the middle of February to the 10th of March, and there is no
better method than sowing it in snow, the 2d cutting yields more seed
than the i‘‘. and is better, having been cut altogether it starts its 2*.
growth and ripens together, everybody agrees that it comes up with
much more certainty when sown in the husk. . . . {Jefferson PaperSj
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Charles Willson Peale.)

Monticello, June 13, 15.

... It will be yet some time (perhaps a month) before my workmen
will be free to make the plough I shall send you. You will be at per-
fect liberty to use the form of the mouldboard, as all the world is, having
never thought of monopolizing by patent any useful idea which happens
to offer itself to me ; and the permission to do this is doing a great deal
more harm than good. There is a late instance in this State of a rascal
going thro* every part of it, and swindling the mill-owners, under a
patent of 2 years old only, out of 20,000 D. for the use of winged-
gudgeons which they have had in their mills for 20 years, every one pre-
ferring to pay 10 D. unjustly rather than be dragged into a Federal
court 1, 2, or 300 miles distant.

I think the cornsheller you describe, with two cylinders, is exactly the
one made in a neighboring county, where they are sold at 20 D. I pro-
pose to take some opportunity of seeing how it performs. The reason
of the derangement of machines with wooden cylinders of any length is
the springing of the timber, to which white oak has a peculiar disposition.
For that reason we prefer pine as the least apt to spring. You once told
me of what wood you made the bars of the pen-frame in the polygraph,
as springing less than any other wood; & I have often vrished to recollect
it, but cannot. We give up here the cleaning of clover seed, because it
comes up so much more certainly when sown in the husk; 7 bushels of
which is more easily obtained for the acre than the 3 pints of clean seed
which the sowing-box requires. We use the machine you describe for
crushing corn-cobs, & for which Oliver Evans has obtained a patent,
altho’ to my knolege the same machine has been made by a smith in
George town these 16 years for crushing plaister, and he made one for
me 12 years ago, long before Evan’s patent. The only difference is that
he Axes his horizontally, and Evans vertically. Yet I chose to pay
Evans’s patent price for one rather than be involved in a law suit of 2
or 300 D. cost. We are now afraid to use our ploughs, every part of

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

546

C181S

which has been patented, although used ever since the fabulous days of
Ceres. On the subject of the Spinning Jenny, which I so much prefer
to the Arkwright machines, for simplicity, ease of repair, cheapness of
material and work, your neighbor, D'. Allison, of Burlington, has made
a beautiful improvement by a very simple addition for the preparatory
operation of roving. These arc much the best machines for family &
country use. For fulling in our families we use the simplest thing in the
world. We make a bench of the widest plank we can get, say half a
yard wide at least, of thick & heavy stuff. We cut notches cross wise
of that 2 i. long. & i i. deep ; the perpendicular side of the notch front-
ing the middle one from both ends; on that we lay a 4 i. board, 6 f.
long, with a pin for a handle in each end, and notched as the under one.
A board is nailed on each side of the under one, to keep the upper in
place as it is shoved backwards & forwards, and the cloth, properly
moistened, is laid between them. 2 hands full 20 yards in two hours.
[Jefferson drew a picture of the machine he describes.]

Our threshing machines are universally in England fixed with Dutch
fans for winnowing, but not with us, because we thresh immediately
after harvest, to prevent weavil, and were our grain then laid up in bulk
without the chaff in it, it would heat & rot. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. C 1 : 233-23S-)

(Jefferson to William P. Newby.)

Monticello June 21. 15.

I have found it necessary to put my affairs tmder the direction of my
grandson Jefferson Randedph, my activity being too much declined to
take care of them myself. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Joel Yancey.)

Monticello July 18. 15.

... I am glad you approve my plan of culture, because it will be the
more agreeable to you to pursue it. it's general effect is this, one third
of the farm (a fields out of 6.) is in wheat for market & profit, one
sixth (that is one held) is in com for bread for the laborers, the re-
maining half of the farm, that is to say, one held in peas or oats, one
held in clover for cutting, and one in clover for pasture, is for the
sustenance of the stock of the farm, aided by 8. acres of pumpkins at
each place, which feeds every thing two months in the year & fattens the
pork, and as much timothy as our meadow ground can be made to yield,
whidi is very important when the clover crop fails from drought, a fre-
quent occurrence, on this plan I know it to be unnecessary that a
single grain of corn should ever be given to any animal, unless a little
perhaps to hnish the fattening pork; but even for (hat peas are as good,
of these you may certainly count on 10. bushels to the acre, which on
160. acres will be i6oq. bushels, or 320. barrels, equal to that mudh
com, and all falTfallowing will be saved, to the prodiice for market
my plan addls 80 M tobacco hills at each place, as much of it on the first

Jefferson’s Garden Book

547

1815]

year’s land as can be cleared, if this plan be fully executed, I will most
gladly take all risk of the result to myself, and my own blame. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to P. A. Guestier.)

Monticello July 23. 15.

I have to acknolege the receipt of your favor of the la*" and to thank
you for your attention to the box of seeds, this is an annual present
from the National Garden of France. I will pray you therefore to for-
ward it to mf Bernard M“.Mahon, gardener of Philadelphia. . . . ( Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard McMahon.)

Monticello July 23. 1815.

With the return of peace, my old friend Thouin returns to a recollec-
tion of me in his annual presents of seeds, a box of them is just ar-
rived at Baltimore to the care of mr P. A. Guestier merchant of that
place. I have desired him to forward it to you, and if possible by some
stage passenger who will take charge of it to Philadelphia. I have taken
on myself all charges to Baltimore. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Captain Christopher Hudson.)

Monticello Aug. 9. 15.

... 1 am enabled to ask your acceptance of them [hedge shears],
you will perceive by their having never been used that I have no em-
ployment for them. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Poplar Forest Aug. 31. 15.

... we are suffering from drought terribly at this place, half a
crop of wheat, and tobacco, and two thirds a crop of corn are the most
we can expect. Cate, with good aid, is busy drying peaches for you.
we abound in the luxury of the peach, their being as ffne here now as
used to have in Albemarle 30 years ago, and indeed as fine as I ever saw
anywhere. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M, H. S.)

(Jefferson to Charles Clay.)

Poplar Forest Nov. 18, 15.

. . . and tomorrow, weather permitting, will pay you a morning visit,
in the meantime I send you a note of the result of my^ ten days labor and
some Otaheite or Paper Mulberries, valuable for the' regularity of their
form, velvet leaf & for being fruitless, they are charming near a porch
for densely shading it. . . . (Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

Jefpbrson’s Garden Book

548

[181S

(Charles Clay to Jefferson.)

[Bedford County, Virginia,] Dec. 5. 15.

As you appeared pleased with the sample of Potatoes the servant
brought the Other Day M". Clay by Bob sends you a few more for
seed, She says her mode of Cultivating them in the Garden, is to plant
a fine large single pototoe, uncut in a hill, that by doing so, she has had
the finest large potatoes & greatest in Number, of all the Modes she has
tryed, that by cuting, she thinks the Vigor of the plant b lessened, the
produce smaller in size & fewer in Number, that by planting the Small
Ones the produce is similar to that from Cutings, & constantly decline
from year to year if persisted in, until a fine potatoe is not to be ex-
pected. please accept our friendly Salutations. {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Mrs. Henry Dearborn to Jefferson.)

Boston December 16, 1815.

Mrs. Dearborn’s respectful compliments to Mr, Jefferson, recollect-
ing his wish to have some of the seed of the winter squash She requested
her son Brigadier General Dearborn to procure some for him. — ^he has
put up some of several sorts which he says are very good. Mrs. D. hopes
Mr. Jefferson will be successful in raising them, and that they will be
agreeable to him. The winter squash must not he gathered until they
are ripe. , . . {Jefferson Papers, M, H. S.)

(Jefferson to John David.)

Monticello Dec. 25. 15.

A long absence from home and but a late return to it must apologize
for the delay in acknoleging the reciept of your letter of Nov. 26. on
the subject of the vine & wine, in the earlier part of my life I have
been ardent for the introduction of new objects of culture suited to our
climate, but at the age of 72. it is too late. I must leave it to younger
persons who have enough of life left to pursue the object and enjoy it’s
attainment . • . There is in our woods a native grape which of my own
knolege produces a wine so nearly of the quality of the Caumartin of
Burgundy, that I have seen at my own table a large company acknolege
they could not distinguish between them. I do not know myself how
this particular grape could be known in our woods, altho* I believe it
abounds; but there is a gentleman on Potomak who cultivates it. this
may be worth your attention, should you think it worth while to ex-
amine the aptitude of this part of the country for the wine, I shall be
very happy to receive you at Monticello. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

From the Farm Book 181$:

1815. 7. bushdis of cow peas plant 40. acres in drills 3^ f. apart. Pop.

For,

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8is]

549

1815. July. 1. of the chain inclosing the semi-oval level in front of
the house 182, f. weighs 90 lbs.

From the Account Book iSog-iSzo:

Aug. 2. plants 2. D.

Planting Memorandum for Poplar Forest, 1815 ;

1815. Nov. 2. planted 64. paper mulberries in the nursery.

25. planted 5. Calycanthuses on each Mound. 4. Monti-
cello aspens at the N. foot of the W. Mound & 3 d°. at
the N. foot of the E. Mound.

19 paper mulberries in a clump between the W.
Cloacina & fence & 19 d^ in a clump between the E.
Cloacina and fence. {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

i8i6

Kalendar. 1816 ‘

where

when

come to
table

Miscellanies.

Celery beds.

Feb. 3.

[Pcb. 3.

May 22.

Mar. I. up. note, no
rain from Apr. 6. to
May II. 6 weeks

Feb. 3.

plant beds. .
d"

Feb. 7.

10.

. . . . 16,

May 22.

Mar. I. up.

radish; scarlet, mrs B.'. . .

)

a 7 .

^rout k&lc

Brussels sprouts

Celery. .

plant beds.. .

Sprout kale

d“.

Frame peas

Border I-V

Mar. I.

May 23.

Mar. 16. up.

lettuce ‘white

Radishes scarlet, mri B. .
Salsafia

D.E.F.G.3...
Sq. X.

Sq. I

5 -

Tomatas

Peas. Hotspur

May 8. blossom

May 9. blossom

Tune I. pod
19. blossom

June 5. pod.

Sq.II

June 13 .

Ill

June 9.

26. blossom.

XIII

XIV. 2..

1 * 7 -

XII. 2...

Apr. 4«

VIII,

Leadmans,

IV.

May 31, blossom

June 14. pod, gone
July 14.

Lama beans.

long Haricots.

July 25.

Aug. 31. last dish of
long haricots.

Bennt

Jerusal. Artichoke. ......

parsnips

. . , . . 10.

grey Snaps

VII..

d®.

Endive. -

Dutch brown.

S{unack winter

Bess anaps

Sep. j.

Dutch brawn

Spinach winter

CTabbage Battersea. ....

Aug. 13.

transplanted Sept, 16.

550

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1816]

551

1816,^ Mar. 18. replanted with Aaparaeua seed the Western half of the old Asparagus
bed under the wall.

May 10. peas at mf Divers, they were sown Feb. 2.

^ 1816. One may best get a glimpse into Jefferson’s per-
sonal life and the happenings at Monticello and Poplar Forest
from portions of three letters written during the year. On
January 9, Jefferson wrote from Monticello to his old friend
Mr. Charles Thomson :

I retain good health, am rather feeble to walk much, but ride with
ease, passing two or three hours a day on horseback, and every three or
four months taking in a carriage a journey of ninety miles to a distant
possession, where I pass a good deal of my time. My eyes need the aid
of glasses by night, and with small print in the day ^so ; my hearing is
not quite so sensible as it used to be ; no tooth shaking yet, but shivering
and shrinking in body from the cold we now experience, my thermom-
eter having been as low as 12° this morning. My greatest oppression is
a correspondence afflictingly laborious, the extent of which I have been
long endeavoring to curtail. This keeps me at the drudgery of the
writing-table all the prime hours of the day, leaving for the gratification
of my appetite for reading, only what I can steal from the hours of sleep.
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 14: 386-387.)

Writing to his son-in-law, Mr. J. W. Eppes, on March 30,
he showed again his great affection for Francis Eppes, his
grandson, and expressed the desire to share in the expense of
his education;

I am almost afraid to propose to you to yield to me the expense and
direction of his education. Yet I think I could have it conducted to his
advantage. Certainly no expense which could be useful to him, and no
attention on my part would be spared; and he could visit you at such
times as you should wish. It you say yea to this proposition, he might
come on to me at Poplar Forest, for which place I shall set out about the
6th of April, and shall be there about the 2ist ; and could I hear from
you soon after my arrival there, I could be taking preparatory steps for
,his reception and the course to be pursued. All this is submitted to
your good pleasure. Patsy, supposing Mrs. Eppes to have an attach-
ment to flowers, sends her a collection of seeds. . . . Your servant asks
for the large lima bean we got from W“. Hylton from Jamaica, it has
dwindled down to a very poor one, not worth sending if we had it to
spare, which we have not. (Randall, Jefferson 3: 433 >)

Mr. Eppes consented to Jefferson’s taking charge of Fran-
cis’s education. Jefferson then wrote to Mr. Eppes ;

552

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1816

I am sensible, my dear sir, of the delicacy of your sentiments on the
subject of expense. I am indeed an unskilful manager of my farms,
and sensible of this from its effects, I have committed them to better
hands [his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph], of whose care and
skill I have satisfactory knowl^ge, and to whom I have ceded the en-
tire direction. This is all that is necessary to make them adequate to all
my wants, and to place me at entire ease. (Randall, Jefferson 3: 433.)

His grandson continued to look after Jefferson’s affairs until
his death.

A portion of a letter from Jefferson to Mrs. Elizabeth Trist
gives the gossipy news of the family. He wrote from Poplar
Forest on April 28 :

I am here, my dear Madam, alive and well, and, notwithstanding the
murderous histories of the winter, 1 have not had an hour’s sickness for
a twelvemonth past. I feel myself indebted to the fable, however, for
the friendly concern expressed in your letter, which 1 received in good
health, by my fireside at Monticello. These stories will come true one
of these days, and poor printer Davies need only reserve awhile the chap-
ter of commiserations he had the labor to compose, and the mortification
to recall, after striking off some sheets announcing to his readers the
happy riddance. But, all joking apart I am well, and left all well a
fortnight ago at Monticello, to which I shall return in two or three
days. . . . Jefferson is gone to Richmond to bring home my new great-
grand-daughter. Your friends, Mr. and Mrs. Divers, are habitually
in poor health; well enough only to receive visits, but not to return
them; and this, I think, is all our small news which can interest you.
(Randolph, Jefferson: 362-363.)

The year 1816, in the United States, is known among
meteorologists as the ’’year without a summer.” (See ap-
pendix I.) The growing season throughout the States was
so dry and cold that crops failed to mature, gardens were
poor, and fruit was ruined. Jefferson wrote to Mr. Albert
Gallatin on September 8 :

We have had the most extraordinary year of drought and cold ever
known in the history of America. In June, instead of 3i inches, our
average of rain for that month, we only had 4 of an inch; in August, in-
stead of 9) inches our average, we had only ^ of an inch; and still it
continues. The summer, too, has been as cold as a moderate winter.
In every State north of diis there has been frost in every month of the
year; in this State we have had none in June and July, but Aose of
August killed much corn over the mountains. The crop of corn
through the Atlantic States will probably be less than one-third of an
ordinary one, that of tobacco still less, and of mean quality. The crop
of wheat was middling in quantity, but excellent in quality. But every

Jefferson’s Garden Book

553

i8i6]

species of bread grain taken together will not be sufficient for the sub-
sistence of the inhabitants, and the exportation of flour, already begun
by the indebted and the improvident, to whatsoever degree it may be
carried, will be exactly so much taken from the mouths of our citizens.

. . . (Ford, Jefferson I9: 37—38.)

It has already been pointed out that Jefferson had turned
over to his grandson the management of the farms and gar-
dens. His “infirmities,” as he called them, were gradually
slowing up his activities in the fields. His supreme interest
now lay in making plans for the new university which he hoped
to induce the State to establish. And Poplar Forest was de-
manding much of his attention. The Garden Book for the
year, as well as all the remaining years in which he kept a
record in the Garden Book, shows chiefly the calendar of
planting for the year. There were no new articles added to
the long list of vegetables of the preceding years.

Jefferson was at Poplar Forest four times during the year.
There appears to have been much activity in the flower gar-
dens at that place, for on his late fall visit Jefferson wrote to
Mrs. Randolph to send to him bulbs and other plants from
the stock at Monticello. (See letters, Jefferson to Martha
Randolph, November 10, and Martha Randolph to Jefferson,
November 20, 1816.)

On March 19 Jefferson lost his old and devoted friend,
Philip Mazzei. Through his gifts of plants and seeds
Monticello had been abundantly enriched.

* Mrs. Ann Cary (Randolph) Bankhead was the eldest
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mann Randolph, and
Jefferson’s granddaughter. She was born in January, 1791,
and died in February, 1826. She was married to Charles L.
Bankhead.

“ Mrs. Bankhead.

* This entry was removed from page 56 of the Garden Book
and placed here in proper chronological sequence.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, i8i6

(Jefferson to J. Correa da Serra.)

Monticello, January 1, 1816.

... I am ashamed to ask whether your observations or information
as to the cisterns of Charlestown can facilitate the perfecting of those I
have constructed because by some accident which I cannot ascertain, I

Jefferson’s Garden Book [i8i6

lost the paper you were so kind as to give me at Dowthwaites. . . ,
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jeffetson 19: 226.)

(David Gelston to Jefferson.)

New York, Jan. 8, i8i6.

I have received a letter from Mr. Baker, consul at Tarragona, with
a box for you said to contain “flower garden seed" — since no use can be
made of them till spring, I shall wait your instructions. {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

[In a reply to the above letter Jefferson suggests that the seeds be
given to the Botanical Garden in New York.]

(Jefferson to John David.)

Alonticello Jan. 13. 16.

Your favor of Jan. i . is received, you intimate in that a thought of
going to the Potomac to examine the vines I mentioned to you. it was
a maj^ Adlam [Adlum] near the mouth of that river who sent me the
wine, made from his own vineyard, but this was 7. or 8. years ago,
and whether he still pursues the culture or is even still living I do not
know. I should be sorry you should take such a journey on such an un-
certainty. I will write to him by the next mail, and will even ask him
to send me some cuttings of the vines,

I have heard with great pleasure that you have had some conversa-
tion with Gen’. Cocke of the county adjoining this on the subject of his
undertaking a vineyard under your direction, there is no person in the
U. S. in whose success I should have so much confidence, he is rich,
liberal, patriotic, judicious & persevering. I understand however that
all his arrangements for the present year being made, he cannot begin on
the vineyard till the next. . . . Col®. Monroe, our Secretary of State,
whose seat is within 2 or 3 miles of me, has a fine collection of vines
which he had selected & brought with him from France with a view to
the making wine, perhaps that might furnish something for you. you
will here too be within a few hours ride of Gen’. Cocke, should any com-
munications with him be desired. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Adlum.)

Monticello Jan. 13. 16.

While I lived in Washington you were so kind as to send me 2. bottles
of wine made by yourself, the one from currans, the other from a native
grape, ^ called with you a fox-grape, discovered by mf Penn’s gardener,
the wine of this was as good as the best Burgundy and resembling it. in
1810, you added the great favor of sending me many cuttings, these
were committed to the stage Mar. 13. on the 27”*. of that month I set
out on a journey, the cuttings arrived at our post office a day or two
after, dt were detained there till my return, they were received Apr,
J9. and immediately planted, but having been 6. weoks in a dry situa-
tion not a single one lived, disheartened by this failure and not having

Jefferson’s Garden Book

555

i8i6]

any person skilled in the culture, I never troubled you again on the sub-
ject. but I have now an opportunity of renewing the trial under a per-
son brought up to the culture of the vine & making wine from his na-
tivity. am I too unreasonable in asking once more a few cuttings of
the same vine ? I am so convinced that our first success will be from a
native grape, that I would try no other, a few cuttings, as short as you
think will do, put into a light box, & mixed well with wet moss, if ad-
dressed to me by the stage to the care of mf William F. Gray in
Fredericks*’®, will be forwarded by him to Milton without delay, where
I shall be on the watch for them. I must find my apology in this re-
peated trouble in your own patriotic dispositions to promote an useful
culture. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticello Jan. i6. i6.

... I have an opportunity of getting some vines planted next month
under the direction of mr David, brought up lo the business from his
infancy, will you permit me to take the trimmings of your vines such
I mean as ought to be taken from them next month, it shall be done
by him so as to ensure no injury to them. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Mrs. Henry Dearborn.)

Monticello Jan. 27. 16.

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to mre Dearborn and his
thanks for the very acceptable seeds she has been so kind as to send him
and which will occupy his care & attention in the season now beginning
to invite the labors of the garden. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Joel Yancy.)

Monticello Feb. 20. 16.

... I have some thought of sending up a waggon [to Poplar Forest\
about the close of the month with some trees & necessaries for me. , . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(James Barbour to Jefferson.)

Barboursvtlle, March 4, 1816.

[Mr. Barbour requests Jefferson to send him anything he can spare
of plants.] Being anxious to add to my new establishment whatever is
rare or desirable of the fruit, shrub, or tree kind. {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to James Barbour.)

Monticello Mar. 5. 16.

If I knew what you possessed, or what you particularly wished, my
attention more especially applied to the latter might better have fulfilled

Jefferson’s Garden Book

556

[i8i6

them, sending at random I fear I may add little to your actual pos-
sessions. but I do the best I can by sending those things which are not
absolutely possessed by every body.

for the garden. Sprout Kale, which no body in the U. S. has but
those to whom I have given it. sow & transplant as cabbage, let it
stand out all winter, it needs no protection, in the beginning of De-
cember it begins to furnish sprouts Sc will give 3 crops of them before
spring, a very delicate green.

long haricots a species of bean or snap brought me from Georgia by
Gen'. Sumpter, plant in rows 3. f. apart, & 12 I. asunder in the row.
stick the plants with flat prongy bushes, which will let you go_between
the rows, early in July it gives beans from 2. to 6. f. long acedg to the
ground, & continues till frost, dress them as snaps or in all the ways
of asparagus, they are cut into lengths.

Trees & Shrubs. 2. pods of Kentucky locust.

seeds of Spanish broom, they come up best in cart-ruts and bot-
toms of gullies.

lilac.

Althaea.

Balsam poplar, a branch for cuttings.

Calycanthus.

the Monticello Aspen, entirely peculiar & superior to all others.

Paper mulberry from Otaheite. the most beautiful & best shading

tree to be near the house, entirely clean, bearing no fruit, scarcely

yet known in America.

My collection of fruits went, to entire decay in my absence and has not
been renewed, so that it is in my power to send you but little in that
way. I send however cuttings of the Carnation cherry so superior to
all others that no other deserves the name of cherry: and cuttings of the
Taliafferro apple, the best cyder apple existing, discovered by old Maj'.
Taliaferro near Williamsburg, wishing you good success with them I
salute you with esteemjSt respect. . . . M". Randolph adds a collection
of flower seeds for mrs Barber with her respects. (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S,)

(Isaac Coles to Jefierson.)

Enniscorthy Mar: 9*" 1816.

Permit me to return you my best thanks for the Paper Mulberry,
which you were kind enough to send me. They have proven more ac-
ceptable to my friends than to myself, M". Randolph having been good
enough to let me have a dozen or fifteen, which my servant brought me
during your last visit to Bedford,

My brother M'. Walter Coles sends eight Lemon Peaches, which will
prove a great treasure if they can be defended against the attacks of the
worms. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

557

i8i6]

(JefiEerson to Joel Yancey.)

Monticello Mar. 15. 16.

... I send also some plants which I pray you to have set out immedi-
ately in the nursery behind the old stable, in a rich part. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Levin Gale to Jefferson.)

Chesapeake M**. March 30*'*. 1816.

I received sometime ago a letter from Major John Adlum near George
Town D. C. requesting me to forward you some cuttings of a particular
grape which was originally got from him. The same day this goes by
the mail there will be put in the stage a box containing 150 cuttings of
the kind mentioned Directed to you to the Care of M^ W“. F. Gray
Fredericksburgh Virginia. I have to apologize for not complying sooner
with his request but being from home at the time his letter reached this
together with other circumstances prevented attending to his request
with alacrity I could have wished. Should you wish more cuttings next
year shall be happy to forward them and regret that our vines from
neglect furnished so few. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Levin Gale.)

Monticello May 7. 16.

Your favor of Mar. 30. came during an absence from home of con-
siderable length, and the box of vine cuttings arrived soon after, in excel-
lent order, and were immediately planted. I hope they will do well, as,
judging from a sample of wine made from this grape and sent to me
formerly by Maj'. Adlam [Adlum], I expect to be gratified with the
great desideratum of making at home a good wine, his was certainly
equal to the best Burgundy I have ever seen, and they were tried to-
gether at the same time, the grape too, being native, is therefore prefer-
able to anyone yet to be imported, acclimated, and tried with us. Ac-
cept my thanks for your kind attention to this object. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. _S.)

(Jefferson to David B. Warden.)

Monticello May 17. 16.

... the spring has been unusually dry and cold, our average morn-
ing cold for the month of May in odier years has been 63®. of Faren-
heit. in the present month it has been to this day an average of S3“» and
one morning as low as 43®. repeated frosts have killed the early fruits
and the crops of tobacco and wheat will be poor, about the middle of
April they had at Quebec snow a foot deep. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
Maryland Historical Society.)

Jefferson's Garden Book

[i8i6

55^

(Joseph C. Cabell to Jefferson.)

Warminster, July 4th, 1816.

I saw Gen. Cocke on his way to Norfolk, early in June, and had a
conversation with him on the subject of hedges; in the course of which
he informed me that you were under the impression that Maine’s method
of preparing haws, so as to make them vegetate quickly, had died with
him. It affords me pleasure to furnish you with it, in an extract of a
letter written by Maine to Mr. James Henderson of Williamsburg, at
the time that the latter purchased of him about 10,000 of his thorns. I
was making enquiries m the month of May, with the view of collecting
information as to the practicability and expediency of introducing live
fences into Virginia, when I accidentally got sight of Maine's letter to
Mr. Henderson. It differs from all other methods I have yet heard of ;
and is more expeditious, by one winter, than that of McMahon, who
follows the English and Scotch methods; and is the quickest of all the
processes that have come to my knowledge, unless it be that of immers-
ing the haws in fermenting bran, as recommended by Sir Isaac Newton.
I have no where read of a successful experiment on a large scale, of the
latter method ; and have seen it merely suggested as recommended by Sir
Isaac Newton. Maine’s method is simple, quick, and well suited to
common piactice. I should be glad to know why Maine selected the
maple leaf thorn in preference to all others. It does not appear to me
to be as vigorous in its growth, or as strong in its appearance, as the
laurel leaf thorn ; nor do I know whether it is to be found in this part
of the country. In crossing Willis’ river, on my way up the country, I
found a thorn in great abundance, which, from the shape of the leaf, ap-
peared to be the maple leaf thorn. There may, however, be other varie-
ties with a leaf of the same shape. You planted some years ago, a hedge
around your house, of Maine’s thorn. I should be happy, before I com-
mence experiments in this line, to know your impression as to the practi-
cability of making hedges of real use in this country where hogs are suf-
fered to run at large; and as to the relative advantages of the holly, the
cedar, and the thorn, for that purpose. 1 should also be much indebted
to you, for a reference to such authors as treat best on the subject. I
have consulted Dobson’s Encyclopedia, Lord Kaimes, Maine’s Pamphlet,
and the articles in the ordinary books on agriculture. I have been in-
formed by a young gentleman who attended the lectures of the Abbe
Correa in Philadelphia, that the Abbd expressed the opinion, that hedges
would not succeed in this country, because we have not the right kind of
plant, and that the proper plant when imported, degenerates. The same
person told me that the hedges about Wilmington, in Delaware, seemed
to be declining. These are discouraging circumstances. Still I have a
strong desire to go on. I had a cedar hedge of about two miles in
length, planted on the Rappahannock low grounds, some years ago. It
grew handsomely, and promised well. But during the war, it was ne-
glected and beaten down by stock in many places, A part of it, about
five hundred yards in length, is now entire and very beautiful. But
whether it will be ultimatdy a secure fence, I am unable to say. As an

Jefferson’s Garden Book

559

i8i6]

object of ornament, I think it remunerates for the care and trouble it
has cost ; and it is of real use in breaking the force of the violent winds
that often sweep those plains. I propose to renew it where it is defec-
tive, and to extend it to four miles in length. The holly is scarsely to
be found in the woods of the upper country. Still I suppose it would
succeed with the aid of cultivation, and I am about trying it as an en-
closure for a yard and lots. . . . (Early History of the University of
Virginia as contained in the Letters of Thomas Jefferson and Joseph G.
Cabell (Richmond, 1856) : 62-64. Hereafter cited as Jefferson and
Cabbell, Letters.)

(Jefferson to Joseph C. Cabell.)

Monticello, July 13, 1816.

I thank you for Maine’s recipe for preparing the haw, inclosed in
your favor of the 4th. I really thought it lost with him, and that the
publication of it would be a public benefit. I do not know that his
hedge thorn is to be found wild but in the neighborhood of Washington.
He chose it, I think, for its beauty. I have extensive hedges of it, which
I have too much neglected. The parts well grown appear rather weak
against cattle; yet, when full grown, will probably be sufficient. He
proposed to keep out hogs by a couple of rails pass^ along the bottom,
and, I think, it will be sufficient: and that, should the upper part prove
too weak for very strong cattle, a pole run horizontally through will
bind them together, and make them sufficient. Col. Randolph thinks
the cockspur hawthorn (our common one) would be preferable as being
stronger. My grandson, Jefferson Randolph, found one common, about
Willis’s mountains, which he thinks eminently preferable to all others.
The Pyracanthus which I got from Maine is a beautiful plant, but not
fit for a hedge. He tried the honey locust, meaning to keep it down by
the shears; but I thought it too straggling. The holly certainly wiU
not do with us, because all but impossible to make live in our climate.
I have one tree 44 years old, not yet taller than a hedge should be. Of
the cedar I have no experience, but of the difficulty of either transplant-
ing it or raising it from the berry. On the whole, I think nothing com-
parable with the thorn, and that they may be made to answer perfectly,
with the aids I have mentioned. . . .

P. S. Col. Randolph tells me he has repeatedly heard Mr. Correa say
that our cockspur hawthorn (crataegus crux galli) was the best for
hedges he had ever met with. (Jefferson and Cabell, Letters: 63-66.)

(Jefferson to Dr. David Hosack.)

Monticello July 13, 16.

Uninformed of the persons particularly connected with the Botanical
garden of N. Y. I hope I shall be pardoned for this addrep to yourself.
I have just received from my antient friend Thouin, director of the
King’s garden at Paris a packet of seeds selected by him as foreign to the
U. S. they are of the last year’s gathering, but he informs me that if

Jefferson’s Garden Book

560

[i8i6

they arrive (as they have done) too late to be committed to the earth
this year, most of them will be still good for the ensuing year, not be-
lieving I could make a better use of them than by presenting them to the
Botanical garden of N. York, I have taken the liberty of sending the
packet to your address by mail, and, altho’ large, I have thought the
object justified my franking it. I have not opened the packet knowing
I could not pack them so well again ; but coming from Thouin I am sure
they are worthy the acceptance of the garden. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Taylor.)

Monticello, July 16, 1816.

Yours of the loth is received, and I have to acknowledge a copious
supply of the turnip seed requested. Besides taking care myself, I shall
endeavor again to commit it to the depository of the neighborhood, gen-
erally found to be the best precaution against losing a good thing. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 15: 44.)

(Joseph C. Cabell to Jefferson.)

Edgewood, 4th August, 1816.

I bM you to accept my sincere thanks for your favor of the 13th inst.

. . . The information you give me on the subject of hedges is very ac-
ceptable ; it will exempt me from the mortification of failures in experi-
ments that extend through so large a portion of human life. I have
about half a bushel of holly seed now lying in my garden, undergoing
the process of preparation for the seedbed ; but since the receipt of your
letter, I have determined to thrown them aside, or to make very small
use of them. I shall direct my future attempts in this line towards the
thorn, and to the variety you recommend, unless I should be able to
procure that of which Mr. Jefferson Randolph speaks so highly, for
which purpose I have sent him the enclosed letter of enquiry. I pre-
sume he alludes to a thorn in the old fields about Hendrick’s tavern, the
strength and density of which have frequently been mentioned to me by
gentlemen who had been traveling that way. It is not certain, although
it is probable, that Maine’s recipe will succeed with all the different
thorns. . . . (Jefferson and Cabell, Letters; 67-68.)

(John Campbell White to Jefferson.)

Baltimore, is*** Aug‘. i8i6.

Two of my sons travelling in England through the favour of Sir John
Sinclair, received some melon seed, of two species, brought from Persia
by Sir Gore Resdy (?], it^has a high character. I have therefore much
pleasure in sending a portion of it, to the first character in the United
States, . . . {Jefferson Papers, United States Department of Agricul-
ture,)

Jefferson's Garden Book

1816]

561

(Jefferson to Leroy & Bayard.)

Monticello Aug. 15. 16.

. . . ray resources arc those of a farmer, depending on the produce of
my farm, which is usually sold in April or May. . . . [ Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to John Campbell White.)

Monticello, Aug. 24. 16.

Th : Jefferson presents his salutations and respects to Mr. White with
his thanks for the Persian melon seed he has been so kind as to send him.
he will endeavor to do it justice by his attentions, and especially to dis-
perse it among his most careful acquaintances, it is by multiplying the
good things of life that the mass of human happiness is increased, and
the greatest of consolations to have contributed to it. . . . [Jefferson
Papers, United States Department of Agriculture.)

(Jethro Wood to Jefferson.)

Aurora 10 Mo ist 1816

Friend Thomas Jefferson

The firm of which I am a partner requests thy acceptance of a plough,
as a respectful tribute to thy Ingenuity in improving that important In-
strument. We shall feel ourselves amply recompensed by thy approba-
tion; or, additionally obliged by any suggestion which may tend to
render it more Complete.

By an accident occasioned by the warping of the wooden patern the
edges are raised J of an Inch to high. The plough is now gone for New
york and will be forwarded to thee as soon as possible. . . . [Jefferson
Papers, Missouri Historical Society.)

(Thomas Appleton to Jefferson.)

Lvpinella-Grass seed

Oct. 20. 16.

The Lupinella grass is unquestionably, the most prolific & most nu-
tritous known in Italy and preferred by horses, oxen, sheep &c. to every
other species. It should be planted in grounds, not subject to inunda-
tions, or wet soils — it is commonly planted here, on small-elevations. It
should be cut with a Sickle, as is grain, and bound in small bundles of
about 7. [?] each, to prevent the flowers from wasting; and a short time
before they are perfectly mature. The cattle fed on this hay require no
oats or beans, indeed, it should be given with moderation to horses of
luxury: to hard laboring horses, it may be freely given. — In addition to
this qualities, the ground in which it has been planted, thru successive
years, on the fourth, you may plant wheat, from which you will reap a
most abundant harvest, without the aid of any species of manure. — the

Jefferson’s Garden Book.

56a

[1816

leanest grounds by this cultivation, becomes rich & fertile. It produces
here about six thousand American pounds of hay, on a field which would
require two bushels of wheat. {Jeffeison Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Poplar Forest Nov. 10. 16.

We are all well here my dear Martha, and thinking of our return
home which will be about the 30“*. or peihaps a day or two sooner, it
is necessary therefore that the boys Johnny & Randall with the mules
should set off from Monticello on the 19“. or ao^**. to take the cart and
baggage. I must pray you to desire mr Bacon to let them have a good
mule and gecr in addition to Tulmatt and his. tell Wormley also to
send some Calycanthus plants well done up in moss and straw, and about
a bushel of Orchard grass-seed out of the large box in the Greenhouse,
would it be possible for you to make up some of the hardy bulbous roots
of flowers as to come safely on the mule, daffodils, jonquils, Narcis-
suses, flags de lillies of different kinds, refuse hyacinths &c. with some of
the small bulbs of the hanging onion. I think if wrapped & sowed up
tight in two balls, one to come in each end of a wallet with nothing else
in it to bruise them, they would come safe. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Martha (Jefferson) Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello. Nov. 20, 1816.

We received your letter last night only, and the necessary prepara-
tions for the boy’s Journey would take up so much of the day that we
determined not to send them till tomorrow morning 21®*. Wormley
will see to every thing but the bulbous roots, the kinds you mention are
all growing at present and could not be moved without destroying them
but I have sent you a number of offsets of tulips and hyacinths some
blooming roots and some that will not bloom till the ensuing year but I
believe all of the finest kinds, they were intended to have been planted
in the border last fall but were kept out waiting for a bed to be pre-
pared for them, the others can be dug up at the proper season and
planted next summer or fall. . . . the large crown imperial root is for
Mrs Eppes, if you go that way. the smaller ones are not blooming
roots yet, but will be in a year or 2. the tulips & hyacinths are mixed
but Cornelia knows them all. . , . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

From the Account Book 180^—1820:

Apr. 8. gave Col® Monroe’s gardener for vines i. D. [See letter,
Jefferson to Monroe, January 16, 1816.]

May 13, p*. portage box of vines i.

Jefferson's Garden Book

563

1816]

Planting Memorandum for Poplar Forest, 1816;

1816. Nov. I. planted large roses of diff^ kinds in the oval bed in the
N. front.

dwarf roses in the N. £. oval. Robinia hispida in the
N. W. d".

Althaeas, Gelder roses, lilacs, calycanthus, in both
mounds. Privet round both Necessaries.

White Jessamine along N, W. of E. oiEces.

Azedaracs opp. 4 angles of the house. Aug. 17. 5
liv*.

22. planted 190. poplars in the grounds. 5 Athenian pop-
lars. 2. Kentucky locusts near house. European mul-
berries in the new garden. {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

i8i7

i8i7.>

where

when

come to
table

Mucellanies.

Frame peas.

lettuce ice, & radishes. .

winach

Celery

Frame peas

lettuce white & radish.

Cabbage. Savoy

Sprout Itale

Brussels sprouts *

Hotspurs.

Ledmatia

summer spinach

ice lettuce

violet radish. N. Y.*. . .
spinach, summer. ....

lettuce white

radish violet N. Y. . . .

Leadmans

lettuce white

radish scarlet

beet

salsiiia

carrots

Bess snaps

Lettuce White

radish scarlet

Tomatas. dwarf

Okra f

Nasturtium.

Uma beans

Long Haricots

Leadmans....

Lettuce Wlute.

radishes

parsley.

Border I-V. . .

Stone house E,

Feb. 19.

submural.

. 31.

Mar. I.

Sq.I..

11 ,

10,

*9-

HI.

XIV. 3.
XIV. I.
XIII.

3g.

3*.

Border X.. .

Sq.X

XII. 3...

Terras A.5.6.
Terras A.1,3.3.4.
Sq. IV

Apr. I.

May 3$,

May 3$.
June I.

May 30.

June 7.

July 38.
July 38.
July 38.

July id.

Jan. II. — ^Feb. 18.
the whole of our
winter lettuce &
endive killed, tho’
well covered, spin-
ach stood tolerably.

May 4. pod. these
are forwarder y®
those of Feb. 19.

May 34. blossom.

June 3. gone.

564

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1817]

565

i8i7.>

where

when

come to
table

Jerus. Artichokes

Snaps gre)r

lettuce white

cucumbers long green ....

Squashes. Winter

Summer

Fr. kidney beans

Grey snaps

winter cabbaK. Brussels

sprouts? Divers ‘

Swedish turneps

Spinach winter

Sq.Vl...

Sq.Vlii!

VII

It.

la,

> 4 -

June 29.
May 6.

May 17.
Aug. 7.
Sep. 43.

June 28.

Miscellanies.

1817.' Jan. 10. filled the Ice house * at the river with ice.

Mar. 13. filled the Snow house’ here with snow.

Apr. 4. planted i£. Scuppernon vines * in lowest terras of Vineyard.
May 4. peas at mr Divers, sown early in Jan^.

^ 1S/7. The cornerstone of Central College, later to be*
come the University of Virginia, was laid on October 6. This
was the outstanding event of the year for Jefferson. From
this year until his death in 1826, this project was first in his
life. He wrote to Joseph C. Cabell on October 24: “Our
Central College gives me more employment than I am equal
to. The dilatoriness of the workmen gives me constant
trouble.’’ (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 19: 251.) And
to George Ticknor he wrote on November 25 :

I am now entirely absorbed in endeavors to effect the establishment
of a general system of education, in my native state. ... In the mean-
time, and in the case of failure of the broader plan, we are establishing
a college of general science, at the same situation near Charlottesville,
the scale of which, of necessity will be much more moderate, as resting
on private donations only. These amount at present to about 75,000
Dollars. The buildings are begun, and by midsummer we hope to have
two or three professorships in operation. (Ford, Jefferson 12: 77 - 79 *)

The range of Jefferson’s correspondence was the same as in
other years, and the number of letters written is surprising,
considering his age and the manifold projects he had under
way. Although he was not so active in the garden and the
farm, agriculture, especially its theory, was still of great in-

^66 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1817

terest to him. His letters tell of the method of plowing slop-
ing land and the kinds of plants to grow on it.

An English traveler, Lieutenant Francis Hall, visited
Monticello during the summer. Later, in describing his visit,
he wrote in part;

Having an introduction to Mr. Jeflerson I ascended his little moun-
tain, on a fine morning, which gave the situation its due effect. The
whole of the sides and base are covered with forest, through which roads
have been cut circularly so that the winding may be shortened at pleas-
ure: the summit is an open lawn, near to the south side of which the
house is built, with its garden just descending the brow. ... I walked
with him round his grounds, to visit his pet trees and improvements of
various kinds. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 3: 436.)

James Monroe was elected President of the United States
this year, Monroe’s election delighted Jefferson, and inaugu-
rated for the nation what was called “The Era of Good Feel-
•>

mg.

Four visits were made to Poplar Forest. The house there
was still uncompleted. There were few changes at Monti-
cello. In the garden and the farms the usual kinds of plants
were set out.

* Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera Zenker. Brussels
sprouts.

* New York.

* George Divers. See letter, George Divers to Jefferson,
March 27, 1817.

* This entry has been removed from page 56 of the Garden
Book and inserted here in proper chronological order.

* So far as I know, this is the only occasion on which Jeffer-
son mentions an ice house at the river. It was probably lo-
cated near his mills.

^ Jefferson is referring here to his ice house at Monticello.

* The scuppernong is a direct offspring of the curious musca-
dine grape {Vitis rotundifolia). “It is said that the scup-
pernong was discovered on Roanoke Island, North Carolina,
by Sir Walter Raleigh’s colony, and that the original vine is
still m existence.” (Bailey, 0 «r iVa/jW Ff«h5.* 83-84.) A
delicious wine is made from the scuppernong grape. It was
a favorite wine of Jefferson. (See letter, Jefferson to Samuel
Maverick, May 12, 1822, in note i, 1822.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1817]

567

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1817
(Jefferson to George M. Jeffreys.)

Monticello Mar. 3. 17.

Your favor of Feb. 17. came to hand two days ago. I wish it were
more in my power to fulfill the request of furnishing you with a full
and compleat catalogue for an Agricultural library, for this first and
most useful of all human arts and sciences I have had from earlier life
the strongest partiality, yet such have been the circumstances of the
times in ■which I have happened to live that it has never been in my
power to indulge it. my reading in that line therefore has been neces-
sarily restrained, and for practice 1 have had still less leisure and op-
portunity until age had deprived me of the activity it called for. the
catalogue therefore now inclosed, is sent rather in proof of my readi-
ness, than of my competence to serve your society, there is probably no
better husbandry known at present than that of England, but that is
for the climate & productions of England, their books lay for us a
foundation of good general principles: but we ought, for their applica-
tion, to look more than we have done into the practices of countries and
climates’ more homogeneous with our own. I speak as a Southern man.
the agriculture of France and Italy is good, and has been better than at
this time; the former in the age of De Serres, the latter in the time of
Cato, Varro &c. lessons useful to us may also be derived from Greece
and Asia Minor, in the times of their eminence in science and popula-
tion. I wish I could have been more copious in that part of my cata-
logue; but my acquaintance with their agricultural writings has not en-
abled me to be so.

The'horizontal ploughing after which you enquire, has been practiced
here by Col®. Randolph, my son in law, who first introduced it, about a
dozen or fifteen years, it’s advantages were so soon observed that it has
already become very general, and has entirely changed & renovated the
face of our country, every rain before that, while it did a temporary
good, did greater permanent evil by carrying off our soil; and fields were
no sooner cleared than wasted, at present we may say that we lose none
of our soils, the rain not absorbed in the moment of it’s fall being re-
tained in the hollows of the beds until it can be absorbed, our practice
is when we first enter on this process, with a rafter level of 10. f. span,
to lay off guide-lines, conducted horizontally from one end to the other
of the field, and about 30. yards apart, the steps of the level on the
ground are marked by a stroke of a hoe, and immediately followed by a
plough to preserve the trace, a man, or a boy of 12, or 15. years old,
with the level, and two smaller boys to mark the steps, the one with
sticks, the other with the hoe, will do an acre of this an hour, and when
once done, it is forever done, we generally level a field the year it is
put into corn, until all have been once levelled, the intermediate fur-
rows are run by the eye of the ploughman, governed by these guide lines,
and is so done as to lay the earth in horizontal beds of 6, f. wide with
deep hollows or water furrows between them, to hold the superfluous

Jefferson’s Garden Book

568

[1817

rain, the inequalities of declivity in the hill will vary in places the dis-
tance of the guide lines, and occasion gores, which are thrown into short
beds. As in ploughing very steep hillsides horizontally the common
plough can scarcely throw the furrows uphill. Col®. Randolph has con-
trived a vefy simple alteration of the share which throws the furrows
down hill both going and coming, it is as if two shares were welded to-
gether at their strait side, and at a right angle with each other, this
turns on it's bar as a pivot, so as to lay either share horizontal and the
other vertical, & is done by the ploughman in an instant by a single mo-
tion of the hand at the end of every furrow. I enclose a bit of paper
cut into the form of the double share, which being opened, at the fold,
to a right angle, will give an idea of it’s general principle. I have trans-
ferred this method of ploughing to a possession I have near Lynchburg
90. miles to the S. W. from this place, where it is spreading rapidly, and
will be the salvation of that, as it confessedly has been of this part of
the country, horizontal and deep ploughing, with the use of plaister &
dover which are but beginning to be used here, we believe will restore
this part of our country to it’s original fertility which was exceeded by
no upland in the state. This is the best account I am able to give you
of the horizontal ploughing, poor as I am in the practice of agriculture,
and not rich in it’s theory, I can do no more than prove my wishes to be
useful, adding those for the success of your institution. . . . [The list
indosed in Jefferson’s letter was of books included in his library. See
appendix VII.] {Jefferson Papersj L. C.)

(Thomas Appleton to Jefferson.)

Leghorn March 5, 1817.

[Mr. Appleton sends Jefferson a bag of Lupinella seeds. See letter,
Thomas Appleton to Jefferson, October 20, 1816.] {Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Joel Yancey.)

Monticello Mar, 6. 17.

[Jefferson sends artichokes to be planted In the locks of the fence In
the big garden, and some] Pride of China plants which may be planted
somewhere near the mounds. {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John W. Eppes.)

Monticello Mar. 6. 17.

. . . M". Eppes will receive herewith a box containing some caly-
canthuses, pricUy locusts (Robinia hispida) a Snowberry bush and the
sweet-scented curran. the two last were brought from the Pacific ocean
by Lewis and Clark, the Snowberry is beautiful in autumn and winter
by it’s bunches of snow white berries. I send in a paper some sprout
kale to be sowed and transplanted as cabbage, it is to remain in it’s

Jbffbrsok's Garden Book

1817]

569

place during winter and will give 2. or 3. successive crops of sprouts
from the beginning of December to April, and is a fine, tender, sweet
winter vegetable. . . . P. S. a Halesia sent, also purple & white £gs.
{Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)

(JefEerson to Archibald Thweatt.)

Monticello Mar. 16. 17.

. . . You ask the cost of a mill carrying 3 or 4 pair of stones, mine
carries 2 p*". of burrs, the one of 5. f. the other of 6. f. and a pair of
rubbers for cleaning the grain, with all the modern labor saving ma-
chinery, the house very roomly, & walls of stone, it cost me 10,000. D.
but good judges say it ought to have cost but $8,000. this is exclusive
of the canal which alone cost me 20.000 D. and of the dam. . . . {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Jethro Wood.)

Monticello Mar. 23. 17.

I received on the 7th of Nov. your favor of Oct. i and delayed its
acknolegement until the arrival, within this week past, of the plough
you have been so kind as to send me on the part of the firm of which
you are a member, for this mark of their attention I pray them to ac-
cept my thanks. I have examined it with care, and think it promises
well in all its parts ,* and shall exhibit it with pleasure to the notice of
our practical, as well as our theoretical farmers. I have no doubt it
would produce many calls were there a deposit within the state from
which they could be furnished ; as at Richmond, for example, the water
communications from thence would place them within the reach of a
neat part of the state, with the tender of my great respect to your
nrm, I pray you to accept the same for yourself personally. {Jefferson
Papers, Missouri Historical Society.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington Mar. 27, 1817.

. . . The large potatoes you gave me turned out very well, 1 send
you in return seven that was produced from seed that came from the
eastward, I also send you a few of a very forward kind that came from
Liverpool last spring, 1 have divided with you a few peach stones &
some cabbage seed which I lately rec^ from Mr. Thomas Cropper which
I send by your servant. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(James Barbour to Jefferson.)

Barboursville Mar. 29, 1817.

... If you have anything in the seed way which you would recom-
mend & which is not common you will oblige me by sending it. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

570

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1817

(Joseph C. Cabell to Jefferson.)

Edgewood, 30th March, 1817.

I have had a good hunt among my papers for Maine’s recipe for the
preparation of haws; and at length, after ainnost despairing, have found
it in the midst of a small volume of extracts from Brown’s Rural Af-
fairs. I now send it to you, agreeably to your desire. . . . (Jefferson
and Cabell, Letters: 75*)

(Jefferson to Tristran Dalton.)

Monticello, May 2, ’17.

I am indebted to you for your favor of Apr. 22, and for the copy of
the Agricultural magazine it covered, which is indeed a very useful work,
while I was an amateur in Agricultural science (for practical knolege my
course of life never permitted me) I was very partial to the drilled hus-
bandry of Tull, and thought still better of it when reformed by Young
to 12 1 . rows, but I had not time to try it while young, and now grown
old I have not the requisite activity either of body or mind.

With respect to held culture of vegetables for cattle, instead of the
carrot and potato recommended by yourself and the magazine, and the
beet by others, we find the Jerusdcm artichoke best for winter, & the
Succory for Summer use. this last was brought over from France to
England by Arthur Young, as you will see in his travels thro’ France, &
some of the seed sent by him to Gen'. Washington, who spared me a part
of it. it is as productive as the Lucerne, without its laborious culture,
and indeed without any culture except the keeping it clean the first year,
the Jerusalem artichoke far exceeds the potato in produce, and remains
in the ground thro’ the winter to be dug as wanted. A method of plow-
ing over hill sides horizontally, introduced into this most hilly part of
our country by Col". T. M, Randolph, my son in law, may be worth
mentioning to you. he has practiced it a dozen or 15 years, and it’s
advantages were so immediately observed that it has already become
very general, and has entirely changed and renovated the face of our
country, every rain, before that, while it gave a temporary refresh-
ment, did permanent evil by carrying off our soil; and fields were no
sooner cleared than wasted, at present we may say that we lose none
of our soil, the rain not absorbed in the moment of it’s fall being re-
tained in the hollows between the beds until it can be absorbed, our
practice is when we first enter on this process, with a rafter level of
10. f. span, to lay off guide lines conducted horizontally around the hill
or valley from one end to the other of the field, and about 30 yards
apart, the steps of the level on the ground are marked by a stroke of a
hoc, and immediately followed by a plough to preserve the trace, a man
or a lad, with the level, and two small boys, one with sticks, the other
with the hoe, will do an acre of this in an hour, and when once done it
is forevw done, we generally level a field the year it is put into Indian
corn laying it into beds of 6. f . wide with a large water furrow between
the beds, until all the fields have been once leveled, the intermediate

Jeffbrson’s Garden Book

571

1817]

furrows are run by the eye of the ploughman governed by these guide
lines, the inequalities of declivity in the hill will vary in places the dis-
tance of the guide lines, and occasion gores which are thrown into short
beds. As in ploughing very stedp hill sides horizontally the common
plough can scarcely throw the furrow uphill, Col®. Randolph has con-
trived a very simple alteration of the share, which throws the furrow
down hill both going and coming, it is as if two shares were welded
together at their strait side, and at a right angle with each other, this
turns on it’s bar as on a pivot, so as to lay either share horizontal, when
the other becoming vertical acts as a mould board, this is done by the
ploughman in an instant by a single motion of the hand, at the end of
every furrow. I enclose a bit of paper cut into the form of the double
share, which being opened at the fold to a right angle, will give an idea
of it’s general principle, horizontal and deep ploughing, with the use
of plaister and clover, which are but beginning to be used here will, as
we believe, restore this part of our country to it’s original fertility,
which was exceeded by no upland in the state. Believing that some of
these things might be acceptable to you I have hazarded them as testi-
monies of my great esteem and respect. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Isaac Coles.)

