CHARLES DOWNING.— FROM A LATE PHOTOGRAPH. 



Samuel B. Parsons, in the Rural New Yorker of August 16, 1S79, gives the follow- 

 ing brief biography of Charles Downing, which we are permitted to use in connec- 

 tion with the above accurate portrait: 



"Born in 1S02, and •working Avith his father among trees and flowers until twenty years of age 

 lie then succeeded him and commenced that scries of experiments with fruits, Avhich makes him 

 now the most trustworthy pomologist in America. From 1S36 to 1833 he was in partnership with 

 his brotlier who afterward commenced his literary work and filled the niche which was then 

 open. A. J. Downing held a spirited and graphic pen and his breezy articles, when editor of the 

 Horticulturist, were the natural outgrowth of his taste and love for horticulture. In the prepara- 

 tion of his book of fruits, however, he Avas much indebted to his brother Charles, Avhose long 

 experience gave him accurate knowledge, and who had fruited and compared many thousand 

 varieties. After the death of A. J. Downing this book passed through several editions, each 

 greatly enlarged by Chas. Downing until the present edition is the best Pomological book in the 

 world and made so mainly by the labors of the subject of this sketch. It Avas not until after 1840 

 that I knew either of them, and Avhile admiring the striking qualities of his brother, I Avas ahvays 

 impressed Avith the quiet observation, the great accuracy, and the iinobtrusivc modesty of Charles 

 Downing. He never sought appreciation, but alAvays received it from those Avho truly kncAV him. 

 "While Avriting of his attention to fruits, I should not forget his love for ornamental plants and his 

 Icnowledge of them. His old place Avas much changed in 1868 by the running of streets and the 

 destruction of many of his trees. He still indulges his taste, liOAvevcr, and his memory does not 

 ■fail him. Any one desiring information on fruits can rely upon its correctness, if received from 

 Charles Downing. When thinking of the usefulness of such a life, one cannot help Avishing 

 (for the old days of Methuselah Avhen man's life Avas not limited to fourscore years. 



"In the career of the two brothers is a valuable lesson. One gave his life to save life— the other 

 has spent his years in labor for men. Sacrifice and labor arc tAVO pivots on Avhich the moral world 

 arevolvcs. Happy is the man who has his share of each." 



