Landreth, David, was a native of England, the son of a farmer of Berwick upon Tweed. Early in life his attention was attracted by plants and flowers, and yielding to his fondness for them, and impulses which they only who love nature can fully appreciate, he determined to adopt gardening as a profession. At that day the art was less widely and ardently pursued than at the present, and the sources of information, and consequent means of improvement, were limited. Then publications on the subject were not, as now, of almost daily issue. Periodicals on gardening and rural affairs were unknown; and, save the works of Miller, there was scarcely one for reference. Since then Horticulture has assumed its rightful place as a delightful if not a fine art, cherished and pursued by the intellectual and refined.

The subject of this sketch, after having availed himself of the usual routine of practice in the neighbourhood of his birth-place, as a mean most likely to promote his views, and extend his knowledge of the more approved rules of the profession which he had espoused, removed to the vicinity of London. Here he profited by an observance of the operations in the extensive nursery establishments and pleasure-grounds around the metropolis; and, having prepared himself for the efficient practice of his art, embarked for America. The hostilities between the mother country and her colonies, then existing, prevented his sailing for a middle port, and he accordingly took passage for Quebec, where he resided for three years. On the conclusion of the war, his longing desire to remove to a southern point, and climate more genial to his pursuit, could now be gratified; and in the autumn of 1784 he arrived in Philadelphia, the spot towards which his eye had been unwaveringly directed - but why, he has been heard to say, he could not tell. There all were strangers. Within its wide extent there did not live a solitary being with whom he could claim acquaintance, much less friendship.

How many have since followed from their father-land, and found peaceful and happy homes!

With a pocket but scantily supplied, and winter approaching, when but little employment in his line could be expected, he availed himself of a temporary engagement. It was not long, however, ere his qualifications and correct deportment secured the favourable notice of Robert Morris, the distinguished revolutionary patriot, in whose employment he entered, and continued for several years, and with whose regard he was honoured until the close of Mr. Morris' eventful life.

Mr. L., on relinquishing the employment of Mr. Morris, was enabled to carry out his long-cherished and original design of establishing himself as a Nurseryman; and shortly thereafter laid the foundation of what has been known throughout the Union, for more than half a century, as the "Landreth Nurseries."He ultimately associated with himself a younger brother, Cuth-bert, who had followed him to America, and their united efforts enabled them successfully to conduct what was then considered an extensive business. A scrupulous regard to what was due to others secured respect and moderate competency.

To the brothers Landreth, Philadelphia is, in a degree, indebted for the early development of horticultural taste, and in the facilities which they afforded for its gratification the whole Union has participated. Their productions, ornamental and useful, have been distributed far and wide. Specimens of fruits and flowers from their grounds exist in almost every town and hamlet in the country. The earliest collection of Camellias in America was made by them, and their importations of valuable plants and fruits were extensive. Their collection of indigenous plants, obtained through the agency and friendship of traveling collectors, and local correspondents, was, perhaps, the largest of its day, if we except the magnificent one of the Bartram Botanic Garden.

How vast have been the enlargement of horticultural taste, and the means of gratifying it since Mr. Landreth first embarked in his floral enterprise! Then a green-house, or, as it was popularly termed, a "glass-house," was an object of amazement, and a simple rose, exhibited in a window budding and blooming "out of season," attracted a wondering crowd. Now a residence in town or country is scarcely considered perfect which does not embrace at least a room prepared for the preservation of plants; and the thousands who throng the exhibitions of our Horticultural Society evince the extent of interest on the subject.

The temperate and regular habits of Mr. Landreth promoted health, and protracted life beyond the ordinary term. In manners he was plain and unobtrusive; his temperament ardent, actively sympathizing with the afflicted, or warming with indignation at oppression. His fondness for plants increased with age, and, though their culture was the source of his support, he loved them for themselves alone. "Trade" was, with him, an adjunct to the gratification of a refined enjoyment. Never did painter look upon his canvas, in glorious enthusiasm for his art, with an eye more abstracted from the lucre which his pencil brought, than did David Landreth in the contemplation of his floral family. A beautiful plant, a noble tree, or a landscape decorated by the hands of nature or of man, were to him objects of the purest pleasure. After an active and well-spent life, and with an enviable reputation, he died on the 22d August, 1836, aged 84.