Monticello May 7. 17.

Have you any orchard grass seed left? or have your brothers any?
I want about a bushel to finish a grass lot now prepared for it, and
should be very thankful for tl it much. I looked for you at court [to]
invite you to come and see mrs Madison & mf Madison, but could not
find you. I thought too you ought not to need an invitation to come
here or to see them. Appleton of Leghorn has sent me some grass seed
(arrived at Boston) which he calls Lupinella, of which he gives a very
high account as to produce. 6000 lb in the ground which requires a.
bushels of wheat wlffin sown in wheat, when I receive it I shall wish
to distribute it among careful farmers, in which number I count you.

. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Isaac Coles to Jefferson.)

Enniscorthy May 8“. 1817.

I have not an Orchard Grass seed left but as I think it possible that
my Brother may still have some on hand I have* directed your servant to
go there. I fear however as it is now so much later than we arc in the
habit of sowing it, that you will be disappointed in getting any.

I only got a glimpse of you on Monday as you ascended to the Jury
room, and was called off to dine before you came down again. I would
have come up with Gen'. Cocke in the evening to see you, & pay my
respects to M'. & M”. Madison, if I had not apprehended from the size
of the party I heard were with you, that your House was entirely full.

I shdl be very thankful for a few seed of the Lupinella when you re-
ceive it, & will certainly give it a fair experiment. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, L, C.)

572

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8i7

(Jefferson to William Johnson.)

Monticello May lo. 17.

. . . the pamphlet you were so kind as to send me manifests a zeal,
which cannot be too much praised, for the interests of agriculture, the
employment of our first parents in Eden, the happiest we can follow, and
the most important to our country, while it displays the happy capabili-
ties of that portion of it which you inhabit, it shews how much is yet to
be done to develop them fully. I am not without hope that thro’ your
efforts and example, we shall yet see it a country abounding in wine and
oil. North Carolina has the merit of taking the lead in the former cul-
ture, of giving the first specimen of an exquisite wine, produced in quan-
tity, and established in it’s culture beyond the danger of being discon-
tinued. her Scuppernon wine, made on the Southside of the Sound,
would be distinguished on the best tables of Europe, for it’s fine aroma,
and chrystalline transparence, unhappily that aroma, in most of the
samples I have seen, has been entirely submerged in brandy, this coarse
taste and practice is the peculiarity of Englishmen, and of their apes
Americans. I hope it will be discontinued, and that this fortunate
example will encourage our country to go forward in this culture, the
olive, the Sesamus, the Cane & Coffee offer field enough for the efforts
of your’s and other states South & West of you. we, of this state, must
maice bread, and be contented with so much of that as a miserable insect
will leave us. this remnant will scarcely feed us the present year, for
such swarms of the Wheat-fly were never before seen in this country.

. . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Dr. Josephus B. Stuart.)

Monticello, May 10 1817.

. . . We all know that a farm, however large, is not more difficult to
direct than a garden, and does not call for more attention or skill. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 15; H2.)

(John Adams to Jefferson.)

Quincy, May 26, 1817.

... I congratulate you, and Madison and Monroe, on your noble
employment in founding a university. From such a noble triumvirate
the world expect soniething very great and very new; but if it con-
tains anything quite original, and very excellent, I fear the prejudices
are too deeply rooted to suffer it to last long, though it may be accepted
at first. It will not always have three such colossal reputations to sup-
port it. . . , (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 15: 123.)

(Jefferson to Baron F. H, Alexander von Humboldt.)

Monticello, June 13, 1817.

The receipt of your Distributio Geographka Plantarum, with the
duty of thatLking you for a work which sh^s so much new and valu-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

573

18x7]

able light on botanical science, excites the desire, also, of presenting my-
self to your recollection, and of expressing to you those sentiments of
high admiration and esteem, which although long silent, have never
slept. . . . (Ford, Jefferson is: 68.)

(Jefferson to Albert Gallatin.)

Monticello, June 16, 1817.

, . . We have had a remarkably cold winter. At Hallowell, in
Maine, the mercury was at thirty-four degrees below zero, Fahrenheit,
which is sixteen degrees lower than it was in Paris in 1788^. Here it
was at six degrees above zero, which is our greatest degree of cold. . . .
(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 15: 135.)

(John Love to Jefferson.)

Breckland, July i6th, 1817.

At an early period of the summer, the President passed on this road,
when I had the pleasure of seeing him. He was then satisfyed from
the different appearances of the common wheats, and the kind here called
the Lawler, that the latter was uninjured by the Hessian fly, and en-
gaged from me 200 bush’ls for himself, and 200 for you, to whom he
mentioned his intention to write on the subject. I have still a consider-
able portion of my crop to dispose of, but orders for it have been received
to a considerable amount from different parts of the United States, and
will probably soon be equal to the quantity to be disposed of in this
neighborhood. It may, therefore, be proper that I should more cer-
tainly at this time be informed of your wishes on the subject, as I have
not had the honor of hearing from you. If more should be wished I
can supply it, or if less it will be a matter of no importance. I see small
parcels of it have been raised this year on James River. You have there-
fore probably seen the growth of it, or I would enclose a stalk, it is I
think much harder than that of any other kind. But as the cause of the
exemption of this wheat from the ravages of the fly could not be satis-
factorily agreed on by the members of the committees of this neighbor-
hood, it was not in our power to make any public statement on this part
of the subject.

The crops in this neighborhood of the Lawler wheat are of good
quality, not quite so heavy as the last year; the growth has been very
great as might be expected. My crop i$ entirely clear of disease, altho
I am told in the neighborhood of Fauquier C[ourt] h[ouse] the smut
has appeared in considerable quantity. My farm has not yet been visited
by this dreadfull disease, and I believe it has not found its way to James
river. I think from what I have seen in this neighborhood it is at-
tributable to bad seed, as it is very much the custom here to cut wheat in
a green state, and the seed does not mature so perfectly as when left to
the process of nature.

By the middle or 20th of August, I could be prepared to deliver wheat
for seed. . . . (Ford. Jefferson Correspondence: 231-232,)

574

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1817

(Jefferson to John Love.)

Monticello, August 3, *17,

Your favor of July 16, came to hand yesterday evening only, and I
feel much indebted to the President for having thought of me, and to
yourself for giving me an opportunity of procuring a supply of the
Lawler wheat for seed. I have heard much of it’s superior security
from the fly, and indeed know something of it from an example in my
neighborhood, how it may stand in comparison with our red bearded
wheat in other important circumstances we do not know, and therefore
I have concluded to sow enough of it only to produce my stock of seed
for another year, the little necessary for this I get in my own neighbor-
hood and leave therefore the benefit you offer me for the supply of others
who will want, with abundant thanks for the preference you have been
so good as to offer me. of smut we have had but one example here. I
think with you it proceeds from bad or infected grain, recollecting al-
ways with pleasure the scenes of our cooperation in the public councils I
pray you to accept assurances of my continued esteem and respect.
(Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 332.)

(Francis W. Gilmer to Jefferson.)

Winchester, 18, Aug. 1817.

... I inclose for Mrs. Randolph a few seeds of the plant which has
been dedicated to you, under the name of Jeffersonia. It is not very
beautiful but is curious, and its name will I am sure recommend it to her
piety. It grows in deep, shady bottoms like the May apple (podophyl-
lum peltatum). The seeds came from Harpers Ferry where all the re-
gions of nature have conspired to do you honor. . . . {Francis Gilmer
Letter Book, Missouri Historical Society.)

(Jefferson to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Poplar Forest Aug. 31. 17.

. . . Ellen and Cornelia are the severest students 1 have ever met
with, they never leave their room but to come to meals, about twi-
light of the evening, we sally out with the owls & bats, and take our
evening exocise on the terras, an alteration in that part of the house,
not yet finished, has deprived them the use of their room longer than I
had expected ; but two or three days more will now restore it to them,
. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Edmund Bacon.)

[Monticello] Nov. 13. 17,

... We have saved red Hughes enough from the North orchard to
make a smart cask of cyder, they are now mellow & be ginning to rot.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

575

1817]

I will pray you therefore to have them made into cyder immediately-
let them be made clean one by one, and all the rotten ones thrown away
or the rot cut out. nothing else can ensure fine cyder. . . . (Jefferson
Papers, M. H, S.)

(Jefferson to J. Correa da Scrra.)

Poplar Forest, November 25, 1817.

... I have taken measures to obtain the crested turkey, and will en-
deavor to perpetuate that beautiful and singular characteristic, and shall
be not less earnest in endeavors to raise the Moronnier. . . . (Lipscomb
and Bergh, Jefferson 15: 157.)

i8i8

1818I

where

when.

to table

Miscellanies.

forward potatoes .
Hunter’s peas. . . .
Frame peas

Hunter’s.
Frames. .

Border. I. iq^*.
d“. E. end. . . .

Jan.
Feb. 47.

Submural W..
d". E. .

May 14.
.... 3 >-

May 44.
.... 31 -

Hotspur. .
Ledmans.

Mar. 9.

June J.
. ... 14.

Cabbage early York. . ,
green Savoy.
Savoy Latch

Sprout Kale

Summer Spinach

Orache

cabbage early York. . ,
great Savoy..

Sprout Kale

beets

carrots

aalsafia

16,

40 .

Ledmans .

III.

S4.

Snaps, grey.

Salsafia

Carrots.

Span, tomatas

Nasturtium

Summer Spinach

Okra

cucuAibas frame

long haricots

lima beans

early frame cucumber,
Ledmans.

“ 5 -

46.

30.

Terras A.3,,

island*.

Apr. 4 .

.... 3 .

squashes

wey snaps

name cucumbers,
long haricots. . . .

^nach

Dutch Brown. . . .

island.

, . . . 8 ,

. . . . ti.
May 7,
Sep. li

June 40 .
June II.

Mar. 13. up.

Mar. 13. up. May 6,
blossom. —

d”. May 10.

pod.

Mar. 13. up. May 6.
blossom
ij. pod.

44. up. May 41 .
pod.

. . 4j. up. May 44.
blossom.

June 17.

Mar. 44. almond
blooms.

Apr. 6. up. May a6.
blossom.

June 7. pod,
June 3. blossom.

7. pod.

June 5. blossom
13 - P°d.

June 10. pod.

576

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1818]

577

‘ 1818. Jefferson wrote to the Marquis de Lafayette on
November 23 :

The hand of age, my dear friend, has been pressing heavily on me for
the few last years and has rendered me unequal to the punctualities of
correspondence. My health, too, is lately very much broken down by
an illness of three months from which I am but now on the recovery.
If, therefore, I am slack in acknowledging the receipt of your mu^
valued letters, goodness will ascribe it to its true causes, declining age
and health. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson ig: 268.)

In order to effect a cure for his illness, which he had suffered
most of the summer, Jefferson spent the month of August at
the Warm Springs of Virginia.

He made two trips to Poplar Forest, and as usual enjoyed
the quiet surroundings and the absence of large numbers of
visitors, which flowed to Monticello.

The Commissioners, who had been appointed to select a lo-
cation for the State University of Virginia, decided that Char-
lottesville was the most central place and that Central College
should be renamed the University of Virginia. The final ac-
tion for the change was not taken by the Legislature until the
following year. Jefferson was now busy with the plans for
the enlarged school.

While Jefferson was absorbed in the new University of Vir-
ginia, his financial condition was growing more serious. He
wrote to Mr. Beckley, on April 16, “I have not at this moment
more than 50. dollars in the world at my command” (^Jefferson
Papers, M, H. S.) In spite of this, he endorsed two notes of
ten thousand dollars each, for his old friend, Wilson C. Nicho-
las. This favor was to cause Jefferson partial financial em-
barrassment for the remainder of his life.

Letters covering the same wide range of interests were writ-
ten during the year. They were less numerous, with relatively
fewer on agriculture and related topics.

Edmund Bacon continued as overseer at Monticello, and
Joel Yancey, at Poplar Forest, His grandson, Thomas Jef-
ferson Randolph, supervised the farm and garden affairs, as
well as other concerns of Jefferson. Jefferson recorded the
routine calendar of the vegetable garden, letting others dr
most of the planning and planting.

* Island here probably referred to an isolated place in the
garden.

578

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[i8i8

• Letters and Extracts of Letters, i8i8

(Jefferson to David Hosack.)

Monticello Feb. i8. i8.

I received some time ago from M. Thouin, Director of the Botanical
or King’s garden at Paris, a box containing an assortment of seeds, Non-
American, and therefore presumably acceptable to the American botan-
ist, finding it more and more necessary to abridge the catalogue of my
cares, this is among [those] which I have struck from it. I have there-
fore this day sent the box to Richmond to the care of Cap‘ Peyton of
that place, to be forwarded to you for the use of the Botanical garden
of N. York, to which I presume the assortment may be [acceptabjle, for
I have not opened it nor do I know it’s particular [conten]ts. I am
happy in this disposition of it to fulfill the good intentions of the donor,
and to make it useful to your institution. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Bernard Peyton.)

Monticello, Mar. 20, 18.

. . • The impossibility of buying raw cotton obliges [me] to recur to
the cultivating it myself. So much has it [got] out of practice that
even the seed is lost in this part of the country. Could you possibly buy
me a sack or barrel of about 5 bushels? It will be a great accommoda-
tion to me. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. C. 1 : 269. )

(Jefferson to Jacob Bigelow.)

Monticello, April 11, 1818

I thank you. Sir, for the comparative statement of the climates of the
several States as deduced from observations on the flowering of trees in
the same year. It presents a valuable view and one which it is much to
be desired could be extended through a longer period of years and em-
brace a greater number of those circumstances which indicate climate.

I closed the year before last a seven years’ course of observations in-
tended to characterize the climate of this State, which though very vari-
ous in its various parts may be considered as reduced to a mean at this
place nearly central to the whole. In return for your favor I transcribe
the heads of observation which I thought requisite and some of the gen-
eral results with the assurance of my high respect and esteem.

1. The greatest and least height of the thermometer every day.

2. The greatest, least and mean height of the thermometer in every
month, with the mean of each year and the mean of the seven
years which last was SSi”.

3. The minimum and maximum of the whole term, to wit: Si**
and 944".

4. The number of freezing nights in a winter (30) and of freezing
days (10).

5. How long fires are necessary in our apartments, to wit : 4 months
constant, and on evening and morning of month before and
after that time.

Jefferson’s Garden Book

i8i8]

579

6. The earliest frost in autumn Oct. 7-36, and the latest in spring
Mar. 19-May I.

7. The earliest ice in autumn Oct. 24-Nov. 15, and latest in
spring Mar. 8-Apr. 10.

8. The quantity of water falling in a year, average 47.218.
g. The number of rains in the year, 89.

10. The number of fair days average 5 to the week.

The number of snow 22 J inches average covers the ground 22
days.

12. The number of days each wind prevailed through the year.

13. The flowering of plants, ripening of their fruit and coming to
table of the products of the garden, arrival of birds, insects, etc.

14. The teniperature of the springs 54^“, the winter air being at 75“.

15. The latitude of the place of observation (Monticello) 37° 57'
5 i "-26".

Extract from Number 13;

The peach blossoms Mar. 9— Apr. 4.

The tick appears Mar. 15-Apr. 2.

The house martin Mar. i8-Apr. 9.

Asparagus come to table Mar. 23-Apr. 14.

The lilac blooms Apr. i— Apr. 28.

The red bud blooms Apr. 2-19.

The whip-poor-will is heard Apr. 2-2 1.

The dogwood blossoms Apr. 3-33.

The locust blossoms Apr. 25— May 17.

Garden pea comes to table (unforced) May 3-25,
Strawberries ripe May 3—25.

Fireflies appear May 8.

Cherries ripe May 18-25.

Wheat harvest begins June 21—29.

Cucumbers at table (unforced) June 22-25.

Peaches ripe July 7-21.

Katydids or sawyers heard July 14—20.

Average of Every Month

Prevalence of the
several winds stated
in days of year

Therm.

Rain

Tan

15 ,

45 i

3.66

Feb

3-47

3.99

t.co

N. 61

N. E. 29

E. I?

S. E. 16

May

5.M

1.47

S. 60

July

S. W. 66

4.06

W.47

N, W. 71

5.96

, 3-40

2.02

I.j6

36 j

(Lipscomb and Bergh, Jeffersou 19: 259-261.)

Jefferson's Garden Book

580

[i8i8

(Jefferson to Thomas Digges.)

Monticello June 15. 18.

... I thank you for thinking of me as to the spring wheat, my
family will try it with pleasure, meddling little myself with the affairs
of the farm. , . . {Jefferson Papers, h. C.)

(Jefferson to Honore Jullien.)

Monticello Oct. 6. 18.

I thank you, my good friend, for the favors of the cheese & seeds men-
tioned in your letter of Sept. ii. to have been forwarded to me. if by
water, they will probably still come safely to hand: but if by the stage,
they have probably stopped at Fredericlsburg or at some other stage
house by the way. uncertain by what route they have been forwarded,
1 have been unable to enquire for th'em. but whether lost or safe, I
receive it as a mark of your good will which is more acceptable to me
than the objects themselves. I am recovering from a long indisposition,
and not yet able to sit up to write but with pain. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to Nathaniel Bowditch.)

Monticello, October 26, 1818.

. . . The soil in this part of the country is as fertile as any upland
soil in any of the maritime States, inhabited fully by substantial yeo-
manry of farmers (tobacco long since given up) and being at the first
ridge of mountains there is not a healthier or more genial climate in the
world. Our maximum of heat and that only of one or two days in
summer is about 96, the minimum in winter is 5^, but the mean of the
months of June, July, August is 72, 75, 73, and of December, January,
February is 45, 36, 40. The thermometer is below 55 (the fire point)
four months of the year and about a month before and after that we
require fire in the mornings and evenings. Our average of snow is 22
indies, covering the ground as many days in the winter. . . . (Lips-
comb and Bergh, Jefferson rg; 266.)

(Henry E, Watkins to Jefferson.)

Prince Edward
Nov. 6*^ i8i8.

You were good enough to say, when I had the pleasure of seeing you
in Stanton, that you would send me some of the seed of the succory, if I
would remind you of it after your return home. It is therefore that
I now take the liberty of requesting that you would forward me a
parcel of the seed of this plant; and I do this with the less reluctance
from a confidence that you think highly of its usefulness, and would be
gratified in giving aid to its more extensive cultivation. 1 am desirous
of trying it under favourable circumstances, and would be glad to be in-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

581

1818]

formed (if you have leisure) what kind of soil suits it best, what is the
proper time and manner of sowing it, and how it should be worked. A
package directed to me, and sent to the care of Ellis & Allan, of Rich-
mond, would probably be safely received. . . . {Jefferson PaperSj
United States Department of Agriculture.)

(Jefferson to Henry E. Watkins.)

Monticello Nov. 27. 18.

Your fav'. of the 6““ did not get to hand till the 23“. and I now with
pleasure send you as much of the Succory seed as can well go under the
volume of a letter, as I mentioned to our colleagues at the Gap, I had
forgotten which of them expressed a willingness to try this plant, and
therefore I have waited for their application, having taken care to have
a plenty of seed saved.

Sow the seed in rich beds, as you would tobacco seed, and take the
advantage of good seasons in the spring to draw and transplant them,
the ground should be well prepared by the plough. I have generally set
the plants 18. I. or 2. f. apart every way, to give room for several weed-
ings the summer, for during that they are too weak to contend with
the weeds, after that they will not be in danger from weeds, do not
cut the plants the i“. year that they may shed their seed and fill up all
the intervals, the grazing of sheep destroys the plant, it is perennial,
and of immense produce, and is a tolerable sallad for the table in ^e
spring, somewhat like the turnep tops but earlier, the warm spring
bath proved extremely injurious to my health. I have been very poorly
ever since, but within a week past have got on horseback, altho’ not yet
entirely well. . . . {Jefferson Papers, United States Department of
Agricidture.)

Miscellenea.

1819.*

where

when

come to
table

high hed

Jan. 36,

true early Frame peas

Submural. . . .

Jan. 37.

May 13.

. . . .

Celery

low grounds . .

Feb. 5.

. a . . It*

£flr]y York

SavoyA

Sprouf Kale

R^ppinillllllllllHHIIII

Hotspurs * . «

Feb. 34.

Mar. 3.

June 4.

.... 13 -

Cir Ach

Lettuce ice\

June 3,

June 3.
June t6.

June 18.

June 9.

ra(y8h. j 1

Spinach. Smooth.

.... x<J

Q^ach

Leadmans

18.

Chick peas from Julien * . .

Snaps grey

Apr, X.

Salsafia.

Carrots

tomatas

okra

nasturtium

beets,

cucumbers

orach.

spinach smooth

IHHIIII

lettuce, wh. & Ten. ball. .

■

Mar. 3. up.

Mar . 3. u p. failed
afterwds

these are Hunters.
Mar. 3. up. Apr. aa,
blos^. 30. pod.
May. 28. late gather-
ing

ar. 4. up.
blossom. M

Apr. 30.
ay 9. pod.

failed

May 8. blossom.
14. pod.

May 1$. blossom.
36 pod.

failed.

succeeded

May 31 . blossom.

pod June 3 ,

try planting them i**.

week of April, say

they***.

May 35. blossom.
June 3. pod.

succeeded
last dish. June i.

58a

Jefferson’s Garden Book

583

1819]

1819.*

where

when

come to
table

Miscellenea.

radishes

Lima beans

Long Haricots

lettuce ice & Tennis ....
wild goose bean to wit
French dry haricot.

Lange *

Marrow fats

red bloss° kidn|
IV

.. 6 .

ey bean. .

Ledmans.

July g.
July 13.

June 14.
June ai.

snaps

lentils

Orach

green curled Savoys. . .

snaps

Silesia lettuce

Orach

Swed. turneps. Vaughan ‘|
snaps

squitch spots ^

. . . 13 -
May 3.

XVII.a.N.,

A.l3.terras.

аа.

аб.

May ay. blossom.

{ une 10. pod
une 3. blossom.
June 10 pod” some
day,

June 4. blossom.

June II. blossom

1819.' May 6. put a carp into the a^. fishpond and 4. chubs into the 3^. the i‘^ or
wpermost pond is for eus.i the carp 8c chub came from GenL
Coclce s ^

May. eels put into the 1**. pond as we catch them are 4-^-a-fa•^-7■^-34-l.
Oct. 19. planted Seakale ' 6. rows 100 .f. long, 16 L apart, & the seeds 16. 1 .
(fiat*, in y* row making 6. rows of 75. holes each » Sao, holes or plants. 6 seeds in
each hole.

* iS/ff. Jefferson suffered two severe spells of sickness
during the autumn of the year. The second one almost
caused his death. By the end of October, however, he was
able to be on his horse again and was riding over his farms.

On April 9 the North Pavilion of Jefferson’s house was
burned. Fortunately the fire was confined to the Pavilion and
did not reach the main house. He wrote to William Short
on June 22 : “The conflagration in which you are kind enough
to take an interest was only of a detached pavilion, which is
no,w again under repair" {Jeferson Papers, M. H. C. i ; 286) .

The cisterns at Monticello we-e still leaking, causing the
loss of a valuable supply of water that was so sorely needed
on top of the mountain. On May 15 Jefferson “inclosed to
W. J. Coffee N. York 40. D. to procure Roman cement for

£04 Jefferson’s Garden Book ti8i9

my cisterns.” It is doubtful if Jefferson’s cisterns were ever
wholly satisfactory.

Jefferson made only two visits to Poplar Forest this year;
however, he remained there two months at the summer visit.
While at Poplar Forest, he supervised the laying of a marble
hearth and the plastering of the ceiling of the dining room.

The Calendar in the Garden Book is fuller this year, but
the variety of vegetables is the same. There is no mention of
fruit trees. Letters on agricultural matters dwindle markedly
in number and in interest. The University of Virginia was
taking the place of agriculture in Jefferson’s thinking and writ-
ing. The work on the University buildings was progressing,
but Jefferson had many problems to solve in order to carry on
the building program.

*Mr. Jullien, one of Jefferson’s favorite servants at the
White House during his Presidency. See letter, Jefferson to
Mr. Jullien, October 6, i8i8.

‘ Abraham Lange. See letter, Jefferson to Abraham Lange
[=Laage], January 24, 1819.

‘Squitch spots (altered form of quitch), couch-grass {Tri-
ticum repens). It evidently means here that lentils were
planted in spots where couch-grass formerly grew. (See Ox-
ford English Dictionary 9; 751.)

® Benjamin Vaughan ( 1751-1835), diplomat, political econ-
omist, and agriculturist, the eldest son of Samuel Vaughan, a
London merchant, and Sarah (Hallowell) Vaughan, of Bos-
ton, Massachusetts. He was graduated in medicine from
Edinburgh in 1781. He was a friend of Franklin and Jef-
ferson, and often corresponded with the latter. {Diet. Am.
Biog. 19; 233-235.) See letter, Benjamin Vaughan to Mrs.
Martha Randolph, June 23, 1819.

* This entry has been removed from page 56 of the Garden
Book and inserted here in proper chronological order.

^ Anguilla bostoniensis, the American eel, is often used for
food.

* John Hartwell Cocke (September 19, 1780— July i, 1866),
planter, publicist, was born in Surry County, Virginia. He
attended the College of William and Mary (l794-i799)>
and about 1803 settled at Bremo, his country estate, in Fluv-
anna County, Virginia. During the War of 1812 he rose

Jefferson’s Garden Book

58s

1819]

from a captain to a brigadier-general. He was a progressive
agriculturist and interested in varied public improvements.
Jefferson and Mr. Cocke were friends and neighbors. When
Jefferson was founding the University of Virginia, Mr. Cocke
played a conspicuous part in the building program. {Diet.
Am. Biog. 4: 253-254.) (For Jefferson’s estimate of Gen-
eral Cocke, see letter, Jefferson to John David, January 13,
1816.)

* Crambe maritima L. Sea kale.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1819

(Jefferson to Joel Yancey.)

Monticello Jan. 17. 19.

... 1 shall be very glad to receive the latter peas I liked so much
the last year and hope Nace has saved me a full sowing of them. ... I
will ask the favor of you to send by Jerry the Athenian poplars in the
nursery of the garden, you will know them by the stem being ribbed,
which distinguish them from the Lombardy poplars & aspens in the
same place. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Abraham Lange [=Laage].)

Monticello Jan. 24. 19

Th: Jefferson presents his compliments to M'. Lange and his thanks
for the two parcels of beans he has been so kind as to send him. they
are safely received, and are quite sufficient in quantity to put him
promptly into stock and with his acknolegements for the favor, he
salutes M. Lange with esteem & respect. (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Fontaine Maury to Jefferson.)

Washington, Feby. 14, 1819.

I have lately imported from England a small quantity of Talevera
wheat, which was procured by a particular Friend of ray Brother from
the Farm of Sir Watkins Williams Wynne of Wynnstay, Wales, who
is estimated to be one of the most celebrated agriculturists in that Coun-
try, and as you, at least, have the reputation of being a zealous pro-
moter of that Science, in this, I have taken the liberty to transmit to
you for trial a small partition of what I have remaining. You also have
a description of its properties, to which I am told may be added the fa-
vorable circumstance of its maturing ten or fifteen days earlier than
most other wheats. My brother James in a late letter speaks of you
with his usual interest, and has directed his son Matthew, to make you
a call before he leaves this Country, which I have also desired him to do.
. . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 244-245.)

Jefferson’s Garden Book

586

[1819

(Jefferson to Fontaine Maury.)

Monticello Feb. 21. i8ig.

. . . the torpidity of age having detached me from all pursuits of that
kind, I have put it [wheat] into the hands of my son in law, Colo. Ran-
dolph, and of my grandson, our best farmers in this neighborhood who
will give it a fair and skilful trial. ... be so kind as with my thanks
for the wheat, to accept for yourself the assurance of my great esteem
and respect. . . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 245.)

(Jefferson to James Madison.)

Monticello, Mar. 3. 19.

I promised your gardener some seeds which I put under a separate
cover and address to you by mail. . . . (Ford, Jefferson la: 1 16.)

Mar. ag, 1819

Notes on the Culture of the Swedish Turnip, as practised in Maine
with success.

1. Rich loam, or black mould is found to suit it best.

a. The land should be new, (either from turning up the sod, or from
burnt woods) ; or well manured with stable manure the year preceding;
for if done the same year, you will be troubled with worms & other in-
sects. Plaister of Paris may be applied to it, with great advantage ; —
both by rolling the seed in it, & as a top dressing.

3. When the ground is well ploughed & harrowed, & immediately
after planting your corn; sow the turnip seed in drills, 3 or 3^ feet
asunder; dropping at least one seed to every three inches; in order to
admit of some being destroyed, and still having enough left for selec-
tion, when they are thinned at the second hoeing.

4, This crop must be kept clean by the hoe ; and at the second hoing,
the plants in the rows are to be left from i foot to 15 Inches from each
other; always selecting the most vigorous.

The success of this crop depends much upon its being kept clean, &
receiving frequent rains. Should both these circumstances concur, from
2 to 500 bushels may be expected on an acre ; according to climate & soil.

In Maine, the Turnip must be housed early in the fall ; tho’ a slight
frost does not affect it. Perhaps the whole crop would stand out dur-
ing a Virginia Winter,

.As food for cattle & sheep, it should be used with a proportion of hay
or dry fodder ; ic not more than a peck, or half a bushel, per day, given
to an ox weighing 800 lbs ; & in like proportion to smaller animals. For
horses & milch cows, the carrot is preferable. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

(Jefferson to William J. Coffee.)

Monticello May 15. 19.

I have been long indebted to you for your letter of Nov. 7. explaining
to me the nature & character or the Roman cement, and Idndiy offering

Jefferson’s Garden Book

587

1819]

your assistance in procuring it. as the proper season is now arrived for
using it, I wish to try it on one of my 4 cisterns, and if I find we can
execute it efFectudly, I may then ask more for the other three. I there-
fore now inclose 40. D. and ask the favor of you to send me as many
barrels of the cement as that may procure to be forwarded by sea to
Cap‘ Bernard Peyton of Richmond. I am particularly thankful for the
exactness of your instructions as to the manipulation. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Benjamin Vaughan to Martha (Jefferson) Randolph.)

Hallowell, June 23, 1819.

. . . The packet of Swedish turnip seed was sent, as desired, with a
letter from my eldest son, W“. Oliver Vaughan. . . . {Jefferson Papers,
M. H. C. i: 283.)

(Martha (Jefferson) Randolph to Jefferson.)

Monticello Aug. 7. 1819.

. . . We are still suffering from the drought here. Jefferson thinks
that not much of his corn is so far gone but what it might still recover
if we have rain soon, the thermometer in your window was many days
at 94 the other one 13^.... {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

From the Account Book 1809-1820:

Jan. 1. mf. Eppes’s Martin for Thorn haws. 50.

Planting Memorandum for Poplar Forest, 1819:

1819. Apr. 23. planted in the garden under the N. wall of the stable
20. cuttings of Balsam poplars from mf Radford
(some may live). {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

i 820

Maj 25. bl(

^90 Jeffjsrson’s Garden Book . [1820

^ 1820. Jefferson’s health was far below normal during
the year. He wrote to William Short on April 13;

You kindly inquire after my health. There is nothing in it immedi-
ately threatening, but swelled legs, which are kept down mechanically,
by bandages from the toe to the knee. These I have worn for six
months. But the tendency to turgidity may proceed from debility alone.
1 can walk the round of my garden ; not more. But I ride six or eight
miles a day without fatigue. I shall set out for Poplar Forest within
three or four days; a journey from which my physician augurs much
good. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 15: 248.)

On September 30 he mentioned the same subject to his friend,
Charles Pinckney, whom he had not seen for twenty years :

Twenty years added to fifty-seven make quite a different man. To
threescore and seventeen add two years of prostrate health, and you have
the old, infirm, and nerveless body I now am, unable to write but with
pain, and unwilling to think widiout necessity. (Ford, Jefferson la :
164.)

But Jefferson was not idle. In fact, he was far more ac-
tive than these letters would indicate. He was spending all
of his spare hours at the University, of which he wrote to Mr.
Short, in another part of the letter quoted above;

Seven of the ten pavilions destined for the professors, and about thirty
dormitories, will be completed this year; and three other, with six hotels
for boarding, and seventy other dormitories, will be completed the next
year, and the whole be in readiness then to receive those who are to
occupy them.

That he was building the University with the same earnest
zeal that characterized all of his labors is shown in a letter to
Mr. Correa, written on October 24, in which he refers to “our
University, the last of my mortal cares, and the last service I
can render my country” (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 15 ;
285).

Jefferson again visited Poplar Forest twice during the year.
He was usually accompanied on these trips by some of his
granddaughters, whose presence took away much of the lone-
liness that he suffered when he was away from Monticello.

Jefferson’s mills became more active during the fall of the
year. He wrote in the Account Book for the year: “Sept. 7.
the elevators of the mill are now ready for taking in , wheat &
we will grind next week.” And on September 30 he wrote :
“The merchant mill began to grind corn on the 25 inst.”

Jefferson’s Garden Book

591

1820]

In spite of his much 'stiffened wrist, Jefferson wrote more
and more letters. The plants he received from others were
usually passed on to his son-in-law, or to his grandson, Jeffer-
son Randolph. A few new varieties of familiar species occur
in the Calendar of the garden for the year.

Thomas Mann Randolph was now Governor of Virginia,
so that most of his time was spent at Richmond. Mrs. Ran-
dolph divided her time between Richmond and Monticello.

* Thomas Jefferson Randolph ( 1792—1875), son of Thomas
Mann Randolph and Martha (Jefferson) Randolph, and
grandson of Jefferson.

* James Leitch was a prominent merchant of Charlottesville,
with whom Jefferson traded for many years.

* William J. Coffee, of New York. See letters, Jefferson to
William J. Coffee, May 15, 1819, and Jefferson to Richard
Randolph, May 13, 1822.

* The Italian plants named here probably came from
Thomas Appleton, of Leghorn, Italy.

“ This entry has been removed from page 56 of the Garden
Book and inserted here in proper chronological order.

^ See letter, George Divers to Jefferson, May 3, 1820.

Letters and Extract or Letters, 1820

(Thomas Appleton to Jefferson.)

Leghorn 2i'‘. January 1820.

... I have inclos'd in the bag of hemp seed, four little bundles of the
white, genlilli wheat, and it is directed to the care of the Collector of
the port of Alexandria. . . . (Jefferson Papers^ L. C.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington Feb. 28, i8ao.

I am sorry I cannot supply you with all the pot-herbs wanted, we
have not the Sweet Marjoram, sweet basil, or summer savory. I send
you some Marjoram, winter savory and Thyme. (Jefferson Papers,

M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Bernard Peyton.)

Monticello Apr. ii. 20.

I received in due time your favor of March 30. and on reconsidera-
tion of the subject, have changed my mind, while I lived in Washing-
ton I received sample of wheat from Chile, which I gave to mf Divers

592

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1820

to take care of. it proves not so productive as our own but whiter
than the whitest of the May wheat, at the next harvest I will get mf
Divers to prepare half a dozen barrels of that which sent as a rarity
can be more delicately offered in that character as well as for its su-
perior excellency. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(George Divers to Jefferson.)

Farmington May 3, 1820.

My sea kale plants are quite too small to transplant; they are how-
ever out of the way of the fly & if the worms don’t destroy them I can
supply you with as many plants as will make a pretty good bed in the
course of 10 or 12 days. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to John S. Skinner.)

Monticello May 16. 20.

I am not able to give you any certain information of the Lupinella.
mf Appleton, our Consul at Leghorn sent me some of the seed, but,
done at length with these things, and more disposed to retire from old
cares than to undertake new ones, I put it into younger hands for trial.
I saw, in one instance, the young plants, just up, and leafed, and thought
them decisively the Saint fob, already known to us, and so generally
cultivated on the borders of the Mediterranean, never having seen the
term Lupinella in any book either of Italian or other husbandry nor
even in a dictionary I supposed it to be the local, and especially the
Tuscan name for fob. but this is conjecture only, there is a species
of S*. fob, called Sulla, raised abundantly in the island of Malta, where
no rain falls from Spring to Autumn, and which still yields good crops,
it is not so heavily leafed as the other, but is very valuable for countries
subject to severe droughts, about the year 1785. or 6. I procured the
seed of this from Malta, and sent it to the Agricultural society of South
Carolina; but 1 believe they found it less advantageous than the Guinea
grass and did not pursue it’s culture. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

i82I

iSai.t

where

when

come to
table

May peas

Lietch’s peas

Frame peas

June 4. . . .

loaf June 7.

Celery

.... 11.

lettuce wh. & Ice

radishes.

.... IC.

spinach summ'

cabbage Early York. ,

Spinach Sum

. • . . 174

Carrots

Hotspur pcass

Mar. I.

June 4....

Marrow fats, .......

.... 12.

soinach

.... IC.

Marrow fata .

• • . . 11«

SaUaiia.

.... ai*

Saa Kale

• . . . a^

Sum. Spinach

.... a 7 w

Orach.*.

.... ao.

Oniotia

Naaturdum

same bed

— 30.

Apr. 3.
.... 7 *

Tomataa. both

Murpw fats \

Leitch’s latter/

Snaps.

June 7....
.... ao.
June 43.

.... 18.

aquaahea

scarlet beans.

.... la

white haricots

ImiiMWi

innmni

Miscellaneous

Mu. 1. up. Mar. 19. com.
pleatly killed, thermom.

40 ®

Mu. 19. compleatly
killed.

Mu. 19. lulled BO as to
make seed only, a few
only came to table

Feb. 41 .* planted 7. moun-
tain raspberries in the up.
permost raspberry terras.

these run to seed.

Mu. 46. up. May 6 .

blossom.

ar. up

July 14. last dish.
May 46. blossom.

593

594

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[iSri

i8ai.i

where

when

come to
table

Miscellaneous

a. kinds of peas. LietcK
Marrow fats \

.... 16.

Leitch's latter/

White h&ricots

.... ao.

long haricots

May 7.
.... lo. '

snspa

squashes

June ai. j

Sep. 17.
Sep. 36.

Sea Kale. . . . :

Spinach winter

Lettuce Dutch B

Sea kale

^ iSzT. Jefferson's health was greatly Improved this year.
His life, accordingly, became more active. He wrote to his
old friend, Lafayette, on March 22: “My health is better, but
not good, so weak as not to walk further than my garden,
but I ride with little fatigue” (Ford, Jefferson Correspond-
ence: 259 ) . By November 24 he was writing to Mr. William
Short in a much more buoyant spirit:

Your welcome favor of the 12 ^ came to hand two days ago. I was
just returned from Poplar Forest, which I have visited four times this
year. I have an excellent house there, inferior only to Monticello, am
comfortably fixed and attended, have a few good neighbors, and pass
my time there in a tranquility and retirement much adapted to my age
and indolence. You so kindly ask an explanation of the illness which
held me so long that I feel it a du^ to give it. Having been long sub-
ject to local and slight affections of rheumatism, and being at Staunton
on other business, I thought I would go to the Warmsprings and eradi-
cate the seeds of it, for I was then in perfect health. I used the bath
moderately for three week. I was not quick enough, however, in ob-
serving the gradual debility it was bringing on me. At length it pro-
duced a general eruption and imposthume. After a painful journey 1 got
hoine unable to walk without help, and the debility and indisposition
rapidly increased and reduced me to death’s door. Swelled legs began
to threaten dropsy, aided by a prostration of the visceral powers. Aban-
doning medicine, however, and fortifying my legs by bandages con-
tinued 8 or 10 months, 1 am at length entirely recovered, and suppose
myself as well as I ever shall be. I am very little able to walk„but ride
freely without fatigue. No better proof than that on a late visit to the

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1821]

595

Natural Bridge I was six dajre successively on horseback from breakfast
to sunset. {Jefferson Papers, M. H, C. i: 307-308.)

The renewed activity that Jefferson was enjoying was de-
voted mainly to the new University. Little time was alloted
to the garden. The routine Calendar of the garden was set
down in the Garden Book, with a few new varieties added.
He did manage, Jiowever, to make four visits to Poplar Forest.

Repairs on the cisterns were made in the fall of the year.
Jefferson received the Roman cement ordered from Mr. Coffee
and paid on September 29 “Chisolm’s Lewis gratuity for
cistern i. D.”

Early in the year Jefferson wrote to Joel Yancey, his over-
seer at Poplar Forest, that he had now placed his grandson,
Jefferson Randolph, in charge of all of his plantations. Be-
fore this year Jefferson had continued to supervise the planta-
tion at Poplar Forest, while his grandson attended to those in
Albemarle County.

Jefferson’s letters generally were fdwer this year, owing no
doubt to his increased activity and the difficulty of writing
with a stiffened wrist.

* See letter, Jefferson to Mrs. Trist, February 21, 1821.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1821

(Isaac A. Coles to Jefferson.)

Clarksville, Pike County, Missouri.

Feby 15“*. 1821.

1 send you enclosed a specimen of WUd Hemp which I find in great
abundance on many parts of my Land. We have collected a sufficient
quantity of it for idl our purposes, and find that it makes a much
stronger rope than the Hemp of Virginia, the stem is generally of the
size of ones finger, and from 5 to 10 feet in height, it is a perennial
Plant, delights in low, moist, rich land, and yields fully as well (I
think) as the common hemp. The seeds are small, resembling very
much the seed of the Yellow Jessamine but larger and more full, and
are contained in pods on the top of the Plant, as these burst open in the
early part of winter, I have not been able to procure any of the seed to
send you. The specimen enclosed was [taken?] from a stalk which I
yesterday cut in the woods and prepared as you see it, by merely rubbing
it between my fingers & then combing it straight with my pocket comb.
It has stood out exposed in the woods the whole winter. As there is
now nothing remaining of this Plant, but the naked stem and the roote
(whi<^ are exceedingly numerous) it will be difficult to class it, but it

' Jefferson’s Garden Book

596

[1821

does not appear to me to resemble at all either Hemp or flax. What-
ever it may be, it must, I think, prove a Plant of great value. The
strength, delicacy, softness & whiteness of the fibre, will no doubt be
greatly improved by being cut at the proper time, & healed in a proper
manner, & being a perennial, when once sowed it will last for ages, and,
may be cut with as little trouble as a timothy meadow. I do not dispair
still of being able to procure a few of the seed, and if I succeed they shall
be forward^ to you. An inch or two of the top of the Plant, with two
pods are also inclosed. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Bernard Peyton.)

Monticello Feb. 20. 21.

... I am in want of some earthen pots for covering plants of Sea
Kale in the garden. I am told they are made at a Pottery, in or near
Richmond, will you get me i hundred. ... I must also request you
to get from some of the seed-dealers 4. oz. green curled Savory seed and
forward it by mail in a letter. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Mrs. Elizabeth Trist.)

Monticello Feb. 21. 21.

I am very thankful my dear Madam for Miss Polly Mark’s kind at-
tention to my wishes for the Mountain raspberry, and I pray you give
her that assurance. I now send for them. . . . Mrs. Randolph is to
try the flowering bean, we were unlucky as to fail last year in saving
the seed of the green Curled Savory, if mf Divers has any to spare I
shall be much obliged to him for a little. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M.
H. S.)

(Jefferson to General John H. Cocke.)

Monticello Mar. xa. 1821.

Our last mail brought me a letter from mf Rodney and the inclosed
seeds of pumpkin and asparagus for you. ... if you have any Sea-Kale
seed to spare I will thank you for some to replenish my bed. they had
better come by mail dispat^. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to John H. Cocke.)

Monticello Apr. i. 21. Sunday Morn.

... 1 return you many thanks for the carp and for the Kale seed you
were so kind as to send and salute you with affectionate esteem and re-
spect. . . . {Jefferson Papers, U, Va.)

(Jefferson to Jonathan Thompson.)

Monticello, June 25, 21.

I am thankful to you for your notice of the 14th respecting a box of
seeds. This comes from the King's garden at Paris. They send me a

Jepperson's Garobk Book

1821]

597

box annually, depending on my applying it for the public benefit. I
have generally had them delivered for a public garden at Philadelphia
or to Dr. Hosack for the Botanical Garden at N. York. I am inclined
to believe that he now receives such an one from the same place. If he
does not, be so good as to deliver it to him, but if of no use to him let it
come to Richmond to the care of Capt Bernard Peyton my corre-
spondent there, and your note of any expense attending it will be im-
mediately replaced either by him or myself. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
Missouri.)

(Samuel Maverick to Jefferson.)

Montpelier, Pendleton Disti So: Carolina,

Augt. II, i8ai.

For many years past I have been in the habit of Cultivating the Grape
Vine and with various Success, owing to some cause or other they verry
generally Rotted, and which has ailmost allways happened Just at the
moment as it were when they have attained their full size, they then
take a drab Coloured spot on one side which spreads in a few days over
the Grape and has the appearance of being scalded and in that state they
readily part from the Vine, that is they are easily shook of, this
phenominon is most comon to the large Dark purple or Black Grape,
the white Chasilas and several other Kinds of Grape are infested with
the same Brown spot, drys a way flatning on one side, and the Branches
fall off. I have a Valuable Grape now in Bearing, which is said to have
been procured from you some years past it has made its appearance in
this part of the Country or Rather I have procured it in two ways One
from Col : Hawkins from the Creek Nation, and ia another from a Mr.
Booth from Virginia this has ripened well and is a good Bearer, I now
have Inclosed two Leaves from that Vine in order that you may be better
inabled to give me Information what grape it is, and where Imported
from, for several reasons. One of which is to compair the similarity of
Effect in perhaps different Latitudes, and for a further Importation of
Vines, the Bunches on this Vine contain generally from 20 to 40 Grapes,
and after attaining i to | Inch in Diameter, they turn light Coloured,
then gradually assume the Colour of Madarah wine or light brick
Colour, the Grape is nearly round, flattened a little at the ends, and
rather most at the stem, the fruit is verry Excelent, but leaves a verry
slight astringent tast in the skin.

I am in Latitude 34.20 the Land lays pleasantly Rolling, perhaps one
of the Best watered Countrys in America, about 30 miles below the
Table Mountain which forms part of the Great Chain running threw
this Continent our soil is various, and in my particular neighbourhood
and farm we have a mixture of sand and Black Loom from 4 to 12
Inches on a Greasy Red Retentive Clay, on which I have tryed various
Methods to Cultivate the Vine, on Arbours, Aspilliers and frames 2^
foot high training them Horisontally, but I find to train them on Poles
about 10 foot high, running them up in single stems and Exposing them

Jefferson’s Garden Book

598

[1821

to the Sun and air, answers best with me and occasionally pulling off the
Leaves, on a Gradual South Exposiour, I have Laid of Horisontal Beds
5 foot wide, with 10 foot space Between from which I have taken off all
the Soil, I carted on Top soil, Cow manure and sand on the Beds and
Incorporated them with a Portion of the Clay and soil from 2^ to 3
foot deep, and planted one Row of Vines about fa to 8 foot apart on
Each Bed, in this way alone I have been inabled to rase the Large Black
Grape, which has allmost invariably rotted in every other way, the only
appology I have to offer for this paper to you is the Emence Importance
to this Country in the Introduction of a New and Valuable Article of
Commerce, as well as a most delicious and agreeable fruit, the Introduc-
tion of which may perhaps ameliorate the awful effects of spiritual
Liquor. I have in my Colection a Small Grape in Tolerable size
Bunches say d to ^ lb in weight which Ripens well, very sweet and de-
licious flavour, wild grapes are plenty and Consist of the Large Black
Muscadine small thin Leaf groes on Rich Bottom Lands — Fox Grape
Black Red and White — the summer Grape on high land the small
winter Grape on water Courses and a new kind I have just discovered,
but some what similar to the summer Grape and I supose of that kind
the Bunches and Berrys Larger ripens well, if there is any thing in this
way, which strikes your fancy, you will please to order me to whom and
where I shall send them by way of Charleston to you, to which place I
will forward them by a waggon.

1 shall consider it a great favour for any Information Relitive to the
Grape Vine as to Soil, Manure, Climate, Exposier, prooning, Kinds, or
any thing else, I once had the pleasure of speaking to you on the Road,
my Unde Wm. Turpin and mysdf met you in passing through Virginia
on our way to Carolina about 13 years ago, since when he has settled
himself at New Rotchcll New York.

are they not Various other plants that might be Introduced for the
great Convenience and Cumfort of the Inhabitance of this wide Ex-
tended Country, even Tea and other Luxerys to sasiate the avoricc of
Comerce, or at leak to spair the Ne[ce]essity of the Millions yearly Ex-
pended in protecting the Introduction of scarce articles which we might
have in great profusion at home, it appears to me that there is no Excuse
Except to keep yp a nursery of seamen and follow the old plan of those
Nations of Europe differently situated from us, they from Nc[ce]ssity
have become Amphibious, but we are Land Animals, and will perhaps
indanger our political Existence by following them too far into the
water. . . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence; 261-26^.)

From the Account Book iSzi-'iSzd:

Sept. 16. p^. Nace for bringing up pots for sea Kale 2. D. [See letter,
Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, February 20, 1821.]

Sept. 29. Chisolm’s Lewis gratuity for cistern i. D.

i 822

1824 .»

where

when

come to
table

Lettuce wh, & Ice.

Spinach Summer. .

May peas..

peas [torn Leitch . .

Frames.

Hotspurs.

jsubmural

submural
bord. I-V

Feb. 23.
Feb. 45.

March a. potted* 30. plants
of sea-kale ay. old complect.

beet

Savoys.

Sprout Kale

Hotspurs

Marrow fats

beets

carrots

okra

orach

Spinach

nasturdum

saisafy.

snaps

Span, tomatas

Marrow fats,

long haricots

Lima beans

scarlet beans

marrow fats

snaps

Limas. G. D *

quashes. Dearb .
Cucumbers frame. . .
d®. forward Bank.*. .

white haricots

cucumb. long green.

Gerkins

snaps

lettuce. T.B. & D.B.‘
Spinach winter,; ....
mustard i D. Hig*. .

Dutch brown

^inach winter.

Dutch brown

^inach winter

Dutch brown

Spinach

. . . . 26.
Mar. 6.

Mar. 9. up. Apr. 22. blossom
Mar. 10. up Apr. aj
blossom
Apr. 26.
blossom.

Apr. 27.
blossom

Mar. n. up.

II.

16.

aj,

. 49,
Apr. ii

* 5 -

21.

July 15.

June 15.

*3'

30 '

May 6 .
Aug. 26.

Sep. 2.
Sep. 9

30.

partly lulled by frost Apr. 22,
July 6. gone.

sowed 3. beds

599

6oo Jefferson’s Garden Book [1822

^ 1822. A few extracts from letters written during the
year give a pretty clear picture of Jefferson and what he was
doing. His interests and complaints were the same as in the
previous years. He wrote to Samuel Maverick, of South
Carolina, on May 12:

Age, debility and decay of memory have for some time withdrawn me
from attention to matters without doors, the grape you inquire after as
having gone from this place is not now recollected by me. as some in
my vineyard have died, others have been substituted without noting
which, so that at present all are unknown, that as good wines will be
made in America as in Europe the Scuppernon of North Carolina fur-
nishes sufficient proof, the vine is congenial to every climate in Europe
from Hungary to the Mediterranean, and will be bound to succeed in
the same temperatures here wherever tried by intelligent vignerons. the
culture however is more desirable for domestic use than profitable as an
occupation for market, in countries which use ardent spirits drunken-
ness is the mortal vice; but in those which make wine for common use
you never see a drunkard. (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 270-271.)

