Remarks on the Life and Character of Mr. Downing. 1 53 



dictated his letters. His death leaves a void in our ranks which we 

 may not expect soon to see filled. 



Maj. Ragan, of Missouri — Mr. Downing was an earnest, devoted 

 laborer in the cause of horticulture ; one whose works, most truly, 

 '^do follow him." 



Mr. Lyon, of Michigan — Mr. Downing was the most accurate 

 pomologist of his age. He was rarely mistaken in the determina- 

 tion of synonyms. He collected and preserved most carefully, even 

 after his accident, and indeed until death, a careful memoranda of 

 all his observations and investigations. His work is not yet done. 

 We are yet to derive important knowledge from the results of his 

 unpublished investigations. 



Mr. Caywood — He leaves no family. His only relatives were his 

 brother's widow and a niece. 



Secretary Ragan, of Ind'iRua — I have never had a more prompt 

 and ready correspondent than was Mr. Downing. Even since his 

 affliction I have never had him neglect to answer, and in the most 

 prompt manner, a letter, even of minor importance. His research, 

 in the line of pomological investigation, was truly wonderful. He 

 solicited contributions of new varieties, often at great personal ex- 

 pense, from all possible sources, and by close comparison determined 

 their proper place, either as synonyms, or as really new sorts. In 

 one of his last letters to me (which see appended) he inquires after 

 a western apple of which he had read. He has, at all times, cher- 

 ished the work of our Society, and, indeed, of all kindred societies, 

 and promptly recognized and acknowledged their valuable aid to 

 horticultural and pomological science. 



On motion of Col. Brackett, of Iowa, the Secretary was directed 



to forward a copy of these resolutions to the family of Mr. Downing. 



(Note. — Believing that the following extract from the Prairie Farmer and, also, < 

 personal letters from Mr. Downing, will be read with interest in this connection, 

 the Secretary presents them without apology or comment.) 



''In a quiet, brief way, the press has announced the death of Charles Downing, 

 the distinguished horticulturist, at the ripe age of 84. Perhaps this quiet notice 

 is a tribute of respect to the modest, unassuming worker, who, for three-fourths of a 

 century, has signed his name in very small letters — C. Downing. * * In Col. 

 Wilder's eloquent and truthful Eulogy on A. J. Downing, is found this suggestive 



11 