On October 29, in a letter addressed to Albert Gallatin,
Jefferson wrote :

Our University of Virginia, my present hobby, has been at a stand for
a twelve-month past for want of funds. . . . The institution is so far
advanced that it will force itself through. So little is now wanting that
the first liberal Legislature will give it its last lift. (Ford, Jefferson
13 : 263.)

And to Mr. Henry Dearborn he wrote : “Our Virginia Univer-
sity is now my sole occupation” (Ford, Jefferson 12: 265).
On October 28 he sent the following message to the Marquis
de Lafayette :

On our affairs little can be expected from an Octogenary, retired
within the recesses of the mountains, going nowhere, seeing nobody but
his own house, & reading a single newspaper only, & that chiefly for the
sake of the advertisements. ... I learn with great pleasure that you
enjoy good health. Mine is nlso*good altho’ I am very weak. I can-
not wrik further than my garden wthout fatigue. But I am still able
to ride on horseback, and it is my only exercise. . . . (Ford, Jefferson
13 : 259-261.)

In early spring Jefferson received six barrels of hydraulic
cement from Richard Randolph, for further repairs on his
cisterns. This cement proved to be useless, so Jefferson con-
tinued to use Roman cement. (See letters, Jefferson to

iSaa] Jefferson's Garden Book 6oi

Richard Randolph, May 13, 1822, and Randolph to Jefferson,
May 30, 1822.) On June 14 Jefferson wrote to William
Coffee a more encouraging message about the cisterns:

Our a® cistern answers well, having now 4. f. 3. I. water, the last
(or 3^.) has but 2. ft, altho it has exactly the corresponding & equal
area of roof to supply it. I think the fault may be in the gutters con-
veying the water, & shall have that examined. (Jefferson Papers, M.
H. S.) [See Appendix II.]

In October Jefferson lost Edmund Bacon, the most efficient
overseer who had served him in that capacity. After serving
Jefferson as overseer since 1806 and before that working for
him in various jobs, Bacon decided to settle in Kentudcy. Jef-
ferson highly esteemed Bacon, and when the latter had gone
to Missouri in 1818, to search out a place to settle, Jefferson
gave him the following recommendation:

The bearer, Mr. Edmund Bacon, has lived with me twelve years as
manager of my farm at Monticello. He goes to the Missouri to look
out for lands to which he means to remove. He is an honest, correct
man in his conduct, and worthy of confidence in his engagements. Any
information or instruction which any person may give him, will be
worthily bestowed ; and if he should apply particularly to Gov. Clarke
on his way, the Governor will especially oblige me by imparting to him
his information and advice. (Pierson, Monticello: 22—23.)

On November 12 Jefferson had the misfortune to fall down
a flight of terrace steps, breaking his left arm near the wrist.
Fortunately the bones knitted rapidly, but owing to excessive
swelling, he was never able to use his arm again with perfect
freedom. Both of his arms were now incapacitated.

Jefferson made only one trip to Poplar Forest during the
year, the visit lasting from May 14 to May 28.

Nothing new appeared in the garden this year. The Calen-
dar was kept as usual.

* See letter, Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, February 20, 1821.

* George Divers, of Farmington, AJbemarle County.

‘Mrs. Henry Dearborn, second wife of General Henry

Dearborn. See her letter to Jefferson, December 16, 1815.

* Mrs. Anne Cary (Randolph) Bankhead,

* T. B., Tennis Ball; D. B., Dutch Brown lettuce.

^ David Higginbotham, of Morven, Albemarle County.

6o2 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1822

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1822

(Jefferson to John W. Eppes.)

^onticello Jan. 17. 1822.

... I send mis Eppes 2. trees of the most beautiful kinds known.
The tallest is the silk tree from Asia, it will require housing about 2.
years more and will then bear the open air safely, the mother tree
growing here, about 15. years old and 25. f. high & still growing
vigorously has stood winters which have killed my Azederacs & mul-
berries. the other is the celebrated Sou; wood of Louisiana which may
be planted in the spring where it is to stand as it bears our climate per-
fectly. it bears a fruit of the size and appearance of an orange, but not
eatable. . . . {Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

(Samuel Maverick to Jefferson.)

Montpelier, Pendleton District,
So: Carolina, March 4th, 1822.

I wrote you the inclosed Letter nth Augt. last, but having in a few
days after to go to Alabama, it was neglected until my return, and now
take the Liberty to forward it, making enquiry respecting the Grape
Vine. [See letter, Maverick to Jefferson, August ii, 1821.]

would not the Tea plant and the Bread fruit Tree be Valuable to
those people who will indure the long tedious warm summers of Ala-
bama, etc. there cotton grows so Luxuriantly as to produce 6 to 1200
lbs. and in some instances 1500 to 2000 lbs cotton in the Seed per Acre
(Green Seed).

the Cultivation of the Vine has commenced on the Black warrior
River by the Settlement of Frenchmen, but with what success I am un-
able to say, as I did not go so low by 70 miles, I saw several of the
frenchmen. they appear confident of success of the Vine, in So. Ca.
at Charleston the olive Tree looks helthy and well and some years pro-
duces fruit.

any Ideas respecting or on the Culture of the Vine, will be thank-
fully reed. . . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence; 269.)

(James "W. Wallace to Jefferson.)

Washington April 5. 1822.

... In October 1811, I was at Monticello and well remember your
account of a native ^ape like our common Fox grape. I have ever-since
extended my enquiries and have only of late been able to procure some
cuttings for you which I obtained in New York under the name of bland
grape, carried there from Philadelphia which flourishes equally well in
either City. To these I add soine, given to me on the Delaware in the
Steam boat, said to have been introduced by Joseph Bonaparte from
France, called Muscatel—tho account of their qualities so exactly re-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1822]

603

sembles the one I heard you give that I am induced to believe tis a
favorite grape with you, but, have no recollection of the name you gave
it. These will be given to Mr. Nelson of Albemarle to whose polite-
ness on this occasion their safe arrival will depend — they I expect will
be well secured. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Richard Randolph.)

Monticello May 13. 1822.

^ Your favor of Apr. 10. was received in due time as had been some
time before the 6. barrels of water proof cement from you. I had al-
ready laid in as much Roman cement as did my a*. & s'*. Cisterns, with
a barrel surplus towards the 4“ and last, the 2^. and 3®. were done
under the superintendance of mr Coffee, and with perfect success, we
opened a barrel of yours and he tried several fair and careful experi-
ments according to the directions you had given, in every instance this
cement dissolved on being put into water, while we saw that the Roman
became immediately set and hard on being put into water. I have still
one cistern to finish, but after the unsuccessful trials by mf Coffee who
understood the manipulation of these things so much better than I do, I
am afraid to risk it with yours, it would be giving up a finishing of
the success of which we are certain for one which our experience teaches
us to doubt at least, there is no call at the University for any thing of
the kind nor could I recommend to that what I am afraid to try myself,
in this state of things I will make any disposition of the 6. barrels you
will direct, but seeing no probability of their being employed in this
neighborhood, I think the best would be to send them down to you,
which I will do if you think so also. I do not know whether you con-
tinue your pottery, if you do I will request of you 50. pots for the sea-
kale such as you saw here, which indeed are made on the exact model of
mf Wickham’s, if delivered packed in hogsheads to the order of Col**.
Peyton, he will, on sight of this letter, pay for them. . . . {Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Richard Randolph to Jefferson.)

Richmond 30® May 1822.

The six barrels of hydraulic cement were sent to you with a belief
that they would answer the purpose for which it was intended, and be
useful to you in the construction of your cisterns. I am sorry that you
are afraid to hazard the success of it in the cistern, and request you to
use them in any way that you may think proper. Perhaps you may have
occasion to use it at the Mill. Maj*^ Gibbon has a cistern laid, and
lined, with that cement, which, after standing ten days, was filled, and is
now getting quite hard, and holds water perfectly. I have given direc-
tions for your bleaching pots to be made, and as soon as thqr are done,
shall be delivered to Col®. Peyton. • . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

f • s

Jefferson’s Garden Book

604

[1822

(Jefferson to John Adlum.)

Monticello June 13. 22.

... I am very glad to learn that you are pushing that culture, and I
hope 5'ou will particularly that of what I would call the Caumartin
grape, as it’s wine resembles so exactly that of the Caumartin Burgundy.
I presume you know that a wine of remarkable merit is made in con-
siderable quantities in a district of N. Carolina on the Scuppernon
Creek. . . . (Jeffetson Papers, L. C.)

(Bernard Peyton to Jefferson.)

Richmond, July 8, 1822.

I reC* today a small Box of seeds from New York. Will send them
the first opportunity. . . . (Jefferson Papers. M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to J. Peter Derieux.)

Monticello Sept. 25. 1822.

... I regret that it is not in my power to send you the Egyptian
wheat which is the subject of your letter. I received it while I lived in
Washington and having no means of taking care of such things there, I
generally sent them to some careful neighbors. I do not recollect to
whom of them I sent this particular article, but I remember that the re-
sult was that it was not of advantageous culture in our climate & was
therefore abandoned. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Virginia Randolph to Nicholas Trist.)

Monticello October i, 1822.

... We have had constant rains, & on the 25“ of September a
violent storm which strewed the whole mountain top with broken boughs
of trees, & tore one of our willows completely asunder. . . . (Nicholas
Trist Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to Constantine S. Rafinesque.)

Monticello Oct. 9. 22.

Your favor of Sep. 24. is received, and I thank you for the seeds it
covered, too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it
for my posterity. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.) [The seeds men-
tioned above were from the tree Virfilia fragrans l^f.]

(Jefferson to N. Herbemont)

Monticello Nov. 3. 22.

... I have long earnestly wished for the introduction of the Olive
into S. Carolina & Georgia, while in France I procured for the Agri-

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1822]

605

cultural Society of Charleston a number of plants of the genuine olive
of Aix, from which the finest oil in the world is made, this was 35
years ago, but I learn that some of these trees are still living in S. C.
cuttings from them grafted on seedling stocks would soon yield a plenti-
ful supply of trees, their culture is of little labor, as is that of silk
also. . . . (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

From the Account Book 1821—1826:

July 18. inclosed 5. D. to Jonathan Thompson Collector N. Y. to
reimburse 2.47 for freight on a box of seeds from France.

Oct. 15. had a final settlement with Edmund Bacon & paid him 41.90
the balance due him in ful.

Oct. 16. p*. Edm^ Bacon 20.75 more to correct error in yesterday’s
settlement.

Nov. 10. p*. Israel for 100 cabbages 3. D.

Dec. II. p*. Gill 53 cabbages 1.59.

1823

1843 '

where

when

to table

Apr. 19. blossom. 26. pod
. 22. blossom. 28. pod
. 27. blossom May 7. pod

Apr. 28. blossom [bad peas and
to be discontin°.

May peas. .
Leitcli’s d"..
Frames. . . .

lettuce

Radish

S. Spinach’.
Hotspurs . . .

Marrow fats. .
Dutch brown.

Savoys

early York. . .

Salsafia

Carrots

Sprout Kale . .
Marrow fats.

Spinach

parsley

Salsana

parsneps

beet

orach

marrow fats. .

Feb. 22.

snaps

long haricots

tomatas

okra.

nasturdum

Limas

Scarlets

white haricots. . . .
Marrow fats. . . . .
forw° Cucumbers.

Benni

squashes

gerldns

Snaps..

Snaps

Dutch brown. . . .
winter Spinach. . .

May II.
20.
. 21.

Mar. I.

.... 3 -
.... J.
.... 14.

June I.
•• 5 -

May 2. blossom.

.... ig,
, . . . 20 .
Apr. I.

June 1.

3 '

14.

*7-

a6.

May to.
Sep. 0.
Sep. 3.

not a dngle seed produced.'

May 10. up

jabundance for winter & spring.

606

1823]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

607

Compend of a Calendar *

Jan. last week, plant forward potatoes.

Feb. I. lettuce, radish, spinach, carrots, from this
time to Sep. 30. sow lettuce every Monday
morning and radishes with y* early sowings

13. May peas, and Frame peas, spinach, celery.

Mar. I. Hotspurs. Marrow fats, spinach, parsley,
cabbage, onions, celery.

15. Marrow fats, carrots, salsafia. beet, orach

Apr. I. Marrow fats, snaps. Lima beans, long hari-
cots. white d“. scarlet beans, tomatas. okra,
nasturtium, orach, parsneps. cucumbers

15. Marrow fats, snaps, squashes. Jerus. arti-
chokes

May. 1. melons. Gerkins. Benni. snaps

13. snaps.

Aug. 1. may peas for autumn, turneps.

15. carrots for the spring. Spinach for winter,
snaps, lettuce for winter

Sep. I. sow Spinach, a full crop for winter use. let-
tuce weekly to Sep. 30

^ 1S2J. Jefferson was now eighty years old. His finances
werji in a deplorable state. Both of his arms were so crippled
that they were almost useless to him. His disposition was to
carry on, and he did it with a brave spirit. His grand-

6 o8

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1823

(laughters wrote many of his letters, which continued to cover
a wide range of interests. Little attention, however, was
given to agricultural matters in them.

His first interest, the University of Virginia, was nearing
its completion. Needless to say, it still presented problems.

Jefferson’s health was discouraging in the spring. He
wrote to William Short on March 28 ;

The bone of my arm is well knitted and strong, but the carpal bones,
having been disturbed, maintain an oedematous swelling of the hand and
fingers, keeping them entirely helpless and holding up no definite term
for the recovery of their usefulness. I am now in the 5 th months of
this disability. (Ford, Jefferson la; 283.)

By November he was better and on the fourth wrote to
Lafayette :

After much sickness, and the accident of a broken and disabled arm,
I am again in tolerable health, but extremely debilitated, so as to be
scarcely able to walk in my garden. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson
is: 494-)

Jefferson made a month’s visit to Poplar Forest in the
spring. It was his last visit to the estate where he had spent
many quiet and happy months. In letters written to Francis
Eppes on May i, 1824, and April 6, 1825 {q. v.), he inti-
mated proposed trips to Poplar Forest, but there is no indica-
tion that he made them. In his will Poplar Forest was left to
Francis Eppes, his grandson. In October visits were made to
James Barbour at Barboursville, and to Mr. Madison at
Montpelier,

In a letter of May 31 to Thomas Leiper, after thanking
him for millet seed, he wrote:

I shall turn it over to my grandson T. J. Randolph, to whom I have
committed the management of the whole of my agricultural concerns, in
which I was never skilful and am now entirely unequal from age and
debility. He had reed, some seed of the same kind from another quar-
ter and had sowed an acre & a half by way of experiment. To this he
will add what you are so kind as to send if it comes in time. (Ford,
Jefferson la: 286-287.)

Keeping the Calendar of the garden was again Jefferson’s
chief agricultural pursuit.

* Summer spinach.

Plate XXXVI. — Ea«t -view of Poplar Forest, showing the main honae, kitchen, and tmokehonse. At the left is a portion of one of the
two mounds. See Jefferson’s planting plans for Poplar Forest (pp. 464, 4^5, 494, S 49 > S^S)- (Courtesy of Mr. C. S. Hutter, Jr.)

1823] Jefferson’s Garden Book 609

"See letters, Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, May 6, 1824,
and Peyton to Jefferson, May 10, 1824.

* Jefferson’s summary of the planting dates for vegetables
in his garden.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1823

(Andre Thoiiin to Jefferson.)

. Paris February 5, 1823.

[Mr. Thouin sends Jefferson a collection of lo? species of grains, cere-
als, trees, and legumes. Letter in French.] (Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Frank Carr to Jefferson.)

Red Hill, Sept. 26*^ 1823.

Instead of the seed, I send you three potatoe pumpkins. The two
smallest, I should think from their form, are the most genuine. The
fourth is a cushaw, (my ear directs the orthography as I have only heard
the name,) not inferior, when thoroughly ripe, in their edible qualities
to the potatoe pumpkin. Both delight in a light, moist soil, fresh land
is very propitious to their growth. You would seldom fail, I think to
grow them successfully in a situation selected with reference to the
above description. . . . (Carr-Cary Papers, XJ. Va.)

1824

1834 '

where

when

to table

May peas.
Frames. . .

submuri. .
und'shop

Feb. 19.
oo.

May 34.
May a8.

Apr. ig. 1'*. blossom.

lettoc. wh. & Br, ice* .
radish, leather coal. , .

winter spinach

d*.

lettuce wh. & Brown. .

Frame peas

Marrow fats G. 8t L. ,

Green Savoys

Sprout Kale.

Marrow /ats{|^'^™/|

Salsafia
Carrots
Beets. .

Orach. .

Spinach

ai.

• »S-
Mar. I.

Sq.l..

II.

green Savoy

Marrow fats. Richn°
d". small parcel S.C.*.

snaps

Lima beans

kmg haricots

scarlet beans

Chicle Peas

dwarf Tomatas. . .

Benni

early Cucumbers. .
Marrow fats. ....

Snaps

squashes

Snaps

Gerkins

Nasturtium '

Guinea grass

snaps

W. Spinach. .
D. Brown let.
W, Spinach. .
D. Brown let.

3 -

30 .

.. 35.
Apr. I.

13 ,

* 5 -

31 .

May 3.

* 7 '

Sep. 9.
.... 15.

May I j,

June 5.
June 16.

97 -

May 3.

pod.
May 0.
pod

May. 36. blossom.

from Richmond, very late

6x0

1824] Jefferson’s Garden Book 61 1

^ 1824. Jefferson brought the Garden Book to its close in
the fall of 1824. The culture of the earth had been one of
his constant joys. The theory of this culture had fascinated
him, even though he had never been able to apply it profitably.
For the remaining two years of his life, declining health even
deprived him of tabulating the garden Calendar.

Lafayette visited Monticello in November. This renewal
of friendship gave Jefferson much happiness. Building the
University of Virginia and employing professors to instruct In
it, still came first in Jefferson’s life. The University opened
its doors for instruction on March 5, 1825. On April 3 fol-
lowing, Jefferson wrote to Judge Augustus B. Woodward:

Withdrawn by age from all other public services and attentions to
public things, I am closing the last scenes of life by fashioning and
fostering an establishment for the instruction of those who are to come
after us. I hope its influence on their virtue, freedom, fame and happi-
ness, will be salutary and permanent. The form and distributions of its
structure are original and unique, the architecture chaste and classical,
and the whole well worthy of attracting the Curiosity of a visit. (Lips-
comb and Bergh, Jefferson 16: 117.)

Plants and seeds came from Jefferson’s friends and there
were also letters about them. The year 1825 was the last one
in which he ordered seeds.

Among Jefferson’s last botanical interests was the establish-
ment of a botanical garden at the University of Virginia. He
wrote to the Proctor, A. S. Brockenbrough, on August 3,
1825: “The botanical garden, after being laid off under the
direction of Dr. Emmett, to be pursued at all spare time’’ {Jef-
ferson Papers, L. C.). And on April 26, 1826, he wrote to
Dr. John P. Emmet, professor of natural history at the Uni-
versity, about the introduction of a School of Botany and the
details for establishing a botanical garden in the University
(see letter, Jefferson to Dr. John P. Emmet, April 27, 1826).
The botanical garden was never established.

Jefferson’s pecuniary problems gradually grew worse.
None of his plans for relieving them suceeded. The worry
over these and his growing debility brought his life to a close
on July 4, 1826.

* Lettuce, white, & Brown, ice.

* Richmond. See letter, Bernard Peyton to Jefferson,
March 22, 1824.

6i2

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1824

* South Carolina.

* See letter, Jefferson to Bernard Peyton, May 6, 1824; and
letter, Peyton to Jefferson, May 10, 1824.

From the Account Book 1821-1826:

July 4.1824. drew on d®. [Raphael] for ii._D. my s[u]bscript[io]n
to Albemarle Agricult*, society, payable to Peter
Minor.

Sept. 29. 1824. desired him [B. Peyton] also to deposite in some
bank of Richm** to the credit of Edmund Bacon 33. D.
which finally closes my account with Bacon, principal
& all interest. See ante. Aug. 1823.

From the Farm Book:

1824. Apr. Gen* Cocke says the Peach tree worm is hatching all July,
Aug. Sep. and lays it’s egg immediately on being hatched,
it may be seen & taken out from Mar. to June, it should
always be done before harvest.

Letters and Extracts of Letters, 1824, 1825, 1826
(William Mewburn to Jefferson.)

South East, 8 Feby. 1824.

William Mewburn has the honour of presenting to Mr. Jefferson his
highest respects, & hopes for his excuse in the liberty taken by sending
the enclosed to his care.

The inclosure contains a few seeds of the cowslip & primrose, reed by
WM in a letter from England, it is believed there are none in the
United States & hoped they will be acceptable to Mrs. Randolph. '
They are enclosed to Mr. Jefferson, because it is expected the letter
to him will receive more care & attention than by any other mode WM
has been able to devise. . . . WM has been lately in correspondence
with Mr. Willis of Maryland for fruit trees, in raising of which, the
Editor of the American Farmer, states that Gentleman to have been
emminently successful. Mr. Willis in his letter, mentions his high
obligations to Mr. Jefferson, for which he expresses great gratitude.
(Jeffenon Papert, Missouri.)

(James Wilkinson to Jefferson.)

City of Mexico
March at"*, 24.

It is rather to gratify curiosity than from the expectation of utility,
that I send you by Mr, M®An 4 rews of Phil* samples of a few of the

1824]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

613

Seeds of this Country, to amuse your Agricultural avocations; and there-
fore should they be turned either to pleasure or profit under your foster-
mg direction, I shall experience unexpected complacency. — Should Col.
Randolph be near you ; I will thank you to furnish Him specimens, for
experinaent, from the small stock I send you, which must be ascribed to
me entire destitution of Seeds-man or Shop, in this filthy monstrous City.
Before I leave the Country (I would even it were Tomorrow & for-
ever) I will take measures to have you supplied with some seed Wheat,
from the ensuing Crop, which begins to invite the sickle in the Province
of Puebla the next month. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

Mexico, March 2i“^ 1824.

Seed & Grain committed to the care of W. [M“] Andrews For
Mr. Jefferson.

Chirmolla, Avocate, Zapote, J Mamae arborous, tropi'al Fruits.

Beans in great variety, called Frijol ; & composing the chief aliment
of the natives.

Two kinds of early corn, i red, i white. Flour & 2 white of wheat.

Gantilope from tierra Galunte [=Caliente].

Large P epper, a good salad the seeds being removed.

Carrots 12 inches in circumference — Lentilles to be drilled 2 ft apart.

Garravanees, a favorite vegetable of the Potage.

Small white Table Pea.

Chilikiote a kind of Pumpkin used as Cucumber for Ragouts when
Young & tender. When ripe the Entrails cleansed of the seed & stewed
with Syrup makes a sweet [mash] of this Country,

Large white Cabbage, white onion, Tomata, Beets, Lettuce, Arti-
choke, Radish, Parsly, Turnips. {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Bernard Peyton to Jefierson.)

Richmond, March 22, 1824.

On Friday last I sent you by a waggon, to Charlottesville— one and
an half Gallons best Marrow Fat Peas, which I hope will reach you in
time for your purposes. By a waggon a few days prior to the one above
referred to, sent you a Box of Grape cuttings* sent to my Counting
House, by Dr. Norton of this City, without directions, he tells me they
were intended for Jefferson Randolph. Please acquaint him wiffi it.
. . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Francis Eppes.)

Mont[iceU]o May i. 24.

... I am engaged in a piece of work here which will probably de-
tain me till the next month, when I hope I may be able to pay you a
short visit, . . . {Huntington Library Quarterly 6 (3) : 355, 1943.)

Jefferson's Garden Book

614

[1824

(Jefferson to Bernard Peyton.)

Monticello May 6. 1824.

... I missed raising Nasturtium seed the last year and it is not to be
had in this neighborhood, can your seedsmen furnish it? the quantity
sufficient to sow a bed of lo yd & 19. the seed may come by mail as the
season is passing by. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Bernard Peyton to Jefferson.)

Richmond May 10, 1824.

. . . The seed you write for, I have procured & just put them in the
hands of Col. Randolph, now on his way to Monticello, for you. . . .
(Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Bernard Peyton.)

Monticello May 16. 24.

A neighborhood debt obliges me to draw on you in favor of John
Winn for 64.85 which I do with reluctance until we get tob®. down, or
receive monies due. M'. Thompson Collector of N. York has sent to
your care for me a box of seeds from France for which he has paid
charges I. D. 90 c. can you remit so small a sum . . . ? (Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to J. Barnes.)

Monticello June 3. 24.

... I am quite in good health not able to walk further than my
garden. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to the Marquis de Lafayette.)

Monticello, Sept. 3. 24.

... I see you are to visit our Yorktown on the 19th of Oct. My
spirit will be there, my body cannot. I am too much enfeebled by age
for such a journey. I cannot walk further than my garden, with in-
firmities too which can only be nursed at home. . . . (Ford, Jefferson
la: 376.)

(Jefferson to David Gelston.)

Mont®. Sep. 10. 24.

I have duly received your favor of the 4'\ covering a specimen of
wheat, for which be pleased to accept my thanks, withdrawn by age

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1824]

615

from all agricultural attentions I have made the most advantageous
disposition of it by consigning it to the Agricultural society of my county,
who will give it a fair trial. . . . (Jefferson Papersj M. H. S.)

(Thomas Appleton to Jefferson.)

Leghorn October 8, 1824.

... As the vessel has delayed her Departure, I am enabled to send
you a small collection of garden seeds of Naples, which though I wrote
for six months ago, I received, only yesterday, as they are all of this
year. The herbage of Naples, is the finest, I have seen in any part
of Europe. Their numerous qualities of Broccoli, is not, anywhere
equalled. Their Cauli-flowers which I have seen at Naples, would not
enter, into a peck-measure. The Fennel, is beyond, every other vege-
table, Delicious. It greatly resembles in appearance the largest size
Sellery, perfectly white, and there is no vegetable, equals it in flavour.
It is eaten at Dessert, crude, and, with, or without Dry Salt, indeed, I
preferred it to every other vegetable, or to any fruit. I think they will
all thrive in your dimate; the experiment may compensate the Labour.
. , . No. 22. is the genuine flax seed of Cremona which invariably sells
for Double of all other flax of Europe or Africa. It will be a valuable
acquisition, if it should thrive in your climate: of which, I have little,
or no Doubt. The Seeds I have perfectly well packed, thus there can
be no mixture.

No.

1. Curled cabbage.

2. Curled Schiane cabbage.

3. Curled Cabbage of Faisinetta.

4. Early cabbage.

S- Curled cabbage. Different quality from 3.

6. Broccoli of Palermo, in January.

7. “ “ " , in February.

8. “ “ " , Feb. 7, different quality.

9. " of March, Naples.

10. “ of Palermo, March.

11. “ of Palermo, March, 2. diff. quality.

12. *' of Romani, March.

13. " of October.

14. “ of December.

15. " Black.

16. *' of Florence.

17. Cauliflower of February.

18. “ of March.

19. " of December.

20. Fennel of April,

21. “ of December.

22. Cremona flax-seed. , \

(Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

6i6

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1824

(Jefferson to Edward Livingston.)

Monticello, March 25, 1825.

. . . Worn down by time in bodily strength, unable to walk even
into my garden without too much fatigue. . . . (Lipscomb and Bergh,
Jefferson 16: 112.)

(Jefferson to Francis Eppes.)

Mont[icell]o Apr. [6, 1825]

The difficulty with which I write, my aversion to it, and the satiating
dose which is forced upon me by an overwhelming correspondence have
occasioned me to be thus late in acknoleging the rec[eip]t of your letter
of Feb. 24. I was glad to learn the damage to your house by fire was
less considerable than I had supposed. John Heming and his two aids
have been engaged in covering this house with tin which is not yet
finished, they shall repair to your assistance as soon as I can accompany
them, which shall be as soon as the roads become practicable. I would
rather you should do nothing more than shelter by slabs or other tempo-
rary coverings the uncovered parts of the house, any want of sawing
which you can foresee had better be obtained while Cap[tai]n Martin’s
sawmill has water, for the terras, joists of the length and breadth of
the former will be needed but they may be 3. I. thick only as we can
m ak e the gutters in a different way which will for ever protect the joists
from decay, pine would be the best timber — ^heart poplar will do, oak
is too springey. 1 will desire Colo[nel] Peyton to send up tin for
covering the dwelling house.

I will bring with me a plat of the land as you desire, but mr Yancey
knows so well the line between Cobb[s] and myself; that I am sure he
can point it out. so also can the surveyor who run the lines. . . .
{Huntington Library Quarterly 6 (3): 355-356i 19430

(Jefferson to Thomas Worthington.)

Monticello, Nov. 29. 25.

You will startle at the receipt of this letter as if it were from the
dead ; and indeed the ordinary term of man’s life says I ought to have
been so sometime, however, here I am as yet, not in very good health
indeed, but as good perhaps as I ought to expect; and avail myself of a
little circumstance to take occasion to recall myself to your recollection.
I have pasted the text of my letter at it’s head, but texts cut out of a
newspaper are not like those of holy writ, articles of faith, and the ob-
ject of my letter is to ask you if this text is really true? and if it is to
request further that you will procure for me and send in a letter by mail
half a dozen seeds of these mammoth cucumbers, one of 4 f. 6 i long,
and another of 4 f, 5| should afford so many seeds as to spare a few to
a beggar, altho giants do not always beget giants, yet I should count
on their improving the breed, and this vegetable being a great favorite
of mine, I wish to take the chance of an improvement, but whether sue-

1824]

Jeffersont’s Garden Book

617

cessful or not I shall find my reward in the occasion it furnishes of re-
calling m3^elf to your recollection and of assuring you of my constant
esteem and respect. (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence ; 298.)

(Thomas Worthington to Jefferson.)

Adena (near Chillicothe) , 7 Jany. 1826.

I did not receive your letter of the 29th Nov. until yesterday. You
had directed it to Cincinnati, from whence it was returned to me here
which has occasioned the delay. I cannot very well express the pleasure
its receipt has given me. I believe, sir, you were sensible of the sincere
respect and affection I entertained for you whilst you were in office.
My continuation in the Senate under the administration of others I can
say with truth encreased both, which to this moment remain unabated.

I have often in my rambles determined to call on you, but have been
deterred by the consideration that you were too much troubled in that
way, and from the same causes contrary to my inclination have not
written to you. I rejoice to hear you enjoy as much health as you do,
and hope it will be better and long continued to you with the faculties
of your mind to enable you to see your most sanguine expectations ex-
ceeded in the extraordinary strides of a nation which under providence*
you have had so great a share in the establishment of its independence
towards physical strength, wealth, and rational happiness beyond any
thing history gives us knowledge. What was Ohio in 1821, when as
the agent of the people I presented myself before the national Legisla-
ture requesting their admission as a state. A population less than
40,cxx>. What is she now. Her forests changed to cultivated fields
and her population at this time at least 1,000,000 and most probably at
the next census ii or 12,000,000. Pardon me, my good sir, for trou-
bling you with what you already know. I could not help noticing
hastily what I have done, under the belief that you have great pleasure
in seeing the rising greatness of the nation. I had noticed the extra-
ordinary growth of cucumbers of which [you"! refer, but paid no at-
tention to it. I am much gratified to have it in my power to ascertain
the truth, and, if true, to get some of the seed. Our Legislature are in
session and a member with whom I am well acquainted and can relie
[upon], and who lives in Cleveland will give me the whole truth and
get some of the seed, if true. As soon as this is done, I will do myself
the pleasure to write again.^ . . . (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence:
299-300,)

1 Governor Worthington later sent a letter received from Leonard Case,
of Columbus, Ohio, dated January 13, i8a6, in which he said;

The story of the cucumbers as published in the Cleveland Herald I have not
the least doubt is correct; I did not go to see them myself but heard them spoken
of at the time by Gentleman of the strii^est veracity who said they had seen the
measurement, Dr. Long is himself a Gentleman who would not have suffered
a statement of that kind to go uncontradicted if it had not been true. When I
return home I will endeavor to procure some of the seed and forward to you as
you request. (Ford, Jefferson Correspondence: 300.)

6i8

Jefferson’s Garden Book

[1824

(Jefferson to James Monroe.)

Monticello, Feb. 2a. 26.

... A Virginia estate managed rigorously well yields comfortable
subsistence to it’s owner living on it, but nothing more. But it runs
him in debt annually if at a distance from him, if he is absent, if he is
unskilful as I am, if short crops reduce him to deal on credit, and most
assuredly if thunder struck from the hand of a friend as I was. . . .
(Ford, Jefferson 12 : 460-461.)

(Ellen (Randolph) Coolidge to Jefferson.)

Boston, March 8, 26.

... I know not whether my sisters mentioned to you the wish of M'
John Gray, son of the late Lieutenant Governor Gray, to procure some
slips of a cider apple which he understands you have, & consider one of
the best in die State. I presume it to be not the Crab, for that is com-
mon in other parts of Virginia, but a red apple, which I remember you
prized for its cider, and Horace Gray, who visited you some years ago,
was the person who spoke of it to his brother in such a way as makes
him anxious to obtain & propagate it here. . . . (Jefferson Papers, M.
H. C. 1 : 373-)

(Jefferson to Ellen (Randolph) Coolidge.)

Monticello, Mar. 19, 26.

Your letter of the 8“ was received the day before yesterday, and as
the season for engrafting is passing rapidly by I will not detain the
apple-cuttings for Mr Gray (until I may have other matter for writing
a big letter to you) , but I send a dozen cuttings, as much as a letter can
protect, by our 1“ mail, and wish diey may retain their vitality until
they reach him. They arc called the Taliaferro apple, being from a
seedling tree discovered by a gendeman of that name near "Williams-
burg, and yield unquestionably the finest cyder we have ever known, and
more like wine than any liquor I have ever tasted which was not wine.
If it is worth reminding me of the ensuing winter, I may send a larger
supply, and in better time, through Col. Peyton. . . . (Jefferson Papers,
M.H.C. I ; 373-374-)

(Jefferson to Leonard Case.)

Monticello Apr. 8. 26.

The seeds of the Serpentine cucumber which you have been so kind
as to send me at the request of my friend mf Worthington are safely
come to hand, how much of their extraordinary size may be ascribed to
the exuberant soil and the climate of Ohio cannot be foreseen, but that
a good portion of it may be retained we arc permitted to hope, with
my tbanb for this friendly and acceptable present be pleased to receive

Jefferson’s Garden Book

1824]

619

the assurance of my great esteem and respect. {Jefferson Papers, M.
H. S.)

(A. B. Woodward to Jefferson.)

Tallahassee, Apr. ai, 1826.

... I transmit twelve seeds of the indigenous orange of Florida. . . .
{Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

(Jefferson to George Divers.)

Monticello Apr. 22. a6.

You perhaps noted in the newspapers some 3. or 4. months ago the
mention of cucumbers in a particular garden in Ohio which measured
2^ f. and 3. f. in length, having a friend in that quarter I wrote and
requested him to procure and send me some seed from one of the identical
cucumbers, he has sent it, and to multiply chances of securing it, I
send you 9. seeds, assured that nobody will be more likely to succeed
than yourself. . . . {Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

(Jefferson to Dr. John P. Emmet.)

Monticello, April 27, 1826.

It is time to think of the introduction of the school of Botany into
our institution. Not that I suppose the lectures can be begun in the
present year, but that we may this year make the preparations necessary
for commencing them the next. For that branch, I presume, can be
taught advantageously only during the short season while nature is in
general bloom, say during a certain portion of the months of April and
May, when, suspending the other branches of your department, that of
Botany may claim your exclusive attention. Of this, however, you are
to be the judge, as well as of what I may now propose on the subject of
preparation. I will do this in writing, while sitting at my table, and at
ease, because I can rally there, for your consideration, with more com-
posure than in extempore conversation, my thoughts on what we have to
do in the present season.

I suppose you were well acquainted, by character, if not personally,
with the late Abbe Correa, who passed some time among us, first as a
distinguished savant of Europe, and afterwards as ambassador of Portu-
gal, resident with our government. Profoundly learned in several other
branches of science, he was so, above all others in that of Botany; in
which he preferred an amalgamation of the methods of Linnaeus and of
Jussieu, to either of them exclusively. Our institution being then on
hand, in which that was of course to be one of the subjects of instruc-
tion, I availed myself of his presence and friendship to obtain from him
a general idea of the extent of groxmd we should employ, and the num-
ber and character of the plants we should introduce into it. He accord-
ingly sketched for me a mere outline of the scale he would recommend.

620 Jefferson’s Garden Book [1824

restrained altogether to objects of use, and indulging not at all in things
of mere curiosity, and especially not yet thinking of a hot-house, or even
of a green house. I enclose you a copy of his paper, which was the more
satisfactory to me, as it coincided with the moderate views to which our
endowments as yet confine us. I am still the more satisfied, as it seemed
to be confirmed by your own way of thinking, as I understood it in our
conversation of the other day. To your judgment altogether his ideas
will be submitted, as well as my own, now to be suggested as to the op-
erations of the present year, preparatory to the commencement of the
school in the next.

I. Our first operation must be the selection of a piece of ground of
proper soil and site, suppose of about six acres, as M. Correa proposes.
In choosing this we are to regard the circumstances of soil, water, and
distance. I have diligently examined all our grounds with this view,
and think that that on the public road, at the upper corner of our pos-
sessions, where the stream issues from them, has more of the requisite
qualities than any other spot we possess.

To wit, 19,360 square yards = 4 acres for the garden of plants.

” 9,680 “ “ =2 acres for the plants of trees,

29,040 square yards = 6 acres in the whole.

170 yards square, taken at that angle, would make the six acres we
want. But the angle at the road is acute, and the form of the ground
will be trapezoid, not square. 1 would take, therefore, for its breath all
the ground between the road and the dam of the brick ponds extending
eastwardly up the hill, as far and as wide as our quantity would require.
The bottom ground would suit for the garden plants; the hillsides for
the trees.

3. Operation. Enclose the ground with a serpentine brick wall seven
feet high. This would take about 80,000 bricks, and cost $800, and it
must depend on our finances whether they will aSord that immediately,
or allow us, for awhile, but enclosure of posts and rads.

3. Operation Form all the hillsides into level terrasses of con-
venient breadth, curving with the hdl, and the level ground into beds
and alleys.

4. Operation. Make out a list of the plants thought necessary and
sufficient for botanical purposes, and of the trees wc propose to introduce
and take measures in time for procuring them.

As to the seeds of plants, much may be obtained from the gardeners
of our own country. I have moreover, a special resource. For three-
and-twenty years of the last twenty-five, my good old friend Thouin,
superintendent of the garden of plants at Paris, has regularly sent me a
box of seeds, of such exotics, as to us, as would suit our dimate, and
containing nothing indigenous to our country. These I regularly sent
to the public and private gardens of the other States, having as yet no
employment for them here. But during the last two years this envoi

1824]

Jefferson’s Garden Book

621

has been intermitted, I know not why. I will immediately write and
request a re-commencement of that kind office, on the ground that we
can now employ them ourselves. They can be here in early spring.

The trees I should propose would be exotics of distinguished useful-
ness, and accommodated to our climate; such as the Larch, Cedar of
Libanus, Cork Oak, the Marronnier, Mahogany, the Catachu or Indian
rubber tree of Napul, (30“) Teak tree, or Indian oak of Burman,
(23®) the various woods of Brazil, etc.

The seed of the Larch can be obtained from a tree at Monticello.
Cones of the Cedar of Libanus are in most of our seed shops, but may
be had fresh from the trees in the English gardens. The Marronnier
and Cork Oak, I can obtain from France. There is a Marronnier at
Mount Vernon, but it is a seedling, and not therefore select. The
others may be got through the means of our ministers and consuls in the
countries where they grow, or from the seed shops of England, where
they may very possibly be found. Lastly, a gardener of sufficient skill
must be obtained.

This, dear Sir, is the sum of what occurs to me at present; think of
it, and let us at once enter on the operations. . . . (Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson 16: 163-167.)

(Jefferson to John P. Emmet.)

Monticello May I2. 26

By a letter from mf Madison I now learn that Thouin has been dead
some time, that his successor sends the box annually to him as Presi-
dent of the Agricultural society of Albemarle, that such a box is now
arrived at N. York, of which he has notified Secretary Barbour, his suc-
cessor. to him I have written requesting it’s consignment to us, and
the sooner the better as the Season is fast advancing, it may by pos-
sibility reach us in 3. or 4. wccb. . . . {Jefferson Papers, L. C.)

APPENDIX I

Jefferson’s Summary of His Meteorological Journal
FOR THE Years i8io through i8i6
AT Monticello

1817, January. Having been stationary at home since 1809, with
opportunity and leisure to keep a meteorological diary, with a good de-
gree of exactness, this had been done: and, extracting from it a term of
seven years complete, to wit from January 1, 1810, to December 3I1
1 8 16, I proceed to analyze it in the various ways, and to deduce the
general results, which are of principal effect in the estimate of climate.
The observations, three thousand nine hundred and five, in the whole,
were taken before sunrise of every day; and again between three and
four o’clock P. M. On some days of occasional absence they were
necessarily omitted. In these cases the averages were taken from the
days of the same denomination in the other years onlj;, and in such way
as not sensibly to affect the average of the month, still less that of the
year, and to be quite evanescent in their effect on the whole tenor of
Seven years.

The table of thermometrical observations, shews the particular tem-
perature of the different years from 1810 to 1816 inclusive. The most
interesting results, however, are that the range of temperature with us
may be considered as within the limits of 5^“ and 94.'’ of Fahrenheit’s
thermometer; and that 55i° degrees as its mean and characteristic meas-
ure. These degrees fix the laws of the animal and vegetable races which
may exist with us; and the comfort also of the human inhabitant, so far
as depends on his sensations of heat and cold. Still it must be kept in
mind that this is but the temperature of Monticello ; that in the northern
and western parts of the State, the mean and extremes are probably
something lower, and in the southern and eastern, higher. But this place
is so nearly central to the whole State, that it may fairly be considered
as the mean of the whole.

It is a common opinion that the climates of the several States, of our
Union, have undergone a sensible change since the dates of their first
settlements; that the degrees both of cold and heat are moderated. The
same opinion prevails as to Europe; and facts gleaned from history give
reason to believe that, since the time of Augustus Caesar, the climate of
Italy, for example, has changed regularly, at the rate of i “ of Fahren-
heit’s thermometer for every century. May we not hope that the meth-
ods invented in later times for measuring with accuracy the degrees of
heat and cold, and the observations which have been and will be made

611

A Tabis or Thsmiomeimcai. Ohseatahoks, Made at MoiracEito, feom Jahdaet i, i8io, to Dbcehbee 31, 1816.

Appendix I

623

*§ 1

Mean of ei
Month

i-«

»o

r4PI

-vf

•“W

«o

vg'

V**

'»m

•a

)-(

liT

•uaa^

*•«

•M

»o

P«V

■“FW

‘MW

»o

r«s

‘uaaiq

c«

»o

«a

•a

•“!W

•4W

e-s

•MW

VO*

*12

3 ;

£?

•“«»w

■«!W

'%■

•MW

«o

•“!W

■a

t*5

, -MW

■

•««w

'p-

vB*

•«!W

•MW

£•

^8'

'«!W

■a

C«

•si

Mar.

April

May

June

ri)

Oct.

Dee.

Appbnmx I

6214

and preserved, will at length ascertain this curious fact in physical

histoiT?

Within the same period of time, about fifty morning observations, on
an average of every winter, were below the freezing point, and ten freez-
ing days for the average of our winters.

It is generally observed that when the thermometer is below 5 S®, we
have need of fire in our apartments to be comfortable. In ihe course
of these seven years, the number of observations below 55“, was as
follows:

In 1810 — 195 mornings and 124 afternoons

’ll

176

102

*12

aog

137

’13

197

123

190

127

’i 5

189 •

116

’16

172

116

Average

190

120

Whence we conclude that we need constant fires four months in the
year, and in the mornings and evenings a little more than a month
preceding and following that time.

The first white frost in

i8og-io was

October 25,

the last April

'lO-II

18,

Mar.

’11-12

ar,

April

’12-13

9 .

’13-14

22,

April

’14-15

34,

May

’1S-16

26,

April

'16-17

7 ,

But we have seen in another period a destructive white frost as early
as September.

Our first ice in

1809-10

was in

Nor.

7 .

the last

April

’lO-II

((

Oct.

24.

Mar,

’ir-i 2

Nov.

15,

April

'12-13

13,

Mar.

't 3 -i 4

’14-15

9 ,

’15-16

13,

’16-17

((

7 .

The quantity of water (including that of snow) which fell in every
month and year of the term was as follows.

Appendix I

625

1810.

1811.

1813.

1813,

1814.

1815.

1816.

Average of
every month

Jan.

1-873

3.694

3-300

1-735

4.179

6.025

4.86

3-656

Feb.

4-275

2.351

4.060

1-763

3.760

5-90

2.205

3-473

Mar.

3-173

a.* 9 S

3.090

1.750

4-386

3.96

2.835

3.926

Apr.

4,570

4.342

3.228

3,685

S-471

1-35

3.5a

3-595

May

2.134

3-779

14.761

3,670

7-134

2-57

6.19

S-604

June 1

5*«93

5-574

5.565

0.799

3-450

2-94

0.33

1 3.470

July

5 - 7*9

8,306

3.319

13.654

7-59

4.63

6.565

Aug.

1.883

5.969

8.963

3 - 9*0

3-370

3-48

0,85

4.063

Sept.

4.908

2.933

14.224

6.834

2.33

9.91

5-964

Oct.

0-731

7.037

5-184

4.064

3.633

0.73

3-23

3-401

Nov.

6.741

0.781

1.187

3-932

4.794

2.09

0.96

3.936

Dec.

0.333

0-5

'.333

6.658

1.359

3 -SS

0.36

1-556

Average of
a year

42.033

47.451

53 - 0*5

45-719

60.923

41-505

39.87

47.218

From this table we observe that the average of the water which falls
in a year is 47^ inches, the minimum 41 and the maximum 61 inches,
from tables kept by the late Col. James Madison, father of the President
of the United States, at his seat about [ ?] miles from Monticello, from
the year 1794 to 1801 inclusive, the average was 43i inches, the mini-
mum 35f inches, and the maximum 52 inches.

During the same seven years there fell six hundred and twenty two
rains, which gives eighty nine rains every year, or one for every four
days ; and the average of the water falling in the year being 47^ inches,
gives fifty three cents of an inch for each rain, or ninety three cents for
a week. Were this to fall regularly, or nearly so, through the summer
season, it would render our agriculture most prosperous, as experience
has sometimes proved.

Of the three thousand nine hundred and five observations made in the
course of seven yeais, two thousand seven hundred and seventy six were
fair ; by which I mean that the quarter part of the sky was unclouded.
This shows our proportion of fair weather to be as two thousand seven
hundred and seventy six to one thousand one hundred and twenty nine,
or as five to two, equivalent to five fair days to the week. Of the other
two, one may be more than half clouded, the other wholly so. We have
then five of what observing astronomers call "observing days” in the
week; and of course a chance of five to two of observing any astronomical
phenomenon which is to happen at any fixed period of time.

SaS

Appendix I

The snows of Monticello amounted to the depth in

1809-10 of i6i in. and covered the ground 19 days

lo-ii “ 3i|

11-12 "

12-13 “ 35

13-14 “ i3i

14-15 “ 29I

15-1 6 “ 23

16-17 “ i 9 i

Average — ^22^

Which gives an average of 22^ indies in a year, covering the ground
twenty two days, and a minimum of eleven inches, and eleven days, and
a maximum of thirty five inches and thirty nine da3^. ^According to
Mr. Madison’s tables, the average of snow, at his seat, in the winters
from 1793 to 1801-2 inclusive, was 23^ the minimum, loi^ and maxi-
mum, 33^ inches, but I once (in 1772) saw a snow here three feet deep.

The course of the wind having been one of the circumstances regu-
larly observed, I have thought it better, from the observations of the
seven years, to deduce an average for a single year and for every month
of the year. This table accordingly exhibits the number of days in the
year, and in every month of it, during which each particular wind, ac-
cording to these observations may be expected to prevail. It will be for
physicians to observe the coincidences of the diseases of each season, with
the particular winds then prevalent, the quantities of heat and rain, &c.

N.E.

S.E.

s,w.

N.W.

Total

Jan.

Feb.

Mar.

Apr.

May

Junis

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct

3»

Nov.

Dec.

Total

x 6

7»

36s

Appendix I

627

appeared to have with rain or snow; for example, of every five north
winds, one was either accompanied with rain or snow, or followed by it
before the next observation, and four were dry. Of every four north-
easters, one was wet and three, dry. The table consequently shows the
degree in which any particular wind enters as an element into the gen-
eration of rain, in combination with the temperature of the air, state of
clouds. See.

An estimate of climate may be otherwise made from the advance of
the spring, as manifested by animal and vegetable subjects. Their first
appearance has been observed as follows.

The Red Maple comes into blossom,

from

Feb.

March

1 27

The Almond

Mar.

Apr.

The Peach

The Cherry

The Tick appears

The house Martin

Asparagus comes first to table

((

The Shad arrives

The Lilac blossoms

April

The Red bud

The whip-poor-will is heard

The Dogwood blossoms

The wood Robin is heard

May

The Locust blooms

The Fringe tree blooms

The red dover first blossoms

May

The garden pea first at table

Strawberries first ripe

Fire flies appear

Cherries first ripe

Artichokes first at table

June

628

Appendix I

Wheat harvest begins
Cucumbers first at table
Indian corn first at table
Peaches first ripe
The Sawyer first heard

June

July

to July
to

The natural season of the vegetable is here noted, and not the artificial
one produced by glasses, hot-beds &c. which, combining art with nature,
would not be a test of the latter separately.

Another index of climate may be sought in the temperature of the
waters issuing from fountains. If the deepest of the reservoirs feeding
may be supposed at like distances from the surface, in every part of the
globe, then the lowest temperature of water, flowing from them, would
indicate that of the earth from and through which it flows. This will
probably be found highest under the equator, and lower as you recede
towards either pole. On an examination of 15 springs in the body of
the hill of Monticello, the water of the coolest was 54J, the outer air
being then at 75“. A friend assures me that in an open well of 28 feet
depth in Maine, lat. 44° 22', and in the month of August, the water in
it being then 4 feet deep, its temperature was 52° of Farenheit’s ther-
mometer, that of the water of Kenebec river being at the same time 72^.

Lastly, to close the items which designate dimate, the latitude of
Monticello is to be added, which by numerous observations lately made
with a Borda’s cirde of 5 inches radius, with nonius divisions of 1'. I
have found, by averaging the whole, to be 37® 57' 51". (.Virginia
Literary Museum, and Journal of Belles Letties, Arts, Sciences, d^c.
(Charlottesville, June 24, 1829) i (2) : 26-29.)

APPENDIX II

The Water Supply at Monticello
The Well

1778. Feb. 23. the water is returned into the well at Monticello,
having been now dry for 13 months, it was dug in 1769. it failed
once before, to wit, in the fall of 1773. but came to the spring follow-
ing, when it failed the second time as mentioned above, to wit January
1777, succeeding spring happened to be remarkeably dry, insomuch
that the river did not afford water to carry down tobacco etc. so that
the well not being replenished in the spring, had no water all the sum-
mer of 1777. 1789 it failed again from beginn* Oct. to beginn* Dec.

1796. again in the fall & winter till Feb.

dug in 1769
failed 1773

1777

1789

1791

1796

1797 -

1791. the well has failed this year, it has been the dryest summer
since I 755 .

1797. the well has failed this summer, the spring & summer re-
markeably dry till July, then dry again from August.

1799.’ Sept. II. the well had got very low this summer (which was
dry) so as not always to furnish dear water for drinking, nor water for
washing, from the 20“ to the 22^ were 3. days of heavy rain, again
from Sept. 2. to 10. were the most constant & heavy rains in this neigh-
borhood which were ever known in the memory of man. at the end of
that time there were 28. feet depth of water in the well, the wells in
the neighborhood were raised nearly as much, the water perfectly dear
and fine.

1803. Mar, 12. The well was observed about a month ago to have a
plenty of water in it after having been dry about 18. months.

1818. May. the wdl is found to have in it a plenty of water, and
very fine, it has been several years out of use. {Weather Memo-
randum Book 1776-1820, Li. C.)

630

Appendix II

The Springs on Monticello Mountain

1817. June 15. the circuit of the base of Monticello is miles; the
area of the base about 890. acres, within the limits of that base I this
day tried the temperature of 15. springs, 10 on the South & 5. on the N.
side of the mountain, the outward air being generally about 73®. of
Farenheit. the springs were as follows.

South side North side

10. Bailey’s spring

58^"

3. Rock spring

55i'

11. South stone spring

9. North road, left

584

3. Ned’s

56i

7. d®. right hand

57i

14. Abram’s

63I

4. falling spring

15. Lewis's

2. N. stone spring

12. Nailery

1. Overseer’s

54i

8. ragged branch

13. Goodman's

6. mouth of Meadow br.

57i

The Cisterns at Monticello

August 16. 1808.

Supposing 4. f. of rain water to fall in the year, the following calcula-
tion shews how much the area of my whole buildings would furnish to
cisterns.

square feet

area of the Dwelling house 6096

the 2. pavilions 484 X 2 968

a. covered ways, each 90. f. J I. by 10. f. 8. 1. 1922

2. ranges of offices, each 120. f. 5. I. by 22. f.

10. 1. 5497 __

the whole buildings 14483 = 1609. sq. yds.

rain falling in one year 4

cub. feet failing on them in one year 57i932

57 » 93 ^

gives for every day an average of 138.72 cub. feet which at X.48
gall* of 231 cub. I. pr, cub. foot gives daily 1187.22 gall*.

& at ia6. gall*, per butt, or pipe gives daily 9.42 pipes or butts. (Note
a rain of x. I. gives 11.62 butts of 16.84 cub. f. each or 1201. cub feet
= 9028 gall*. (9028.36).

Make 4. cisterns of 8. f. cube each, or 3830. gallons to wit. one on
each side of each covered way, near it's angle with the offices and allot
to them the water gutters as follows.

Appendix II

631

fiq. f.

Yearly fall

daily

cub. f.

gall*.

to the kitchen the South Western quarter to wit
S.W. spout of S.W. portico

S.W. <P. of S. piazza
internal moiety of S. covered way

to the Garden the S. Eastern quarter, viz.

S.E, spout of N.E. portico

S.E. d“. of S. piazza

extern^ moiety of S. covered way

to the bathing room the N.W. quarter, viz.

N.W. spout of S.W._ portico

N.W. spout of N. piazza
internal moiety of N. covered way

to the house & slope the N.E. quarter, viz.

N.E. spout ofN.E. portico

N.E. spout of N. piazza
external moiety of N. covered way

to the South pond

internal moiety of S. Offices

N. side of S. pavilion

to the North pond

internal moiety of N. offices

S, wde of N. pavilion

for irrigadne the slopes & for the garden

External mtuety of N. offices
d^. of S. offices

N. dde of N. pavilion

S. side of S. d".

31,147

14,451

13.464

85- 33

1974

7896

59,063

163.

1041

483

5 ”

■nil

31,147

14,451

15,389

85-33

303s

8140

60,887

166,80

Bel

31.1+7

14.451

13,464

85-33

til

J974

7896

59/563

16a

1041

483

4164

1933

3044

31,147

14,451

15,389

83-33

» 3 S

8140

60,887

166.80

1344

34a

40,305

7,340

H0.15

19-83

1586

6343

47,445

130-

1344

343

40,305

7,34©

■

1^96

6343

47,445

I 30 *

140S

1405

343

5630

tSao

968

43,030

7,340

3*94

13176

98,540

370.

The fish pond near the S. pavilion is an Ellipses £. yds. wide, 10, yds.
long = 40. sq. yds, very nearly i. yard deep — 40. cub. yds. contents.
{Wmthtr Memorandum Book in 6 ~iizo, L. C.)

APPENDIX III

Extract of a Letter to Anthony Giannini.*

Paris Feb. 5. 1786

... I wrote to mf Lewis soon after I arrived in France to get you
to graft me a good number of the fine white, red, & yellow plumb
peaches from Balyal’s, taking the grafts from the old trees remaining at
Balyal’s, to plant these in the room of all those which die in my orchard,
and in the room of all such as are found to bear indifferent peaches. I
hope this has been done & if not, that you will do it the first season,
I depend also that you will fill up my apple orchard on the North side
of the mountain with the kinds of trees I directed, and winding the rows
on a level round the hill as was begun before I came away: and always
as soon as any fruit tree dies, replant another of the same kind in it’s
place, except the peach trees which are always to be replaced with
grafted ones from Balyal’s. I hope my trees of every kind are taken
good care of, and also the grass grounds, & that they go on sowing grass
seed where I described, how does my vineyard come on? have there
been grapes enough to make a trial of wine? if there should be, I
should be glad to receive here a few bottles of the wine. I trust much
to you for the replacing my trees which die, and extending them, and
that George takes care of them thro’ the year so that nothing may hurt
them. ,

1 send you inclosed a list of seeds which I wish you to gather for me.
they are intended for friends here whom I very much desire to oblige,
and I write to you yourself for them that I may be sure to get them,
do not let time nor trouble prevent your getting them, I pray you, but
go yourself in ouest of them at the proper season. I depend much on
your skill and care in packing them so that they may neither get too dry,
nor yet too moist. I believe that the nuts & acorns had better be packed
in sand, besides the seeds &c. send me a leaf or two of every article,
the way to do this will be to make a little book of paper of about 30
leaves, a little larger than the largest leaf you are to send, then put one
or two leaves of the plants between every two leaves of the book writ-
ing the name of the plant in the page of the book where it is placed, do
not put leaves of different kinds in the same page, wrap up the book
very well that they may not drop out. send all these things to Doctor
Currie who will forward them to me. and write me at the same time in
Italian a full account of what you send. I shall be glad also if you will
write me a very full state of the condition in which my trees, grasses and
other matters of that kind are. but put these things into a separate
letter from that in which you give me an account of what you send.

*Thl8 letter was found too late to be placed in its chronological order. $ee
year, 1786.

Appendix III

633

there are some of these things which you might send me immediately,
such as persimmons, locusts, walnuts. Cedar, Pride of china, laurel.
Umbrella, acorns of the last year, by which means they would arrive in
time to plant the ensuing fall, besides this I would have you send the
same things again in the fall when you send the others, if you are at a
loss to know any of these plants, I think mfs Lewis will be very able to
tell you how to know them, as to the time which you may employ In
doing this business now & whenever I send you the like commissions
hereafter, mf Lewis I am sure will satisfy you, either in the same way
you were always paid by me or in any other more agreeable to you. but
do not let any difficulties of this kind prevent your doing this business,
but rely on me that you shall be satisfied as I rely on you that you will
not let me be disappointed in receiving them, which would be a great
mortification to me. I hope on my return, which will not be very dis-
tant I shall find that you & George have kept up my plans well in my
absence, tell him & my other servants that I have their welfare much
at heart: I have left them under the protection of so good a man mr
Lewis, that my mind is tolerably quiet. . . .

[Inclosure]

a list of seeds which Anthony Giannini is desired to send me.

Wild honeysuckle, a gill of the seed.

Haw tree, both black & red. a gill of each.

Persimmon, a pint of the seeds.

Honey locust, a pint of the seeds.

Common locust, two pints of the seeds.

Black walnuts, half a bushel.

White walnuts, a gallon, this is the kind which grows along the
river side from the Secretary’s ford down to the old
mill, a gallon.

Hiccory nut.) I am not certain whether these arc of different kinds, or
Pignut - - - ) whether they are the same, a gallon of each if different.
Scaly barks, a gallon.

Cedar, half a bushel.

Lilly of Canada, this is the lilly which George found for me in the
woods near the stone spring. I think that before I
left home we took up some roots and planted them
in the flower borders near the house, send all the
seed you can get, & some roots.

Pride of China, a pint.

Swamp laurel. 20 . cones, the nearest place where these are to be had
is about the Byrd ordinary, waggoner Phill knows
the spot.

Umbrella. 20. cones.

Wild cherry, a gill of the stones.

Wild plumbs, a gill.

Poke, a gill.

Appkkdix in

634

Willovir oak. half a bushel of acorns.

Ground oak. half a bushel of acorns, this grows in the barrons about
Hieion Gaines’s, it is a bush not more than 4. feet high.
George once got me a peck of the acorns, which I be-
lieve we planted in the park.

Sumach. 2. pints, if there are two kinds of Sumach, send of both.
Scarlet flowering maple. ] I do not know the size of the seed

Maple with a leaf like an Ash. of these trees; but send about the
Fringe tree same proportion with those before

Ash. directed, according to the size of the

Green ivy. the broad leaved seed,
the narrow leaved.

Sweet gum

Foplar. ) I do not know the size of these seeds ; but send a very great
Sassafras.) quantity.

the sweet potatoe. I mean that kind which the negroes tend so gen-
erally. the roots will not keep during the voiage,
therefore send a quantity of the seeds, which doubt-
less may be got as I remember it bears a quantity
of blossoms.

(Jefferson Papers, L, C.)

A List of Plants Sent by Jefferson from Paris
ABOUT 1786 TO Francis Eppes

Pois Marly, hatif. forward peas of Marly.

Pois Carre., tardif. latter peas.

Pois micheau. hatif. forward peas.

Pois nain d’hollande hatif, a chassis, dwarf peas of Holland, for
frames.

Haricots, nain d’hollande. dwarf beans of Holland.

Harirats gris dc Suisse, en Mars. Grey beans of Switzerland, sow
in March.

Haricots flajolet. little beans, said to be very good.

Feves de Marais Marsh beans.

Peyes Julienne, hatif. Julian beans, forward.

Laitue, coquille d’hyver. shdl-winter-lettuce.

Laitue feuiile de chicor 6 e Endive-leaved lettuce.

Laitue golle hative. forward lettuce.

Laitue gorge d’etd summer lettuce
Laitue Berlin. Berlin lettuce.

Chicord frize. seme en Mai et en Septembre. curled endive, sow in
^ March & September
^irare de Meaux. Endive of Meaux.

I^dis rose, rond, hatif. Rose radish, round & forward.

Radis blanc, rond, hatif. White radish, round & forward
Raves hatives. forward tumeps
Raves conteui de rose rose turneps.

Appendix III

635

Choux de Milan, en Mars. Milan cabbage, in March.

Choux de York York cabbage.

Choux, coeur de boeuf. hatif. Ox-heart cabbage, forward.

Coux, pomme. bon a semes en Septembre. loaf-cabbage, sow in Sep-
tember.

Choux-fleurs de la Meilleure espece. seme en Mai et 7'^. cauliflowers
of y* best kind. May & Septcmb.

Choux-fleurs dur d’Angleterre. English hard Cauliflowers,
bon Choux-fleur marecher. bon entout temps. Cauliflowers good for
all seasons

Choux-fleur dur d’Hollande. Dutch hard Cauliflowers.

Peach-apricots.

Giroffle royal. Gilly flowers, royal, to be sown in March, very fine
& very rare.

Heliotrope, to be sowed in the spring, a delicious flower, but I sus-
pect it must be planted in boxes & kept in the house in the winter,
the smell rewards the care.

Balsamine. sow in the spring
Reseda, qu. if this is woad (for dying)

4. especes d’oeillet. 4. kinds of pink, sow in beginning of summer.
Amaranthc tricolor, three-coloured Amaranth.

Amaranthe. passe velour. Velvet amaranth.

Amaranthe toydenne. Amaranth.

Roses of various kinds.

Anemon6 double, double Anemone

Tulipes doubles, double Tulips

Jacinthe bleu, roy grand bretagne. blue hyacinths

Jacinthe rouge, roy grand bretagne. red hyacinths

Couronne Imperial. Crown imperial.

Ranoncle rouge, red Ranunculus.

Martagon.

{Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

A Memorandum, Probably Lbft to Edmund Bacon,
ABOUT 1808 OR 1809

In the‘ roundabout there are 23 Honeylocust living, plant 8 arbor vitaes
and 8 cedars in those places nearest to the grove, and fill up the other
vacancies with golden willows, it will require 22 to reach to the
Wild cherries.

on the S. side arc 3 Umbrellas living, plant the vacancies with golden
willows, about 9. plant horn beams & Elms, plant weeping willows
in the semi-circle in N. E. front one half way between each two shrubs,
plant a hedge of them round the graveyard exactly in the line of the
old paling and a dble row of them on a line with the dble row of
mulberries from where the mulberries end at the saw pit, down to
the graveyard, the forest trees in the way are to be left,
take up the young aspens & plant a dble row of them on the road lead-
ing from the gate down towards the landing. Where they fail, plant

Appendix III

636

locusts, walnuts, wild cherries, elms, lindens, maples, & cedars, just

as you can get them.

plant figs from the bearing bush along under the garden wall.

(Fiske Kimball, Jefferson's Grounds and Gardens at Monticello, [n. d] :
17.) (Original among Jefferson Papers, M. H. S.)

Extract of a Letter Written to Henry S. Randall by Jef-
ferson’s Granddaughter, Ellen Randolph Coolidge

... He [Jefferson] loved farming and gardening, the fields, the
orchards, and his asparagus beds. Every day_he rode through his plan-
tation and walked in his garden. In the cultivation of the last he took
great pleasure. Of flowers, too, he was very fond._ One of my early
recollections is of the attention which he paid to his flower-beds. He
kept up a correspondence with persons in the large cities, particularly,
I think, in Philaddphia, for the purpose of receiving supplies of roots
and seeds both for his kitchen and flower garden. I remember well
when he first returned to Monticello, how immediately he began to pre-
pare new beds for his flowers. He had these beds laid off on the lawn,
under the windows, and many a time I have run after him when he
went out to direct the work, accompanied by one of his gardners, gener-
ally Wormley, armed with spade and hoe, whilst he himself carried the
measuring-line. I was too young to aid him, except in a small way, but
my sister, Mrs. Bankhead, then a young and beautiful woman, . . .
was his active and useful assistant. I remember the planting of the
first hyacinths and tulips, and their subsequent growth. The roots ar-
rived, labelled each one with a fancy name. There was Marcus
Aurelius, and the King of the Gold Mine, the Roman Empress, and the
Queen of the Amazons, Psyche, the God of Love, etc., etc., etc.
Eagerly, and with childish delight, I studied this brilliant nomenclature,
and wondered what strange and surprisingly beautiful creations I should
see rising from the ground when spring returned, and these precious
roots were committed to the earth under my grandfather’s own eye,
with his beautiful grand-daughter Anne standing by his side, and a
crowd of happy young faces, of younger grandchildren, clustering round
to see the progress, and inquire anxiously the name of each separate de-
posit. Then, when spring returned, how eagerly we watched the first
appearance of the shoots above ground. Each root was marked with its
own name written on a bit of stick by its side, and what joy it was for
one of us to discover the tender green breaking through the mould, and
run to granpapa to announce, that we really believed Marcus Aurelius
was coming up, or the Queen of the Amazons was above ground 1 With
how much pleasure compounded of our pleasure and his own, on the
new birth, he would immediately go out to verify the fact, and praise us
for our diligent watchfulness. T^en when the flowers were in bloom,
and we were in ecstacies over the rich purple and crimson, or pure
white, or delicate lilac, or pale yellow of the blossoms, how he would
sympathize in our admiration, or discuss with my mother and elder

Appendix III 6^7

sister new groupings and combinations and contrasts. Oh, these were
happy moments for us and for himl

It was in the morning, immediately after our early breakfast, that he
used to visit his flower-beds and his garden. . . . (Randall, Jefferson 3:

346-347-)

Extracts from the Diary of General John Hartwell Cocke,
OF Bremo, Fluvanna County, Virginia

March 27, 1817.

. . . Sent to Monticello for some Marseilles figs and Paper Mul-
berry, and at the same time sent M'. Jefferson some wine made from
the Scuppernong grape of North Carolina, a fruit which must be well
worthy to be cultivated. The wine is of delicious flavour, resembling
Frontinac. . . .

March 28, 1817.

Jesse returned from Monticello with plants of the Marseilles fig, the
Otaheit or Paper Mulberry, some cuttings of a peculiar species of lom-
bardy poplar which M'. Jefferson brought from France, “being a tree
of some shade”, two plants of the prickly locust (Robinia hispida) &
two plants of the snowberry bro‘ by the late Capt Lewis from the
Pacific. . . .

July 26, 1817.

M', Jefferson gave us the following history of the introduction of the
Cedar into Albemarle: M'. Hukman the fourth settler in that County
carried up the first tree. M'. Bolling the Brother in law of M^ J,
planted two near the grave of one of his children at Shadwdl about the
year 1753 from which all in that neighborhood came.

M*. Madison gave us the following acc“‘. of the first introduction of
the Cedar into Orange County. His Father who married his mother
in y*. neighborhood of Port Royal made various attempts to transplant
the young trees from that part of the county without success. At length,
being advised to try to succeed with the berries, he accordingly brought
up a quantity and buried them in a corner of the yard where after a
lapse of seven years two only were found to have vegetated. This he
says from the best recollection of his mother, who is still living, was
about 60 years ago. ...

From M^ Jefferson we got the following history of the Lombardy
Poplar and Weeping Willow.

M'. Thomas Willing, of PhiK receiving a basket of fruit from the
Island of Madeira, having used the fruit, threw the Basket into a sink
in his yard. After some time it was found that a part of the basket had
taken root and was growing and became the first Weeping Willow tree
ever known in America. M'. J — saw it first in the year 1775 when he
supposes from its size at that time it must have been four or five years old.

The Lombardy Poplar was first introduced into Philadelphia by M^
W” Hamilton in the year 1785. In the year 1789 M'. J. brought from

Appendix III

638

Europe with him a species of this tree somewhat different from the com-
mon tall and slim lombardy, M'. J’s being a tree of some shade

The Catalpa first introduced from North Carolina when M'. Jeffer-
son was a boy.

Received from M'. Jefferson when last with him this acc“‘ of the Pear
known in Albemarle by the name of the Meriweathcr Pear;

On a visit he once made to M^ Nick Meriweathcr, he informed that
he had once put up a parcel of these pears packed in tow in a trunk.
Twelve months after supposing the pears were all used in getting some
tow to wash his gun he found one of the fruit and that it was in a
candied state like a preserve. The following year Jefferson put up
some of this fruit in the like manner packed it in tow and in the course
of the following winter went on to Congress then sitting at Annapolis,
from whence he was sent on a mission to France where he remained
seven years. Upon his return to Monticello to his great astonishment
he found his pears in the state of candied preserve. (Courtesy of Miss
Betty Cocke.)

A Statement of the Vegetabi-e market of Washington, during a period of 8. years, wherein the

EARUEST & IATEST APPEARANCE OF EACH ARTICLE WITHIN THE WHOLE 8. YEARS IS NOTED.

Appendix III

639

(Randall, Jeffarttm i: pi. fadng p. 44.)

APPENDIX IV

Jefferson’s

Scheme for a System of Agricultural Societies
March, i8ii

Several persons, farmers and planters of the county of Albemarle,
having, during their visits and occasional meetings together, in con-
versations on the subjects of their agricultural pursuits, received con-
siderable'benefits from an intercommunication of their plans and proc-
esses in husbandry, they have imagined that these benefits might be
usefully extended by enlarging the field of communication so as to em-
brace the whole dimensions of the State. Were practical and observing
husbandmen in each county to form themselves into a society, commit to
writing themselves, or state in conversations at their meetings to be
written down by others, their practices and observations, their experi-
ences and ideas, selections from these might be made from time to time
by every one for his own use, or by the society or a committee of it, for
more general purposes. By an interchange of these selections among
the societies of the different counties, each might thus become possessed
of the useful ideas and processes of the whole ; and every one adopt such
of them as he should deem suitable to his own situation. Or to abridge
the labor of such multiplied correspondences, a central society might be
agreed on to which, as a common deposit, all the others should send their
communications. The society thus honored by the general confidence,
would doubtless feel and fulfil the duty of selecting such papers as should
be worthy of entire communication, of extracting and digesting from
others whatever might be useful, and of condensing their matter within
such compass as might reconcile it to the reading, as well as to the pur-
chase of the great mass of practical men. Many circumstances would
recommend, for the central society, that which should be established in
the county of the seat of government. The necessary relations of every
county with that would afford facilities for all the transmissions which
should take place between them. The annual meeting of the legislature
at that place, the individuals of which would most frequently be mem-
bers of their county societies, would give opportunities of informal con-
ferences which might promote a general and useful understanding among
all the societies ; and presses established there offer conveniences entirely
peculiar to that situation.

In a country, of whose interests agriculture forms the basis, wherein
the sum of productions is limited by the quantity of the labor it possesses,
and not of its lands, a more judicious employment of that labor would
be a clear addition of gain to individuals as well as to the nation, now
lost to both by a want of skill and information in its direction. Every
one must have seen farms otherwise equiJ, the one producing the double

640

Appendix IV

641

of the other by the superior culture and management of its possessor; and
every one must have under his eye numerous examples of persons setting
out in life with no other possession than skill in agriculture, and speedily,
by its sole exercise, acquire wealth and independence. To promote,
therefore, the diffusion of this skill, and thereby to procure, with the
same labor now^ employed, greater means of subsistence and of happiness
to our fellow citizens, is the ultimate object of this association ; and to-
wards effecting it, we consider the following particulars among those
most worthy of the attention of the societies proposed.

1st. And principally the cultivation of our primary staples of wheat,
tobacco, and hemp, for market

2d. All subsidiary articles for the support of the farm, the food, the
clothing and the comfort of the household, as Indian corn, rye, oats,
barley, buckwheat, millet, the family of peas and beans, the whole
family of grasses, turnips, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, and other use-
ful roots, cotton and flax, the garden and orchard.

3d. The care and services of useful animals for the saddle or
draught, for food or clothing, and the destruction of noxious quadrupeds,
fowls, insects, and reptiles.

4th. Rotations of crops, and the circumstances which should govern
or vary them, according to the varieties of soil, climate, and markets, of
our different counties.

5th. Implements of husbandry and operations with them, among
which the plough and all its kindred instruments for dividing the soil,
holds the first place, and the threshing machine an important one, the
simplification of which is a great desideratum. Successful examples, too,
of improvement in the operations of these instruments would be an ex-
citement to correct the slovenly and unproductive practices too gener-
ally prevalent.

6 th. Farm buildings and conveniences, indosures, roads, fuel, timber.

7 th. Manures, plaster, green-dressings, fallows, and other means of
amdiorating the soil.

8th. Cdendars of works, showing how a given number of laborers
and a draught of animals are to be employed every day in the year so as
to perform within themselves, and in their due time, according to the
usual course of seasons, all the operations of a farm of given size. This
being essential to the proportioning the labor to the size of the farm.

9th. A succinct report of the different practices of husbandry in the
county, induding the bad as well as the good, that those who follow the
former may re^ and see their own condemnation in the same page
which offers better examples for their adoption. It is believed that a
judicious execution of this artide alone, might nearly supersede every
other duty of the society, inasmuch as if would present every good prac-
tice which has occurred to the mind of any cultivator of the State for
imitation, and every bad one for avoidance. And the choicest processes
culled from every farm, would compose a course probably near per-
fection.

loth. The county communications being first digested in their re-
spective societies, a methodical and compact digest and publication of

Appbkdix IV

64a

these would be the duty of the central society ; and on the judicious per-
formance of this, would in a great degree depend the utility of the insti-
tutions, and extent of improvement flowing from them.

nth. That we may not deter from becoming members, those jjracti-
cal and observing husbandmen whose knowledge is the most valuable,
and who are mostly to be found in that portion of citizens with whom
the observance of economy is necessary, all duties of every kind should
be performed gratis ; and to defray the expenses of the central publica-
tion alone, each member should pay at the first stated meeting of his so-
ciety in every year, - dollars, for which he should be entitled

to receive a copy of the publication bound in boards.

lath. The first association of persons in any county

notifying themselves as constituted to the central society, should be re-
ceived as the society of the county making a part of the general estab-
lishment here proposed ; but every county society should be free to adopt
associate members, although residents of other counties, and to receive
and avail the institution of communications from persons not members,
whether in or out of their county.

We are far from presuming to offer this organization and these prin-
ciples of constitution as complete, and worthy the implicit adoption of
other societies. They are suggested only as propositions for considera-
tion and amendment, and we shall readily accede to any others more
likely to effect the purposes we have in view. We know that agricul-
tural societies are already established in some counties ; but we are not
informed of their particular constitutions. We request these to be ad-
mitted into their brotherhood, and to make with them parts of one great
whole. We have learned that such a society is formed or forming at the
seat of our government. We ask their affiliation, and give them our
suffrage for the station of central society. We promise to all our zealous
co-operation in promoting the objects of the institution, and to con-
tribute our mite in exchange for the more abundant information we
shall receive from others.

For these purposes we now constitute ourselves an agricultural so-
ciety of the county of Albemarle, and adopt as rules for present ob-
servance, the principles before stated.

Our further organization shall be a president, secretary and treasurer,
to be chosen at the first stated meeting to be held in every year, by a
majority of the members present, provided those present be a majority
of the existing members, and to continue in office until another election
shall be made.

There shall be four stated meetings in every year, to wit: on the first
Mondays in January, April, July and October.

The place of meeting, and rules of the society, shall be established,
revoked or altered, and new members admitted, at any of the stated
meetings, by a majority of the attending members, if they be a ma-
jority of those present, not being less than one-fourth qf the whole.
And, lest the powers given to the greater quorum of a majority of the
whole, should at any time remain unexercised from insufficient attend-
ance, the same may be exercised by a resolution of ffie lesser quorum of

Appbnddc IV

643

one-fourth, passed at a stated meeting: provided it be confirmed at the
next stated meeting, by either a greater or lesser quorum, and in the
meantime have no force.

Those who for two whole years shall not have attended any stated
meeting shall, ipso facto, cease to be members. And to ascertain at all
times who are the existing members, the names of those attending every
meeting shall be regularly entered in the journals of the society.

The president shall preside at all meetings when present, and when
absent a president pro tempore may be appointed for that purpose by
those present. (Lipscomb and Bergh, Jefferson 17: 4O4-410.)

[The Albemarle Agricultural Society was founded October, 1817,
with James Madison as its first President.]

APPENDIX V

Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia
Plants

Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia was written In
the year 1781 in answer to a series of questions from M. de
Marbois, of the French Legation in Philadelphia, who had
requested some statistical accounts of the State of Virginia
for the use of his Government. At the request of his friends
for copies of the Notes, Jefferson had it published in France
in 1784-1785. This edition of two hundred copies, which is
dated 1782, was followed by an unauthorized French edition,
and in 1787 by an authorized English one. Since that date
other English editions, a French and a German translation,
and numerous American editions have been published.

Under Query VI, A Notice of the Mines and other Sub-
terraneous riches; its trees, plants, fruits, &c, Jefferson an-
swered the query on plants as follows:

A complete catalogue of the trees, plants, fruits See. is probably not
desired. 1 will sket<^ out those which would principally attract notice,
as being 1. Medicinal, 2. Esculent, 3. Ornamental, or 4. Useful for
fabrication; adding the Linnaean to the popular names, as the latter
might not convey precise information to a foreigner. I shall confine
myself too to native plants.

I. Senna. Cassia ligustrina.

Arsmart. Polygonum Sagittatum.

Clivers, or goose-grass. Galium spurium.

Lobelia of several species.

Palma christi. Ricinus.

(3,) James-town weed. Datura Stramonium.

Mallow. Malva rotundifolia.

Syrian mallow. Hibiscus moschentos.

Hibiscus Vi^nicus.

Indian mallow. Sida rhombifolia.

Sida abutilon.

Virginia Marshmallow. Napaea hermaphrodita.

Napaea dioica.

Indian physic. Spiraea trifoliata.

Euphorbia Ipecacuanhae.

Appekdix V

645

Pleurisy root. Asclepias decumbens.

Virginia snake-root. Aristolochia serpentaria.

Black snake-root. Actaea racemosa.

Seneca rattlesnake-root. Polygala senega.

Valerian. Valeriana locusta radiata.

Gentian. Saponaria villosa & centaurium.

Ginseng. Panax quinquefolium,

Angelica. Angelica sylvestris.

Cassava. Jatropha urens.

Tuckahoe. Lycoperdon tuber.

Jerusalem artichoke. Helianthus tuberosus.

Long potatoes. Convolvulas batatas.

Granadillas. ^ Maycocks. Maracocks. Passiflora incarnata.

Panic. Panicum of many species.

Indian millet. Holcus laxus.

Holcus striosus.

Wild oat. Zizania aquatica.

Wild pea. Dolichos of Qayton.

Lupine. Lupinus perennis.

Wild hop. Humulus lupulus.

Wild cherry. Prunus virginiana.

Cherokee plumb. Prunus sylvestris fructu majori.') davton
Wild plumb. Prunus sylvestris fructu minori. J ^

Wild crab apple. Pyrus coronaria.

Red mulberry. Morus rubra.

Persimmon. Diospyros virginiana.

Sugar maple. Acer saccharinum.

Scaly bark hiccory. Juglans alba cortice squamoso. Clayton.
Common hiccory. Juglans alba, fructu minore rancido. Clayton.
Paccan, or Illinois nut. Not described by Linnaeus, Miller, or
Clayton. Were I to venture to describe this, speaking of the
fruit from memory, and of the leaf from plants of two years
growth, I should specify it as the Juglans alba, foliolis lanceolatis,
acuminatis, serratis, toraentosis, fructu minore, ovato, compresso,
vix insculpto, dulci, putamine tenerrimo. It grows on the Illinois,
Wabash, Ohio, and Missisipi. It is spoken of by Don Ulloa
under the name of pacanos, in his Noticias Americanas. Entret. 6.
Black walnut. Juglans nigra.

White walnut. Juglans alba.

Chesnut. Fagus castanea.

Chinquapin. Fagus pumila.

Hazelnut. Corylus avellana.

Grapes. Vitis. Various kinds, though only three described by
Clayton.

Scarlet Strawberries. Fragaria virginiana of Millar.
Whortleberries. Vaccinium uliginosum?

Wild gooseberries. Ribes grossularia.

Cranberries. 'Vaccinium oxycoccos.

Appendix V

646

Black raspberries. Rubus occidentalis.
Blackberries. Rubus firuticosus.

Dewberries. Rubus ckesius.

Cloudberries. Rubus chamaemorus.

3. Plane-tree. Platanus occidentalis.

Poplar. Liriodeodron tulipifera.

Populus hcterophylla.

Black poplar. Populus nigra.

Aspen. Populus tremula.

Linden, or lime. Ttlia Americana.

Red flowering maple. Acer rubrum.
Horse-chestnut or Buck’s-eye. Aesculus pavia.
Catalpa. Bignonia catalpa.

Umbrella. Magnolia tripetala.

Swamp laurel. Magnolia glauca.

Cucumber-tree. Magnolia acuminata.

Portugal bay. Laurus indica.

Red bay. Laurus borbonia.

Dwari-rose bay. Rhododendron maximum.
Laurel of the western country. Qu. species?
Wild pimento. Laurus benzoin.

Sassafras. Laurus sassafras.

Locust. Robinia pseudo-acacia.

Honey-locust. Gleditsia. i.

Dogwood. Cornus florida.

Fringe or snowdrop-tree. Chionanthus virginica.
Barberry. Barberis vulgaris.

Redbud or Judas-tree. Ccrcis canadensis.

Holly. Ilex aquifolium.

Coclcspur hawthorn. Crataegus coccinea.
Spindle-tree. Euonymus Europaeus.

Evergreen spindle-tree. Euonymus Americanus.
Itea Virginica.

Elder. Sambucus nigra.

Papaw. Annona triloba.

Candleberry myrtle. Myrica cerifera.

Ivy. Hedera quinquefolia.

Trumpet honeysuckle. Lonicera sempervirens.
Upright honeysuckle. Azalea nudiflora.

Yellow jasmine. Bignonia sempervirens.
Calycanthus floridus.

American aloe. Agave virginica.

Sumach. Rhus. Qu. species?

Poke. Phytolacca decandra.

Long moss. Tillandsia Usneoides.

Appendix V

647

4, Reed. Arundo phragmitis.

Virginia hemp. Acnida cannabina.

Flax. Linum Virginianum.

Black or pitch-pine. Finns taeda.

White pine. Finns sttobns.

Yellow pine. Finns virginica.

Spruce pine. Finns foliis singularibus. Clayton.

Hemlock spruce fir. Finns Canadensis.

Abor vitae. Thuya occidentalis.

Juniper. Juniperus virginica. (Called cedar with us.)

Cypress. Cupressus disticha.

Black oak. Quercus nigra.

White oak. Quercus alba.

Red oak. Quercus rubra.

Willow oak. Quercus phellos.

Chesnut oak. Quercus prinus.

Black jack oak. Quercus aquatica. Clayton. Query?

Ground oak. Quercus pumila. Clayton.

Live oak. Quercus virginiana. Millar.

Black birch. Betula nigra.

White birch. Betula alba.

Beach. Fagus sylvatica.

Ash. Fraxinus americana.

Fraxinus novae angliae. Millar,

Elm. Ulmus americana.

Willow. Salix. Query species?

Sweet gum. Liquidambar styraciflua.

The following were found in Virginia when first visited by the Eng-
lish ; but it is not said whether of spontaneous growth, or by cultivation
only. Most probably they were natives of more southern climates, and
handed along the continent from one nation to another of the savages.

Tobacco. Nicotiana.

Maize. Zea mays.

Round potatoes. Solanum tuberosum.

Fumpkins. Cucurbita pepo,

Cymiings. Cucurbita verrucosa.

Squashes. Cucurbita melopepo.

There is an infinitude of other plants and flowers, for an enumeration
and scientific description of which I must refer to the Flora Virginica of
our great botanist, Dr. Clayton, published by Gronovius at Leyden, in
1762, This accurate observer was a native and resident of this state,
passed a long life in exploring and describing it’s plants, and is supposed
to have enlarged the botanical catalogue as much as almost any man who
has lived.

Besides these plants, which are native, our Farms produce wheat, rye,
barley, oats, bu^ wheat, broom corn, and Indian corn. The climate

Appendix V

648

suits rice well enough, wherever the lands do. Tobacco, hemp, flax,
and cotton, are staple commodities. Indigo yields two cuttings. The
silk-worm is a native, and the mulberry, proper for its food, grows kindly.

We cultivate also potatoes, both the long and the round, turneps, car-
rots, parsneps, pumpkins, and ground nuts (Arachis). Our grasses are
Lucerne, St. Foin, Burnet, Timothy, ray and orchard grass, red, white,
and yellow clover, greenswerd, blue grass, and crab grass.

The gardens yield musk melons, water melons, tomatas, okra, pome-
granates, figs, and the esculent plants of Europe.

The orchards produce apples, pears, cherries, quinces, peaches, nectar-
ines, apricots, almonds, and plumbs. (Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the
State of Virginia (Paris, 178a [1784-1785]: 61-69.)

APPENDIX VI

Jefferson’s Description of His Mouldboard of Least
Resistance in a Letter to Sir John Sinclair

Philadelphia, March 23, 1798.

Dear Sir,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of June 21, and
July IS, and of several separate parcels containing the agricultural re-
ports. These now form a great mass of information on a subject, of all
in the world, the most interesting to man: for none but the husbandman
makes anything for him to eat; and he who can double his food, as your
exertions bid fair to do, deserves to rank, among his benefactors, next
after his Creator. Among so many reports of transcendent merit, one
is unwilling to distinguish particulars. Yet the application of the new
chemistry, to the subject of manures, the discussion of the question on
the size of farms, the treatise on the potatoe, from their universality
have an advantage in other countries, over those which are topographical.
The work which shall be formed, as the result of the whole, we shall
expect with impatience.

Permit me, through you, to make here my acknowledgments to the
board of agriculture for the honour they have been pleased to confer on
me by, associating me to their institution. In love for the art, 1 am
truly their associate: but events have controuled my predelection for its
practice, and denied to me that uninterrupted attention, which alone
can enable us to advance in it with a sure step. Perhaps I may find op-
portunities of being useful to you as a centinel at an outpost, by convey-
ing intelligence of whatever may occur here new and interesting to
agriculture. This duty I shall perform with pleasure, as well in re-
spectful return for the notice of the board, as from a zeal for improving
the condition of human life, by an interchange of its comforts, and of
the information which may increase them. , . .

In a former letter to you, I mentioned the construction of the mould-
board of a plough which had occurred to me, as advantageous in its
form, as certain and invariable in the method of obtaining it with pre-
cision. I remember that Mr. Strickland of York, a member of your
board, was so well satisHeld with the principles on which it was formed
that he took some drawings of it; and some others have considered it
with the same approbation. An experience of five years has enabled me
to say, it answers in practice to what it promises in theory.

The Mouldboard should be a continuation of the wing of the plough-
share, beginning at it’s hinder edge, & in the same plane. it|s first
office is to receive the sod horizontally from the wing, to raise it to a
proper height for being turned over, & to make, in it’s progress, the

649

Appendix VI

650

Uiisi resistance possible; & consequently to require a minimum in the
moving power, were this it's only office, the wedge would ofler itself
as the most * eligible form in practice, but the sod is to be turned over
also, to do this, the one edge of it is not to be raised at all : for to raise
this would be a waste of labour, the other edge is to be raised till it
passes the perpendicular, that it may fall over with its own weight, and
that this may be done so as to give also the least resistance, it must be
made to rise gradually from the moment the sod is received, the mould'
board then in this second office, operates as a transverse, or rising wedge,
the point of which sliding back horizontally on the ground, the other end
continues rising till it passes the perpendicular, or, to vary the point of
view, place on the ground a wedge of the breadth of the plough^are, of
it’s length from the wing backwards, & as high at the heel as it is wide,
draw a diagonal on it’s upperface from the left angle at the point to the
right upper angle of the heel, bevil the face from the diagonal to the
right-bottom-edge which lies on the ground, that half is then evidently
in the best form for performing the two offices of raising and turning
the sod gradually, & with the least effort: and if you will suppose the
same bevil continued across the left side of the diagonal, that is, if you
will suppose a strait line, whose length is at least equal to the breadth of
the wedge, applied on the face of the first bevil, & moved backwards on
it parallel with itself & with the ends of the wedge, the lower end of
the line moving along the right-bottom-edge, a curved plane will be
generated whose characteristic will be a combination of the principle of
the wedge in cross directions, & will give what we seek, the mould board
of least resistance, it offers too this great advantage that it may be
made by the coarsest workman, by a process so exact, that its form shall
never be varied by a single hair’s breadth, one fault of all other mould-
boards is that, being copied by the eye, no two will be alike, in truth it
is easier to form the mouldboard I speak of with precision, when the
method has been once seen, than to describe that method either by words
or figure. I will attempt however to describe it. whatever may not
be intelligible from the description may be supplied from the model I
send you.

Let the breadth & depth of the furrow the farmer usually opens,
as also the length of his plough-bar, from where it joins the wing
to the hinder end, be given ; as these fix the dimensions of the block
of which the mouldboard is to be made, suppose the furrow 9.
Inches wide, 6 . Inches deep, & the ploubhbar 3. feet long, then the

• l am aware that were the turf only to be raised to a given height in a given
lengft of monidboard, & not to be turned over, the form of least resistance would
not be rigorously a wedge with both faces strait, but with the upper one curved
according to the laws of the solid of least resistance described by the mathe-
matlaans. but the diSerence between the effect of the curved, te of the plain
wedge, in the case of a mouldboard, is to minute, and the difficully in the execu-
tion which the former would superinduce on common workmen is so great, that
the plam wedge is the most eligible to be assumed in practice for the first ele-
ment of our construetion.

Appendix VI

651

block Fig. I. must be 9. I, wide at bottom (b. c.) 13^

I, wide at top (a. d.) because if it were merely of
the same width with the bottom, as a. e., the sod, only
raised to the perpendicular, would fall back into the
furrow by it’s own elasticity. I find from experience
that, in my soil, the top of the mouldboard should
over-jet the perpendicular 4^ I. in a height of 12. I.
to ensure that the weight of the sod shall preponderate
over it’s elasticity, this is an angle of nearly 22". the block must be
12. 1, high, because, unless the mouldboard be in height double the depth
of the furrow, in ploughing friable earth, it will be thrown in waves
over the mouldboard ; and it must be 3 feet long ; one foot of which is
added to form a tailpiece, by which it may be made fast
to the plough handle, the first operation is to give the
first form to this tailpiece, by sawing the block Fig. 2.
across from a. b. on it’s left side (which is 12. I. from
it’s hinder end) along the line b. c. to c. within I.
of the right side, & to the corresponding point in the
bottom, 1^1. also from the side, then saw in again
at the hinder end from d. e. (i^ I. from the right
side) along the line d. c. the block a. b. c. d. e. f. g.
drops out & leaves the tailpiece c. d. e. h. i. k. I.
thick, the fore part of the block a. b. c. k. 1. m. n.
is what is to form the real mouldboard, with a car-
penter’s square make a scribe all around the block at
every inch, there will of course be 23. of them, then
from the point k. Fig. 2. and 3. draw the diagonals
k. m. on the top, & k. o. Fig. 3. on the right side,
enter a saw at the point m. being the left-forc-upper
corner, & saw in, guiding the hinder part of the saw
along the diagonal m. k. (Fig, 2. 3.) & the forepart down the left edge
of the block at the fore-end m. 1 . (Fig. 2.) till it reaches k. and 1 . in a
strait line, it will then have reached the true central
diagonal of the block k. 1 . Fig. 5. then enter the
saw at the point o. being the right-fore-bottom corner,

& saw in, guiding the hinder part of the saw along the
diagonal 0, k. (Fig. 3.) & the forepart along the bot-
tom edge of the fore-end 0. 1. till it again reaches k. 1.

Fig. 5, the same central diagonal to which you had
cut in the other direction, consequently the pyramid
k. m. n. 0. I. Fig. 4. drops out, & leaves the block in
the form Fig. 5. you will now observe that if, in the
last operation, instead of stopping the saw at the cen-
tral diagonal k, 1. we had cut through the block in the
same plane, we should have taken off a wedge 1. m. n.
o. k. b. Fig. 3. and left the block in the form of a
wedge also. 1, 0. k. b. a. p. k. which, when speaking
of the principle of the mouldboard, I observed would
be the most perfect form, if it had only to raise the sod.

Fio. 3

ft a <1

Appendix VI

but as it is to be turned over also, the left half of the upper wedge is
preserved to furnish, on the left side, the continuation of the bevil which
was proposed to be made on the right half of the bol-
5 tom wedge. We are now to proceed to the bevil,
h'v ' for which purpose the scribes round the block were

\ \ X formed before the pyramidal piece was taken out; &
7 attention must be used not to mismatch or mistake

/ them now that they are disjoined by the withdrawing

^ / of that piece, enter the saw on the two points of the

\ / i“. scribe, where it has been disjoined, which is ex-

Y actly where it intersected the two superficial diago-

K nals, Sc saw across the hollow of the block, guiding

the saw, both before & behind, along the same scribe,
* till the forepart of the saw reaches the bottom edge

of the right side. Sc the middle of the saw reaches the central diagonal:
the hinder part will of course continue the same strait line, which
will issue somewhere on the top of the block, then enter the saw
in like manner on the two projecting points of the 2**. ^
scribe, and saw in, along the scribe, before and behind, ^
till it reaches the same bottom edge of the right side, X Vli
& the central diagonal, then the s"*. 4“*. S*"- etc. ..XA i

scribes successively, after cutting in several of the “"W /

earlier scribes, the hinder part of the saw will ifssue at A

the left side of the block, & all the scribes being cut,
the saw will have left strait lines from the bottom
edge of the right side of the block, across the central ~

diagonal, with an adze dub off all the sawed parts to \

the bottoms of the sawmarks, just leaving the traces ^

visible, & the face of the mouldboard is finished, these . •

traces will show how the cross wedge rises gradually ® Vv

on the face of the direct wedge, which is preserved in
the trace of the central diagonal, a person may repre-
sent to himself sensibly and easily the manner in which *

the sod is raised on this mouldboard by describing on the ground a
parallelogram 2 feet long, & 9. I. broad, as a. b. c. d. Fig. 6. then rest
one end of a stick 27} I. long on the ground at b. & raise the other I3. I.
high at e. which is 4^ I. from d. Sc represents the overhanging of that
side of the mouldboard, then present another stick
®« • » . • • ^ 12. 1, long from a. to b, and move it backwards parallel

* J with itself from a. b. to d. c. keeping one end of it al-

* \ « ways on the line a. d. Sc letting the other rise as it re-

* \ I along the diagonal stick b. e. which represents

" \ \ our central diagond. the motion of the cross stick

1 will be that of our rising wedge, Sc will shew how every

* Ik transverse line^ of the sod is conducted from it's first

* horizon^ position, till it is raised so far beyond the

C, “ perpendicular as to fall reversed by it’s own weight.

Fm 6 work, we have still to form the

underside of our mouldboard, turn the block bottom

Appendix VI

653

up. enter the saw on the i“‘. scribe, at what was the bottom edge of the
left side, & cut in, guiding the instrument at both ends by the scribe, till
it has approached within an inch, or any other distance according to the
thickness you chuse, of the face, then cut in like manner all the other
scribes, & with the adze dub out the sawed parts, & the mouldboard is
done.

It is to be made fast to the plough, by resting the toe in the hinder
edge of the wing, which must be made double like a comb-case, to re-
ceive & protect the fore-end of the mouldboard, then pass a. screw
through the mouldboard & helve the ploughshare where they touch each
other, & two others through the tailpiece of the mouldboard & right
handle of the plough, & cut off so much of the tailpiece as projects be-
hind the handle, diagonally, & the tyhole is done.

I have described this operation in it’s simplest mode, that it might be
the more easily understood, but, in practice, I have found some other
modifications of it advantageous, thus instead of first
forming my block as a. b. c. d. Fig. 7. where a. b. is
12. I. and the angle at b. a right one, I cut a wedge-like
piece b. c. e. ofE of the bottom, throu^ the whole length
of the block, b. e. being equal to the thickness of the bar
of the share (suppose i^ I.) because, the face of the
wing declining from the top of the bar to the ground,
were the block laid on the share without an equivalent
bevil at it’s bottom, the side a. b. would decline from the perpendicular,
and a. d. from it’s horizontal position. Again, instead of leaving the top
of the block 13 i I. wide from m. to n. Fig 8. I cut a wedge from the
right side n. Ic i. c. p. n. L thick at top, 8 c tapering to nothing at
bottom ; because I find that the tailpiece, being by thu
^ means made oblique, as c. i. instead of k. i. is brought
more advantageously to the side of the handle, the
first superficial diagonal is consequently brought from
m. to c. and not from m. to k, as in the first directions,
these variations will be easy to any one after under-
standing the general principle.

While these mouldboards have been under trial, &
K essays have been making of greater or less projections
for the upper right edge of the block, & of different
heights in proportion to the depth of the furrow, I
j have continued to make them of wood, but now satis-
fied by a sufficient experience that for a furrow of 9,
by 6. I. the dimensions I have stated are the best, I propose to have the
mouldboard made of cast iron.

I am sensible that this description may be thought too lengthy and
elaborate for a subject which has hardly been deemed worthy the ap-
plication of science, but if the plough be in truth the most useful of the
instruments known to man, it’s perfection cannot be an idle speculation,
and, in any case whatever, the combination of a theory which may satisfy
the learned, with a practice intelligible to the most unlettered laborer,
will be acceptable to the two most useful classes of society.

Fra. 7

AppeIjdix VI

654

Be this as it may, from the widow her mite only was expected. I
have contributed according to my poverty; others wUl from their abun-
dance. — None so much as yourself, who have been the animating prin-
ciple of the institution from its first germ. When I contemplate the ex-
tensive good which the proceedinp under your direction are calculated
to produce, I cannot but deplore every possibility of their interruption.
. . . (Original letter in the Jefferson Papers, M. H. S. ; also printed in
Trans. Am. Phiios. Soc, 4: 313-330, 1799.)

A Supplementary note on the mould board described in a letter to Sir
John Sinclair, of March 23, 1798, inserted in the American Philosophi-
cal transactions, vol. 4, and in Maese’s [= Mease’s] Domestic Encyclo-
paedia voce Plough.*

The chief object in that description was to establish the true principle
on which the mould board of a plough should be constructed, and to
point out a mechanical method of making it’s curved surfaces. The
mould board there described, by way of example, was made with a
square toe, to receive the sod at the hinder edge of the fin of the plough-
share; but neither the principle nor the method is restrained to that
single form. If it be desired for instance to give to the mould board a
pointed toe, adapted to the fine of the plough-share, which may begin to
raise the sod from the point, a small variation in the process effects it,
and the principle of the curved surface is still the same. Having formed
your block of the length, breadth, and height suited to the nature of
* your soil, to the breadth and depth of your furrow, hav-

ing scribed it, and taken out the pyramidal block as di-
rected, lay it bottom upwards and draw a line a. b. across
it, distant from the fore end about once and a half the
breadth of the bottom; then draw the diagonal a. f. c. and
if you wish to make the toe with the cutting edge oblique
and straight, chip off the corner d, to the diagonal line
a. f. c. or if you wish to make the cutting edge curved as
that of the fin generally is, lay off the curvature you de-
sire from f. to e. and either mark the curve by the eye, or
with a pair of compasses, and chip off the corner d. to the
curved line a. e. c. then saw in on your scribes and finish
as directed, in the letter. It is hardly necessary to ob-
serve that the block being here represented bottom up-
wards, the cutting edge of the mould board appears on the left, though
it will really be on the right side when turned up.

Th: Jefferson.

•This “supplementaiy note” is from some printed but unidentified source.— E d.

APPENDIX VII

Books and Pamphiets on
Agriculture, Gardening, and Botany in the
Library of Thomas Jefferson

The following list of books and pamphlets in Jefferson’s library was

taken from the Catalogue of the Library of Gongrets, December, 1830;

Catalogue, President Jefferson's Library, to be sold at auction, at the

Long Room, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington City, by Nathaniel P.

Poor, February, 1829; miscellaneous letters; and Jefferson’s manuscript

of his library, 1783 (original in the Massachusetts Historical Society;

photostatic copy at the University of Virginia Library),

Abbrcrombie, John. 1786. The gardener’s pocket dictionary, 3 v.
London.

A»lum, John. 1823. A memoir on the cultivation of the vine in
America, and the best mode of making wine. Washington.

Address and rules of the South Carolina Society for promoting and im-
proving Agriculture and other Rural Concerns. 1785. Charles-
ton.

Acricola, G. a. 1726. A philosophical treatise of husbandry and
gardening, tr. from the German, with remarks and an appendix,
by R. Bradley. London.

Auber, M. Jovrnu. 1804. Memoir sur I’amSiioration des races de
b&tes a laine dans le Department de la Gironde. Bordeaux.

Baird, Thomas. 1793. General views of agriculture in the county
of Middlesex. Board of Agriculture, London.

Bakswell, Robert. 1808. Observations on the influence of soil and
climate upon wool. London.

Barton, Benjamin Smith. 1803. Elements of Botany. Philadel-
phia.

Basso, Casiano. 1781. Geoponica, 4 v. in 2. Lipsiae.

Beaumont, Sir Harry (Joseph Spence). 1761. A particular ac-
count of the Emperor of China’s gardens near Pekin, translated
from the French of Frere Attiret, in Dodslcy’s Fugitive Pieces,
Vol. I. London.

Belsches, R. 1796. General view of the agriculture of the county
of Stirling. Board of Agriculture, London.

Bidet, Nicolas. 1759. Traite sur la nature et sur la culture de la
vigne; revue par M. du Hamel du Monceau, 2 v. Paris.

Billinoslby, John. 1794. General views of agriculture in the
county of Somerset. Board of Agriculture, London.

Binns, John A, 1803. Treatise on practical farming. Frederick-
town,

655

Appenoix VII

656

Boerhaave, H. 173*. Historia plantarum. Londini.

Bonneterih, Saboureux de la. 1783. Traduction d’anciens ouv-
rages latins relatifs k Tagriculture, et a la medicine veterinaire,
avec des notes, 6 v. Paris.

Bordley, J. B. 1796. Sketches on rotations of crops and other rur.il
matters. Philadelphia.

1799. Essays and notes on husbandry and rural afEairs.

Philadelphia.

1799. Hemp. Philadelphia.

1800. Husbandry dependant on live stock. Philadelphia.

Boswell, George. 1792. A treatise on watering meadows. London.

Bradley, Richard. 1724. A general treatise of husbandry and gar-
dening, 3 V. London.

1726. New improvements of planting and gardening. Lon-

don.

1728. Dictionarium botanicum; or, a botanical dictionary for

the use of the curious in husbandry and gardening. London.

1733 - Ten practical discourses concerning the four elements,
as they relate to the growth of plants. London.

Broussb, M. de la. 1724. Traitd de la culture du hguier. Amster-
dam,

Brown, Robert, 18 ii. A treatise on agriculture and rural affairs.
Edinburgh.

Cadet de Vaux, A. A. [1800]. Instruction sur Part de faire Ic vin.
Paris,

Carey, Matthew. 1820. The new olive branch: or an attempt to
establish an identity of interest between agriculture, manufac-
ture, and commerce. Philadelphia.

Cato, Varro, Columella, et Palladius, 1593. De re rustics.
Heidelberg.

Catalogue of the Botanic Garden at Liverpool. 1808. Liverpool.

Catalogue of the plants of New York, [n, d.]

Chambers, William. 1763, Plans, elevations, sections, and per-
spective views of the gardens and buildings at Kew. London.

— ' — 1773. A dissertation on oriental gardening. London.

Chaptal, Rosier, Parmentier, et Dussieux. i 8 oi. Traite sur la
culture de la vigne, 2 v. Paris.

CoiNTERAUX, — ^ . 1803. Nouveau trait6 d'economie rurale. Paris.

Country Habitations, [n. d.] On the culture of Lucerne. Richmond.

Crowninshield, MS, 1807. Hortus Siccus.

CusTis, G. W. P. 1808. Address to the people of the United States,
on the importance of encouraging agriculture and domestic
manufactures. Alexandria,

Darwin, Erasmus. 1798. The botanic garden. New York.

Daubenton, Louis Jean Marie. 1810. Advice to shepherds and
owners of flocb, on the care and management of sheep ; tr. from
the original French, Boston,

Appendix VII

657

Description of Stowe. [i 797 "] A description of the house and gar-
dens of the most notable and puissant prince, George-Grenville-
Nugent-Temple, Marquis of Buckingham, London.

Dickson, Adam. 1788. Husbandry of the ancients, 2 v. Edinburgh.

Dioscoride. 1573. Traduzione e discorsi di Matthioli. Venice.

Dioscorides. 1549. (Gr. et Lat.) Paris.

Donaldson, James. i 794 ' General views of the agriculture in the
county of Northampton. Board of Agriculture, London.

Douette-Richardot, Nicholas. 1806. Pratique de I’agriculture.
Paris.

Duhamel DU Monchau, H. L. 1754. Traite de la conservation des
grains. Paris.

1759- A practical treatise of husbandry. London.

Duhamel du Monceau et Tillet. 1762. Histoire d’un insecte
qui devore les grains de I’angoumois. Paris.

Dumeril, Andre Marie Constant, 1807. Traite elementaire d’his-
toire naturelle, 2 v. Paris.

Dumont-Courset. 1802. Le botaniste-cultivateur, 4 v. Paris.

Erskine, J. F. 1795. General view of the agriculture of the county
Clackmannan, etc. Board of Agriculture, London.

Evelyn, John. 1664. Sylva, pomona, and kalendarium hortense.
London.

1787. Terra ; with notes!, by A. Hunter. New York.

Fabbroni, a. 1783. Disserlazione sopra il quesito indicate le verc
teorie con le quali devono eseguirsi le stime dei terreni, stabilite
le quali abbiano i pratici stimatori delle vcre guide, che gli
conducono a dcterminarne il valore. Firenze.

178b. Istruzione elemcntari di agricoltura, Perugia.

Fillassier, M. 1783. Culture de la grosse asperge, dite de Hollande,
Amsterdam.

Fordyce, George. 1771. Elements of agriculture and vegetation.
London.

Forsyth, William. 1802. A treatise on the culture and manage-
ment of fruit-trees. Philadelphia.

Francois (de Neufchateau), Citoyen. 1801. Rapport sur le
perfectionnement des charrucs. Paris.

Francois (de Neufchateau), N. 1806. Voyages agronomiques
dans la Senatorerie de Dijon. Paris.

Gardiner, John, and David Hepburn, i8i8. The American gar-
dener. Georgetown.

Gentil, Franqois. 1723. Le jardinier solitaire. Paris.

Ginanni, Francesco. 1739, Delle malattie del grano in erba,
Pesaro.

Gouan, M. 1787, Explication du systeme botantque du Chevalier
von Linne. Montpellier.

Gronovius, Joh. Fred. 1762. Flora Virginica. Leiden.

Hale, Thomas. 1758-39. A coropleat body of husbandry, 4 v.
London.

Appendix VII

6^8

Hales, Stephen. 1738. Statical essays, a v. London.

Heelv, Joseph. 1777. Letters on the beauties of Hagley, Envil, and
Leasowes. With critical remarks: and observations on the mod-
ern taste in gardening. London.

Hepburn, George Buchan, 1794. General view of the agriculture
and rural economy of East Lothian. Board of Agriculture,
London.

Hill, John. 1738. The gardener’s new kalendar; divided accord-
ing to the twelve months of the year — containing the whole prac-
tice of gardening. London.

Hillhousb, Augustus Lucas. 1820. An essay on the history and
cultivataion of the European olive-tree. Paris.

Hirzel, Hans Kaspar. 1800. The rural Socrates. Hallowell (Dis-
trict of Maine).

Home, Francis. 1762. The principles of agriculture and vegetation.
London.

Home, Henrv. 1779. The gentleman farmer. Edinburgh.

Huzard, J, B. i8oa. Instruction sur I’amelioration des chevaux en
France. Paris.

Jacob, Giles. 1717. The country gentleman’s vade mecum. Lon-
don.

James, John. [171a]. The theory and practice of gardening, from
the French of J, B. Alexandre le Blond. [Paris.]

JUTAis, F. DE LA. 1805. L’abondance, ou la viritable pierre philo-
sophale. Philadelphia.

Kennedy and Lee. 1784. Catalogue of plants and seeds, sold at the
Vineyard, Hammersmith. London.

Kirwan, R. 1796. The’ manures most advantageously applicable to
the various sorts of soils. London.

Knight, Thomas Andrew. 1802. A treatise on the culture of the
apple & pear, and on the manufacture of cider & perry. Ludlow.

Langley, Batty, 1729. Pomona: or the fruit garden illustrated.
London.

Lasteyrie, C. P. de. 1799. Traiti sur les betes-a>laine d’Espagne.
Paris.

1808. Du cotonnier et de sa culture. Paris.

Lastri, Marco Antonio. 1801. Corso di agricoltura, 5 v.

Firenze.

L’economie rurale, 6 v. [n. d.]

Lettres du Lord Somerville, du Due de Bedford, de M. Arthur Young,
au C. Frangois (de Heufehateau) sur la charrue. 1803. Parfe.

Linnaeus, Carolus (or Carolus a LinniS). 1737. Critica bo-
tanica. Lugduni-Batavorum.

1737. Flora lapponica. Amstelaedami.

1756. Systema naturae. Lugduni-Batavorum.

— 1762. Spreies plantarum, 2 v. Holmiae.

' - ' 1763- Philosophia botanica. Viennae Austriae.

■ 1764. Genera plantarum, ed. 6 . Holmiae.

Appendix VII

659

1782. A system of vegetables. Litchfield.

1786-1787. Fundamenta botanica, edente Gilibert, 3 v.

Coloniae-Allobrogum.

Livingston, Robert. 1809. Essay on sheep. New York.

Logan, George. 1797. Agricultural experiments on gypsum; and
experiments to ascertain the best rotation of crops. Philadelphia.

1800. On the necessity of promoting agriculture, manufac-
tures, and the useful arts. Philadelphia,

McMahon, Bernard. 1806. The American gardener’s calendar.
Philadelphia.

Main, Thomas. 1807. Directions for the transplantation, etc,, of
young thorn or other hedge plants. Washington.

Mallet, . i 795 - Le parfait jardinier. Paris.

Marshall, Humphry. 1783. Arbustrum Americanum: the Ameri-
can grove. Philadelphia.

Martyn, T, 1785. Rousseau’s botany. London.

Maupin, M. 1779. L’art de fairc le vin. Paris.

1782. Nouvelle methode pour cultiver la vigne. Paris,

Mawe, Thomas. 1794< Every man his own gardener. London.

Mddailles d’cncouragement donnees par la Societe d’Agricultuie du
Departement de la Seine. 1803. Paris.

Memoires de la Societe d’Agriculture du Departement de la Seine, ii v.
1801-1808. Paris,

Mdmoires de la Socidtd Royale et Centrale d’Agriculture. 1815-1816,

Memoirs ot the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, vols.
1-2. 1808-1811. Philadelphia.

Michaux, Andr£. iSoi. Histoire des chines de I'Amerique. Paris,

1803, Flora Boreali-Americana, 2 v. Paris.

Michaux, F, A, 1803. M^moire sur la naturalisation des arbres
forestiers de I'Amerique septcntrionale. Paris.

i8n. Histoire des arbres forestiers de I’Amerique septen-

trionale. Paris.

1819. The North American sylva, 3 v. in 2. Paris.

Miller, Philip, 1765. The gardener’s calendar. London.

1768, The gardener’s dictionary. London.

1785. Dictionnaire des jardiniers; tr. de I’Anglois, par M.

de Chazelles, avec notes, etc., par M. Hollandre, S v. Paris.

Mills, John. 1762. Practical treatise of husbandry. London.

iTJO, Natural and chemical elements of agriculture. Lon-

don.

Moore, Thomas. i8oi. The great error of American agriculture
exposed. Baltimore.

Mortimer, John. 1721. The whole art of husbandry, 2 v. London.

Muhlenberg, H. 1813. Catalogus plantarum Americae septen-
trionalis. Lancaster.

Naismyth, John. 1795. Tour through the sheep pastures in the
soudiern parts of Scotland. Board of Agriculture, London.

Nomenclator botanicus (Lat. Gal. Ang. Germ. Suec. et Dan.). 1769,
Copenhagen.

66o

Appendix VII

Notice sur I’agriculture des Celtes et des Gaulok 1 806. Paris.

Outlines of a plan for establishing a state society of agriculture in Pcnn>
sylvania. 1794. Philadelphia.

Owen, T. 1805. Geoponica, 2 v. in i. London.

Palluel, Crktte. 1802. Memoire sur I’utilit^ qu’on peut tirer des
marais desseches, en general, et particuli^rement de ceux du
Laonois. Paris.

Papers on agriculture, published by the Massachusetts Society for Pro-
moting Agriculture. 1803-1804. Boston.

Parkinson, John, i 640. Theatrum botanicum : the theater of plants.
Or, an herball of a large extent. . . . London.

Parkinson, Richard. 1799. The experienced farmer, 3 v. Phila-
delphia.

Parmentibr, M. 1781. Recherches sur les v^getaux nourissans.
Paris.

1784- Methode facile de conserver a peu de frais les grains

et les farines. Londres.

Particulars of the breeding stock, late the property of Robert Fowler,
of the county of Oxford, England. 1791. London.

Pearce, William. 1794. General views of agriculture in Berkshire.
Board of Agriculture, London.

Persoon, C. H. 1803-1807. Synopsis plantarum, 2 v. Paris.

Peters, Rickard. 1797. Agricultural enquiries on plaster of Paris.
Philadelphia.

Pitt, W. 1794. General views of agriculture in the county of Staf-
ford. Board of Agriculture, London.

Plan of the re-printed reports of the Board of Agriculture. 1 806.
London.

Proceedings of the British Privy Council, in relation to the insect called
the Hessian Fly. 1789. London,

Rafinesque, C. S. 1817. A flora of the state of Louisiana. New
York.

Randolph, John. i 793- A treatise on gardening. Richmond.

Rapport, et medailles d’encouragement donn^ par la Societe d' Agricul-
ture du Departement de la Seine. 1808. Paris.

Robertson, Thomas. 1796. General report upon the size of farms.

. Board of Agriculture, London.

Rocca, l’Abbe Della. i 790 ' Traite complet sur les abeilles, 3 v.
Paris.

Ronconi, Ignazio. 1783. Dizionario d’agricoltura, 2 v. Venezia.

Roscob, William. 1802. Address on opening the Botanic Garden
of Liverpool. Liverpool,

Rozier, Fran9ois, ed. 17^83—1800, Cours complet d’agriculture thd-
orique, pratique, economique . . . ou dictionnaire universel
d agriculture, 10 v, Paris.

Saint-Germain, J. J. de. 1784. Manuel des vegdtaux (Lat et Fr.).
Paris.

Sbrres, Olivier de. 1804. Le th^tre d'uriculture, 2 v, Paris.

Shscut, John L. E. W. 1806. Flora &rolinaeensis. Charleston.

Appendix VII

66l

Sinclair, John. 1791-1 793* Statistical reports. London.

1793* Plan of the Board. Board of Agriculture, London.

1795. General view of the agriculture of the northern coun-
ties and islands of Scotland. Board of Agriculture, London.

1795< Plan of an agreement among the powers of Europe,

and the United States of America, for the purpose of rewarding
discoveries of general benefit to the Society. Board of Agricul-
ture, London.

179s. Substance of Sir John Sinclair’s addresses to the Board,

aoth of June, and 14th of July. Board of Agriculture, London.

Somerville, Robert. 1795. Report on the cultures and use of po-
tatoes. London.

1795* Report on the subject of manures, with appendix.

Board of Agriculture, London.

Smith, . 1786. Linnaeus on the sexes of plants, and study of

nature. London.

Spurrier, John. 1793. The practical farmer. Wilmington.

Stackhouse, J. 1816. Nereis Britannica. Oxonii.

Stone, Thomas. 1793. General views of agriculture in the county
of Huntingdon. Board of Agriculture, London.

1 800. Letter to Lord Somerville, late President of the Board

of Agriculture, with a view to show the inutility of the plans
and researches of that institution. London.

Strickland, William. 1801. Observations on the agriculture of
the United States of America. London.

SuRFLET, Richard. i6cx>. Maison rustique, or the countrie farme;
tr. from the French of Charles Stephens and John Liebault,
London.

SvLVESTRB, A. F. 1801. Essai sur les moyens de perfectionner les
arts economiques en France. Paris.

Taylor, John. 1813. Arator, or agricultural essays. Georgetown.

Theophrasti Erisii. 1644. De historia plantarum (Gr. et Lat.)
Gazae, commentariis Bodaevs a stapel, Jul. Caes. Scaligeri et
Constantini. Amstellodami,

Thouin, Andre, [n. d.] Monographic des greffes. Paris.

Tournefort, J. P. 1719. Institutiones rei herbariae, a v. Paris.

Transactions of the Society, instituted in the State of New York, for
the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufactures, part I.
1792. New York.

Transactions of the Society for Promoting Agriculture in Connecticut.
1 80a. New Haven.

Trinci, Cosimo. 1796. L’agricoltore sperimentato, 2 v. Venezia.

Tuke, , Jr. General views of agriculture in the North Riding

of Yorkshire; first report from the select committee on the
cultivation and improvement bf the waste, uninclosed, and un-
productive lands of the Kingdom. I795* Board of Agriculture,
London.

Tull, Jethro. 1762. The horse-hoeing husbandry. London.

66a Appekdix VII

Tupputi, Dominique. 1807. Reflexions succinctes sur I’etat de
I’agriculture, et de quelques autres parties de Tadministration,
dans le royaume de Naples. Paris.

Urb, David. 1797. General view of the agriculture of the county
of Kinross. Board of Agriculture, London.

Valentin, L. 1807. Coup-d’oeil sur la culture de quelques vegetaux
exotiques, dans les departetnens meridionaux de la France. Paris.
Vancouver, C. 1795. General views of agriculture in the county of
Essex. Board of Agriculture, London.

Vettori, Piero. 176a. Trattato della coltivazione degli ulivi.
Firenze.

Walpole, Horace. 1798. Aedes Walpolianae. Collected Works,
ed. by Mary Berry. London.

Walter, Thomas. 1788. Flora Caroliniana. Londini.
Waterhouse, Benjamin. 1811. The botanist. Boston.

Watts, William. 1779. The seats of the nobility and gentry.
Chelsea.

Whately, Thomas. 1770. Observations on modern gardening.
London.

Young, Arthur. 1771. A course of experimental agriculture, 4 v.
Dublin

1771. The farmer’s guide, in hiring and stocking farms, 2 v.

Dublin.

— 1773. Rural economy. London.

1793. Travels in France, 1787-1789, 2 v. Dublin.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

MANUSCRIPTS
Original Sources

Carr-Cary Papers, Alderman Memorial Library, University of Virginia.

(Cited as Carr-Cary Papers, U. Va.)

Jefferson Papers, Alderman Memorial Library, University of Virginia.
(Cited as Jefferson Papers, U. Va.)

Jefferson Papers, Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery, San
Marino, California. (Cited as Jefferson Papers, Huntington.)
Jefferson Papers, Historical Society of Pennsylvania. (Cited as Jeffer-
son Papers, H. S. P.)

Jefferson Papers, Library of Congress. (Cited as Jefferson Papers,
L. C.)

Jefferson Papers, Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore, Maryland.

(Cited as Jefferson Papers, Maryland.)

Jefferson Papers, Massachusetts Historical Society. (Cited as Jefferson
Papers, M. H. S.)

Jefferson Papers, Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, Missouri.

(Cited as Jefferson Papers, Missouri.)

Jefferson Papers, New York Public Library, New York City, New
York.

Jefferson Papers, The Rosenbach Company, Philadelphia.

Jefferson Papers, Thomas Jcflferson Memorial Foundation, Monticello,
Jefferson Papers, United States Department of Agriculture.

Jefferson Papers, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. (Cited
as Jefferson Papers, Yale.)

The Account Books of Thomas Jefferson are located at the following
institutions. There is a photostatic set of the entire group at the Alder-
man Memorial Library, University of Virginia.

Library of Congress:

1767-1770 (deposited by Brigadier General Jefferson R. Kean)

1773

1779-1782

Massachusetts Historical Society:

1771

177a

1774

1776-1778

1783-1790

i8o4;-i8o8

1809-1890

1821-1826

663

664 Bibliography

Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery:

1775

New York Public Library:

1791-1803

LITERATURE

Bailey, L. H. 1911. Sketch of ihe evolution of our native fruits.
New York. (Cited as Bailey, Fruits.)

1925. Manual of cultivated plants. New York.

1927. The standard cyclopedia of horticulture, 3 v. New

York.

and E. Z. Bailey. 1930. Hortus. New York.

Betts, Edwin M., and Hazlehurst B. Perkins. 1941. Thomas
Jefferson’s flower garden at Monticello. Richmond.

Britton, Nathaniel L., and Addison Brown. 1896. An illustrated
flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British pos-
sessions, 3 V. New York.

Bullock, Helen Duprey. 1941. The papers of Thomas Jefferson.
Am, Archivist 4 (4).

Burr, Fearing, Jr. 1863. The field and garden vegetables of Amer-
ica. Boston. (Cited as Burr, Vegetables.)

Calendar of the correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, part I, letters
from Jefferson. 1894. Bureau of Rolls and Libmry, Depart-
ment of State, no. 6. Washington.

Calendar of the correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, part II, letters to
Jefferson. i89S' Bureau of Rolls and Library, Department of
State, no. 8. Washington.

Calendar of the correspondence of Thomas Jefferson, part III, supple-
mentary. 1903- Bureau of Rolls and Library, Department of
State, no. 10. Washington.

Calendar of papers of Thomas Jefferson at the University of Virginia
Library (2 typescript vols., University of Virginia Library).

Chastellux, Francois Jean, Marquis de. i787> Travels in
North-America in the years 1780, 1781, and 1782, 2 v. London.

Chinard, Gilbert. 1924. Les amitira americaines de Madame
d’Houdetot. Paris.

1927. Trois amities fran9aiscs de Jefferson. Paris.

I 939 > Thomas Jefferson, the apostle of Americanism. Bos-
ton.

Darlington, William. 1865. American weeds and useful plants.
New York.

Dictionary of national biography (63 v„ with supplements). i88s-
1930. New York.

Downing, A. J. 1846. The fruits and fruit trees of America. New
York and Boston. (Cited as Downing, Fruits.)

Early hfetory of the University of Virginia as contained in the letters of
mmas Jefferson and Joseph C. Cabell. 1856. Richmond,
(Cited as Jefferson and Cqbell Letters.)

Biblioqraphv 66 ^

FessendeNi Thomas G. 1839. The new American gardener. Bos-
ton and Philadelphia.

Folev, John P. 1900. The JefEersonia cyclopedia. New York and
London.

Ford, Paul Leicester, ed. 1904-1905. The works of Thomas Jef-
ferson, 13 V. New York. (Cited as Ford, Jefferson.)

Ford, Worthington Chauncey, ed. 1916. Thomas Jefferson cor-
respondence. Printed from the originals in the collection of Wil-
liam K. Bixby, Missouri Historical Society. Boston. (Cited
as Ford, Jefferson Correspondence.)

Garlick, Richard Cecil, Jr. 1933. Philip Mazzei, friend of Jef-
ferson, his life and letters. B^timore. (Cited as Garlick, Philip
Mazzei.)

Hambidge, Gove, ed. 1941. Climate and men, 1941 yearbook of
agriculture. Washington.

Harshberger, John W. 1899. The botanists of Philadelphia and
their work. Philadelphia.

Hedrick, U. P. 1938. Peas of New York, part i. Albany. (Cited
as Hedrick, Peas.)

Henderson, Peter. 1881. Handbook of plants. New York.

Hitt, Thomas. 1754. A treatise of fruit trees. London.

Hovby, C. M. 1853. The fruits of America. New York.

Jefferson, Thomas. *784. Notes on the State of Virginia. Paris.

— 1787. Notes on the State of Virginia. London.

Jenkins, Charles Francis. 1906. Jefferson’s Germantown letters.
Philadelphia. (Cited as Jenkins, Jefferson's Letters.)

Johnson, Cothbert. 1855. The farmer’s and planter’s encyclo-
pedia. New York. (Cited as Johnson’s Farmers Encylo-
pedia.)

Kendrick, Wiliam. 1835. The new American orchardist. Boston.

Kimball, Fiskb. [n. d.] Jefferson’s grounds and gardens at Monti-
cello. (Reprinted from Landscape Architecture for the Thomas
Jefferson Memorial Foundation.)

1916. Thomas Jefferson, architect. Boston.

Kimball, Marie. 1943. Jefferson, the road to glory. New York.

Lanman, Charles. 1876. Biographical annals of the civil govern-
ment of the United States during its first century. Washington.
(Cited as Lanman, Biography.)

Lipscomb, Andrew A., and Albert Ellery Bergh, eds. 1903. The
writings of Thomas Jefferson, 30 v. (Cited as Lipscomb and
Bergh, Jefferson.)

Massachusetts Historical Collection. 1900, The Jefferson Papers,
Seventh series. Boston. (Cited as Jefferson Papers, M. H. C.)

Mayo, Bernard. 1943. Thomas Jefferson and his unknown brother.
Charlottesville.

McMahon, Bernard. 1806, The American gardener’s calendar.
Philadelphia.

Miller, Philip. 1759. The gardener’s dictionary. London.

Milne, Colin. 1805. Botanical dictionary. London.

Missouri Historical Society. 1936. Glimpses of the past, HI, nos.

666

BltlLtOGitAPHy

4-6, April-June. Saint Louis. (Cited as Glimpses of the Past,
Missouri.)

Phillips, Henry. 1823. Sylva florifera: the shrubbery. London.

Pierson, Hamilton W. 1862. Jefferson at Monticello. New
York. (Cited as Pierson, Monticello.)

Ragan, W. H. 1905. Nomendaturc of the apple. Washington.

1908. Nomendaturc of the pear. Washington.

Randall, Henry S. 1858. The life of Thomas Jefferson, 3 v.
New York. (Cited as Randall, Jefferson.)

Randolph, John, Jr. 1924. A treatise on gardening (Marjorie F.
Warner, ed.). Richmond. (Cited as Randolph, Gardening.)

Randolph, Sarah N. 1871. The domestic life of Thomas Jeffer-
son. New York. (Cited as Randolph, Jefferson.)

Randolph, Thomas Jefferson. 1829. Memoirs, correspondence,
and private papers of Thomas Jefferson, 4 v. London.

Rawlings, Mary. 1925. The Albemarle of other days. Charlottes-
ville.

Reed, C. A. 1926. Nut-tree propagation. U. S. Dep. Agrie,, Farm-
ers Bull. 1501. Washington.

Render, Alfred. 1927. Manual of cultivated trees and shrubs.
New York.

Robinson, Benjamin L., and Merritt L. Fernald. 1908. Gray’s
new manual of botany. New York.

Sadler, Elizabeth Hatcher. 1926. The bloom of Monticello.
Richmond.

Small, John K. 1933. Manual of the Southeastern flora. New
York.

Smith, Marqarbt Bayard. igo6. The first forty years of Wash-
ington society. (Gaillard Hunt, ed.) New York.

Stevenson, - . 1764. The gentlemen gardener. London.

SwBM, £. G. 1934. Virginia historical index, 2 v. Roanoke.

Thomas, Joseph. 1930. Universal pronouncing dictionary of biog-
raphy and mythology. Philadelphia. (Cited as Lippincott's
Pronouncing Dictionary.)

Tucker, George. 1837. The life of Thomas Jefferson, a v. Lon-
don.

Tyler, Lyon G. 1913. Encyclopedia of Virginia biography, 3 v.
New York. (Cited as Tyler, Virginia Biography.)

Ward, James Edward, Jr. Thomas Jefferson’s contribution to
American agriculture (a dissertation presented to the Graduate
Faculty of the University of Virginia in candidacy for the de-
gree of Doctor of Philosophy).

Washington, Henry A., ed. 1853-1854. The writings of Thomas
Jefferson, 9 v. New York and Washington.

Watson, Alexander. 1865. The American home garden. New
York, (Cited as Watson, Garden.)

Whatbly, Thomas. 1770. Observations on modern gardening.
London.

Woods, Edgar. 1901. History of Albemarle County in Virginia.
Charlottesville. (Cited as Woods, Albemarle County.)

INDEX

Abbema (c Co., *47
^Het alba, 479
Aboville, Chevalier d’, 530
Acacia, Egyptian, 77, 86
Acacia, 89, 176, 178, 380-381, 403, 415-
4*«( 434i SI9! famesiana, 83, 175,
» 7 »i 399 . 4 »a. 4 * 9 , 4341 ailattca,

387, 434. 5*41 trtaeantos, 146
Acer negundo, no; peantylvanieum,
no, 116; rubrum, no, 146, 150, 646;
saccharinum, 645; iartancum, 423,
430

Acnida eannabma, 647
Acorns, ij6, a8o, 339, 348, 503, 633-^34
Aclaea racemosa. 645
Adams, Abigail (Smith), Jefferson’s
friendship with, 501
Adams, John, 103, 105, no, 269, 447,
476; tetters from Jefferson, 123, 479,
501-502; letter to Jefferson, 573
Adams, Thomas, 61
Adlum, Major John, 433, 439, 557; let-
ters from Jefferson, 415, 436, 554,
604! letter to Jefferson, 4^3
Adriatic Sea, 134

Aesculiu alba, 361 ; hippoeauanum, 31,
453; hfbrida, adr; pavia, ait, 646;
vtrgintea, air

Africa, t_i3,_ 165-166, 380-381, 505, 615
Agave virginUa, 646
Agricultural implements, 186, 188-189,
191, 303 , ai8, 3*9, 333 -* 34 ) * 4 *-* 43 ,
346-447, 350, 35*, 358, 371-373, 348,
363, 37 *. 374 - 37 fi. 430 . 459-4^0, s*8,
540 . 545 . Sdr, 369, 641 i French, 435
Agricultural inventions, 340, 363-364,

m i8, 649-654

tural societies, 106-107,
r< 3 . * 77 . *< 4 . 386-387, 40*. 4 t»- 4 t 3 .
461, 640-643; English, 317; French,
* 79 . 3 * 5 . 33 *

Agricultural Society of Albemarle
County, 615, 631

Agricultural Society, Belfast, 451, 46a
Agricultural Society of Charleston, rice
sent to, 381

Agricultural Society, New York, 233
Agricultural Society of Paris, 361, 363,
370, 37*. 37^. 407-408
Agricultural Society of the Seine, 374,
376. 435

Agricultural Society of South Carolina,
598, 605

Agriculture, 133, 143, 155, 191-192,
333-334, 341-345, 356, 389-390, 351,
370. 37s, 437-438, 450-451, 463, S05,
509-511, 560-561, 567, 570-573, 640-
643 ; European, lao, 376 ; in Ireland,
451-453; libraries on, 567; publica-
tions on, 196, 318 , 871, a86, 301, 413,
440, 5 *fi. 544 , 55S, 570, 57 *. 655-663
Agriculture, (London) Board of, 317,
40S

Agriculturists, 584; Virginia, 585;
Welsh, 585

Agronomic Society of Bavaria, 5^6
Agrostit captllarit, 314; paluslrts, 479,
503; stolauifera, 451, 493
Alabama, 603
Albany, N. Y., 157

Albemarle County, Va., 8, 33, 35, 43,
57. fi5, 81, 87-88, 159-160, 174, 316,

Altemarle County Agricultural Soci-
ety, 615, 631 , 6^0-643
Albmia julibrUm, 396
Alder, 33, ay

Alexander, Donald, 306-307
Alexander, Eli, 206
Alexandria, Va., a88, 300
Algiers, 446
Allan, Mr., 581
Allen, Mr., 358
Allison, Dr., 546

Allium atcalotticam, 313, 477 ; cepa, 8,
81; cepa var. viviparum, 399, 448;
porrum, 313 ; sativum, 58, 313, 477 ;
schoenoprasam, 477
Almeda, Capt., 404
Almond, 4, 15, 39 . 47 . 5®, 58, 61, 76,
94, 119, ** 7 . ** 9 . * 09 . **«. 335 , 4*o,
438, 468, 534, 637, 648; bitter, 50,
75. 4*3. 475! double-blossomed, 308-
309; sweet, io, 61, 431 , 475; Vir-
ginian, 47
Ainus rugosa, 30
Aloe, 139; American, 646
Alps, 133 ) 1*8
Alston, Willis, 460

* Althaea, 5, * 3 , * 7 , *08-209, 494 , 556 ,
563; efficinalit, 314; rosea, 9, 99
Amanda (ship), 491
Amaranth, 635; globe, 4
Amaranthtts hybridus var. hypochon-
dfiacus, 8

Amaryllis, 35*. 373, 455

667

668

Ikdex

/imaryllis, 381; atamasco, 481; hella-
dona, 481, 491; iormosissima, 335,

346

Amelia County, Va., 37
American Farmer, editor of, _ 6 «
American Philosophical Society, 136,
163, 17a, 173, 440, aS4> *fi4i aSi-aSa,
286-287, 3 * 3 . 331 - 33 *. S»fi; letter
from Jefferson, 332
Amherst County, Va., i6o, 248, 322
Amorpha, flowering, 23, 27
Amorpha fruiieosa, 30
Amptkill, Chesterfield County, Va., 59
Amsterdam, 133, 137
Anatomy, 349
Anderson, Mr., 34, 38
Andrews, Rev. Robert, 80
Andromeda arhorea, 109, ii6,_ 139-
140; plumata, 239-140 ; po/t/oftHi 146
Anemone, 35a, 455; double, 335 . 453 .

480. 635 ,

Anemone, 24, 27, 94, 337; pulsattlla.

3 *. ? 9 . 445 , 449 .

Angehca tylveeiru, .645
Anguilla bosteniensii, 384
Animalculae, of hot springs, 301
Animal husbandry, 437 - 43 *. 49 *. 507 -
508; books on, 316, 655-662
Animals, depredations of, 220; wild,
refnge for, 27

Annapolis, Md., 3, 101, 103, 638
Anne, Queen of England, 30, 399.
Annona, no; glabra, 139-140; triloba,
646

Anteaters, 530 _

Anthemii nobilis, 213
Antholyta aetbiopica, 489
Anthoxanthnm odoraium, 379, 429
Antiquarian Society of Charleston, 516
Antirrhinum majut, 9
Apennines, Italy, 124, 128, 134
Apium gravealent var, dulce, 8, 60
Apple, 30, 66, 76, 100, 13s, 144, 26s,
2X2, 306, 3 JO, 375 . 4*0, 434 . 453 . 54 *.
6x8, 648; balsam, 423; calvite, 295,
431, 468; cider, 536; Clark’s pear-
niain, 247; codling (codlin), 83, 209,
315, 42a; common, 533; crab, 79, 84,
*04, 261, 334 , 475 , 533 . <**, « 4 S!
Detroit, 314, 454; early harvest, t68;
egg plumb, 293; Esopus Spitaen-
burgh, t68; golden wilding, 43, 73,
*2, 94 , 247 ! Hughes’ crab, 293, 533 .:
Hughes’ red, 247, 368, 374; iron
wilding, ,^2; mammoth, 408; med-
lar russetin, 32, 43, 75, 8a; New-
town pippin, 40, 43-44, 75, **. 94,
421; New York, 13; oxeye striped,
295; pippin, 468, 473, 524; pumgray,
395; red, 294, 422; redtown pippin.

206; Robinson (Robertson), 73, 82,
268, 333; russetin, 94; Spitzenburgh,

** 7 . 353 , 355 , 420 - 4 **, 454 , 4 «*, 475 ,
324; Sunbriar, 40S; Taliaferro, 421-
42a, 468, 473, 5 * 4 , 533 , 556, 6**1
white, 73, 82, 294

Appleton, Thomas, 371, 391, 392; let-
ter from Jefferson, 318; letters to
Jefferson, 309, 362, 568, 391, 6x3
Appomattox River, Va., 37, 240
Apprentices, slave, 466
Apricot, 15, 20, 22, 47 , 50, 5 *. 6*. 75 ,
94, 1x9, 149, 162, 163, 167, 265, 333,
383, 420, 435, 468, 648; angelic, 319;
Bordeaux, 334, 420; Brussels, 168;
early, 168; melon, 130; Moore Park,
168, 341 ; peach (apricot-peche), 119,
*48. 3 * 9 . 344 - 345 , 353 - 354 , 409 , 4*0-
421, 633; Roman (Moore Park), x68
Aquilepia canadensis, 162
Araehis, 648; hypogaea, 213, ai6, 303-
306, 339

Arator (book), 544
Arbor-vitae, 261, 406, 635, 647
Arbutus unedo, 83
Arches, Corinthian, 113
Archipelago, 134
Architects, 398

Arehitecture, 103, xxi-114, 233, 303,
4x6, 488-489, 304, 611 ; English, 212
Archives of Useful Knowledge, 490
Argali, American, 331
Argemone, 6 ‘, grandifiora, to
Aristolochia serpentaria, 645
Aristotle, 330
Arkansas, 335, 543
Armoracta rusiicana, 38, 213
Armstrong, Gen. John, 292-293. 35 *:

letter to Jefferson, 294
Arno River, Italy, 379
Arnoud, I’Abbf, 232
Arsmatt, 644

Artemisia abrotanum, 214; absinthium,
224; dracuncidus, 328, 399
Artichoke, 6, 10, 2X, 24, 194-195, ao8,
»* 3 , 306, 349 . 373 . 3 **, 447 . 469, 473 -
474 , 497 ^ 99 , S03. 537 , 543 . S<*. 6 * 3 ,
6*7, 639: globe, 334, 337, 340; green,
361; Jerusalem, 208, 360, 362, 400,
.,550,. 565, 570, 607, 642, 643; red, 362
Arundo phragmttis, 647
Asdepiat, 379
Ascyrum multieaule, 303
Ash, 475-^476, 479 , 634, 647; European,
49*; mountain, 334, 342; prickly,
34 *. 353 , 355 , 363 i white, 280
Ashlin, Mr., 487, 493 ; letter from Jef-
ferson, 483
Asia, *25, *35, 602
Asia Minor, 367

Index

669

Asparagus, 4, 5, 9, ai-a*, *4, jOi *8S.
aio, 2*3, asSi i«Si 2671 30*1 1«9, 3*3.
3*5-3»<. 3*8. 39>. 42S-42«. 43S, 437.
445. 4*5. 4*9. 473-474. 493. 495. 497“
500, S37. 543. S5«. 55*. 579. 59*. **7.
£36. £39; Cooper’s pale green, 334,
341, 3 £i; East India, 391
Asparagut officinalis, 7
Aspen, a£, 79. *4. *37->S*. a9«-»93.
334. 357-35*. 3*». 454. 4£S. 47*. 494.
585. £35. £4£i Monticello, 3£5, 494,

.55«

Aster, 303

Astragalus tragaeantha, 145
Astronomy, aSa, 445, £25
Atriplex horieasis, 504
Audinot’s Garden, France, tip
Augers, 454

Augusta County, Va., £x, loa, 239
Auricula, 4, 117, 337, 340, 4o£, 433.

455. 4*0. 4*». 49a. 504
Aurora borealis, 94, 98
Avena sativa, 478
Aaalea, 158, t£s

Azalea, i4£i nudifiora, no, ii£, i£fi,
£4£; viscosa, xi£, tfi£

Aaedaracb, 553, £oa

Baehe, Dr. WilUam, asd
Bacon, Edmund, 44, 31a, 313, 329, 338,
3S4^3 £o, 3£3-3£4. 3**. *£9. 373. 409.
430. 4*4. 539. S«a, 577. Sot. £05, £ta,
£35-fi3£; letters from Jefferson, 318,
3**-3a7. 3*9. 33*. 339. 34»-343. 347.
34*. 3«*-3«4. 3££. 3*7. 37*. 37*. 379.
3*a. 3*3. 4^. 574
Bacon, Mrs. Edmond, 468
Bacon (meat), 29

Bailey, Robert, 224, 475, 478; letters
from Jefferson, 279, aSo, 287, 297
Bailey, Mrs. Robert, 309
Bailey's alley, 332, 446
Bailey’s walk, 38£, 397, 424, 471
Baker, Mr., 554
Bakers, Negro, 518
Baldwin, Abraham, 381
Balm, aoS

Balm of Gilead, 261

Balsam, £35; double, 4; of Peru, x£9

Balsam apple. 423

Baltimore, Md., tot, 177, 287, 305, 339.
404. 407

Balyal’s, 632
Bananas (island), i£3
Banister, John, Jr., letters from Jeffer-
son, 121, 139
Banister, John, Sr^ 137
Bank of United States, 358, 384
Bankhead, Anne (Bandolph), 294, 327,
33*. 3^*. 354. 359. 378, 598, 403, 551.

399, £01, 63d-, letters from Jefferson,

349. 3£3. 3£*. 3**. 4**. 447!

to Jefferson, 352, 353, 357, 369, 380,

3*2

Bankhead, Charles L., 533 ; letters
from Jefferson, 403, 438
Bankhead, Dr. John, 403, 447
Bankhead, Mrs. Mary Warner Lewis,

4*9

Bank notes, 203, 344
Banka, 414

Banks, Sir Joseph, 133
Bantams, 294
Barbarea vulgaris, 213
Barberry, 23, 27, 6/^6
Barbour, James, 483, £08, £21; letters
from Jefferson, 483, 353; letters to
Jefferson, 483, 333, $69
Barbour, Lucy (Johnson), 5s£
Barboursville, Va., £08
Barley, 194-195, 198, 202, 228, 28£, 490,
£41, £47; naked, 433, 474; Persian,
43£; Siberian, 2fi2

Barlow, Joel, letters from Jefferson,
397. 432; letter to Jefferson, 438
Barnes, John S., 290, 318 1 letters from
Jefferson, 304, 431, 511, £14
Barns, 242
Barracks. S7-88, 449
Barry, Richard, 298
Barter, 244

Barton, Dr. Benjamin Smith, 172-173,
35*. 399. 400, 418 1 letters from Jef-
ferson, 282, 301, 309, 440, 541; let-
ters to Jefferson, 303, 309
Bertram, (John, Jr., or William?),
x88, 248, 381

Bartram, John, Jr., ixo, ii£, i2x, 170;
letters from Jefferson, X09, 275, 279,
280

Bartram, William, 135, 309; letter
from Jefferson, 380; letter, to Jeffer-
son, 379

Bartram’s gardens, 188
Basil, sweet, 592
Bass, *57, 503
Bassett, Mr., 187
Batatas, too
Bateaux, 442

Bathing room, at Monticello, £31
Bats, 574

Bay, dwarf-rose, £48; Portugal, £48;
red, £48; summer, 140; sweet, 428

Bayonne, France, 49X
Bean, 48, 30-51, £0, £x, 2x3, ***. 5**.
583, 613, £39, £4* » Alexandrian, 589 ;
Alleghany, 208; arbor, 474. 47* i
asparagus, 3*5. 39*. 443. 454. 47* !
Bess, 498, 500; caracalla, 185, 178 ;
Carolina white, 224; early sesban,

Index

224; English, 59, 62; flowering 161,
596; forward, 373; French kidney,
$3^1 S^Si Friholio (frijole],
514; golden dwarf, 224; green, 4I,
St, 61; haricot, 424, 442, 469, 471-
473 » 493 i 49 Si 494 | 498 -S<». SoS. S 3 «i
550, 556, 564, 576, 583, 589 > 593 . 594 .
599, 606, 607, 610; Holland dwarf,
<34; hominy, 473, 498-4991 horse,
208, 221 ; Italian, 83, 589; Julien,
£34; kidney, 583; lima, 71, 208, 212,
339 . 389, 4 * 7 . 44 *. 47 *. 473 , 495 , 498 ,
500, 506, 5 * 3 , S 3 fi, 550 - 55 *. 564, 583.
589, 599 , 606-607, ^*0; little, 634;
marsh, 634; Mazagan, 21a; mazs'
reen, 208; Mazzei, 77; purple, 52;
red, 430, 5*4! Rleara, 334, 389, 392,
440: Roman, 589; scarlet, 334, 589,
593 - 594 , 599 , 606-607, 610; scarlet
blossom, 165; scarlet flowering, 176;
scarlet runner, 4781 snap, 33, 51, 77,

*08, 2 * 4 , 385, 389-393. 440, 44*. 443,
469, 470, 47 *- 473 . 49 S, 49 *-M 99 , 506,
5 * 8 , 5 **, 5 * 3 , S 3 <, 550 , 556, 564, 565,
576, 58*, 583, 588-589, 593 - 594 . 599 .
606-607, 6ie; sugar, 32, 224; Switz-
erland gray, 634; Tuscan, 589;
white, 52, 6t; wild goose, 583;
Windsor, 48, 56, 59, 65, 204, 208,
** 4 . 386, 388, 442, 469
Bear Branch, Bedford County, Va., 492
Bear Creek, Bedford County, Va., 467,
49a

Beaver, Dr., H4
Beavers, 530
Beck, William, 17, ao
Beekley, Mr., ya

Beekley, John, letter from Jefferson,
577

Bedding, 184
Bedford, Duke of, 407
Bedford County, Va., 42, 72, 227, 234,
238, 246, 252, *70, 3**, 35 *. 43«, 449,
486, 508. Set aha Poplar Forest
Beds, flower. See Flower beds
Beech, 26, 647; purple, 334, 342, 353,
355

Serf, * 4 S, 5*4
Beer, 488, 539

Beet, 208, 276, 360, 386, 410, 443, 469,
47 *. 473, 478, 498, 499 , 5 **. 5 >», S50,
5 ^ 4 , 570, 57 <, 58*, 5*8, S93, 599, 606,
607, 610, 613, 6391 red, 54, «4. 49«;
scarlet, 389-391; white, 54, 64
Belfast Agricultural Society, 451, 461-
462

Belflield, 396

Bell, Col. Thomas, 204, 219, 224
Belladonna, See Bily
Bellflower, 474

Bellew, Thomas, 159

Bellini, Carlo, letter from Jefferson,

*05

Brllu perennts, 31
Bellona (schooner), 513, 521
Belmattt, Albeinarle County, Va., 266
Benincasa hispida, 400
Benne, 359-360, 362, 368, 370-372, 386,
397 , 4 **, 4 * 5 , 4 * 4 , 43o, 434, 44 <, 45 ^,
457-458, 471, 496, 5 * 8 , S 3 <. 550, 589,
606, 607, 610

Benne oil, 351, 359, 361-36*, 368, 372,
4S7;-458

Bennington, Vt., 157
Benson, Egbert, 295; letters from Jef-
ferson, 300, 346
Berard, Simon, xaa
Berherit eanaiiemis, 30; vulgaris, 30,
646

Berkeley, Charles City County, Va.,
22, 28

Berkeley, Gov. William, 83
Bertrand, Mr., 218

Bertroux, M. de, letter from Jefferson,
* 8 *

Bela vulgaris, 64 ; vulgaris macro-
rkiaa, 478

Bettay, Anthony G., letter from Jeffer-
son, 364

Beiuia alba, 647; nigra, 647
Biddle, Samuel, 274, i8a, 184, 186, 190,
196, 202, 204-206, 21^ 213 , 216, 324-
225; letters from Jefferson, 182, 303
Bigelow, Jacob, letter from Jeflierson,
.878 ,

Bignoma eapreolata, 3t; eatalpa, 305,
339, 8481 sempsrvirens, 31, 116, 146,
646

Bingham, William, 109

Binns, John A., 286

Birch, black, 647; paper, 157-158;

white, 647
Birch bark, 166
Bird, Savage, & Bird, 179
Birds, 42, 62, 93, 95, 104, *55, 165, aig,
» 35 -a 8 <. »«, *80, 28^ 32s, 411, 530,
579 , 8*7; Freoeh, Jefferson imports,
106

Bird cages, 290
Bird songs, 151
Blackberry, 646
Blackbirds, ifo
Blackden, Col. Samuel, 312
Blacksmiths, 245. 357, 466
Black Warrior River, 602
Blackwater River, canal, 4S9
Bladder senna, 475, 479
Bladensbuig, Md., 303
Blair, John, letter to Jefferson, 57
Bland, £li2abeth (Randolph), 59

Index

671

Bland, Col. Richard, 48, 51-52, 59
Bland, Dr. 'Theodortclc, 48, 51, 5a, 59
Blenheim, Albemarle County, Va., 35
Blenheim, England, 1x4
Bligli, Copt. William, 151, 153
Blockade, 289, 300, 305, 501, 5x1, 520
Bloodroot (puekoon), i
Bloodworth, Timothy, 39^ ; letter from
Jefferson, 29.^

Bluebells, Virginia, a, 3
Bluebirds, x6x

Blue Ridge Mountains, Va., 55, $6, 84,
66, 68, 86, 102, 210, aSi, 463, 482
Biue wood, 433

Blumenbach, Johann Friedrich, 529,
530

Boat(s), 467, 5XX, 687
Boehmeria nivea, 450
Bolling, Miss, X5X
Bolling, Jane, 37, X76, 363
Bolling, John, 22, 27-28, 637
Bolling, Mary (Jefferson), 28
Bombay, India, 347
Bonaparte, Joseph, 602
Booker, Mr., 258

Books, 20, 236, 346, 394. 4»«, 53*. <SS-
662; agricultural, 196, 301, 374, 380-
38X, 4x3, 45»-4Sa. 490, 8«*..544. SS*.
387. 57^ 641-642, 649; botanical,
X09, ixs, 143. 30«. 309 . 3»». 34*. 35*.
40X, 450, 54X, 37a“S73. fiSS-«fi»5 on
forestry, 540; gardening, 67, 346,
35*. 47*. S*«. 5»5“Jli<. «SS-“fi«a5 ge-
ography, 412 ; horticultural, 313 ; on
olive culture, 136
Booksellers, 461
Booth, Mr., 597
Borda’s circle, 628

Bordeaux, France, X63, 277, 279, 339,
344. 34*. 353-314. 5*0
Borders, 3**-394! flower, 349, 359. 3*4.
4*9. 445. 449. 455. 474^ 47*5 ■vege-
tables in, 44a-444. 470, 495-49*. S3*
Boston, Mass., X04, 571, 584
Boston Port Bill, 57
Botanical classifications, 645
Botanical collections, 366
Botanical drawings, 403
Botanical expeditions, 281-^283, 30X,
344. 41*

Botanical gardens, 60, 349, 373, 379,
401, 450, 47*. 49*. 5 * 0 . 57*. 59 *-
597; New York, 554, 559, 578; Univ.
of Va., 6x1, 620-62X
Botanical nomenclature, 528-53X
Botanical studies, 158
Botanists, X09, 275, 282, 4x8, 450, 461,
son, sax, 5a*-S33. S7a-S73. 57*. <*9-
621, 645

Botany, 115, x62, 172, 282, 288-289,

349. 35*. 3*0, 397. 5»S. 5*7-53*. 534.
6x1, 619-621
Boundary disputes, 174
Bowditch, Nathaniel, letter from Jef-
ferson, 580

Bowdoin, James, letter from Jefferson,
321

Bowers, 1x4
Bowles, Davey, 290
Bow-wood, 532, 602
Braddock, Gen. Edward, 174, 396
Brailsford Sc Morris, 138, 14X, i6a, 163
Brandon, Prince George County, Va.,
81

Brandy, xoo, 572
Brass, 204
Brassica plants, 469
Brastiea alba, 2x3 ; naput,6^ \ oleracea
var. acephala, 64, 400, var. botrytu,
9, var. capitata, 58, 6x, var. pem-
mifera, 566; rapa, 6x, 2x3; semper-
virens, 424, 430, 4S0, 481
Brazil, U. S. minister to, 396
Bread-tree, 256, 257, 602
Breckenridge, John, letter to Jefferson,
*37

JUremo, Fluvanna County, Va., 584, 637
Breuil, Mr., 513
Brewer, John, 73, 80
Brick-kilns, axz, 224
Bricklayers, Negro, 245
Bricklaying, 69

Brickmaking, 15, 18, 23, 42, 57, 80, X73,
228, 231
Brickyard, 525

Bridges, garden, iia; Palladian, XX2
Brisson, Mathurin Jacques, 528
Broccoli, 5, 48, 55, 73, X17, ao8, 443,
469, 470, 589, 6x5, 639; cauliflower,
392; French, 59; green, 224, 474;
Malta, 589: purple, 392, 44a, 474,
589; Roman, 388, 389, 391, 393;
white, 224, 392, 474
Brock, Mr., 74

Brockenbrough, Arthur 8., letter from
Jefferson, 6x1

Broom, 348, 475, 476, 507; Scotch, 323,
384, 479; Spanish, 4, 118, 208, 446,
55*

Broussonetta papyrtfera, 321, 363, 424,
430

Brown, Mr., 92, 5x3, 570
Brown, Capt., 5x6

Brown, James, 167, x68; letter from
Jefferson, 169; letter to Jefferson,
169

Brown, Dr. Samuel, 497, 503, 527; let-
ters from Jefferson, 508, 5x6, 5x8,

tKDEX

67a

53a letter! to Jefferson, 489, 51a,

Brown, William, letter to Jefferson,
37*

Brown, Dr. William, SS, 64
Bruce, Mr., as7

Brussels sprouts, 474, 5aa, 536, 550,
564-566, 5*9
Bruta, 530
Bryan, Mr., a90
Bubby flower, 75, 81
Buckeye, 34a, 646
Buckingham, Marquis of, iia
Buckingham County, Va., 84
Buck Island Creek, Va., 130
Buckwheat, 194-195, 199, ioj, ao8, ai8,
aai-aaa, a46, 360, 474, 478, 641, 647,
Buffalo, ay

Bufion, Georges Louis Leclere de, 95,

Bulbs, 139, 337, 340, 474, 480, 491
Bull Run Mountains, Va., 463
Bungle, Robert, 300
Burgoyne, Gen. John, 87
Burgundy, France, 377, 379
Burlington, N. J., 546
Burma, 6ai

Butnet, 76, 308, 360, 446, 466, 48a, 48a,
648

Burr, Aaron, 369, 311, 330, 359
Burweil, William A., letters from Jef-
ferson, 304, 3*3. 43* ,

Burying ground (at MonUcellojt 15-

27, 40-43, 44, 2391 635
Bush cranberry, a6x
Butter, 463
Buttercup, double, 99

Cabbage, 34, 47, 70, 73, tyS, 178, ao8,
333, 337, 387, 391, 44a, 4901 499-500.
506-507, Sto, 54 *. 5 « 8 - 569 , 605, 607,
639; Aberdeen, 474; batterses, 550;
blistered, 58; cattle, 474; curled,
615; dwarf, 474; dwarf early, 495,
498, 5*8; early, 340, 417. 4«9. 473.
6x5; fall, 433; French, 48; giant,
389; large, 496; loaf, 635; many
head, 470; May, 474; Milan, 635;
Neapolitan, 70; ox-head, 635; puck-
ered, 58; purple, 70; red, 51, 474;
Roman, 70, yr, 73; savoy, 47, 55,
39 *. 39 », 44a, 469-470, 473 . 474 , 495 ,
496, 498-^99, 5 »*. S 3 «, 54 *. 550. S< 4 .
576. 383, 583, 588, 599 , 606, 6105
schiane, curled, 615; Scotch, 334;
Spanish, 48, $8; augarloaf, 409, 443,
474; turnip, 376; white, large, 613;
winter, 565; York, 334 388, 390,
393 , 399 , 409, 495 , 498 , 499, 536, 550,
576, 583, 3 * 8 , 593 , 606, 635

Cabell, Joseph C., letters from Jeffer-
son, 559, 565; letters to Jefferson,
55*. 560, 570
Cabell, William, (59
Cabinetmakers, Negro, 345
Cadiz, Spain, 385, 396, 431, 438
Cadogan, Lord, 112
Calash (hat), 161

Calendars, farm, 641; garden {see
Garden calendars)

Callicarpa, French, 33, 27
CaUiearpa americana, 30, 139-140
Calycanthus, 75, 308, 419, 494, 549, 568
Calycanthus, 8a, 94 , 5 S 6 , 56a, 563;

fioridus, 81, 99, 146, 150, ^6
Camden, S. C., 396
Camomile, 308

Campanula^ 478; americana, iio, 116;

perfoliata, no, 116
Campbell, N., 34
Canada, 419
Canal de Briare, 305
Canals, 78, 373-374, 3 * 6 , 338 - 339 . 4*9
Canary seed, 433
Cane, sugar, 15a, sai, 573
Canoes, 336

Cantaloupe. 54, 130, 403, 613
Cape Charles, Va., 174
Cape of Good Hope, Africa, 277, 379,
49*

Cape Henry, Va., 174
Cape jasmine (cape jessamine), 4x9,
453 , 480

Caper, 117. >* 7 . ** 9 , * 35 , *38, 14*,
177-178, 184 _

Capetown, S. Africa, 379
Capitol, U. S., 398, 535-536
Capsicum, bull nose, 473 ; cayenne,
473; major, 473; Texas, 533
Capsicum, 469, 489, 508. 5 **, 5 * 4 -S* 5 .
<17, 518, 5*7. 53a; frutescens var.
Jonfum, 8; minmum, 516; minuiis-
simum, 5x6

Carcassonne, France, xa8
Cardinal-flower, scarlet, 335
Carding machine, 505
Carnation, 4, 6, 9, 1x7, 35*, 455 ;

double, .^53, 480
Carolina kidney bean tree, 167
Caroline County, Va., 398, 5x8
Carp, xxa, 476, 4*5, 487. 493, S**-S*3.

5*6, 5*475*5, 5*7. 535, 583, 589, 596
Carp pond. See Fish pond
Carpenters, roa, X84, 345, 378, 377
Carr, Dabney, to, 4X-43, 44
Can, Frank, letter to Jefferson, 609
Carr, Mrs. Martha (Jefferson), a, 6,

.n**'^$*

Carr, Overton, 255
Cmrr family, 41, xor

Index

673

Carriages, 538
Corro, Or., 381
Carrossa (ship), 133
Carrot, 48, 49. S5. 59. 75. »o8. **4. 3<o.
386, 410, 44*. 4*9. 47*. 473. 493. 495.
496. 498. 5«». 50fi. 5*a. 5*3. 5*5. 53®.
550, 364. 570, 376. 58a, 5*8, 593. 599.
606, 607, 610, £13, £39, £48; early,
4701 large, 470; orange, 389, 390.
470. 47* : yellow, 443
Carter, Charles, i59-i£o
Carter, John C,, letter from Jefferson,
544

Carter. W. Champe, 521
Carter’s Mountain, Va., 81, i£o
Carters, 229
Cartersville, Va., 497
Caruthers, William, 488; letter from
Jefferson, 507

Cary, Anne (Edwards), 39
Cary, Col. Archibald, 48-49, 39
Cary, Henry, 37

Cary, Richard, lat; letters from Jef-
ferson, 113, ii£, 129
Cary, Wilson Miles, 304
C«rya laeiaieia, 399; pecan, 213
Carytbrtok, Fluvanna County, Va.,
396. ,497. 504
Cascades, 113

Case, Leonard, £17 ; letter from Jeffer-
son, £18

Caspian Sea, 321
Cassava, £43
Cast'ta hgustrina, £44
Cassine, 23, 27
Cassioberry, 23, 27

Ctutanea dentata, 43; pumila, 30;

cativa, 43. 455. 5*9 ,

Catile Hill, Albemarle County, Va.,

Cas%s, 1 13
Castor-oil plant, 450
Catachu, £21

Catalogues, agricultural, 357; Jeffer-
son’s library, 341, £53-££2; plant,
ifi7. 33* ; seed. *85. 379
Catalpa, £38, £43

Catalpa, 2<|, 27, 2£s, 280, 284, aSS;

Ugnonioidet, 31
Catchfly, 9
Caterpillars, 320-321
Catesby, Mark, 140
Cathalan, Stephen, 138, 143, 147, i£2,
*77. *79 ) letters frum Jefferson, 132,
140, 132, x8o, 293, 349 ; letter to Jef-
ferson, 133

Cathalan, Stephen, Jr., letter from Jef-
ferson, t£o
Catlet, Mr,, 233
Cato, Marcus Porcius, 537

Cattle, 194, 242-245. 4«7. 53*. 544. 559.

3fii, 332, 583

Cauliflower, s, 117, 208, 224, 302, 41S,
443. 4*9, 470, 474. 6*5. £39! Dutch
hard, £33; early, 388, 442; English
hard, £35

Cavmham, England, 112
Cawtons, Prince George County, Va.,
59

Ceanothus, flowering, 23
Ceanoihut, 27; americanus, 30, no,
iifi

Cedar, 23, 189, a£i, 538, S59. «33. 635-
£37. 647: dwarf, 3431 red, 3*. *80,
637

Cedar of Lebanon, 333, 384, 431, 433,
475. 476, 479. 480, 49*. <21
Cedrvs Itbant, 3o£, 333, 479
Celery, 4, 5, 8, 24, 33, 36, 49, 60, 191,

3*6, 39*. 4*0, 469. 470, 473. 495. 498-
300, 322, 550, 584, 388, 393. 607, 615.
£39; red, 389, 409; solid, 49, 208,
224, 389, 44*. 550
Cellars, i£

Cclosia argeutea, 8

Cement, 34] ; hydraulic, £00, £03; Ro-
man, 383, 386-387, 595, £03
Cemetery. See Burying ground
Ctitlaurea maerocephala, 480
Central College. See Virginia, Uni-
versity of
Cereuut, 23, 27
Cercu eanadentit, 31, £46
Cereals, £09
Ceret (ship), 104
Cevennes Mountains, Prance, 128
Chain, 549
Chair, one-horse, 3

Chambers, J., 463, 303; letters from
Jefferson, 462, 506; letter to Jeffer-
son, 461

Champagne, France, 277, 279
Chapel Branch, Va., 79
Charcoal, 326, 327, 347, 356, 3<9, 37*.
466

Charles City County, Va., 22, 28, 33
Charles Ci^ Court House, Va., 20
Charleston, S. C., 107, 108, 177. *80
Charleston, VF. Va., 390
Charlottesville, Va., £0, £8, 84, 102,
159-ifio, 174, 183, 240, 244, 248, *94,

3*5.542-543.565

Chastellux, Frangois Jean, Marquis de.

CKaste-tree, 333

Chatham, William Pitt, Earl of, 114
Cheltta, King William County, Va.,
10, 12, 20

Chemistry, 289,-380
Cherokee Indians, 130

Ikdex

Cherry, *5, ai, 43, 50-3*, 35, 66, 71,
75i S2i id£, X5g, x£a, aio, axg, 254,
»S5. *67. **0, 319. 33S, 4». 44S. 453,
4^*1 54*, S43, 579, 6*7. 64*;
reau, 43, gg ; black, 425 ; Broadnax,
4®, 44, 75, b«ncb, isg; camattoo,
39, 43, 75. 8*. 94, 335, 4*5. 475. 556i
choke, 334, 34a; common, 5 ; corniole,

50, <1; Duke, 39. 43, 44, 75, 8*!
dwarr, 33, 27; European wloter,
335) heart, 43, 94, 98, 426, 468;
Italian, 6x; Jeruaalem, 369; Kentish,
94, 9*. *64; May, 6, 10, 425; May-
dufce, 94, 9g, 3SS, 4x5, 426, 475;
Moreilo (Morellaa, Myrilla}, lO, 43,
75, 3*, 3x0; pie, 9g; sour, 93; sweet,
98; Tuckahoe, 445, 449, 434, 468;
wild, as, 27, 31, xsg, 361, 633, 636,
<45

Chesapeake (ship), 330
Chesapeake Bay, 301, sao
Chesterfield County, Va, 28
Chestnut, 187, 645 ! American, 43 j
common, 39, 43; European, 43;
French, 39, 40; Spanish, 43, 453. 480
Chestnut pales, 377 j rails, 17
Chevrning (Chuning), Robert, 247
Chickens, X51, 152, 161
Chjck pea, 527, 582, 589, dio
Chicory, 306
Chile, 59X
Chiles, Mr., 248
Chillicothe, Ohio, 397, 8x7
China, 125, 3*1, 3*5. 397, 4*4
Chinaberi^ tree, 83
China Maidenhair tree, 32X
China tree, 398

Chinquapin, 23^ 27, 140, 326, 645
CAionanikur vir/mica, xxo, xda, <46
Cbionicoccos, 520

Chisolm, Hugh, 311. 492, 59S, 398;
»«t*«r from Jefferson, 440; letter to
Jefferson, 377
Chiswick, England, rrr
Chive, 473, 477, 498, 300, 3a*

Chub, 497, 503, 5*1, 525, 5*7, 53*, 583.

589; Roanoke, 4S6
Chub pond, 589
Cicer arietinumf ^27
Ciehorittm endma, 74, 2S3; inlykus,

51, *15. «8, *22, 459

Cider, 247, 2fig 333, 374, 373, j,*
Cmeinnati, Ohio, 6s^

CUterna^ 41^ 437, 440, 535, 541^

5*3» S^4i 5871 595i 59*1 toj, 8jo,

Cfiiaea (schooner), 289
CitruUus vulgarit, 19, 63
Citrus aurantiUlia, 399; auraiUiun,
*4. 399

Claiborne, William C. C., letter from
Jefferson, 318
Claremont, England, iiz
Clark, Daniel, Jr., 279; letter from
Jefferson, 270; letters to Jefferson,
268, 271, 273
Clark, Jeremiah, 252
Clark, William, 281-282, 292, 309, 360,
^ 373, 4*8, 431, <01
Clarkson, Samuel, 186, 190-192
Claxton, Mr., 424

Clay, Rev. Charles, 446, 449-450, 494,
497, 5®3: letters from Jefferson, 317,
337, 493, 547, letters to Jefferson,
44A 548

Clay, Mrs. Edith (Davies), 548
Clayton, Dr. John, 50, 60, no, 172,
305-306, 643, 647
ClemaHs, 336
Clermont (ship), 142
Cletbra, 23, 27, 109, 116; alnifolia, 30
Cleveland, Ohio, 617
Cl^eland Herald, 6x7
Clifton, 29

Climate, 157, 160, 163, 176, 222, 253,
463, 490, 50a, 505, S»*> 518, 534, 54*.
567, 57,8-f7y, s8o; European, tap,
276: Virginia, 339, 647-648
Climatology, Jefferson's records of, 73,
622-628. See also Meteorology;
Weather

Clive, Eord Robert, i la
Clivers, 644
Cloacina, 463, 349
Clothing, sax, 539 - 54 ®

Cloudberry, 646

Clover, 13, ij, 36, 96, tpoi 194-193,
198, 200, 206-207, *18, 221-222, 228,
*3*, *33, *35-»37, *4a-a43, *5o, *54,
260, 262-263, *74, *76, *86, *96-297,
315, 3*8. 343, 355, 378, 384, 395, 440,
454, 4<i, 466-467, 5*7-S*8, 543-544,
54*! red, 191-192, 193-194, i97-*99,
201-202, 205, 208, 233-234, 246, 3S«,
366/ 482, sia, 627, 648; scarlet, 433;
White, 13, X9X-X92, 197-198, 201, ao8,
*56, *74, 350, 351, 648; yellow, 474,

D^P

Clover Fields, Albemarle County, Va.,
*93

Coach houses, Montieeiio, avg
Cobbs, Mr., 6x6

Cobbs, Chesterfield County, Va., 27
Co<*in China, I2s-xa6, 143, 380-381
Cochleana, 48
Coehlearia ofieinalis, 58
Cocke, Mr., 486

J*™** 497, 503; letter* from

Jefferson, 486, 3x1; letters to Jef-
ferson, 486, 487, SIX

Index

675

Cocke, Gen. John Hartwell, 554, S5S,
571, SSj, S8+-S85. 589. fit*: diary of,
637-638; letters from Jefferson, 507,
596

Cockscomb, 4
Coffee, 57*

Coffee, William J., 588, 589, 59J, 595,
603 ; letters from Jefferson, 583, 586,
601

Coffyn, Francis, 130; letters from Jef-
ferson, 137, 150

Cold, resistance of plants to, 1*9

Cole (plant), 233

Cole, Mr., 57

Cole, Col., 358

Coleman, Mr., 493

Coles, Col., 335

Coles, Isaac A., 433, 429-430, 449, 468,
527; letters from Jefferson, 458, 571;
letters to Jefferson, 433, 454,458, 531,
SS4. SSfi. S7*> 595
Coles, Isetta, 430

Coles, Mrs. Julia (Strieker), 430, 442,

448, 458

Coles, Strieker, 43a
Coles, Walter, 475. 479. 5Sfi. 57*
Colewort, 55, 71, 224
Collard, 64

Cette, Albemarle County, Va., 36-57,
63, 64, 78, 81, 88, 209, 2*5, *35, 336,
377. 405

Colle Branch, 476, 493
College of William and Mary. See
William and Mary College
Colleges, agriculture in, 289-290
Collins, Mr., 225, 286, 295
Columbia River, 3x5, 481
Columbo, American, 433
Columns, atone, 80
Colutea arborescens, 479
Cones, 140

Constantinople, Turkey, 305
Consuls, 288, 305

Continental Congress. See United
States Continental Congress
Convallaria wajalu, 32
Convent, 104
Convolvulus batatas, 645
Cooch, Mr., 3x2; letter irom Jefferson,
3*5

Cook, Capt. James, 257
Cookery, 514
Cooks, 229

Coolidge, Ellen (Randolph), letter of,
636; letter from Jefferson, 6x8; let-
ter to Jefferson, 6x8
Coolidge, William, letter from Jeffer-
son, 453; letter to Jefferson, 450
Cooper, Mr,, 164, 334, 341

Cooper, Dr. Thomas, letter from Jef-
ferson, 534
Cooper’s house 34X
Coramandal (ship), 417
Corinthian porticos, X14
Cork acorns, 132, 136, 138
Cork oak, 491
Cork tree, 141, 505

Com, xa, 55, xa?, xsa, 193. * 95 . * 97 .
X99-2or, 2x8, 221, 222, 228, 230, 334,
*35. 237. 238, *44, 247^50, 252, 256,
267, 27*, 297, 302, 3 * 5 . 3*6, 327. 357 .
3 « 4 . 378, 395 , 435 . 436 , 44X, 46X, 4*4-
4 <d. 497, SO*. 509, 5 **, 5 * 5 , 5 * 7 , 5 * 9 .
5 *fi. 535 , 543 . 544 . 54 ^, 547 , 55 *. S86,
587, 590, 639 ; broom, 647 ; Cherokee,
*03, 360, 4*4, ^6, 47x; drying, X30;
early, 613; Brie, 390; forward, xoi,
208, 2ti, 424; guinea, 166; hominy
(homony), X30, 137, 337; Indian, 56,
87, 98. *30, 138, * 53 . *78, 183, *84,
190, 191, 192, 194, 198, 203, 222, 241-
243, 262, 263, 296, 320, 321, 460, 628,
641, 647; latter, rot; Mandan, 336,
373; Mazaei, aii; Pani, 336, 337,
360, 366, 4 * 4 , 430. 446. 47 *. 473 , 49 *,
500, 523, 5S9; quarantine, 3*8, 3*0,
321 , 329, 336, 356, 367, 20 ft.

337; sweet, 29, 4*4
Corncobs, machine for crushing, 545
Cornices, 488-489
Corn lands, 251
Corn report, 144

Corn salad, 224, 39*. 393, 4*4. 444.

469, 499, 639
Cornsbellers, 545

Cornus florida, 31, xio, rrs, xx6, xso,
284, *88, 30s, 306, 339, 646
Corn worm, 243
Coronilla emerus, 30
Correa da Serra, Jos6 Francisco, 50a,
53*. 558, 559. 6x9-620; letters from
Jefferson, 53a, 535, 553. 575. 590
Corylus amencana, 30; avellana, 58,
398, 645

Cotton, 67, X4t. 152, X94, 3*1, 360, 374,
375 . 379 , 383, 400, 407. 409, 4 * 2 , 4S«,
4 <o. 479 , 505. 578, 60*, 64X, 648;
green seed, 404; Negro, 2x9; Sea
Island blade seed, 404
Cotton tree, 309
Cotton wheels, 466
Courier de VEuroft (ship), xax
Couture, Mr., 180
Cowes, England, 142
Cowles, Va., 80
Cowper, John, 296
Cows, 467, 544
Cowslip, 369', 6x2

Index

676

Coxe, T«nch, letters from Jefferson,
217, 2}6

Crab apple. See Apple
Cradlers, 228-429

Crambe maritima, 399, 4e£, 453, 585
Cranberry, 135, 645
Cranberry bush, 166
Cranberry tree, i6i
Crataegus, 23, 27; eerfineii, 646; ear-
data, 299; erus-galli, 30, 162, 559;
tkaenopyrum, 299; tomeaiasa, 110
Craven, John H., 267, 274, 353, 3^6,
367, 37*1 39>

Creek Indiana, 597
Cremona, Italy, £15
Cress, 71, 639; English, 224; garden,
49 > 74; Italian, 49; mountain, 208;
upland, 213

Crocus, cloth of gold, 489
Crocus versius, 489

Crop rotation, 183, 230, 237, 24t-245,
263, 3£t, 4£t, yta; Jefferson’s sys-
tem, i92-t9£, t 99 - 40 o, an, 217-218,
220 - 423 , 259, * 7*1 »? 7 i 4 < 4 i 4*91 546 “
547, £41; Randolph’s system, 197-
198, 200-402; Taylor's system, 220-
223

Crops, 204, 304, £41
Crown imperial, 337, 4o£, 407, 432,
453 , 4 SS< 4 * 0 , 4 **, 49 », 5 **, 635
Crowninshield, Mr., 411
Crowninahield, Jacob, letters to Jef-
ferson, 309, 347
Cuba, 514

Cucumber, £, r£, 33, 51, 52, 56, £1, £2,
71, 388, 4a£, 469, 473, 496-500, so£,
516, 579 , 5 »», 593 , « 07 , <* 3 , <»<, 617,
£19, £28, £39; early, 224, 3 **-3*9,
391 - 39 *. ,44a, 470-47*. 5 * 3 . 53 *. 5 * 9 .
£10; early white, 470, 471 ; forward,
ao8, 446, 470, 550, 599, £o£: frame,
576, 5*9. 599; green, early, ao 8 , 442,
44 «, 47 ». 5 * 3 , 336, 565, 5991 serpen-
tine, 6x8

Cucumber-tree, 323, 355, 422, 646
Cucumis anguria, 503; melo, £4, 213;
tuelo var, easttalupensis, £3; sativus,
10, 213

Cucurbits, Miami, 523
Cueurhita, 329; lagenaria, 317;
maxima, 2x3; melopepo, 274, £47;
mosehata, 2x3, 400; fepo, £4, £47;
verrucosa, 274, 305, 3o£, £47
Culpeper Court House, Va., 7
Cumberland Court House, Va., 29, 72
Cufressus distieha, no, xi£, X39, X40,
£47; thyoides, xxo, X15, ix£

Curls, Henrico County, Va., 37
Currant, ax,- 7fi, 94, ao8, 264, 347, 373,
‘ 174 . 475, 49 *. 50P, 5*0, 554, 639;

black, 83; red, S3; mountain, aaa;
sweet-scented, 474, 490, s£8 ; yellow,
475, 4 *t, 490
Currant squares, 2£x
Currie, Dr. James, 308, £32; letter
from Jefferson, 307
Curtilages, 485, 492
Cush aw, £09

Cutting, John Brown, letter from Jef-
ferson, X54

Cutting, Capt. Nathaniel, 381
Cuvier, George Chr£tien Leopold
Freddric Dagobert, 529, 530
Cydonia oblonga, x8, 99
Cymling, 236, 274, 301. 3o£, 497 . 5 **.

£47; soft, 385, 397; warted, 49£, 523
Cynara scolymus, 10
Cyperus, 303
Cypress, 140, £47
Cypress vine, 155, xfix, 353, 3£3
Cypripedium caleeolus, i£2
Cytisus laburnum, 333, 446; seoparius,
479

Dactylis, 303

Dactyloclenium aegypiium, 429
Daffodil, 36*

Dairy, 4££

Daisy, 24, 27

Dalton, Tristran, letter from Jefferson,
570

Dams, 8fi, 32£, 441, 493 . S» 9 . 5*5
Dangerneld, Miss, 357
Dangerfield, Mrs. Mary, 357, 382 ; let-
ter from Jefferson, 324
Darnell, Mr., 492, 540
Date, X3S, 138, ^33
Datura stramontum, 517, £44
Davenport, Mr., 259, a£^ 514
David, John, 555, 585; letters from
Jefferson, 548, 554
Davis, Augustine, 552
Davis, John A. O., 293
Dearborn, Mrs, Dorcas (Osgood)
Marble, 599, £01 ; letter from Jeffer-
son. 555 i letter to Jefferson, 5*8
Dearborn, Gen. Henry, 4x1; letters
from Jefferson, 413, £00
Dearborn, Brig. Gen. Henry Alex-
ander Scammell, 548
Debnam, Mordecai, 35, 76, 82
Decatur, Capt. Stephen, 410, 4x2
Declaration of Independence, 28, 29,
44 , 50X
DtM, * 7 , 55 *

Deer park, £9, 81, 8£, 96, 113-114, 525,
53 *

De la Motte, M., 285
Delaware, aai
Delaware River, 604

Index

677

Delphinium, 9, 429; exaltatum, 44s,

Denmark, 450

Derieux, Justin Pierre Plumatd
(Peter), *n, *15; letters from Jef-
ferson, 488, 604
Detroit, Mich., 431
Devonshire, Duke of, in
Dewberry, £46
Dials, loj

Dianthus, 8 ; barbatus, 9, ^9, 335, 337 ;
caryophyllus, 8, 335; chinensis, 335;
plumarius, 9

Diaries, Jefferson's meteorological,
632-638

Dickinson, John, letter from Jefferson,

Diffenderffer, John, 419; letter from
Jefferson, 406

Digges, Thomas, letter from Jefferson,
580

Dinsmore, James, 278, 283, 313, 358,

Diodati, Domenico, Comte de, letter
from Jefferson, 343

Dianaea, 12a; muscipula, tot, ivj, 129,
146, 249, »7»i 3*S. 396 . .
Dutpyros, 139, 140: mryintnna, no,
150, 305, 339, 64s
Distilleries, Henderson's, 291, 492
Distiller’s syphons, 414
Divers, George, 171. i74i a+7. SSfii 39*i
397) 4*0, 4*3. 4a8i 430. 449, 47S. 47*.
4*7, S37-539, S 5 h S^S, Sfi<. 5*9, 59«>
399, 601 ; letters from Jefferson, 348,
331, 454, 483, 619; letters to Jeffer-
son, 34*. 4*0, 454, 4*4, 53», 544. 5<9,

591, 59a

Divers, Martha (Walker), 174
Divers family, 50X, 326, 532
Dobson, Mr., 538
Dock, 73

Dogs, 163, 383, 439

Dogwood, 23, 27, 87, 165, 280, 3or, 494,

37.9, <*7, <46
Deltchot, 645
Dolls, 69

Donald, Alexander, 130, 230, 262; let-
ter from Jefferson, 152
Donald, James, 32, 62
Donald, William, 63
Donlevy, John, 14

Dortle, John, 437; letter from Jeffer-
son, 462; letters to Jefferson, 436,

Daugherty, Joseph, 290, 299
Douglas, Margaret, 18
Douglas, Key. William, 2, 18
Drayton, William, 131, 133-136, 147,
162; letters from Jefferson, 116, 122,

12^ 134, *3^, *3*, >43, >63; letter to
Jefferson, 107

Drilling machines, 217-218, 244
Drill-ploughs, 518

Drills, 196, 203, 233-234, 330, 362, 372,
376, 426

Droughts, 70, 203, 304, 319, 3a*. 353,
416, 439, 457. 458, 496, soa, StS, 544,
547. 55*. 5*7. <*9

Duane, William, 313, 318, 343, 346;

letter from Jefferson, 332
Duckbill, 330

Ducks, muscovy, 419; summer, 408
Dudley, George, 18, 42
Dufief, N. G., letter from Jefferson,
516

Dumont de Courset, Georges Louis
Marie, 306
Dunbar, William, 301
Duncastle’s (Doncastle's) Ordinary, 12
Dundas, Sir Thomas, 114
Dung, 199. See alto Fertiliser
Dunkirk, Prance, 137, 139, 130
Du Pont, E. I., letter from Jefferson,
491

Dupont de Nemours, Pierre Samuel,
315; letters from Jefferson, 394, 302
Duties, customs, 484
Duval, Mr., 480, 482
Dyeing, plants used in, 451
Dynamometers 435

Earlysville, Va., 61
Earthquakes, 57
East Indies, 131, 133, 321, 379
Eastern Shore, Md., 153
Eclipses, 448

Edyehill, Albemarle County, Va., 203,
afi9, 35*. 3*0, 39*, 4»7
Ed/remont, Albemarle County, Va., 304
Edinburgh, Scotland, 398, 475-476, 303,
504, 584; Botanic Garden, 492; Uni-
versity of, 39, 64
Education, 426-427, 611
Eels, American, 383, 384
Eggplant, 389, 392, 439, 433, 480, 323,
<39

Egypt, 132, >34
Elder, 23, 27, 646
Elk, 27, 8t

EH HUl, Goochland County, Va., 92
Elkton, Md., 183, 190, X92, 202, 203,
206, 225

Ellicott, Andrew, letters from Jeffer-
son, 272, 488
Ellis, Sir Wellbore, iti
Ellis & Allan, 581

Elm, 170, 475-476. 63s, <47; English,
479

Elsworth, Mr« 166

Index

678

Embargo, 559, i62, 367, 370, 376, 394.
46a

Emmet, Dr. John P., letters from Jef-
ferson, 611, 619
Emurus, 23, 27

Endive, 71, 279, 295, 4fi9. 499, soo, S43.
5SO, 564, 639; broad, 393; broad-
leaved, 224; earled, 208, 391-393.
444, 634; Meaux, 634; smooth, 393;
wild, 47; winter, ao8
Enfield Chase, England, 114
England, 54, 110-114, 233, a3d, 238,
249-250, 257, 40*. 459. 4<a. 5o6. 5*0,
560, 569, 612

Engrafting, 248. See also Grafting
Enniscorthy, Albemarle County, Va.,

430, 445. 44*. 449. 5*5. 5»<

Ensette, 257
Entomology, 190
Epitaph, Jefferson’s, 44
Eppes, Elizabeth (Wayles). £0
Eppes, Francis (father of John W.
Eppes), 49, 51, fio, £a, 101, 103, 105,
142, 211, ai6, £34

Eppes, Francis (son of John W. Ep-
pes), 292, 394. 419. 4*8. 44*. 4<t.
534. 551-55*! letters from Jeffer-
son, £08, £13, £i£

Eppes, John Wayles, £0, 247, 253, 254,
*<«. *93. 357. 477. i*o, 5*6 ! letters
from Jefferson, 2£7, 286, 295, 297,
4*5. 4*8. 534. SS*. 55*. 568, 5*7. 602
Eppes, Maria (Jefferson), £0, 80, 101,
105, 120, 172, 185, 211, 245, 253, *54.
*57. *9*. 300; letters from Jefferson,
151, 15a, i£o-i£2, i£ 5, a££, 267, a£9,
*73. *94. *95! letters to Jefferson,
151, t£i

Eppes, Mrs. Martha (Jones), 551, 562,
5£8, £02

Eppes family, 273, 394
Eptington, Chesterfield County, Va,
£0, 101, 2 i£, 254, 269, 39£

Era of Good Feeling, 5££

Erosion, soil, 238, 358, 427, 451, 509-
510, 567-568, 570-57*

Erving, George W., 447, 450
Eremm lens, 38£

Erythrina coralUdendnn, 514
Etker-Plaee, England, 111
Este, Hinton, 152

Estragon, 403. See also Tarragon
Euonymut amerieanns, £4£; europaeus,
£45

Euphorbia ipetacuanhae, £44
, Europe, n£, 397, £15

Evans, Oliver, 378, 545; letter from
Jefferson, 324
Evergreens, 24, 27

Experiments, agricultural, 257, 35s
Exploiation, western, 281-282

Fabroni, John, letter from Jefferson, 73
Fagopyrum esculentum, 214, 4^8
Fagas castanea, 139, 645; pumila, 645;
sylvatiea, £^7

Fairfax, Ferdinando, letter from Jef-
ferson, 217

Falling Creek, Amelia County, Va., 37
Fallows, 192-195, 197. 198, 199, *01,
202

Falls tc Brown, 404, 407-408
Farina, 131

Farm, calendars of work on, £41
Farm, The, Albemarle County, Va.,
*93, S04,

Farm buildings, 242
Farmers, 18a

Farming, 24, 194-195, 199. 431-43*!
Jefferson’s, 173-174, i8£, 189, 198,
208, 212, 217, 233, 241-245, 361, 394,
411, 4 £i, 51*,. .513, 636
Farmington, Albemarle County, Va.,
174, 478. 601

Farms, 433, 512; Jefferson’s, 183, 187,
*02, *35, *38, *50, *65. *70, 394-395,

Fast days, 57
Fauns, 72, 86

Fauquier Court House, Va., 7, 573
Fay. Joseph, letters to Jefferson, 167,
179

Fence palings, 38; rails, 17, 34
Fences, 29, 79, 84, ixa, 154, 156, *11,
**7, *74, 3*6, 347, 356-359. 377. 382,
432, 4£7, 49a, 549, 5£8. See also
Hedges
Fennel, £15

Fenwick, Joseph, i£o, 181
Fern, io£

Femes, 30

Fertilizers, £7, 177, 185, 191-192, 196,
198, 199, 203, 2x8, 222, 228, 236, 238,
*43, *63, *86, 369, 383, 474. soo, 517,
543, 586, £41, £49
Fescues, 423

Few, Col. William, 359, 4x2, 4£o; let-
ter from Jefferson, 3£i; letters to
Jefferson, 351, 362
Ficus eariea, x8
Fiddleatrings, £9

Fields, 228, 230, 231, 246, 29£, 446, 464,

465, 5*7. 636

Fi*. *5, *7. **7, 1*9 . 135, *38, 14*, *81,
*08, 223-224, 249, 264, 3o£, 33a, 387,
4*5, 437, 438-^39, 474, 497, 49*. 500,
537. 543. 636, £48; Marseilles, 143,
4*6. 439, 534. <37! porple, 5695
white, 569

Indbx

679

Filbert (iilbuds), 47, 58, 167, 169, 387,
S*9i 5*4

Fine arts, 303->304

Fir, 456; balm-of-Gilead, 167, 453,
480; hemlock spruce, 167, 647; Nor*
way, » 6 t : Scotch, 47s, 47®! 49o, 491 ;
silver, 157, 138, 167, 168, 177, 47s,
47*5. 479
Fire, 6a4

Fireflies, 190, 579, €*7
Fireplaces, 173

Firewood, 34, 175, *14, aaS, 347, 357
Fishes, tS7, 486, 487, 511, 513, 514, sax
Fish ponds, 360, 476, 48s, 486, 493. 497i
SXi-sia, 5*4. 5*5. 5*6. SSS, 5*3. 5*9.
596. 631
Fitch, Mr., aoS
Fitz, W. D., 89

Fitzhugh, Peregrine, letters from Jef-
ferson, asf, a 5 <i 259
Fitzhugh, Richard, 303; letters from
Jefferson, 310, 513; Tetter to Jeffer-
son, 510

Fitzhugh, William, £7, 400
Flag, See Iris

Flax, 87, 89, 15a, 194, 19s, X98, 37a,
379. 400. 4«7. 479. S^S. 64*. <47. 64*:
Cremona, 613 ; perennial, 345, 433
Flax wheels, 455

Fleming, Judge William, letter from
Jefferson, 4x7
Fleur-de-Hs. See Irli
Flies, 39a; Hessian {eee Hessian flies)
Flood, Major, 480, 48a
Floods, za, *9. 57. *6*. *75. 4*7. 43*.

SZj. See alto Freshets
Flora VirginUa, Clayton's, S47
Florence, Italy, 117
Florida, 324, say, 619
Flour, 4S*-4S9, 5**

Flower beds, a, 10, 330-311, 333, 348,
349. 35*. 369. 4**. 4*3. 636
Flower borders, 349, 354, 380, 4x3, 4x9,
445. 449. 455. 474, 477, 47*

Flower de luce, a4. See alto Int
Flower gardens, 7, 333, 554
Flower pots, 170, aSo, 334, 491, 396,
59*. 603

Flower roots, 353

Flowers, 84, 285, saa, 357, 373, 535;

blooming calendar, 94, 96, 99
Flower seeds, 353, 409, soS, 331, ss5
Fluvanna County, Va., 84, i5o, 384
Fluvanna River, Va., 30
Fodder, 7, 101, 330, 833, X4a, 3*7. 35*.

459, 5*6, 53», 535
Fontainebleau, France, io5
Ford, Bartlet, 33, 37
Fords, 83, Z9-30

Forett, TJiet Charles City County, Va.,
*0, *4, 43, 60, 7a
Forestry, books on, 540
Fothergilla, 139, 140
Fountains, 5x8
Four-o'clocks, to

Fowl, 179, 641 ; East laidia, 394, 379
Foxcioft, F., 13

Fragaria, 9 ; vetea, 98, i5a ; vlrginiana,

54s

Framing, 173

France, 98, 103, 104, 103, 117-ZX8, xao,
raa, 148, 383, aSp, 33a, 440, 450, 463,
517, 54a, 544; agriculture in, xa5-'
189, aaa, 361, 36a, 370, 37a, 374-376,
357; gardens of, 1x9; seeds and
plants sent to, xoS, 138, 879-280,
*84-«85, **7-a*9, *90, *97, 3«>, 339.
34*-350, 369-370, 39*. 407-40*, 455.
632-633; seeds, fruits, and plants
sent from, io5, 136, 3x4, 249, 257,
a5a, aSy, 335, 353-354. 378-38«, 3*3.
4X0, 416, 440, 445-447, 459, 477. 4*o,
49t, 504, 510, S13, 5>9-5»o, 596-597,
604-503, 509, 5x4, 5ao, 534-535, 537
Frankincense, 399

Franklin, Benjamin, X03. 105, 1x9, 384
Franks, Col. David 8., xap
Fratera carolinientit, 429
Fraxinella, 334, 3^

Praxinut, 479; alba, 284; amertcnna,
xio, 547; novae angliae, 647
Frazer, Mr., 375

Fredericksburg, Va., x*3, 238, 333,
39s, 300, 372, 555, 357, 380
Fredericktown, Md., 207
Free Bridge, Albemarle County, Va.,
30

Freeman, John Holmes, 399, 309, 3x2,
336, 337, 339, 338, 37X ; letters from
Jefferson, 307, 314, 3x6, 330
French and Indian War, 396
Frenchmen, settlement of, 603
Freshets, 291, 294, 360, 368, 476, 337.

See alto Floods
Fringe-tree, 627, 634, 646
Frogs, x6o, x6x

Frost, 53, 56, 54, 65, 58, 77, 88-87, 89,
xox, xoa, 148, X30, X3X, X67, X78, 188,
2x9, aa6, 845. 3'0, 3*5. 35*. 34*. 37*.
4»», 415, 434-435, Sos, 5**, 53«, 536,
557, 564, 6*4

Fruit trees, x8, 38, 97, xo6, 335. *4*.
39 a, 3x4, 6X3

Fruitery, 36, 361, 5*4. 5*7
Fruits, X06, X33, *35, *6*. *63, 49*. 547.
644-648

Fry, Joshua, X59

Fulton, Robert, letter from Jefferson,
435

68o

Index

Furnaces, iron, 410
Furniture, 184, 305, aod
Furze, 208, 361

Gaines, Hieron, 326

Gaines, Humphrey, 71, 74

Gaines, Kichard, 93

Gale, Levin, letter from Jefferson, 557 ;

letter to Jefferson, SS 7
Galium mollugo, 450; spurium, 644
Gallatin, Albert, 351 ; letters from
Jefferson, 63, 343, 55 *. 573 .
Gallipolis, Ohio, 439
Gamble, Col. Richard (Jefferson's mis-
take for Robert), 233; letter from
Jefferson, 296
Game refuge, 27

Garavances, 527, 532, 613; Texas, 523
Garbanzo, 527

Garden books, Jefferson’s, 19, no
Garden calendars, Jefferson’s, 388-
393 . 399 . 4 a<>- 4 «^. 44 a- 444 . 470 - 47 «.
495 - 500 . 582 - 5 * 5 . 53 «- 537 . 550 - 55 *.
564-565. 576, 58 a- 5 * 3 . 588-589. 593 -
594 . 599 . 606, 610; Jefferson’s notes
for, 5 > 5 - 5 ti

Gardeners, 25, 144, 177, 273, 288, 390,
3 ^ 5 . 3761 418, 423. 508; French, 138;
Italian, 203, 2(^; Scotch, 285
Gardentrt DUthuary, The, 19, 58,
a? 4 . 37 *. 37a
Gardema, 139, 14a

Gardening, books on, 303, 352, 636,
655-662

Garden plans, 25, 208, 212, 335
Gardens, a, 50, 57, 60, 6t, 73, 83, 98,
104, no, 132, 293, *97, 307, 3*9. 347.
350, 35 fi. 357 . 3^3-365. 396. 411. 4 * 6 .
469-472 { botanical, 60, 401, 450, 478,
49 *. 5*0, 547 . 554 . 559 . , 578 : English,
110-114, 3 * 3 - 3*41 of King of France,
105; kitchen, 11a, 114, 284, 307, 337;
National Garden of France, 378-379,
383. 440 . 455, 456, 490, 5 <H. 507. 5 * 3 .
547 . 559 . 578: prisoners’, 87-88
Garland, James, 88
Garlic, 47, 58, ao8, 224, 469. 473 . 477 .

Garth, Thomas, 71, 74, 88, 149
Gates, 78, 635
Geese, ^6, 94. 40S, 419
Gehemium sempetvirent, 31, 4M
Gelaton, David, letters from Jeflwraon,
531, 614; letters to Jefferson, 532,
554

Genet, Edmond Charles, 185
Gen^a, Switzerland, 429
Genhfa juneea, 446
Genoa, Italy, 124, 128
Gentian, 645

Gently, John, 312
Geography, 301, 33a, 412, 531
Georgetown, Md., 255, 313, 545
Georgia, 117-118, 120-121, 123, 134,
143-144. 381, 412, 505, 556, 604;
University of, 293
Geranium, 283, 354, 382-383, 406
Geranium gibbosum, 109, 11$; maeu-
latum, 109, 116
Germany, 139, 403

Gerry. Elbridge, 3, 476; letter from
Jefferson, 488

Gherkin, 469, 471, 473, 496. 498 . 499 .

503. 516, 523, 599, 606, 607, 610
Ghtbeba mellment, 423
Giannini, Anthony, 81, 278, 279, 283;

letter from Jefferson, 632
Gibbon, Major, 603
Gibson, Patrick, letters from Jefferson,
302, 48a

Gibson & Jefferson, 456, 467, 484, 514;

letter from Jefferson, 295
Giles, William B., letters from Jeffer-
son, 235, 248

Gilliam (Gillam, Gillum), William,
_ 34 . 38, * 35 . *58
Gilliflower, 24, *7; royal, 635
Gilmer, Mr., 310, 519
Gilmer, Mrs., 310

Gilmer, Francis Walker, letter to Jef-
ferson, 574

Gilmer, Dr. George, 57; letter from
Jefferson, 178
Gilmer, Harmer, 480, 490
Gilmore, Robert, & Co., letter from
Jefferson, 162
Ginkgo biloba, 321
Ginseng, 645
Giovannini, 203, 204, 493
Giroud, Mr., letter from Jefferson, 256
Gladiolus communis, 488
Glasgow, Scotland, 25
Glaucium, 335

Gleditsia, 146, 646; Iriaeanthos, no,
1 * 5 . *50

Gloucester County, Va., 401, 406, 445
Gloucester Court House, Va., 410
Oodon, Mr., 370
Gold of pleasure, 433
Golden chain tree, 449
Goldenrod, anise-seed, 303 ; sweet-
scented, 303
Goldy-lock, 24- 27
Gomphfena globtsa, 8
Gooch, W., *39

Goochland County, Va., 27, 37, 252
Goodman, Charles, 81
Goodman, Mrs. T. A., 466
Goodman, Jeremiah, 441, 448, 464-467,
477 . 487-488, 49 *- 493 . S* 7 -S* 8 . 53 ?"

Index

68 1

540; letters from Jefferson, 4S0, 48,!,
S* 7 , S 34 . S 3 S

Gooseberry, 4, ai, 76, 83, 106, 161, 176,
30 S, 3«i, 3«3, 373, 373, 406, 409, 43t,
45*1 4 S 3 i 43 Si 4 « 4 i 4 fiSi 474 . 476 . 480,
481, 483, 484, 488, 498. 500: English,
8J red, 474, 490J wild, 138, 645

Gordon, Mr., 367

Gordon, Mr. (millwright), 39, 43

Gouan, Dr., 333

Gourd, 386; long, 387, 397; orange,
387. 397

Governor’s Palace, Va., 89

Grafting, 6, it, 13, 39, 43, 90, 180, 344,
433 . 434

Grain, 189, 191, 19a, 198, 199, 202, 236,
342, 244, 297, 3«i, 609

Granadillas, 643

Granaries, 377

Grand, Ferdinand, letter from Jeffer-
son, tT9

Grape blight, 397

Grape cultivation in South Carolina,
597-598

Grapes, 20, 22, 62, 1x9, 141, 279, 35a,
43 «. 464. 557 . 600, 639, 64s ; Abros-
tine, 333 i Aleatico, 333; black, 397;
black cluster, 333; bnck-colored,
333 ! Cape, 475, 481; Caumartin,
604; Chasilns, 397; Chasselas, 333;
dark purple, S 97 ! fox, 415, 534, 398,
£02; Fromignac, white, 333: Galet-
las, 333 j great July, 333! Hamburg,
black, 333; Lachrima Chrlsti, 333;
Malaga, 333; Mamsnole, 333; Mat-
giano, 333; muscadine, 333, 566,
598; muscat, 144; muscatel, £02;
native, 548, 554 - 555 ’, Piedmont
Malmsey (Malmesy), 333; queen’s,
333; raisin, io£, 181; San Giovetto,
333; scuppernong, 565, sfifi, 637;
Seralamanna, 333; Smyrna, 333;
summer, 598; Syrian purple, 336,
341 j Tokay, 333; Trebbiano, 333;
white, 277; wine, 423; winter, 95,
99 , 598

Grape vinegar, 95

Grape vines, 52-54, 248, 274, 278-279,
30*, 433 , 481, 597 , 602, £t3

Grass, 17, 2i, 24, 103, ii£, 147, 155,
183, 197, ***, * 43 . *76. 3 * 0 , 35 t. SS®,
.358, 38s. 63*, 64*! 53, 208,

4£4; bent, 187, 208; blue, £48;
couch, 584; crab, £48; Egyptian,
4IS, 4*2, 4 * 9 , 434 ! fiorin, 451. 46^-
463, 476, 479 . 483, 490, 49*. 497, S03.
504, 506-507; goose, 13, 17, *4, 644;
greensward, 81, 239, 247, 350, 351,
487, 648 ; guinea, 489-490. 497 . 503 .
508, 513, 592, 6ro| Irish, 483-484:

lucerne, $£0, £48; lupinella, 5£i, 5£g,
S92! oat, 415, 454, 544: orchard,
*94, *95, 360, sfia, 57*. £48; panic,
64s; pepper, 47: Peruvian, 2£i, 327,
336, 360, 41s: ray, £48; rye, 440,
446, 474; St. foin (= sainfoin), 136,
*94. *95. *98, 208, 211, 2 i 8, 222, 3£o,
433 , 447 , 450, 503, 59 *. 648; scurvy,
58; Spanish St. foin (= sainfoin),
ti£, iig, 122, 124, 129; sulla, ii 5 ,
X22, 129, 135, 13S, 592; sweet-
scented, 353, 404, 40£, 422, 429, 474;
timothy, 24, 357, 454, 450, 483, 464,
46 £, 493 , 5 * 7 , 546 , 648
Grasshoppers, 190
Graveyard. Ser Burying ground
Gray, Horace, £18
Gray, John, £18
Gray, Lt. Gov., £18
Gray, William F., S 55 , 557
Gray’s (Gtey’a) Garden, 184, 188
Greece, 587
Green, Capt., 254
Greenbrier County, W. Va., loa
Green dressing, 199, 203
Greenhouses, 178, 322, 323, 353, 383,
3fi£, 381, 387, 399, 403, 419, 441, 453.
455 , 481, 489, 49 *. 562, 620
Green Mountain, Va., 82, 483
Greens, 73; Russia curled, 71
Greenspring, James City County, Va.,
76, 77 , 80, 83, 88, 89, 90, 5 * 4 , 5*7
Greensward. See Grass
Griffin, Burgess, 487, 482, 493
Grottoes, 1*2, 1x3
Ground-nuts, 308, £48
Grounds, Jefferson's plan for, 3x8-317,
3*3-324

Groves, at Monttcello, 177, 261, 409,
476, 479 , 635
Grubbing, 210, 2X5, 22fi
Guelder-rose (gelder rose), 334, 494
Guestier, P. A., 384: letters from Jef-
ferson, 387, 547
Guiana, 413

Guilandina bonduc, no, ii£
Guillaume, M., 435
Guinea-pigs, 354
Guinea poultry, 37
Gulf of Mexico, 5x5
Gum, sweet, 834, 647
Gum arable, 399
Gunpowder, 484

Gunston Hall, Fairfax County, Va., 90
Gwatkin, Rev. Thomas, 35
Gymnocladus dioica, 214, 428
Gypsum, 288

Hackley, Mrs. Harriet (Randolph),
385, 396, 4*8

68i

Index

Hagley, England, 113-114
Ha-ha vralU, 113, 533
Ualesia, 569; tetrapiera, no, ii(!

Hall, Mt., 543
Hall, Lt. Francis, 566
Hallowell, Sarah, 584
Hallowell, Me., 573
Ham, 23, 29

Hamilton, William, 337, 344, 399, 40 i>
‘402: letters from Jefferson, 271, 307,
322, 344, 363, 4 >» : letters to Jeffer-
son, 284, 30S1 3>Of 3^3
Hammocks, cumpeachy, 378
Hampton Court, England, in
Hanover County, Va., 174, 322
Hardware River, Va., 81, 525, 527
Hares, 377
Haricot. Set Bean
Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., 574
Harpsichords, 281
Harris, Skip, 34, 38
Harrison, Mr., 24^

Harrison, Benjamin, 28, 39, 8r, 452
Harrison, Carter Henry, 23, 29, 8fi, 89
Harrows, 426
Hartford. Conn., 157
Harvest liquor, 41, 4 Si 4 ^i
Harvests, 46, 244, 246, 35*. 44 «i 4 S 9 i

S02, sir

Harvey, Capt., 349
Harvie, Col. John, !

Hatters, 507

Hady, Aobf Rene Just, 529
Havre, France, top, 121, 150, 283, 287,

a**. 30S1 37 *. S«*. 5*0 ,

Haw, 23, *7. 3 d 5 . 43 *. 55 *. 570 '.

<33; red, 633; thorn, 446, 387;
winter, 3(3

Hawkins, Benjamin, 395, 397; letters
from Jefferson, 217, 129, r7d, 248;
letters to Jefferson, 14$, 183, 187
Hawthorn, 473; cockspur, 23, 27, 359,

S46

Hay, 20t, 202, 246, 3d3
Hayricks, 343
Hazel, 33, 27
Hazelnut, £43

Head of Elk, Md., 187, 304
Heath, 342

Hedera guinguifolia, 646
Hedges, 308, 314. 3 * 6 . 3 * 7 . 559 . 56 o.
633: cedar, 338; privet, sdy; thorn,
* 99 , 3 * 6 , 3 * 0 . 339 , 34 *. 343 , 34 », 353 “
355 , 357 , 3 <S, 43 *- 43 *

Hedge shears, 317, 347
Hedge-thorn, American, 299
Hed})sarum cortnarium, ri6
Helninthu* annuus, 31; tuberotus, 400,

H^otrope, 633

Hemings, John, diC
Hemlock, 168, 291-293
Hemp, rs2, 194, i 9 S, * 9 *, * 47 , 36*, 466,
479 , 493 , 503. 5 * 7 , 53 *. 539 . 59 *, 595 ,
£41, £48; Virginia, 395, « 47 : wild,

** 1 erson, Bennett, * 93-*94
Henderson, James, 538
Henderson’s Branch, Va., £3
Hendrick’s tavern, 3£o
Henhouses, at

Henrico County, Va., 37, 503
Henry II, 114

Henry, Patrick, 87, 234; letter from
Jefferson, 88

Hepburn, Alexander, 309, 329, 344,
333; letter to Jefferson, 3t9
Herbemont, N., letter from Jefferson,
£04

Hermitage, France, X19
Hermitage, Va., 18, 2t
Hessian fly, i£3, 189, e8£, 287, 333,
457 , 43 *. 502, 311, 3 * 5 , 535 . S 7 *-S 74 ,

59.*

Htbucus, 10; eseuleutus, 504; mor-
eheutot, £44; tyriaeut, 8, 30, 2*4;
vifgimeus, £44
Hickman, Mr., 2o£, 270, ££4
Hickman, James, 74
Hickman, William, 17, 74
Hickman’s field, ££4
Hickory, aoi, 228, 406, -410, £33; com-
mon, £43; Gloucester, it£, 334, 401-
402, 404-403, 407, 417, 443, 449, 433,
482; Osage, 334, 473; pignut, £33;
Roanoke, 417, 273; scaly-bark, 417,
£33; 645: shell-bark, 387, 399, 402
Higginbotham, David, 348, 399, £01
High Mountain. See Patterson Moun-
tain

Hiilegas, Mr., £9
Hispaniola, 133
Hoes, 43

Hogs, i£, 190, 467, 49a, 333, 339, 539;
guinea, 339

Holcut hucut, £43 ; strtosus, £43
Holland, 139, 43r, £34
Hollingsworth, Jacob, 174, 203, 204;
letters from Jefferson, i8a, 203, 207 ;
letters to Jefferson, 182, 2o£, 207
Hollins, John, 404; letter from Jeffer-
son, 407

Holly, 24, 23, 27, 359, 3 £o, £££; Ameri-
can, 31; English, 31
Hollyhock, £, 94
Holman, Capt., 487
Holt, Theophilus, 329, 384, 419
Homespun, 387

Honeysuckle, 23, a£, 27, 138, 208, 338;
monthly, i£7-i£8; red-berried, 424;

Index

683

trumpet, 31, £46; upright, 646; wild,
ii Si *Ji *71 633

Hop, *08, 473, 477< 498, 500, fi4S
Hope, Robert, 283
Hophills, 499
Hopkins, Mr., 112

Hopkinson, Francis, 108; letters from
Jefferson, 109, 118, 141; letter to Jef-
ferson, iiS
Hop-trefoil, 261
Hardeum vulgare, 47S
Hornbeam, 635
Horne, Mr., 113

Horner, Dr. Gustavus, letter from Jef-
ferson, 370
Hornsby, W., 93, 99
Horse-chestnut, 23, 27, 334, 6^61 scar-
let, aSi ; yellow, a6i
Horse-radish, 48, 58, 208, 213
Horses, 7, 4S, igo, 194, 199, 202, 204,
226, 227, 229, 236, 247, 309, 3671 45 ?.
467. S09. 5 *fi, 53 <. 53 S. S<i
Horse-shoeing, books on, 516 .

Horticulture, 304, 313, 398
Horticulturists, 299, 477
Hosack, David, 418, 450, 597; letters
from Jefferson, 559, 578
Hotbeds, 628
Hothouses, ip, 453, 620
Houdetot, Elisabeth Fran^oise Lative,
Comtesse d’, 146-147
Houses, Negro, 148; overseer’s, 156,
182, 206, 209, 224; stone, 399
Howell, David, letter from Jefferson,
20s

Hubbard, James, 467
Hudson, Capt. Christopher, letter from
Jefferson, 547
Hudson River, 41a
Hukman, Mr., 637

Humboldt, Friedrich Heinrich Alex-
ander, Baron von, 45s, 530; letters
from Jefferson, 409, 572
Humvlus lupulut, 213, 477, 645
Hungary, 600
Hunter, Dr., 301
Hunting lodges, 114
Huntsville, Ala., 503
Hurricanes, 171
Husbandry, 217

Hyacinth, 94, X17. 337 . 35 *. S^?. ff 7 .
455. 4**. 49*. 504. S«*. < 3 <; “lue,
635; double blue, 335, 489; double
pink, 33S i double white, 335 ; double
yellow, 335: feathered, y, 9, 94, 489:
purple, I, 4. 7; red, 635
Hyactnthuf comesus, i6a; monstrotut,
489; orientalu, a, 99
Hylton, Daniel L., yi, 61, 239
£(yIton, William, yyi

Hyssop, 208

Ilyssopus officinalis, 214
Ice, 432, 579, 624

Ice-houses, 278, 28r, 283, 314, 362, 363,
400, 426, 43 *. 497 . 565. S6d
Ice-plant, 382, 403, 406
Ilex a^iiifolinm, 31, 646; opaca, 31;

vomitoria, 30
Illinois nut. See Pecan
Illinois River, 111 ., 268, 64s
Impatiens balsamina, 8, 489
India, 347
Indian affairs, 174

Indian Hall, Monticello, 313, 331, 351,
360

Indian physic, 644
Indian relics, 313, 331, 360
Indians, 119, 28a, 401, 514, 647; Creek,
597; Mandan, 3x1, 336; Osage, 401
Indigo, 648; bastard, 23, 27
Industry (schooner), 254
Inoculation, 158, 159, 344. See also
Grafting
Inscriptions, 27

Insects, 163, 190, 19S, 323, 641
Instruments, astronomical, 448 ; me-
chanical, 414

Inventions, agricultural, 538, 561, 569,
649-654. See also Mouldboard
Ionic colonnades, 114
Ireland, 304, 412, 461-463, 478, 483,
504-507

Iris, 24; dwarf, i, 3; dwarf Persian,

Ins, 9, 37, 447 ; bteolor, 94, 99 ; crutata,
3 ; Xiphium, 489
Iron, 326, 357, 414
Irrigation, 631
Isle de France, 125, 380
Italian, 632
Italians, 203

Italy, 120, 126-129, *49, 567, 62a;
plants and seeds from, 51, 58, 63-
< 4 , 75 , 77 , * 4 . 117, * 77 , * 97 , 30 *. 3 i 7 ,
318, 336, 341, 354, 439, 561-562, 568,

571, 59 *, 6*5 ...

Itea, 109, 1x6; mrgtmca, X15, 646
Ivernois, Franfois d’, letter from Jef-
ferson, 83*

Ivy, 23, *7, 30, 634, 646
Ixm, 353: chtnensts, 335
Izard, Ralph, 163 ; letter from Jeffer-
son, 14s; letters to Jefferson, 103, 131

Jackson, Capt., 351
Jackson, Gen. Andrew, 333
Jamaica, 152-154, x66
James City County, Va., 42

Index

James River, Va., i, 30, 73, ja, 971 *4®.

183, X 92 i 43 X. 503, 533, 573

Jamestown weed, 517, £44
lane (schooner), 351
Japan, 3ax

Jardin des Plantes, France, 306, 450
Jardin du Roi, France, 99, 370, 559,

396

Jasmine, 23, 37; Cape, 453, 4S0; star,
387, 398, 4x7; white, 30 *; yellow,
31, ii£, 308-309, 423^4, £46. Set
alto Jessamine

Jatmiitum, 439 ; officinale, 214, 39*
Jatropha urent, £45
Jay, John, 223; letter from Jefferson,
133

Jefferson, Anna Scott, 3
Jefferson, George, 259, 261, 38s, 39£)
4 S£i 4 £ 7 i 484, S14; letters from Jef*
xerson, a8£, 395, 409
Jefferson, Jane, 2, 3£

Jefferson, Jane Randolph, 57
Jefferson, Jane (Randolph), 3, £9
Jefferson, J. Garland, letter from Jef-
ferson, 43a
Jefferson, Lucy, 3
Jefferson, Lucy Elizabeth, 90
Jefferson, Lucy Elizabeth (second) 94,
rot, 105

Jefferson, Maria. See Eppes, Maria
(Jefferson)

Jefferson, Martha (sister of Jefferson).

See Carr, Martha (Jefferson)
Jefferson, Martha (Wayles), 20, 35,
4 *, 90, 9 £. 14 *

Jefferson, Mary, a, 38
Jefferson, Peter, 2, 42, 1J9, 393, 449
Jefferson, Peter Field, 3
Jefferson, Randolph, 2, 35, 273, 358,
539 ; letters from Jefferson, X49, 351,
5 o £, 5ir; letters to Jefferson, 350^
50s, 5 * 3 . S*<. 54 * ,

Jefferson, Mrs. Randolph, 5x5
Jefferson, Thomas, death, £11; debts,
43 £- 437 i 476. SOX. 538, 577, £07, £ix;
early years, 1-2; epitaph, 44; Gov-
ernor, 88; grandchildren’s recollec-
tions of, 636-£37; health, 212, 227,
334 . 343 . 448. 5 * 0 . 55 *. 552 , 577 . S8o,
S8x, 583. S8£, 590 , 594 . £«». Sox, £07,
£oS, £11, £24, £i£; income, 337-338,

J 4 «. 395 . 405, 4 * 4 . 43 *. 447 . S£*;
journal of tour through France and
Italy, rao; law practice, 7, ta, x£,
30 , 345 library, ro, 437, Szf, 532, 538,
54t; meteorological records, 94, 258,
£22-£28; Minister to France^ X05;
Ifotet on tie State of Virginia, 92,
£44.-£48; plant named for, X73-173;
President^ ady, 273, 277, 291, 298;

retirement, 235, 23d, 338-339, 311,
333, 330, 345 - 34 £, 359 , 361, 370, 373 ,
382, 394, 40s, 409. 4 rJ, 4 * 3 , 4 * 7 , 4*8,
432, 4S6-487, 489; Secretary of State,
148, 157, * 59 . X72, 185, 218; tour to
Amsterdam, 133; tour to gardens of
England, 111-114; Vice-President,
240, 253, afifi; wedding, 35
Jefferson River, Montana, 4S1
Jeffersonia, 173, 353, 574; hinata, 173,
335; diphylla, 173

Jeffreys, George M., letter from Jef-
ferson, 5 £7
Jeiiye 94

Jenkins, Capt., 133, 134

Jersey tea, 33, 37

Jerusalem cherry, 389

Jessamine, 33, ad, 37, 31; white, 563;

yellow, 595. See alto Jasmine
Johnson, Mr., 325
Johnson, Rev. Josiah, 35
Johnson, Randolph, £9
Johnson, Judge William, 422, 439, 430;
letters from Jefferson, 434, 573 ; let-
ter to Jefferson, 414
Johnston, Charles, 254

J ohnston, R,, 483
ones, Copt, 384, 400
Jones, Mr., aaS

Jones, Allen, letter to Jefferson, 357
Jones & Howell, letter from Jefferson,

Jonquil, 94, 349, 5fi2
Juboli, 4ifi
Judas-tree, £46

Jnglant, 401-402; alba, no, 115, 2x5,
403, 48a; alba eortiee tguamoto,
£45; alba, fnctu minore raneido,
£45; alba minima, 40a; alba odo-
raia, 402; cdba ovata, 4w; amara,
40a; eathartica, 402; einerea, no,
11$, ix£, 403; compretta, 403: cyl-
indriea, 402 ; ficiformit, 402 ; glabra,
403; laciniota, 482; mucronata, 403;
nigra, 11, 18, xxo, 1x5, r50, 284, 288,
305. 339 . 402 ) £4,5; obcordata, 402;
oblonga, 402; olivaformit, 402; pe~
can^ 119, 339, 402; poreina, 402;
regw, II ; iguamota, 402, 482; tul-
eata, 402 ; Umentota, 402, 482

Jujube, 387, 398
Julhen, Honors, 582, 584; letters from
Jefferson, 430, 580
Juniper, 24, 27, 158, adt, £47
Tunipemt, 345; virgimana, 31, 150,
384, 288, 339; virginiea, xxo, 305,
3 o£, £47

Juno (ship), 133, X34

Jupiter (Jefferson’s servant), 97, *£9

Jussieu, Antoine Laurent de, 529, fiii9

Index

685

Kale, 73, 49a, 510; buda, 403; Dela-
ware, 390, 400; German, 73; Malta,
390, 39a, 400, 442, 471, 495, 499;
Russian, 474; Scotch, 390, 400; sea,
3*8, 406, 407 i 44 *. 453 . 4 ^ 9 . 47 ». 473 .
4*0. 537 . 5 * 3 . 585. 589. 59 *. 594 . 59 *.
59*, 599, 603 : sprout, 469, 470, 4*0,
483. 484. 493 . 495 . 498, 499 . S°6, 507,
510, 532 , 536, 541, 550, 556, 584. 5<*.
57«. 5*2, 588, 593, 599, <06, 610
Kalllcoccos, 520^

Kalmia angnUifolia, 109, iifi, 646;

latifolia, 8, 30, 109, 116, 150, 646
Karnes (Kaims), Lord, 304, 558
Kaskaskia River, 111 ., 431, 438
Katydids, 579
Kennebec River, Me., 628
Kentucky, 237, 33 «, 401, 405, 406, 423,
50s. 5<3

Kentucky coffee tree, 188, 308, 310, 361,
33 «. 4*8
Kerr, Mr., 370
Kerr, James, 88
Kew Gardens, England, 114
Key, John, loz
Kifldees, 155

King, Nicholas, letter to Jefferson, 335
King, Rufus, 262
King William County, Va., 10
Klein, Jacob Theodor, 528
Knox, Gen. Henry, letter from Jeffer-
son, 336

KoelreuUria paniculata, 387, 398, 454
Kosciusko, Gen. Thaddeus, letter from
Jefferson, 436

Laage (Lange), Abraham, 583. 584;

letter from Jefferson, 585
Laborers, 183-184, 196, 300, 376, 464
Laburnum (Liburnum), 336
Laburnum [Liburnum], 534, 537; ana-
gjroides, 449
Labyrinth, 384

La Cfpide, M. de, letter from Jeffer-
, Bon. 3,73 „

La Croix, Peter de, 115
Laetuea sativa, 8, 58, 399; tativa vat.
anguttaua, 313 ; sativit var. eapUata,
213 ; taiiva var. Ungifolia, 313
Lafayette, Mme. de, 339
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Roch
Yves Gilbert Motier, Marquis de,
388, 389, 339, 6ix; letters from Jef-
ferson, 348, 3S0k 3 < 9 . 577 . 594 . 600,
foS, 614

Lagenaria leucantha, 397
Lake George, N. Y^ iS7“*S8
La Luaerne, Chevalier de, 106
Lamarck, Jean Baptiste Pierre An-
toine de Monet, Chevalier de, 306

Lamb, Sir John, 133
Lambert, William, letters from Jeffer-
son, 440, 448
Lamotte, M., 150

Lands, 181, 186, aoi, 203, 317, 218, 235,
* 45 . 3 * 8 . 493
Landscape painting, 304
Landscape planning, 35
Landscaping, 3 * 3 - 3 * 4 . 33*. 3S«>, 35 ®
Lange, Abraham. See Laage
Larch, 479, £31
Laria, 475, 476 ; decidua, 479
Larkspur, £, 34, 37, 433; American,

, 445

La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, Francois
Alexandre Frfdfric, Due de, 241-
*45 .

Lasteyrie, C. P. de, letter from Jeffer-
son, 374

Lathyrus, 4; laiifolius, 8, 31, 335;

odoratut, 8, 445, 449
Latrobe, Benjamin H., letter from Jef-
ferson, 418

Laurel, 4, 23, 24, 37, £33; dwarf, £48;
great, 8; mountain, 8, 355, 433;
swamp, 280, £33, £48
Laurodendron, 334
Laurus, Missouri, 308
Laurut aestivalis, 139, 140; hentoiu,
I09,_ 115, it8, 846; borboma, £48;
indica, £48; melissaefolium, 314;
nova, 139, 140; sassafras, 109, 147,
150, 384, 388, £48
Lavandula spica, 213
Lavatera, 353; olbia, 333; thuringica,
335

Lavender, 208

Lawns, 114. 389. 37*. 4 * 9 . 449. 549. 5«fi
Laws, Virginia, 80
Lawson, Capt., 289
Leastvses, England, 113
Lee, James, 114-115
Lee, William, 83, 339, 348; letter to
Jefferson, 349

Leek, 308, 4S9, 473, 498, 499 ; common,
471 ; flag, 471

Legaux, Peter, £3, 377, 278, 481 ; letter
from Jefferson, 374
Leghorn (Livorno), Italy, £2, 309, 443,
449 . 57 *. 6*5

Lego, Albemarle County, Va., 74, sia,
338, 339, 29£, *97, 44X, 484, 470, 533
Legumes, £09

Leiper, Thomas, letter from Jefferson,
£08

Leitch, James, 480, 588, Jox, 593 . 599
Lemaire, Etienne, letters from Jeffer-
son,’ 3*6, 4XX
Lens esculetsia, 80, 397

686

IndbX

LentiJ, 386, 583, 584, 613: green, 49,
60; large, 523; small, 49, 60, 523
Leontodott taraxacum, xia
Lepidmm sativum, 58, 74
Leroy & Bayard, letter from Jefferson,

S6t

Leslie, Robert, 158

Lettuce, 4, s. 47 i 4 *i 56 » SSi 70 i 7 «. 77 ,
83, 209, 228, 442, 46s 469, 473 > 474 *
48a, 488, 493, 493, 49^1 49*1 5001 SO<>.
Si 4 i Saji 5 J 3 i S 43 . 606, 607, 613, < 3 ?;
Berlin, 634; brown, 6ia, 611; cab-
bage, aoS, 213, 399; cos, 64, 208,
213; Dutch brown, 391, 393, 444,
47*1 49 Si Saa, SS«>i 57^1 594 . 599 . <01.
£o£, 610; endive-leaved, 634; for-
ward, 634; green, 224; ice, 53, 64,
388-393, 34 *. 550. 5 fi 4 . 5*a, 5 * 3 . 593 ,
399, 610, 611 j loaf, 224, 39X, 44a,

443, 470, 47a, 541 i long-leaved, 208,
213; Marseilles, 388, 393; radish,
44a ; Roman, 293 ; Silesia, 383 ; sum-
mer, £34; tennis ball, 388-392, 443,

444 . S*a, 3 * 3 , 399 , w****®, 444 .

47 *. 47a, 496. 5 * 2 , 536. 550 , 564. 5 ^ 5 ,
38a, 388, 393, 599, £10, £11; winter,
364. <34 „ ,

Levantine Empire, 118
Lewis, Mrs., 33d, 333
Lewis, James, letter from Jefferson,
37 ?

Lewis, Jane (Meriwether), 19
Lewis, Mary (Walker), 19, 363, 4a£,
443 , 497

Lewis, Meriwether, 281-282, 2B3, 292,
*94. 307, 309, 3*5, 3a*. 33a, 335-337,
340, 343-345, 360. 3fi3, 369. 373, 403.
407, 4>8, 42a, 428, 430, 440, 481, 5x3,
520, 531, £37; letters from Jefferson,
3**, 376

Lewis, Nicholas, i£, ig, 22, 57 , 74 , *7,
88, 89, X03, i3£, 149, 155, *«. *< 9 ,
220, 230, 233 , *37, 293, 3 «. 37 <, 430 ,
< 3 *. <33 i letters from Jefferson, 1x8,
1 * 4 , X30, X 37 , X5t, 152, X76
Lewis, Robert, 19

Lewis and Clark expedition, 311, 314,
373 , 4 **, 4 **, 431, 5 * 0 , 5 * 1 , S 3 *, 5 <»,
<37

Lewis’s Ferry, Va., 30
Lewis’s River, Idaho, 335
Lexington, Ky., 503
tiatris elegans, 303
Libraries, agricultural, 587
Library of Congress, 528, S38, 541
Liburnum. See Laburnum
Lieb, Dr., 407

Lilac, 4, 23, 27, t£r, x£5, 176, 208, ai6,
394 , 494 , 55 <, 5 < 3 , 579 , <*71 blue,
369; Persian, 32; white, 3£9

Lilium, 31; canadensr, 109, 1x5; can-
diduMf 99; chalcedoniium, 99; con-
vallartam, 4o£; superbum, 481
Lilly, Gabriel, 274, 278, 283, 28£, 295,
* 99 . 30a, 303, 3*9

Lily, 5 , » 4 , *7, 3 *. 337 . 455 , 474 , Sfi*!
belladonna, X17, 447, 49 * i Canada,
£33; Columbian, 335, 353; fiery, 94;
madonna, 99; scarlet, 99; white, 94
Lily-of-the-valley, 24, 27, 382
Lime, 34, 36, 371, £48
limestone, 23, 29, 34, 3£, 173
lime tree, 417

Limozin, Anarew, 232, 137, X40; let-
ters from Jefferson, i2i, 130, 133,
* 35 , * 3 fi

linden, £38, £45
Lindsay, Mr., 304, 487
Linnaeus, Carolus, 19, 109, 110, 115,
X17, 172, 27s, 5 * 7 - 530 , £19, £45
Linnaeus, Carolus, fils, 109,^ ii5_
Littttm ttsitatissimum, 89 ; virginianum,
<47

Lions, 170

Liguidambar styracifiua, 110, 1x5, £47
Liquor, 46, 229

lAriodeadron, X50, 494; tulipifera, ixo,
* 39 , * 40 , * 47 , »* 4 , ***, 305, 339 , <46
Liverpool, England, 549
Livingston, Edward, letter from Jef-
ferson, £16

Livingston, Robert R., 289 ; letters
from Jefferson, ayx, 3£x
Livorno, Italy. See Le|'horn
Lobelia, 353, £44; eardinalis, 335
Locust (tree), 23, 27, 20x, 377, 579,
623, £27, £38, £48; common, 494,
833; honey, 559, £33, < 35 , <4<i Ken-
tucky, 422, 494, 55<, 5<3: prickly,
588, £37; red, 355 ; yellow-flowered,

X18

Locusts (insects), 88

Logan, Dr. George, 187, x88, 199, 200;

letter from Jefferson, 198
Log houses, 357, 378
Lolium perenne, 478
Lomax, Mrs. Judith, 524, 527; letter
to Jefferson, 519

Lomax, Thomas, 380, 382, 387, 39S,
421, 428, 475, 478, 527; letters from
Jefferson, 403, 417; letter to Jeffer-
son, 4x6

Lombardy, Italy, X23-X2£

Long, Dr., 817

Lonicera, 248, 2x4; edpigena, 424, 430;

sempervirens, 32, 848
Looming, 85
Looms, 479, 50s

L'Orient, France, 209, 222, 288, *89
Loudoun County, Va., 286

Index

Loughborough, Lord xia

Louisa County, Va., a, 174

Louisiana, 281, 515, 53a, 602

Louisville, Ky., 311

Love, John, letter from Jefferson, 574;

letter to Jefferson, 573
Luca, Italy, £a

Lucerne, 21, 103, 194, 195, 198, aoy-
209, 217, 222, aaS, 233, 234, 238, 27fi,

570

Lucy (brig), 305
Ludwell, Philip, 83
Lunaria, 5 ; annua, 9
Lupine, 645

Lupinella, 5$i, 568, 571, 592
Lupinus, 345; perennu, 645
Lychnis, scarlet, 335
Lychnit, 9, 353; ehaladanica, 335
Lycoperdon tuber, 645
Lycopersiean eiculentum, 450
Lyndi, Charles, 159
Lynchburg, Va., 539

McAndrews, W., <12-413
Macaroni, 349
Machinery, mill, 569
Machines, agricultural, 348, 430; rice,
123-125 ; spinning, 407 ; wheat, 540
McCaul, Alex, letter from Jefferson, 25
McDaniel, Mr., 517
McDowell, Roger, Finley k Patterson,
letter from Jefferson, 304
McGehee, William, 56, 65
McIntosh, George, 477; letter from
Jefferson, 484
McKenny, Mr., 458
Maclure, William, letter to Jefferson,
276

McMahon, Bernard, 314, 336, 35a, 353 ,
i 6 o, 363, 3 « 8 i 3 Wi 419. 430. 4 SO, 45 *.
4 S 3 . 457 . 475 . 477 . 47 *. 4 * 3 . 49 *. 503 .
518, 520, 521 ; letters from Jefferson,
3 * 3 . 3**1 337 . 343 . 344 . 373 . 3 * 3 . 40i,
404, 406, 430, 455, 45fi, 479, 490, 504.
5 * 3 ) 5 * 5 . 547; letters to Jefferson,
3 * 3 . 3 **. 3 **. 3 **. 340, 345 . 34 ^. 37 *.
400, 402, 40<, 409, 417, 45a, 481, 488-
490, 49 *. 50 <

Macon, Mr., 257

McPherson, Isaac, letter from Jeffer-

son, 518

McQueen, Mr., 116
McQuin, Mr., xaa
McReery, Mr., 443, 449
Madagascar, 125
Madder, 433, 447. 450| 45*. 45*
Maddox, William, 3*7, 338, 378
Madeira, 33^, <37
Madeira (wine), 39
.Madison, Dolly (Payne), 253, 57*

687

Madison, James, 130, *33, 135, 157, 171,
* 74 . ** 5 . * 53 . »* 7 , 307. 3 * 4 . 359 . 394 ,
476, 301, 507. 544 . 57 *. 57 *. 608, fi**,
£37; letters from Jefferson, 135, 143,
165, x<£, 1S7-189, 192, 204, xi£, 219,
223, * 3 *. * 3 *. * 34 , * 39 . *40. * 49 . * 5 *.
234, 256, 30*, 304. 3 * 9 , 3 **. 3 * 5 , 347 .
394, 4XX, 4x3, 434, 435, 437, 439, 452,
459 , 4 * 5 , 50*, 505, 5 **. 3 * 5 , 5 * 5 , 5 **
Madison, James, Sr., £26, £37
Madison, Rev. James, letter from Jef-
ferson, xo£

Magnolia, 23, 24, 27, laa, x£2; acu-
minata, 109, 305-3o£, 428, £4£ ; altit-
tima, 108; glaaca, ix£, 150, 284,
288, 3fix, 422, £46; grandifiora, 31,
108, 109, 115, i4£; tripetala, 4, 8, |x,
84, 109, X50, 284, 428, £45 ; virgm-
iana, .^8

Magruder’s Mill, Va., 322
Mahogany, 72, £21 ; American bastard,
110

Main, Thomas, 299, 308, 309, 313, 329,
334 . 34 *. 355 . 35 *. 3 * 5 . 3 **. 3 * 6 , 397 ,
411, 432, 558-5£o, 570; letter from
Jefferson, 431; letters to Jefferson,
300, 307, 30*, 3 * 6 . 350 , 353
Maine, 573, 586, £28
Maize, 367. 543 . 6^7
Majorana hortenns, 2x3
Malesherbes, Chrftien Guillaume de
Lamoignon de, letter from Jefferson,

Maletherbta, 208, 213
Malesherbiaceae, 213
Mallow, 10, 24, 27 ; eastern, £ ; Indian,
£44; scarlet, 445; Syrian, £44
Malmsey wine, 39

Malta, ix£, laz, i3£, 307, 38£, 392, 505,
59 *

Malus pumila,^ 18, _ 44, 82
Malva rotundijolia, £44
Malvern Hilli, Henrico Coun^, Va.,
503

Mammalia, 530
Mammoth bones, 33 x
Managers. See Overseers
Ma.atee, 530
Mangel-wurzel, 478
Mams, 530

Manners, Dr. John, letter from Jeffer-
son, 528

Manufactures, 252, 375, 450 - 45 *. 46*,
476, 479 . 50s. 540 . 545-546
Manure, X91, i9£, 198, X99, 203, 58£.
See also Fertilizers

Maple, x£fi, 636-, ash-leaved, £34;
dowering, £27, £34, 64£; red, 208,
394; sugar, 152, 155 , *57-* 59. *63-

688

iNDiX

164, ifi6, i67-i6g, 173, i77p *791
*61, 375. 4*7. fi4S
Maps, 315, 440, 543
Maracocks, 645

Marbois, Francois de Barbe, Maifiuis

Marigold, 4, 3J7, 3*3; African, 474
Marjoram, zo8 ; sweet, 391
Mark, Polly, 396
Markets, 184

Marlborough, Duke of, 114
Marlborough, Sarah, Duchess of, 114
Marmalade, 84

Marronnler, 306, 453, 480, 319, 375. d**
Marsac, Major, iia
Marseilles, France, laa, 133, 141, 177,
387, 296

Marshall, Humphry, 309
Marshmallow, 208; shrub, 333 j Vir-
ginia, 644

Martagon, 63 s; Alleghany, 417 •,
Canada, 419
Martin, Capt., M
Martin, Mr., 258, 362, 373, 376. 5*8
Martins, 165, 175, 216, 228, 280, 579,
£37

Marvel-of-Peru, to ; sweet-scented, 489
Mary (schooner), 404
Maryland, t, 3, 184, 462
Mason, Mr., 344

Mason, George, 477; letter to Jeffer-
son, 90

Mason, Gen. John, letters from Jeffer-
son, 404, 439 ; letter to Jefferson, 403
Mason, John Thomson, 474, 477
Mason, Stevens Thomson, letters from
Jefferson, 263, 267
Mason, Thomson, 235, 477
Masons, Negro, 24s
Massachusetts, 3
Mast, 335

Mathematics, 389, 448, 4£i
Matkiala incana, 31
Matlack, Timothy, 333; letters from
Jefferson, 343, 333; letter to Jeffer-
son, 340

Maury, Mr., 304
Maury, Elizabeth (Walker), 174
Maury, Fontaine, letter from Jefferson,
586; letter to Jefferson, 585
Maury, James, 385; letters from Jef-
ferson, 330, 353, 486
Maury, Rev. James, 2, 174
Maury, Matthew, 171, 374, 385
Maverick, Samuel, 3£(i! letter from
Jefferson, 600; letters to Jefferson,
597, fio2
May apple, 374
Maycocks, 645

Mayer, Christian, letter from Jeffer-
son, J30

Mazzei, Philip, 32, 36, 38, 61, £3, 73,
8x, 8s, 1*3, *17. *J«. ao3, **5. *77
309, 356, 383, 3*8. J96, 4*0. 463, 53*.
533: letters fiom Jefferson, 236, 249,

*74

Meadow Bianch, Va., 424
Meadows, 49, 34, 60, 86, 13(1, 441, 463,

4«6, 47fi. 49*. 596 ,

Mease, James, letter from Jefferson,

533 . ,

Mechanical arts, 133, 304
Mechanics, 289
Merhum’s River, Va., 74
Medals, Jefferson’s, 333
Medicago tativa, 2x4
Medicine, 275, 349, 371, 398, 467, 480,
503. S*»-S*3, 5*8, 584
Mediterranean, 300, 800
Mrlio axedarath, 83
Melilot, 22X _

Melissa officinalis, 313
Melon, IS4. *7*. 489, 473. Soo, 580, 607,
£39 ; cantaloupe, 34, £3, 130 ; Chinese,
389, 39*. 471; citron, 308; green,
2og ; Miami, 3£o, 443 ; musk, 34, £4.
XX7, 130, 224, 302, £48; Persian, 5£i;
pineapple, 208 ; Venice, 208 ; winter,
.307, 39*. 393. 434 , , .

Melongena, 4£9; prickly, 471, 473;

purple, 47*.. 473 i white, 471, 473
Mentha ptperUa, 2x3
Mentor (ship), 407, 408
Mercei, John F., letter from Jefferson,
*57 ^

Merino sheep. See Sheep
Meriwether, Elizabeth f Lewis), 293
Meriwether, Elizabeth (Thornton), x8
Meriwether, Jane, X9
Meriwether, Margaret (Douglas), t8
Meriwether, Mildred, 174
Meriwether, Nicholas, x3, 16, 18, 2X,
34. £38

Meriwether, Thomas, ig
Meriwether, Capt. William Douglass,
*91. *93. 3*5. 484; letters from Jef-
fersDHj 354, 43»

Mertensta virginica, a
Meipilus yermantcn, 38, 82 ; pyracanta,
4*3

Meteorologists, 332
Meteorology, 331, 378-379
Meusnier, Jean Niraol de, letter from
Jefferson, 233

Mewbum, William, letter to Jeffer-
son, 8X2

Mexico, 4x3, £12-613

Michaux, Andrf, 11, 207, 282, 306, 379

Ikdex

689

Michaux, Francois Andr£, 375, 401,
40a, 48a, 540; letters from Jefferson,
jail 4S6

Microscopes, 301
Mignonette, 363, 445, 453, 480
Milan, Italy, laa, 133
Mill dams, Jefferson’s, 326, 368, 3£9,
Ml

Milledge, Gov. John, 291, 293, 351,
361, 4C^; letters from Jefferson, 390,
^id, 457; letter to Jefferson, 459
Miller, Philip, 16, 19, 58, no, 116, 140,

aai, 331, 334, io6, 37a. fi4Si fi47

Mi lers, 31a, 33*1 339. 357. S45
Miller's house, Jefferson’s, 3id
Millet, 395, 426, i(3d, 464, 608, £41;

p;uinea, 474; Indian, ^5
Mill houses, Jefferson’s, 79
Milligan, Mr,, 511
Mill-races, 513

Mills, 39, 43, 393, 398, 30a, 307, 31a,
315-316. 33a, 334-335, 327-328, 331,
33*-339. 34'. 347. 3S4. 356. 358, 360,
3«a, 364. 371. 373. 37*. 395. 4*4. 4iS.
4*7. 45*. 477. 5i9. 5*5. 5*7. 5t<9, 59°.
603

Millstones, 348
Millwrights, 39, 204
Milton, Va., 340, 344, 361, 291, 394,
300, 315, 316, 335, 346. 3*3. 4«S. 4*7.
f4*. 457. 4*3. SSS .

Mimota, 39(!j farnmana, 284, 332,
366; juhbnsstn, 305^ 331, 333, 363,
366. 379. 3*5! nUotua, 77, 83, 3**.
3*»i 399! fttdtea, 8, 445, 449; je«e-
fal, 399

Mineralogy, 382, 529, 534
Minerals, 331
Mines, Virginia, 644
Mint, 308

Mirabilis, 6, 445, 449; jalapa, 10;
lotiffifiora, 489

Mississippi, 361, 375, 401, 533
Mississippi River, 368, 292, 333, 513,
645

Missouri River, 381, 385, 293, 309, 315
Missouri Territory, 313, 334, 345, 428,
^ 95 .

Mitchell, Mr., 4.14, 434
Mitchell, Mr. (Bedford County, Va.),
18

tcbill. Dr. Samuel, 343
Mobby, 9^, 100, 330
Mockingbirds, 42, 93, 189, 283, 290
Mock-orange, 335
Modesty shrub, 387, 398
Mogul, 76, 83
Moluccas, 151, 154,

Momordiea balsamina, 439
Monaco, 64

Money, scarcity in Virginia, 244
Monkeys, 69

Monroe, James, 315, 385, 311, 554, 563,
566, S 7 ^S 7 ^i letters from Jefferson,
316, 335. *4*. *5*. 348. 457. SSS, «»*
Montblanto, Va,, 369
Monticello, Albemarle County Va., 3,
3, 6, 8, 15, 56, 67, 148, 264, 393, 397,

307, 35*. 39*. 4*9, 4*7, 433, S77, S*3,
611, 623, 638, 629-631; British at,
93; building operations at, 13-13, t6,
*4, 57, 7a-73, **, 9*. >**, 173, *24,
240-341, 24*. *49, *5«, *59, 360, 373,
378, 38$, 298, 311, 331, 360, 377, 395 ;
cisterns at, 630-631; description of,
183. 395. 566; description of life at,
341-345; naming of, 11, 17-18
Montpelier, France, 333
Montpelier, Orange County, Va., 174,
396. 608

Moody, John, letter from Jeffetaon, 378
Moor Park, England, 114
Moore, Mr., 13

Moore, Anna Catherine (Spotswood),
10

Moore, Col. Augustine, 10
Moore, Bernard, 6. 10, 13
Moore, Elizabeth (Todd), 10
Moore, John, 16, 33, 39
Moore, Thomas, letter from Jefferson,
3*5

Moore’s Ford, Va., 30
Moorman’s River, Va., 74
Morea fiexuosa, 491
Morgan, T., zS
Morocco, Emperor of, 289
Morris, Gouverneur, letter from Jef-
ferson, 189

Morris, Robert, 109, 335, 336, 341
Mortar, 15, 231

Morton, Patrick, 39, 43, ;r6, 83, 90
Momi, 98; alba, 31; nigra, 31, 44;

rubra, 31, 163, 645
Morven, Albemarle County, Va., 601
Moss, 36, 37, 150, 361, 301, 337, 346,
480, 484, 555, 56a; long, 646
Mouldboards, 333, 333, 240, 363-365,
*71. 3*5, 3«7, 33*. 37*. 374. 37*. 4J*.
41*. 43S. 545. 649-654. See also
Ploughs

Mountain Plains, Va,, 50, 61
Mount Gallant, Pa., 357
Mount Vernon, Va., 273, 621
Mourning bride, 458
Mousley, Watt, 39

Muhlenberg, Dr. Henry E., 365, 402;

letter from Jefferson, 531
Mulberry, 33, *7. 9*. *»7. 144. 60a,
635, 648; American, 409; English,
40, 44, 4*9! European, 494, 563;

690

Ikobx

Otaheit, 547, 637; paper, 391, 32a,
334i 34*. 3«3. 366. 424, 494, S47. 549.
„5S6. 637: red, 645
Mulberry Row, at Monticello, 399, 449
Mulea, m8, 246, 314, 326, 562
MuJeari ttmosum var. monstrotumt 9,

Muaeuma, 265, 483

Muahrooms, £39

Music, 12, 8a, 88, 103, 303

Musical glasses, 35

Muslcmelon. Set Melon

Mustard, 73, 469, 599; Durham, 473;

red, 71; 'white, 208, 224, 536
Myriea terifera, 246, 6^6
Myrtilla, 13

Myrtle, candleberry, 646

Nacogdoches, Texas, 514
Nailers, 358, 441

Nailery, 98, 219, 227, 240, 245, 253,
*66, *74. *83, 302, 357, 358, 382, 414,
4*7

Nail-making, 235, 427, 466

Nance, Mr., 356

Nattej/ (ship), 133

Nantes, France, roy, 305, 339, 520

Ifafaea dioica, £44; hermaphradita,

£44

Naples, Italy, £13
Napoleonic Wars, 289
Narcissus, 1, 4, 7. 94, 247, S6a
Narcusut jenqmlla, 2, 99
Nasturtium, 49, 94, 208, ££9, 471, 473,
496, 498, 499. 5*3. 536. 550, 354, S7£,
3*a, 5*8, 593, 599, <06, £07, £10, £14
National Garden, Paris, 378, 379, 383,
416, 440. 455. 456. 490, 504. 507, 5*3,
547, 559, 578.
tfttttenal InUlltgeacer, 38a
Natural Bridge, Ya., 339, 393
Natural history, 130, 17a, 28s, 289, 301,
^ 349, 3*0, 515, 5*8-53*, 6x1
Natural philosophy, 289
Necessaries, at Poplar Foreit, yds.
See alto Cloacina

Nectarine, 13, 20, 75, 119, 163, 420,
468; Kaskaskia soft, 421; Roman,
a£7-i£8; rose-colore^ 3*4
Negroes, 41, lya, 134, 182, 204, 2*9,
222, 239, *4*. *44. *67, 30*, 3*4. 3*8,
351. 355. 357, 362, 367. 368, 37a, 382,
383, Aoo , 413. 414, 487, 3x8, 339, 540,
£34- See alto Slares
Negro houses, Montieelloj 148
Nelson, Mr., £03
Nelson, Robert, 503
Nelson Coun^, Va., tSo
Neologists, 530

Newby, William P., letter from JeflFer-
son, 34£

New Jersey, 341

New Kent County, Va., £*

New London, Va., 460, 480, 482
New Orleans Batture Case, 359
New Rochelle, N, Y., 398
Newspapers, 238, 239, £i£

Newton, Sir Isaac, 338
Newton, Sarah, 428
New York, x, 3, lax, 148, 137, 139, 169,
176, 23fi, 247, *74, 287, 534, 339, 378,
fi02, £04

New York Historical Society, 328
Nicholas, Wilson Cary, 274, 577; let-
ters from Jefferson, 413, 433
Nicholson, Robert, 80
Nicotiana, £47

Niemcewicz, Julien, letter from Jeffer-
son, 273 ; letter to Jefferson, 273
Nightingales, 42, 236
Noailles, M. de, 300
Noble, Mr,, 184

Norfolk, Va., 142, 150, 235, 483
North Carolina, xao, 145, s£fi, 37a, 398,
604, £37

North Garden, Va., tot, toa, 503
North River, Va., $0
Norton, Dr. Norborne, £13
Noune, Mr., 4t3
Nourse, Mrs., 327
Novarro, Italy, 122

Nurseries, 8x, 153, 209, 308, 31s, 313,
339 , 348, 4 «*i 43 *. 44 *. 475 . 484!
Jefferson s, 78, 83, 235, *77, 294, 326,
333 , 336, 34*. 355 , 385. 386, 388-394,
4 * 0 , 445 - 447 , 453 . 46 S, 470 . 47 *. 494 ,
^ 497 , 498, 534 , 549 , 557 , 585
Nurserymen, 240, 189, 179, 478
Nutmeg plant, 423

Nut(B), 348, 420; black, 313; Madeira,
i6j

Nytta, X09, n£; aguatiea, xyo

*5. 4*. 305, 3**1 black, £47;
black jack, £47; box, 288; chestnut,
*88, 306, £47; cork, xtfi, xaa, 431,
453, 480, 491, SOS, £*i; dwarf, tyo;
English, 475, 479; ground, 130, 240,
ao8, 3*£, £34, 647; Indian, 6ai; live,
288, 647; poison, 23, 27, 31 j prickly
kermes, 333; red, 140, £471 white,
545. 647 j willow, 230, i 3£, 140, ao8,
306, 318, 334, £34, £47
Oats, 188, 194, 193, X98, 228, 244, 238,
*95, 3X5, 3*8, 319, 3S£, 3££, 378, 394,
395. 439. 44*. 464, 465, 49“. 5o£, 5**,
5*3, 5*7, 543. S4£| 56*. £4*, <47!
potato, so£; red, 474; Scotch, 474 j
wdd, £45

Ikdex

691

Obelisks, iii, 113

Odit, Mr., letter from Jefferson, 338

Odometers, Jefferson's, 158, 171, 175

Ohio River, 429, 645

Ohio Territory, 397, 617-619

Oil, 351, 3S9- See also Benne oil;

Castor oil; Olive oil
Okra, 389, 443, 469, 473i 49 S. 49*. soo.
S04, S 3 <. SSO, 5 <S 4 . S 7 «i 58*1 5 * 8 . 593 .
S99. 606, 607, 648
Olea europaea, 6x

Olive oil, 128, 137, 164, 3S9, 361, 363,
368, 372, 4 j6

Olives, s*. 77 . *0^1 ***. ** 7 .

> 31 . * 33 . * 34 . * 3 *. I 4 »-* 4 S. * 49 , * 5 *.
*S8, *39, 160, 162-164, 173, 177-181,
184, 186, 296, 433, 505, 372, 602, 604-
603

Onion, 48, ao8, 387, 4 ^ 9 . 47 *. 473 . 49 *.
499, 5**, 593. ^T< hanging, 44a,
562; Madeira, 73; Spanish, 4, 8, 47,
38, 224, 389; tree, 389. 399; white,
58, 613

Onobrychis viciaefolia, 214, 430
Opossums, 136, 530

Orach, 499, 300, 504, 576, 382, 583, 588,
593 . 599. 8 ® 7 .

Orange, 129, * 52 , *«*, *70. 354 . 375 ,
381, 403, 602, 619; sour, 84, 3S7;
sweet, 84; trees, 77-78, 84, 239, *55-
*56. a 7 fi. 353 , 3 « 9 , 379 , 4*71 wild,
534

Orange County, Va., 171
Orange Court House, Va., 7
Orangeries, 83

Orchards, 18, 43, 75, 78. 81, 92, 93, aio,
211, 226, 326, 327. 34 *. 37 *. 390, 420 -
432 , 468. 473, 476, 574, 636
Organs, 16, 80
Ornithorhynchus, 530
Orr, William, 102
Oryfta muiica, 380; saliva, 64, 214
Osage apple, 363
Osage Indians, 334, 40*

Osnaburg, 219
Ott, Dr., 36s

Otto, Charles Guillaume, 131
Outbuildings, 98

Overseers, 40-41, 45-46, 74, 78, 88-89,
93, 102, 156, 158, 174, 183-184, *86,
190-192, 196-197, 203 , 204, 205, ao6,
*11, 218, 332, *39, 286, 399, 30*, 309,
312, 326-3*7, 3 * 9 . 357 , 358. 448, 467.
492, 539 , 544 , 577, <01
Oxen, 202, 467, 561
Oxford College, England, 450
Oyster plant, 58

Pacific Ocean, 207, 281, 315, 332, 637
Paddocks, deer, 525

Padus avium, 361
Paeonia, 99; albiflora, 33
Page, John, letters from Jefferson, 2, 3,
111, 292

Page, Mann, letter from Jefferson, 238

Page, William, 239, 247, 267

Pahlem, Peter, Count von der, 455

Painting, 103, 303

Palaces, 114

Palermo, Italy, 615

Palings, fence, 377, 383

Palladio, Andrea, 113

Palm, 129

Palma Chriati, 224, 361, 447, 450, 644
Palmipeds, 530

Pamphlets, 403; agricultural, 233, 286,
372; Jefferson's catalog of, 633-662
Panax quinquefolium, 645 _

Panicum, 303, 643 ; maximum, 503 ;

miliaceum, 430; virgtttum, 474, 478
Pansies (tricolor), 4, 8
Pantops, Albemarle County, Va., 246,
* 94 , *97

Papaver, 9, 429, 478 ; rhoeas, 333
Papaw, 139, 646; common, 140
Paper, 331, 323

Paris, France, 104, 289, 305, 573
Park Branch, Montieello, 396
Parkins, Mr., 323

Parks, 25, 34, 38, 89, 166; English,
113 ; at Montieello, 17, 209
Paikyns, Sir Thomas, 350, 356
Parsley, 48, 51, 77, 208, 389, 564, 606,
607, 613, 639; common, 389; curled,
55 : double, 388, 443, 444 , 5*3
Parsnip, 49, 208, 224, 386, 389, 410,
443 , 474 , 496, 500, 506, 550 , 607, 639,
648

Partridges, 27, 235
Fasque flower, 34, 27
Passifiora incarnata, 645
Passion flower, 213
Pastinaca saliva, 59
Pastures, 197-199, *02
Patent law, 545-546
Patents, 378
Paths, 210, 215

Patterson, Robert, letter from Jeffer-
son, 363

Patterson, William, 305, 339
Patterson Mountain (High Moun-
tain), Va., 80, 84
Paulina aurea, 387
Paullinia, 454
Pavia, Italy, 133
Pavilions, 17, 334 , 360, 583
PaynshUl, England, 112
Peace Commission, 96
Peaches, 15, 76, 91, 95, 100, 119, 149,
*63, *98, 230, 238, 264, *77, *95, 5*4,

Indkx

692

318. 35*1 38s. 4*01 435. 44<. 453i 488,
5*41 547. S<9. 579. 6*8. 648: Al-
berges, 319; Anvon, 341; apple, 319;
autumn, io£; black, 291; blood, 333.
clearstone, 319; clingstone, 167-169,
335. 340. 34*: freestone, 335, 336.
34tJ Gen. Jackson’s, 333; green nut-
meg, 167, 168; heath, 497; lady's
favorite, 335, 341 ; lemon, 536 ; Mad-
delena, 277, 279 ; Madeira, 335, 341 ;
Magdalene, 314, 319, 421, 423;
Malta, 497; melon, 277, 420; Oc-
tober, 333, 333 : Oldmixon, 335, 340,
341 j plum, 34, »o6, 421, 473, 524;
poppe de venere, 277, 279 ; Portugal,
9*1 353 1 redstone, Italian, 333; St.
James, 319; soft, 4ar, 475, 497, 3*41
teat, 3x9; vaga lady, 319; vaga
loggia, 277, 279, 420 ! vrhite-bloa-
somed, ^3

Peach-apricot, X19, 3x7
Peach trees, 22, 30, 66, yr, 74, 76, 83,
94, 98, 144. *«*. *75. **o. ***. **8.
243, *4*. *54-*55. *<7. *7*. *8*. 3*5.
345. 353. 354. 355. 61*. 627
Peacock, Mr., 339
Peacocki, 27

Peaks of Otter, Va., 338, 339
Peale, Charles Willson, 263, 349; let-
ters from Jefferson, 403, 462, 309,
543. 545 > letters to Jefferson, 352, 483
Peale’s Museum, 349
Peanuts, 213, ai6. Ser also Finders
Pears, ly, 82, 106, 1x9, 144, 146, 333,
336. 420, 422, 425, 453. 454, 468, 473,
484. 638, 648; Borre, 168; Burse,
x66; Burser, 341; English, 73; for-
ward, 39. 75: late, 39. 75 : Meri-
wether, 638; Richmond, 336, 340;
seckel, 336, yytt, 332; sugar, 75;

Peas, 4, 7, 9, ra, 13, aa-24, 28, 33, 36,
40, 4*, 48, 5*. 55-58. 6x, 6s, 67, yr,
73. 74. 76. 8*. 90, *36. *5*. *<o, 192-
20X, 203, **0. ***. **5i **6. *18, aar,
222, aa8, 230, 233-233, 24a, 246, 230,
*5*. *55. *S6. *6*. *63. *80* 3*«. 3*7.
348. 378, 395. 407. 464-^«6. 498. 501,
5*7. 5*8, 333, 537-539. S4*-S44. 54<.
55*.. 565. 579. 585. 594, 6*7. 639. 64*;
African, 386, 392; Albany, 247, 230,
360; Arkansas, 333, 345, 496, 498,
500, 336; black-eyed, 49, 36, 6j, air,
224, 410, 424, 43e, 496, 498: bunch,
48 1 bush, 58 ; Charlton, 7, 12-14, 43.
76, 77, 208, 209, 216, 224; chick, 527,
582, 589, 6x0 ; cluster, 48, 63; cow,
as*. »S8, 262, 3*5. 358, 366, 37*. 39“.
4*“: 4*4. 4*6. 473. 53*. 54*! crouder,
410; Dqtch admiral, 36$ dwarf

early, 224, 634; earliest of nil, 4;
early, 12, 39, 40, 47, 49, 66; ever-
lasting, 8, 24, 27. 335; field, 238, 247,
252, 238, *6a: forward, 34, 70, yr,
an, 216, 44a, 634; forwardeit, 4, 3,

7, go; frame, 13, 286, 388, 390, 442,
469, 470, 475. 495. 498-500. 506, saa,
53<. 5S“. 564. 576, 58*. 588, 393. 599.
606, 607, 610; garavance, 313, 517,
3*3. 5*7. S3*: garden, ao, 320; gray,
410; green, 208, 224; hog, 230; Hot-
spur, 13, 5*. 62, 75, 83, 224, 388, 390,
393, 44*. 469. 470. 473. 495, 499. 5**,
536, 550, S«4. 576, 58*. 588, 593. 599,

606, 607; Hunter’s, 376, 582; Indian,
208, 224, *5*: latest, 3; latter, 33,
49, 70, 634; Leadman’s, 388, 391,
399, 406, 409, 44*. 443. 4«9. 47“. 47*.
473. 495, 496, 499. SO®, 306, 3**. 5*3,
536. 550. 564, 576, 58*. 583; Leitch’s,
593. 594. 599. 606; Lewis’s, 35a, 369,
373; long haricot, 323; long pod
soup, 383; marly, 634; marrowfat,
*3, 36. 39. 40. 43. 47. 5*. 66, ao8, 286,
*95. 583, S88, 589. 593. 594. 599. 606,

607, 610, 613; May, 582, 588, 393,
399. 606, 607, 6io; Masaei, 53a;
miodling, 4, 7; nonesuch, 83; pearl,
76. 77. 83; pearl-eyed, nan; Prussian
blue, 39<^39> i Ravenscron, 338, 371 ;
Ravensworth, 360, 366, 390, 400, 424,
473. 49<. 498. 500, 310, 313; rouno-
val, 36; small white table, 613;
Spanish Morotto, ta, 14, 36; split,
247; sweet, 8, 4^5; Tom Thumb, 38;
white, 246; white boiling, 247, 230;
white-eyed, 224; wild, ao8, 643

Pecan (paccan), 108, 109, 118-1x9, *50.
*55. *63, *66, 208, 210, 213, 268, 270,
*7*. *75. *77. *79. 3*8, 334. 337. 354,
355. 378, 4*7. 4*9. 468, 475. 643
Pelham, Lady Prances, iis
Pelham, Peter, x6
Pendleton, Edmund, 80
Penn, Gov. John, 423, 429, 534
Penn, William, 429
Pennsylvania, 1, 3, 199
Peniapetet fkoentcia, 445, 449
Peony, 24, 27, 94

Pepper, 62, 490, 527; cayenne, 4, 32;

Urge, 6rs
Pepper grass, 47
Perfume, 84
Periwinkle, 24, 27, 208
Perry, John, 296, 298, 3*7. 3*8, 34*.

355. 358
Persia, 560

Persimmon, X40, 633, 643
Persoon, Christian Hendrik, 330, 541
Petersburg, Va., 14 ^

Index

693

Peters, Lord, X12

Peter's Mountain, Va., 487

Peters, Judge Richard, 203

Petit, Adrien, 105, 119, x3a, 147, 158

Petit, Hugh, 212, ,225, 228, 239, 24$,

Pe^?fe , Mr., 141

Pttroselinum hortense, 58; kortense
var. crisfum, 64

Peyton, Capt. Bernard, 578, 587, 597,
598, 6or, 603, 609, £it, 612, 6t6, &18:
letters from Jeiferson, 578, 591, 596,
614; letters to Jefiferson, 604, 6t$, <t4
Peyton, Craven, 270, 272
Phaetons, 171, 173
Pharmacopeia, 64

Phasealus coccineus, 478 ; limentit,
2t2; rufus, 424; vulgaru, 38
Pheasants, 27

Philadelphia, Fa., a8, 6-j, 96, lot, X58,
163, i72-t76, 186, t97, 204, 2t9, 233,
353, *S 5 i * 59 . a< 9 . ** 7 . 30 *. 34 *. 34 <.
349 . 5*0, 60a

Phtladelphus eoronartus, 335
Phytalis, 3531 alkehtngi, 333
Phytolacca decandra, no, 646
Pianofoite, 88
Pichon, M., 289
Pickles, 514

Fierrelatte, France, 128
Pierson, Rev. Hamilton W., 312
Pigeons, 27, 367
Pigs. 243 . »4fi
Pimento, wild, £46
Pimpernel, 48, 58

Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth. 178, 181,
188, 204, 250, 269; letters from Jef-
ferson, t79, 590; letter to Jefferson,
179

Finders (peendars), 208, 2ri, 2x3
Pine, 228, 377, 456, S4s: black, 140,
647; nutberry, 117; pitch, 140, 158,
355 . % 7 i Scotch, 261; spruce, xj8,
647; Weymouth, 292, 334; whjte,
*57. 158. *<6. *9*. *93. *47! yellow,
<47

Pinks, 5, 6, 94. 35 *. 382. 484. < 35 !
arno, 1x7 ; China, 335, 49a, 504;
Indian, 4

Pinus balsamea, xxo, 1x5; canadensis,
647; foliis singularihus, 647! talus-
iris, X39; picea, X39, X40; stroHs,
166, 293, 547; iaeda, 647; virginica,
<47

Piraeus, Va^ X59

Pisa, Italy, 277, 279

Pistachio, X35, X38, 14X, *44

Piswn satveum, 7, 3 <. 43 . 58 . 83;

sativum var. rUacrocarpon, 62
Pitt, William, XX3

Pittsburgh, Pa., X09
Plane tree, 197, 475, 47*. 479. <4*
Plantations, Jefferson's. See Bear
Creek: Elk Hill; Lego; Monticello;
Poplar Forest; Shadoaell; Toma-
hawk; Tufton
Planting diary, 330
Planting plans, 18, 3x2, 331, 469-477
Plants, preservation of, 41 r ; Virginia,
Jefferson's catalog of, 644-648
Plaster, 286, 54X, 545
Plaster of Paris, $86
Platanus, 479; occidentalis, 146, 305,
306, 646

Playhouse, i2, x6, 24, 35
Pleasants, Thomas, 231
Pleasure gardens, 4x1
Pleurisy root, 645

Pliny (Caius Flinius Seeundus, the
Elder), 530

Ploughing, 67, 199. **<• ***. *3*. 35<.
43*. 509. 543. 5«-5<8. 570-57*. <49-

654

Ploughs, 106, 202, 227, 240, 348, 362,
370, 37 *. 374 . 37 <. 407, 4 * 9 . 4 *<. 435 .

509. 545 . 5 <*. S<9. < 49 -< 54 : Guil-
laume's, 433; Martin's drill, 518;
Tull's, 189. See also Mouldboards
Plum-peaches, 34, 38
Plums, 75, X06, *49. *< 3 . 3 * 7 . 3 «S. 4 *o,
422, 468, 648; blue, 422; Brignole,
167, x68’, Brugnol, 144; Cherokee,
475 . <45 i Cooper’s, 34X ; Damascene,
75 i Florida, 524, 527; green, 76!
green gage, 39, 43, 83, 341; horse,
75, 82 ; magnum bonum, 75, 82, 425 ;
roirrable, 319; mogul, 76; muscle, 4,
8; purple, 34X; queens, 319; red,
632; white, 632; wild, 295, 34X, 633,
645 ; yellow, 632

Podophyllum diphyllum, 172 ; peliaium,
S74

Poetry, 303
Poindexter, Mr., 489
Poison oak, 23, 27
Poisons, 5*7

Poivre, Pierre, Governor, **5
Poke, 633, 646
Polianthes tuberosa, 335
Politics, 185, 189, 205, 2x7, 226, 232,
*35. 256, 240, *59, 269, 288, 3x0, 330,
35*. 394. 408, 4»<. 45*. 48<
Polyanthus, 481
Polygala senega, 275, 645
Polygonum sagittatum, 644; iartaricum,
474

Pomegranate, is, *8. *2, 28, 129, ao8,
648; bantam, 20
Pond, William, 57
Ponds at Monticello, 631

Index

694

Pope, Alexander, in
Fopinac, 414, 443, 434
Poplar, 140, aSo, 377, 634, 646; Athe-
nian, 465, 494, 563, 583 ; balsam, 166,
168, ao8, 209, 2£i, 287, 408, 494, 55<>i
387; black, 140, 646; common, 140;
Lombardy, 208, 209, 320, 465, 494,
585, 637-638; tacamahac, 334, 342
Poplar Forest, Bedford County, Va.,
4*1 9 *. 94i 95. 97. *46, 270, 298, 31*.
3 ia. 3 St, 358. 359 . 396 , 428, 446, 44 *,
449, 460-461, 464-467, 477, 480, 482,
48s, 487-489, 494 , 497 . 50 t, 50 *. 5o8,
S17, 518, 5*6, 534, S3S. 539 . 549 , SSI-
553 . 555 , 563, 566, S 74 , 577 , 5 * 4 , 585.
587, 590, 594, 595. 6oi, 608
Poppy, 6, 34, 27, 423 ; double, 33s, 353 i
oil. 433 i prickly, 10; white, 474;
yellow horned^ 335, 333
Papulus balsamtfera, 146, 166; eordi-
folia, 139; deltoides, 309; heiero-
phylla, no, 115, 116, 139, 140, 646;
nigra, 646; nigra var. tttdica, 214;
taeamahacca, 214; tremula, 79, 84,
6a6

Fork, 23, 29. 183

Porpre (Poivre, Pierre?) de, 380.

See ’alto Poivre, Pierre
Fortobago, Caroline County, Va., 398
Port Royal, Va., 637
Portugal, 491, soa, 521
Potatoes, 183, 190, 193-193, 197, 199,
201, 203, 206, 216-218, 22X, 222, 230,
235, *42, 246, 262, 31S, 362, 390, 411,
5 * 3 . 532, 548. 550 . 569, 570, 641, 648;
early, 473, 498, 499; forward, 496,
576, 607 ; Indian, 208, 213 ; Irish, 33,
37, 7*. 208, 3*7, 358, 366, 371, 41*,
639; long, 645; round, 360, 647;
seed, 36; Bweet, 100, 130, 178, 219,
360, 634

Potato-pumpkin, 154, aoS
Potomac River, 189, 37a, 548, 554
Pots, .596, 598, ,603 t

Potter, Thomas, 89
Potteries, Richmond, 596
Pouncey’i Mill, Va,, 405
Pmphatan, James City County, Va., 42
Prairies, 490
PreBtis, Joseph, 89
Presidency, expenses of, 337
Presidents, 476
Price, Joseph, loa
Price, Richpd, 442, 443, 448
Prices, agricultural, 251, 252, 259
Pride of China tree, 76, 79, 84, 261,
}6g, 633

Pride or India tree, 398
Primrose, 24, 27, 167, 168, 6n; yel-
low-flowered, 8

Primula auricula, 8; vulgaris, 32
Prince, William, 159, 166-169, 215
Prince’s feather, 4, 5
Princeton College, N. J., 429
Prinus verticillatus, 365
Prisoners, war, 87-88
Privateering, 455. S21
Privet, 367, 474, 500, 563
Privies. See Cloacina
Provence, France, 128
Prune, 76; de Reine Cloude, 334
Pruuus armeniaca, 18 ; cerasus, 30, 43,
82, communis, 8, 18, 58, 61;
coronaria, 150; domeslica, 43, 82,
83; geniculata, ^27 persica, 18;
persica var. nuapertiea, 18; sero-
tina, 31 ; sylyestris fructu tnajori,
64s; sylvestrh fructu minori, 643;
trUoba, 214; virginiana, 31, no, 162,

645

Ptelea pinnata, no, 116; trifohata,
no, 1x5, n6, 146
Publications, agricultural, 641-642
Puckoon. See Blood root
Puebla, Province of, Mexico, 613
Pulse, 222, 276
Pumpion, 224

Pumpkin, 154, 194, 195, 198, 247. * 74 .
30a, 360, 466, 531, 53a, 546, 596, 61s,
647, 648; black, 54, 64; long, 386,
397; potato, aoS, 225, 390, 609; solid,
386, 397; sweet potato, 400; white,
54 ; 84

Pumca granalum, x8
Puppet shows, 16
Pursh, Frederick, 4x8, 431
Pyracantha coceinea, 430
Pyracanthus, 475 . 47 ®. 559
Pyramids, Egyptian, 1x2
Pyrus communis, x8, 82 ; coronaria, 84,
306, 64s

Quarles, Col., 237

Quarles, Robert, letter from Jeilctaon,
4*5

Quarries, 68
Quebec, Canada, 557
Quercut alba, 288, 305, 339, 647;
agaatica, 647; tocafera, 333; Aii-
panica, 288; ilicifolia, 2x4; mon-
tautts, 306 ; nigra, 647 ; palustris,
305, S06, 339; pkellot, 109, n6, 136,
X39, 140, ISO, 2x4, 288, 305, 3oS. 339,
647 ;_pn#UJ, 288, 30s, 306. 339, 647;
pumda, 150, 647; robur, 479; rubra,
288, 306, 647; rubra dissecta, 306,
339; rubra maxima, X39, lyo; rubra
nana, 139, 140; rubra ramositsima,
139, 140; virginiana, no, n6, 647
Quince, X5, 75. 95, 336, 425, 468, 648 .

Index

695

Rabbits, vj

Radford, William, 535, 587
Radish, 5, 47, 49, 51. 70, 71, 76, ao8,
209, 388, 39Ji 4J3i 444i 473, 473,

49s, 49fi. 499i S«>i 506, sa3i 5*3. S3«.
SSO, 364. S83, 383. 388, 593, 606, 607,
<>i3i ^34) ^39! black, 471; common,
397; English scarlet, 224; leather
coal, 6to; oil, 386, 391, 397. 4331
rose, £34; salmon, 49, £0; scarlet,
33. 232. 293, 388, 389. 392. 393. 443.
470-472, SSO, 5£4; summer, 390-392,
W3. 472! violet, 534; white, £34
Rannesque, Constantine Samuel, letter
from Jefferson, £04
Ragged Branch, Va., 39£

Rails, fence, 17

Rain, 70, ai£, 219, 238, 323, 347. 3 S 8 ,
390, 427, 43a, 458, 483, sat, 533, SSO,
35*. 587. S8fi, 587. <04
Rainfall, 579; Jefferson's records of,
£a^-£a£

Raisins, 53, 135, 138, 141, 144; Par-
mesan, 349; Smyrna, 137, 349; Span-
ish, S3

Raleigh, Sir Walter, 41a, $66
Ramsay, Dr. David, letters from Jef-
ferson, 108, 117-118
Randall, Henry S., 97; letters to, $38,

£35

Randolph, Anne Cary. See Bankhead,
Anne (Randolph)

Randolph, Benjamin, sot
Randolph, Cornelia J., S74
Randolph, David, 203
Randolph, Ellen, 333, 38a, 419, 429,
S74 ; letters from Jefferson, 303, 341,
379. 4°5i letters to Jefferson, 3 £9,

379. 381, 404
Randolph, Jane, a
Randolph, Jane (Bolling), 37
Randolph, Lewis, 501
Randolph, Martha (Jefferson), 35, 3£,
80, loi, tos-xos, r2o, 148, 149, 2X1,
223, 2*7. »4S. 357. 2*9. 29s, 300, 349.
4«fi. 535, 552. 553. 55fi. 574. S84. 59*.
S9£, £12; letters from Jefferson, 155,

xs7, x£o, i£x, 17s, i7<!, *78, t8£, X87-
189, 198, 198, 3S3, 3SS, 258, 2 £o, 284,
399, 3**. 3*7, 354, 378, 533. 547, S<*,
374; letters to Jefferson, t£x, 177,
178, 284, sfi*. 587

Randolph, Richard, 37, 49, £0, 591, 600,
fioi ; letter from Jefferson, £03 ; let-
ter to Jefferson, fos
Randolph, Ryland, 34, 37, 40, 86, 89
Randolph, Thomas Jefferson, 349, 41X,
4*9, 5*9. 54«, 55», 553, 559, .577, 5*7,
59*. 595. 8o8, £13; letter from Jef-
,ferson, 4x1; tetter of, 538

Randolph, Thomas Mann, Jr., 148, 149,
atx, afio, 287, 289, 287, 325, 329, 338,
357, 358, 387. 37*, 387, 39*, 39«, 398,
400, 4*0, 43a, 435. 458, 477, 50*. io 6 ,
509, s»fi, 532, 543, 553. 559. 587-588,
570-571, 588, 591, £13, £14; letters
from Jefferson, 150, *53-155, *58,
i£i, 183, 189, 175, *78, 187, x88, 190,
194, 198, 202, 204, 2o£, 2x9, 223, 231,
232, 237, 24", 247^49, 252, 254, 259-
a£x, 270, 273. 274, 30a, 303, 384, 373,
380, 405, 519; letters to Jefferson,
*82, x££, X7fi, 178, X90, *97, 200, 203
Randolph, Thomas Mann, Sr., 58, 398
Randolph, Virginia, 419; letter of, £04
Randolph, Col. William, i, 58
Randolph, William B., 483
Randolph family, 273, 394, 428
Rankin, Christopher, 430
Rankin, Mrs. Julia (Strieker), 430
Ranunculus, 352 ; double, 335, 453, 480,
489; red, £35

Ranunculus, 94, xiv, 337, 369, 455;

repens var. plemfiortts, 99
Rape, 55, 237, 380, 387; green, 224
Raphanus olifer, 397 ; sattvus, 9, 58, £0,
64, 397

Rappahannock River, Va., 375, 558
Raspberry, at, sx, 78, 94, 284, 348, 443,
4^5, 474. 475. 4*8, 49*, 5“*, 537, <39!
Antwerp, a£i, 336, 337, 34», 345, 346,
388, 489; black, 83, 845; common,
445; monthly, 408, 445, 454; moun-
tain, 593, 59<i *ed, 83
Rattan, 305

Rattlesnake-root, Seneca, 845
Rattlesnakes, ^7

Ravensvnrth, Fairfax County, Va., 400
Ray, John, 528
Reapers, 228-229
Red-birds, 138

Redbud, 23, 27, 165, 334, 494, 579, 827,
648

Reibelt, J. P., 387; letters from Jeffer-
son, 305, 350. 35S
Religion, freedom of, 543
Religious freedom. Statute for, 44
Remsen, Henry, letter from Jefferson,
2x9

Reptiles, 641

Republican (Democratic) party, 3x0
Republicanism, 235
Reseda, 835 odoraia, 445, 449
Resely, Sir Gore, 580
Revolutionary War, 57, 59, <3, 87, 88,

90. 9», 293, 530
Reynolds, Mr., 89
Rhetoric, 303

Rheum rhaponiicum, 398; mdulatum.

385

696

Index

Rhododendron, Canada, 146
Rhododendron, 167, 169, 421; cataw-
biense, 42$ ; maximum, 8, 30, 109,
ii£, a£i, 428, £46; nudifiorum, 3, 9,
30

Rhone River, France, 128
Rhubard, esculent, 383, 443
Rhus, £46; eopalltnum, no, ii£, glab~
rum, no; toxicodendron, 31
Ribes grossularia, 8, 83, £45; nigrum,
83; edot atissima, 474, 475, 481;
ruhrum, 83
Rice, William, 80

Rice, 54, io£, 117, 118, iac>-ia£, 128,
129, 131, 132, 141, 149, 158, 159, 173,
375i 4 i£i 5I4 i Mi bearded,
460; Carolina, 118, 124-125; dry,
120, I2£, 134, 142-145, 151, 208;
Egyptian. 132, 134, tSSi *38; high-
land, 151; mountain, 153, 154, t£3,
165; Piedmont, 118, I23-I2£, 131,
134; rough, 132-133; swamp, 381;
upland, 154, 164, i£6, 380, 381, 424,
43°. 505 i wet, 120, 144, i£ 4; yellow,
l£fi

Richardson, Mr,, 451
Richaidaon, Richatd, letter from Jef-
ferson, 271

Richmond, Va., 7, 14, £7, 72, 90, gfi,
101, 149, 150, 159. ao7i *3*. ass. *95.
307. 308, 372, 396, 480, 48a, 484, S43.
569, fiio

Rictnus, £44; communis, 450
Rickman, Di, William, 22, 28
Riedesel, Gen. August Frederick, £3,
88

Riedesel, Fredericks, 88
Rieux. See Derieux
Rittenhouae, David, 240, 263; letter
from Jefferson, 165

Rivanna River, Va., 2, 23, 29-30, 42,
57. 78, 84, 93, IS9. aafi. 29*. *93. »94.
298, 314-316, 3**. 3S6, 360, 368, 39fi,
4*7. S04. S19, 5**, 5*S. 5*7
Rivanna River Canol, 273, 274, 326,
.357

Riverfield, Monticello, 227
Rivera, 30, 70, 27s, 4S7i transportation
on, 29^, 4£7, 543
Road-building, 37, 239
Roads, 29, 38, 67, 78, 79, 84, 148, 156,
*70, *97. 307, 3*0, 314. 3*3-3*6, 336,
463M4, 49a-493, 535, S66
Roanoke Island, N. C., 5££

Roanoke River, 334, 337. 375. 40*. 4*5.

4D£

Robertson (Robinson), Mr>, 237
Robertson (Robinson), Archibald, 467,
$40; letter from Jefferson, $44

Robespierre, Maximilien Maiie Isi-
dore, 517

Robiuia, 34*. 353. 3551 hispida, 334,
563. s68, 637; pseudoacacia, 31, 110,
115, 64fi

Robins, i£o, 627
Robinson, Gov. John, iSfi
Rockbridge County, Va., 488, 503
Rockfish Gap, 581
Rodney, Caesar, 596
Rogers, Capt., £2
Rogers, Mr., 206
Romarzewski, Mr., 440
Ronaldeon, James, 472, 474-477, 484,
495. 496, 499, 5*3 ; letters fiom Jef-
ferson, 121, 490, 505; letteis to Jef-
ferson, 433, 491

Roots, methods of shipping, 117
Rosa, 30, 99 ; eglanteria, 30 ; laevigata,
293; mundi, 167-16%, rttbtgtnosa,iO]
sylvestris, 305

Rose, 5, 23, 27, ao8, 283, 379, 464, 488,
563. 635; Cheiokec, 291; cinnamon,
t£7, 168; damask, 167; dwarf, 94,
99. S<>3! guelder (gcltlci), ifis, 208,
209, 334. 494, 563; monthly, idy,
i£8; moss, 167, i£8; musk, 167, x£8;
Provence, 167, 168; swect-biiar, 23,
27! thoinless, 167, ifiS; while, i£8;
wild, 280, 288; yellow, 167, 168
Rosemary, 208
Rose-of-Shaion, 8

Roseooell, Gloucestci County, Va., 12
Rosmaiinns offidnaln, 214
Rotation of crops, 191-203, 230, 237,
262, 512, £41
Rotch, Mr., 137
Rotundas, 113

Roundabouts, 50, 60, 94, 98, 148, 149,
171, 174, 17s, *77, 178, *09, Z15, 358.
360, 399, 533. 63s

Roundabout Walks, 78, 84, 429, 449,
477

Rous, Mr., 1 14
Roving machines, $46
Rowland, Zacharia, 72
Rubber treej Indian, £21
Rubus caestus, £46 ; canadensis, 14s ;
chamaemorus, £46; fruticosus £46;
idaeiis, 83, 449; occidentalis, 83, £4£
Rue, 208

Rumex acciosa, 58, 399; scutatus, 2x3
Rush, Dr. Benjamin, 501, 503; letters
from Jefferson, 271, 285, 4S0
Rata graveolens, 214
Rutabaga, 236-237

Rutledge, Edward, 125; letters from
Jefferson, 124, *45. *39. *5*. *S6!
letter to Jefferson, 255
Rutledge, Gov. John, 138

Index

697

Rutledge, John, Jr., 13S; letter from
Jefferson, 134

RySf SSr 1831 J8 +i * 90 i » 9 »-> 95 . * 97 .
199, 201, 2i8, 221, 229, 230, 23J, 237,
244, 246, 250, 267, 272, 286, S19, 641,
647 ; mammoth, 456 ; spring, 406,
419 . 433

Sabine River, Texas, 515
Saffron, 337
Sage, 208

St. foin (= sainfoin). See Grass, St.
foin

St. Louis, Mo., 309, 3tx
St. Simon’s Island, Ga., 296
Salad dressing, 351, 361, 368, 436
Salads, raw, 500
Salht, 647 ; babylonica, 214
Sally^ (sloop), 261

Salsify (saisaiia), 47, 58, 75, 208, 224,
369. 373 . 3 * 6 . 390, 410, 44a, 469, 47 *.
473 . 493 . 496. 498-500. S06, saa. 5 * 5 .
536. 550. 5 < 4 . 576, 582, 588, 593 . 599 .
606, 607, 610, 639; black, 478; Co-
lumbian, 390, 440, 471; common,
471; Missouri, 334, 361
Sdvia ogieinalis, ai^

Sambucus canadensis, 31; nifra, 646;
racemesa, 31

San (St.) Antonio, Texas, 514, 515
Sand, 371

Sandy Point, Va., 39, 4a, 43 _
Sanguinaria, iy2\ canadensis, 2
Sangaisorba minor, 83, 2x4, 449
Santa Ff, N. M., 515
Saponaria eentaitriam, 645; villosa,
645

Saratoga, N. Y., 87
Sassafras, 147, aoi, 2B0, 285, 634, 64S
Savory, 405; green curled, 596; sura-
S9».' winter, 591
Savoy. See Cabbage
Sawmills, 525, 527, 538, 5 i 6
Sawyers (insects), 579, <28
Say, Dr. Benjamin, 3^9, 380
Say, Dr. Jean Baptiste Lfon, letter
from Jefferson, 542
Scallion, 469, 470, 498, 500
Scarcity root, 474
Schools, I, 2

Schuylkill River, Pa., 323
Science, 282, 289, 290, 380, 394, 409, 427
Scorsonera hispanica, 474, 478
Scotland, 62, 474. 476. 506
Sculpture, >05, 303
Scurvy grass, 48, 58
Si^hes, 198, 202, 229
Sea kale. See Kale, sea
Secretary's Ford, Va., 65, 156, 159-160,
.339, 337. 44 *. 633

Secretary's Mill, Va., 159
Secretary's Mountain, Va., 159
Seed beds, 47-49
Seed boxes, 233
Seed houses, 478

Seeds, 13, 52, 62, 108, 121-122, 134,
137, 227, 233, 234, 259, 300, 328, 411,
417, 418, 63s

Seedsmen, 299, 450, 596, 613, 614
Seed sowing, machines for, 430
Seine River, France, 288, 289
Seneca root, 275

Senna, 644; bladder, 1x8; scorpion, 23,

* 7 . .

Sensitive plants, 4, 117, 445
Serra, Correa da. See Correa da Serra
Serres, Olivier de (Seigneur de Pra-
del), 567
Servants, 633

Sesamum, 360-362, 369, 376, 572
Sesamum oil, 368

Sesamum orientale, 397; irifolialum.

371.. 373

Shackleford, Thomas, 176, 177
Shad, 26a, 265, 485. 513 , S13. 627
Sbadwell, Albemarle County, Va., i, 2,
7, 8, 12, 20, 78, t59, ao6, 228, 239,
* 47 . » 93 . 396, 470
Shadwell Ford, Va,, 310, 314
Shadwell Milla, Va., 315-316, 325
Shadwell parish, London, 2
Shallot, 208, 2X3, 4 < 9 , 470 . 473 . 477 .
498, 500

Shard, Julius, 33, 37
Sharp b Crenshaw, 405
Sharpe, Mr., 1x4
Sharpe, Robert, 23, 24, 29, 36
Shaw, Capt., 238

Shecut, John L. E. VF., 342, 5x8; let-
ter from Jefferson, 516
Sheep, tt4, 192, 200, 205, 206, 2x6, aax,
222, 225, * 39 . * 43 . * 4 S. 354 . 362-364,
3 « 9 . 378, 4 XX, 464. 467. 479 . 488, 5SX,
S 3 S, S 44 . S6x, 581, 586; Barbary,
508^ Bengal, 305; bigtail, 508;
merino, 407, 437, 46X, 49 x, 507 - 5 « 8 ,
540; Spanish, 508
Sheep dogs, 439
Sheet iron, 298

Sheffield, John Baker Holroyd, first
Earl of, letter to Jefferson, 3x7
Shenandoah Valley, Va., 504
Shenstone, William, 1x3
Sbewell, Capt. Robert, 132, 234, X35
Shingles, 260
Shipping, x8i, 339

Shoemaker, Jonathan, 328, 33X, 336,
360, 373, 384, 437, 4S8; letters from
Jefferson, 347, 436
Shoemaking, 466

Index

698

Shop, at Monticelh, aio, sis
Short, William, 132, 139, 153, 160, sSo;
letters from Jefferson, las, 137, >42,
SOS, s*3i 590, 594, 608
Shrubbery, 27, 30, 313
Shrubs, Z3, S7, 350
Sida abtUilon, 644; rhombifolia, 544
Silent, 8. i6s
Silk nettle, 364
Silk plant, 447

Silk tree, 305, 307, 3**, 3^8, 379, 38o,
39<, 417, 4»9, *02
Silkworm, 144, 648

Silvestre, Augustin Francois, letter
from Jefferson, 33s
Simmons, W., 353
Sims, Capt., ifi6

Sinclair, Sir John, 3(4; letters from
Jefferson, £49
Singleton, Mrs., $34
Skelton, Bathurst, 3$

Skelton, Martha (Wayles), 24. See
alto Jefferson, Martha (Wayles)
Skinner, John S., letter from Jefferson,
$92

Skipwith, Col. Fulwar, letter from Jef-
ferson, 438
Skipwith, Mr., 14s
Skylarks, 235

Slaughter, Capt. Joseph, 49a
Slaves, £7, 127, 132, 134, 132, 191, 200,
338-330, 242, 244-248, 274, 393, 303,
314, 468-467, 48a, 492, 493, SOS, 509,
5*0, S33, S3S, 540. 562, 633. See alto
Negroes
Sloths, 330
Smallpox, 3

Smith, General John, letter from Jef-
ferson, 413

Smith, Senator John, 339
Smith, Larkin, 483 ; letter from Jeffer-
son, 484; letter to Jefferson, 483
Smith, Margaret (Bayard), 283, 393,
4t3> 527; letter from Jefferson, 383;
letters to Jefferson, 388, 382
Smith, Peter, 179

Smith, Samuel Harrison, 328; letters
from Jefferson, 413, 437, 317
Smith, Col. William Stephens, 114, 480
Smut, wheat. 573, 374
Snakeroot, black, 843; Virginia, 843
Snapdragon, 3, 24, 27
Snow, ss, 84, 88, 70, 394, 409. 497. 505,
543. 579. 580, 834-828
Snowball, 342

Snowberry bush, 473, 48r, 490, 588, 837
Snowdrops, 389
Snowdrop tree. £48
Snow house. 565

Society of Agriculture of Paris, 33a

Sodershorn, Mr., 366
Soft-wood, 140

Soil, 190, 192, 198, 203, 218, 233, 337,
238, 249, 250, 351, 283, 278, 288, 387,
384, 413, 45*, 482-483, 5^. 5*8, 397.
£41, 849. See also Erosion
Solatium melongena, 400; tuberosum,
37. 2*3, 847

Sohdafo fflomeraia, 303; suaveolent,
303

Sorbus aucufaria, 334

Sorrel, 48, 58, 389, 44*. 489. 470. 473.

498, $00^ £39; French, 208, 224
Sorrel tree, 140
Sorrels, Richard, 17, 38
Southall, James P. C., 304
South Carolina, 103-104, 108, 1x7, xx8,
120, lat, 133, 131, 133, 134, 138, 143,
* 44 , *85. 38*, 534 , 597 - 59 *. 810, 8x2
South Caiolina Society for Promoting
Agriculture, 108, X07, 118, 123, 135,
X38, 14X, x±7, 163, 177, i 79 -*»*, 59 *
Southernwood, 208
South Sea Islands, 237, 321
Southwest Mountains, Va., 463
Spafford, Horatio Q., letter from Jef-
ferson, 4x3

Spain, X19, 283, 310, 38s, 396, 4*x, 447,
450, 508

Spanish broom. See Broom
Sparhawk, _Mr,, 89

Spariium junceum, 8, 214, 449; teo-
pariuru, 323

Spinach, 24, 48, 55, 71, 73, 208, 210,
2*4, *55, 3*5, 390, 39*. 489, 473, 474,
490, 493, 498-SOO, 506, S»». 533, 564,
576, S*a, 593, 599, 8o£, 807, £xo, £39;
prickly, 388, 393, 47*. 474 i smooth,
3*9, 393, 495, 5**5 summer, 389, 39*.
44*. 443, 495, 498, 5*2, 350, 564. 578.
58*, 593. 599, <08, 808; winter, 444,
550, 585, 594, 599, 808, 8x0
Spinacia, 48 ; oleracea, 59, 2x5
Spindle, evergreen, 648
Spinning, 245, 488, 487
Spinning jennies, 407, 479, 50S, 548
Spinning wheels, 89
Spiraea trifoliata, 844
Spotswood, Gov. Alexander, xo
Spotswood, Anna Catherine (Moore),
10

Springfield, Mass., xs7, 170
SpringhiU, Augusta County, Va., 503
Spring Mills, Pa., 278
Springs, at Monticello, 28, 327, 338,
579, 828, 830; hot, 301; Virginia,

4X1

Sprouts, 839

Spruce, hemlock. See Hemlock
Spuryear, Mr., 32*

Index

699

Squash, aoS, >36, 249, 274, 301, 386,
411, 426, 469, 473, 498-SOOi Sofi. 57<.
S93. 594. 606, 607, fiio, «47; long
crooked, 341; summer, 365; 'waited,
3*9. 39* : winter, 348, 563
Squirrels, 27, 179

Stables, 341, 371, 378, 463, 334, 387
Stableyaid, 386
Stafford County, Va., 477
Stagecoaches, 337, 457, 46a
Staircases, 173
Stamp Act, 3

Stanhope, Sir William, tii
Staunton, Va., 7, la, 74, 233, 340, 256,
531. 5*0. 594
Steele, Mr., 290
Steers, 48a
Steptoe, Dr., 487
Stereulia platanifolia, 353
Sterrett, Mr., 177

Steviartia malacodtndron, 139, 140

Stone, 239

Stone columns, 80

Stone-cutters, 80

Stone house, 392, 444, 554

Stone masons, 34, 343

Storms, 171, 237

Stow, Eng., >13-113

Strait of Gibraltar, 38

Strait of Messina, 38

Strasbuig, 133

Straw. 171

Strawnerries, 5, 9, ai, 23, 40, 71, io£,
*5». *57. 15*. *0*. aa*. 264, 280, 33a,

34*. 356. 367-369, 3*5, 409, 447. ^69,
4**. 537, 543, 579, 627, 639 j Alpine,
31, 98, tty, 335, a6i, 275, 336, 340.
346, 363, 369. 3*5, 3**, 439. 473, 4*3,
484, 494, 497, 500; Chili, afii, 375,
406, 407, 431, 453, 455, 4*0, 4*1:
Hudson, 37s, 406, 407. 431, 4Sa, 453.
455, 473, 475, 4«o, 4*1, 4*3, 490, 49*"
300; large garden, 31; May, 31;
monthly, 30a, 314, 334, 386; scarlet,
64s; white, 94, 98, 494
Strawberry bush, 8x
Strawberry tree, 76
Strickland, William, 234, 238, 2$o, 263,
459, 649; letter from Jefferson, 262;
letter to Jefferson, 230
Strode, John, 299; letters from Jeffer-
son, 302, 348; letters to Jefferson,
301, 369

Strode, Thomas, sot
Stuart, Archibald, 303-204, 339, 336,
413, 444; letters from Jefferson, 205,
ai4, 319, 240, 244, 440, 443
Stuart, Dr. Josephus B., letter from
Jefferson, 573
Stumps, 34

Succory, 47, 38, ait, 333, 238, 244, 380,
408, 370, 380-381
Sugar, x 44, 331
Sugar cane, 374-375
Sugar maple industry, 144, i48. See
also Maple, sugar
Sugar orchard, 375
Sulla. See Grass, sulla
Sumach, 434, £44; Venetian, i44, i48
Sumatra, 143

Sumter, Gen. Thomas, 384, 394, 334

Sunflower, 24, 27

Surgery, 349

Suriy County, Va., 384

Surveying, 80

Surveyors, 159

Sweden, 234, 408, 439

Sweet bay, 438

Sweet Betsy, 81

Sweet briar, 34, 37

Sweet gum, S34, S47

Sweet potato, 134, £34

Sweet shrub, 81

Sweet William, 3, 94, 335, 337, 353
Switzerland, £34
Syderoxihn, 139

Sylvestre, A. F., letter ftom Jefferson,
374

Sympkonearpos leueocatpa, 48 1
Syphons, 414

Syringa persiea, 31; vulgaris, 8, 31

Tabb, Philip, letter from Jefferson,
4x2 ; letters to Jefferson, 35 1, 410
Tagetes, 8 ; ereeta, 478
Taggert, J., 419
Taliaferro, Elizabeth, 42
Taliaferro, Major Richard, zo, 43, 533,
SSS, 4i8

Tanacetum vulgare, 213
Tannier, 257
Tansey, 208
Tares, 474, 478
Tarleton, Banastre, 92
Taro, 357

Tarragon, 303, 313, 318, 322, 334, 388,
399, 402, 416, 469, 470, 47a, 473, 4*8,
498, 300, 322. See alto Estragon
Tarragona, Spain, 354
Taxes, 44, 534
Taxidermy, 93, 351
^Taxus baeeattt, 31; cauadentis, 31
Tayloe, Anne Coxbin, 398
Taylor, James, 421, .^2, 428, 475, 47*5
letter to Jefferson, 3x4
Taylor, John, 213, 303, 318, 544; let-
ters from Jefferson, 217, 220, 233,
234, 236, 258, 260, 244, 3<*. 372, S7<>
560

Tea, 72, 74, 258, 323, 59*

700

Index

Tea plant, 6oa
Teak tree, 6ai
Teaael, 4}j

Techaa, province of, 515
Tecoma radicans, 31
Teffe, as7
Telford, Mr., 399
Temperance, 600
Temples, iia, 113
Tenant farmers, aoa, 365, 370, 432
Tende, Col. de, 127
Terraces, 64, 9a, 93, 98, 185, 33a, 369,
39 O 1 39Si 4**1 44*1 44*-444i 473i 474i
47Si 47fii 497. 504. S3«. 574
Tessf, M. de, 339

Tessf, Comtesae Noailles de, 137, 140,
ISO, 170, 38s, a88, 289, 348, 349, 3SO,
< 9 “ 37 ®i 3 * 7 i 39 *! letters from Jef-
erson, laa, 131, 149. *84. **7. *99.
30s, 339 . 454 . S19; letter to Jeffer-
son, 238

Texas, 490, 5 id, 322, 527
Thames River, England, iix
Theatre. See Playhouse
Theodolite, 80, 84

Thermometers, 69, 171, 178, 252, 254.

44 «. SIS. S. 7 *. 580, 5 * 7 ,
Thermometrical observations, 623
Thompson, Mr., 89

Thompson, Jonathan, <05, 614; letters
from Jefferson, 38a, 551, 596
Thomson, Charles, 132; letters from
Jefferson, 383, 551

Thorn, hedge, 309, 3*<. 34 *. 343 . 34 *.
350. 353 - 355 . 357 . S^S. 559 . Sdoi
maple-leaf, 558; Washington, 299
Thorn hedges, SS*- 5 S 9
Thorn nursery, 339
Thorns, 309. 3 ««. 3 * 9 . 34 i. 474 . S«>
Thornton, Elizabeth, x8
Thornton, William, 387, 398, 425, 430;
letters from Jefferson, 415, 438, 541 ;
letters to Jefferson, 437, 439
Thoroughfare Road, Va., 84, 209, 33d
ThoOin, Andrd, 378, 379, 3*3. 4*8. 445 .
44 «. 450. 455 . 45 *. 477 . 4 *o. 490 , 504.
S13. 3 * 1 . 547 . 559 . 57 *. «»». d**;
letters from Jefferson, 370, 520; let-
ter to Jefferson, dop
Th fee- Friends (ship), 349
Threlkeld, John, 420, 428 ; letter from
Jefferson, 345; letters to Jefferson,
$ 44 » 353 > 4 ^

Threshing machines, i8d, 188, 191, 202,
aw4, 242-243, 24d, 250, 252, 258, 272,
S 4 fi

Threshing mills, x88, 189
Thruston, Charles Minn, 421
Thuja, ii8, Z57; eeeidenmis, 647

Thweatt, Archibald, letter from Jef-
ferson, 5d9
Thyme, 208, 405, 591
Thymus vulgaris, 213
Ticknor, George, letter from Jefferson,

5(5

Ticks, 3or, 579, 627
Ticonderoga, N, V., 157
Tigers, id _

Tilia amerieana, 646
Tillandsia usneoides, 648
Timor, Malay Archipelago, 153, ids
Tobacco, 17, 45 . 46. 55 . wi. iS*. 1 * 3 .
18s, i8d, 191, 19a, 238. *41. * 54 . * 59 -
260, 276, 294, 320, 321, 37S, 394. 413.
431, 441, 45 *. 45 *. 464-466, 493 . 5 * 7 .
5 * 6 . 535 . 546. 547 . 55 *. 557 . 5 * 0 . 614.
d4i, d47, 848; Aricara (= Arikara),
345, 383; Mandan, 307
Todd, Elizabeth, 10
Toddsbury, Gloucester County, Va,,
251

Tomahawk, Bedford County, Va., 48$,
4S7, 5*7

Tomahawk Creek, Va., 485, 487, 483,

Tomatoes (toraatas), 391, 448, 450,
465. 469-473. 495 . 497 - 500 . 506, 522,
538, 550. 582, 593, 8o8, 807, 813, 839,
648; dwarf, 564, 588, 6iq; Spamsh,
_ 403 . 5643 576, 599

Tombstone, Jefferson’s, 44
Tools, 229, 247, 459-460, 464
Topinambour, 390, 400
Tott, Madame de, 137
Toulis, Mr., 20
Tragopogon porrifolius, 58
Transplantation, 459
Transylvania College, Ky., 503
Travel, inconveniences of, 394
Treaties, provisional, loi
Trees, 180, 162, 175, 284, 285, 290, 293,
300, 308, 309, 312, 3 * 2 , 347 . 4 **. 540.
832. 835; Virginia, 844-848
Trenton, N. J., lox
Tricoior (pansy)^ 4
Trifolium agrartum, 478; pratense,
214; repens, 214

Trist, Mrs. Elizabeth (House), 185,
178, 361, 508, 598; letters from Jef-
ferson, 3*0, 359 . 433 . 501, 5 * 8 . 539 .

Trist,* 'Nicholas P., letter to, 804
Tritieum aesiivum, 80, 2x4; aestivum
var. pohnicum, 430; repens, 584
Tritonia fenestrata, 491
Triumph (ship), 82
Trollius, 24, 27 ; asiatieus, 32
Tropaeolum majus, 80, 99
Trout, 1x4, X57

Index

701

Trowels, aSo
True, Dr. Rodney H,, *93
Trumpet flower, *3, 27
Ttuga canadensis, 393
Tuberose, 117, 33<!, 337, 340, 353, 373,
381, 447i 4SS; double, 346
Tuckahoe, Goochland County, Va., 1,
20, 47, S 5 > S8, 80, 92, lot, 148, 44S,
449 . 454 . 468
Tuckahoe, 645

Tttfton, Albemarle County, Va., 226,
227, 22S, 331

Tulip, 94. * 17 . 3 * 1 . 32*. 335 . 337 . 35 *.
3 fi 7 . 369. 373 . 447 . 455 . 481, 5«2, 636;
double, £35; parrot, 489
Tttlipa, 99
Tulip tree, aoi
Tull, Jethro, 516, 570
Tulman, Mr,, 563

Tunnicliff, letter from Jefferson, 301
Turf, 35<, 630
Turin, Italy, 133-136
Turkey, 57s

Turnip, 51, 119, 194, 195, 198, 203 , 213,
221, 333 , 333. 434, 337, 244, 358, 376,
360, S06, S18, 560, 607, 613, 639, 641,
£48; early, 490, 499; early Dutch,
470; English, 334; forward, £34:
Fraaer's new, 376', Hanover, 334;
long French, 409 *, lopped, 333 ; cose,
£34; summer, 444, 473, 496 ! Swed-
ish, 336, 390, 393. 408, 439. 443. 472.
473. 496. 498-500, 523. S£5. 583. 586,
587. 594

Turpin, William, 598
Tuscany, s*. S*. £*. 474
Twickenham, England, in, 336
Twitman, Mr., 341

Ulex enropaeus, 314
Ulmits americana, £47; campestTis,i^7^
Umbrella tree, 4, 31, 79 . 84. 423, 633,
£46. See also Magnolia tripftala
United States, 44, Joi, 163, 389, 580,

£23

U. S. Congress, roi, 258, 266, 382, 310,
363, 401, 4S2
U, S. Constitution, 396
U. S. consuls, 109, i£o, 179, 450
U. S. Continental Congress, 28, £7
U. S. Customs, 378, 484
U. S, Minister to France, 103, <0$

U, S. Peace Commissioners, 96, loi
XT. S. Secretary of State, 148
U. S, Secretary of War, sia
U. S. Senate, 253, 373, £17
University of Virginia. See Virginia,
University of

Vaccination, 408

f'aceinium, 345; oxycaeeus, *15, 645;
uligtttosum, £45

Vale, Aaron, 288; letter from Jeffer-
son, 289
Valerian, £25

Valeriana locusta radiata, £45; vesi-
caria, 424, 430

Vanderhorst, Elias, letter from Jeffer-
son, 177

Van Hasselt, W. H., letter from Jeffer-
son, 3S7

Van Ness, John P., letter to Jefferson,
820

Varina, Henrico County, Va., 227, 398
Varnish tree, 398; China, 363
Varro, Marcus Terentius (Censorius),

567

Vaughan, Benjamin, 583, 384; letters
from Jefferson, 144, 131, 163; letter
of, 387; letters to Jefferson, 143
Vaughan, John, letter from Jefferson,
414; letters to Jefferson, 321, 340
Vaughan, Samuel, 384
Vaughan, Samuel, Jr., letter from Jef-
ferson, 134; letter to Jefferson, 153
Vaughan, Sarah (Hallowell), 584
Vaughan, William Oliver, 387
Vegetable market in Washington,
D. C., 639
Venus, 113

Venus’s flytrap, 117, 294. See also
Dionaea

Vercelli, Italy, 122, 133
Vermont, 157, 167, 179
Versailles, 104, 103

Vetch, 48, 222, 2 J 3 - 235 . 242, 350, 263,
274, 360; Siberian, 221; spring, 249;
winter, 221, 231, 238, 249, 230, 238,
a£i, 262

Viburnum acerifolium, no, 116;
nudum, no, 113, ii£; opuKfolium,
afii'f opulus rosea, 334; apulus var.
sterile, 214; prunifmuia, 31
Vida, 39 . *341 fnka, 39. 62, 212, 214;
sativa, 231, 478

Vigna sesguipcdalis, 396; sinensis, 60,
«5

Vignerons, 32, £2, 81
Vinca minor, 32
Vinegar, 93, 349

Vines, 40, 43, loi, lo£, 248, 304, 305,
548, 554 . S£*

Vineyards, 52, £4, * 77 . * 79 . 33 *. 333 .
348, 387. 443 . 4 <a- 4 < 3 , 474 - 475 , 493 .
. 49 *. 554 . SdS. *00, 632; Maazei's, 63
Viola canadensis, 3; cucuUata, 3;
hasiattt, ^ ; palmata, 3.; pedata, 3 :
rafxesquti, scabriuseula, 3;
Striata, 3; tricolor, t

702

Ikoex

Violet, I, 24, 27, 162; Dutch, 4, S;
white, 367

Firgilia fragrans, 604
Virginia, 62, 92, 144, * 4 *-

245, 451, £iS; catalogue of plants,
644-648

Virginia Capes, 330
Virginia, Colony of, 7, 16, 20, 27, 35,
4 *. SI, 174

Virginia, Commonwealth of, 27, 29,
44 i 63. « 7 i 80, 92

Virginia, University of, 44, 539, 563,
572. 577 . 584. 585. 590 , 595, 600, 608,
611, 619-621

Virglnia'Carolina boundary dispute,
17a _

Virginia Society for Promoting Useful
, Knowledge, 60
Virgin’s bower, 336
Fitex agnui-eatlut, 333
Viticulture, i2o, 126, 277, 278, 429, 433,
. 5 ( 18 , 554 , 557 , 572 , 597 - 598 , 604, 614
Ftttj, 645; ntandifolia, 566; mutfera,
6a

Volney, C.. F. C. de, letters from Jef-
ferson, 249 , 255 , 315

Wabash River, Ind., 645
Wages, overseers’, 182-183
Wales, 585
Walker, Francis, 304
Walker, James, 327, 33X, 336} letter
from Jefferson, 338; letters to Jef-
ferson, 327, 338
Walker, Mary, 19

Walker, Dr. Thomas, 19, as, 60, 68,
81, 96, 171, 174

Walks, 34, 359, 384, 390, 395, 474, 497
Wallace, Dr. James W., letter from
Jefferson, 408; tetter to Jefferson,
602

Wallflower, 327, 337

Walls, 52, 54, 64, 77, 84, it3, 33a, 397 .

425, 44*1 S03. 551, 620
Walnut, IS, 129, 407. < 33 . <351 black,
6, II, 280, 633, 645; English, 6, XI,
18, 76, 83; European, 15a; French,
76, 83; Gloucester, 150; Paradox,
IX ; white, 633, 645
Walrus, 530

Warden, David Baillie, 461, 462, 5x3;
letters from Jefferson, 440, 451, 459,

521 , 557

Warehouses, tobacco, 294
Warm Springs, Va., 411, 577, 581, 594
Warren, Va., 351, 513
Wars, 18s, 289, 293, 3 <», 39 <, 407 . 408,
4 <». 47 «, SO», 520 , 525-527. 547 , SS*

Washington, George, 142, 148, 133,
154, 157, 159, 172, 183, 187, 194, 203,
218, 221, 408, 459, 570: letters from
Jefferson, 164, 172, 178, 186, 191,
217, 218, 238, 250

Washington, D. C., 99, 269, 273, 277,
310, 313, 323, 325, 359 . <39
Washita River, Ark.-La., 301
Water, scarcity of, 18, 322
Waterhouse, Benjamin, 430; letter
from Jefferson, 380
Watermelon, 16, 34, 36, 63, 63, 130,
208, 224, 639; Roman, 390
Water power, 204
Water screws, 114
Waters, garden, 113, 114
Water supply, 17, 18, 281, 283, 427,
440, 535 , 54 J, 583-5*4. 587, 595 . <01,
603, 628-631

Watkins, Mr., 339, 340; letters from
Jefferson, 377

Watkins, Henry E., letter from Jeffer-
son, 381 ; letter to Jefferson, 380
Watson, Mr., 108, 204
Watson, David, 223
IFatsonia meriana, 491
Wayles, John, 42, 60, 83
Wayles, Martha. See Jefferson, Mar-
tha (Wayles)

Weather, 187, 188, aoo, 203, 216, 219-
220, 227, as*, » 3 <, » 37 > * 39 , 232, 304,
3 * 2 , 3 * 5 . 3 * 9 , 35a, 354 . 3 <a, 3 < 7 , 394 ,
400, 409, 416, 427, 432, 483, 505
Weather observations, 22, 28, 33, 69,
73, 86-87, 98, 15a, 157, »7», *78. 190.
231, 246, 249, »S 4 , a8i, 319, 3 * 5 , 330-
33 *. 334 , 347 . 3 <i, 390 , 393 , 4 *«, 4 * 3 ,
44 t, 493 , 515, 52 *. 5 * 5 , 5 a<, 533 . 54 *-
543 , 552 - 553 , 557 . 573 . S7*-58o, 5 * 7 ,
622-628

Weaving, 24s, 466, 467, 540
Webb, George, 49, 51, 6x
Weeds, 178, 201, 211, 242, 263, SSh
366, 488, S09, 543, 581
Weevils, 163, 189, aoi, 203, 230, 237,
*43, *57

Weightmann, Roger C., 461; letter
from Jefferson, 463 ; letter to Jeffer-
son, 463

Wells, 17, 281, 283, 628, 629
Wescot, Lord, 113-1x4
Westham, Va., 92
West Indies, 398, 50S
Wheat, 12, 55, 67, 152, 172, 183, 188,
190, 192-195, *97, *99, 201, 202, 217,
218, 221, 228, 229, 230, 235, 237, 241-
243, 244, *4<. 248, 250, 254, *<2, 263,
27a, 276, 287, 321, 353, 375, 395, 4XX,
4*3, 43*. 439. 44*. 458-459, 46*, 464.

InD£X

703

46s, 4SS1 Soa. SOSj S»i S«i S»7-S»9.
5*6, S3S, 539. 543, 546. S47. 55*. 557.
561, 56*. 57*. 579, 5*5. 5*«. 59«>. 59*.
513, 614, 62S, 641, 647; bearded yel-
low, a86; Caspian, 456; common,
319; Egyptian, 309, 604; gentilli,
591; Guzerat, 347; Jerusalem, 304:
Lawler, S73-574; May, 346, 35S, 319,
408, 592; Poland spring, 423; Si-
berian, 49, 60; Sicilian, 257 ; Smyrna,
*57, spring, 208, $80; summer, 49,
60; Talevera, 585; white, 153, 163,
(66

Wheat fly, 572. Set also Hessian fly
Wheat machine, 54a
Wheelbarrows, 37

Whip-poor-wills, 151, (55, 170, 216,
301, 579. 6*7
Whiskey, 532

White, John Campbell, letter from Jef-
ferson, 561; letter to Jefferson, 560
White House, 283, 584
Whortleberry, 645
Wickham, John, 603
Wilkinson, James, 309; letter to Jef-
ferson, 612

Willdenow, Karl Ludwig, 530
William and Mary College, 2, 29, 59,
(OS, to6, (74, 584

Williamsburg, Va., a, to, 20, 34, 35,
4*. 43. 57. 67, 69, 7*, 73, 80, 88, 90,
US. 533

Williams, David, letter from Jefferson,
289

Williams, Jonathan, letters from Jef-
ferson, 240, 25t

Williamson Sc Cowling, letter to Jef-
ferson, 404

Willing, Thomas, 637
Willis, Mr., 35(, 6(2
Willis, Francis, letter from Jefferson,
351

Willis, Stephen, 33, *9, 57. 80: letter
from Jefferson, (73

Willis Mountain, Buckingham County,
Va., 80, 84-85, 559

Willow, 647; golden, (6t, 369, 465,
494. 635; shrub, 158; weeping, 44,
(6t, 176, 208, 209, 3X4, 264, 265, 272,
394, 46s, 494, 635. 637; yellow, 167,
(69

Wills, Mrs., 36

Wills, Capt. Mathew, letter from Jef-
son, 487

Wills, Dr. William, (4
Wilmington, Del., 558
Wilmington, N. C., 146
Winchester, Va., 7

Windbreaks, 559
Window boxes, (6(

Winds, (48, (77, 248, 325, 579, 626-
627

Windsor, Gloucester County, Va., 60
Wine, 43, 375, 423, 436, 566, 618; Co-
martin Burgundy, 423 ; domestic,
462-463, 548, 554, 557, 573, 600, 632;
French, 106; scuppernong, 572
Wine-making, 39, 63, 120, (26-127,
462-463, 475, 481
Winlaw, Mr., 348
Winn, John, 614
Winslow, Mr., 52, 62
Winterberry, 365
Winter melon, 307

Winters, 66, 70, 236, 252, 254, 305, 367,
543. 55*. 578. s8o

Wistar, Dr. Caspar, letter from Jef-
ferson, 349

Wobvrn, England, 112
Wollaston, Fred H., letter to Jeffer-
son, 356

Wood, Jethro, letter from Jefferson,
569 ; letter to Jefferson, 561
Wood, John, 5*, 62
Woodford, Capt., 84
Woodlands, the, Philadelphia, Pa.,

Wood’s Mill, Va., 3*2
Woodward, Judge Augustus B., letter
from Jefferson, 6((; letter to Jef-
ferson, 6(9
Wool, 407

Workmen, *45, 257, 365
Worms, 320, 592, 6(2
Wormwood, 208

Worthingtodi Thomas, 386, 397, 6(8;
letter from Jefferson, 6(6; letter to
Jefferson, 6(7
Wotton, England, 112
Wynne, Sir Watkins William, 585
Wythe, Mrs. Elizabeth (Taliaferro),
30, 39, 4*

Wythe, George, 7, 28, 80, 336, 533:
letters from Jefferson, ist, 223; let-
ter to Jefferson, 20

Xanihoxflon, 33^,. 34*

Ximenesia eneehoides, 445

Yancey, Joel, 539, 544, 6(6; letters
from Jefferson, 544, 546, 555, 557.
568, 585, 595
Yellow fever, (8s-(86
Yellow-wood, 363

Yew, 24. *7. 361; American, 3(;

dwarf, 26(| English, 31

704

Index

Yorktown, Va., 85, 54*, Zea mays, 65, 214, 647

Young, Arthur, 191-192, 196, 319, 233, Zisutnta aquattta, 645
338, 244, 408, 459, 5*6, 570 Zityfhus jujuba, 398

Yucca filameniosa, 314 2 oology, 162, 173

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Thomas Jefferson,s Garden Book"

See other formats