MICHIGAN STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 385 



home, when you are slumbering in the grave ? Far better these 

 for the perpetuation of your memory, and the benefit of the 

 advancing millions of coming time, than all the monumental 

 shafts and pillars of polished marble that ever graced the hero's 

 tomb. 



DECEASED MEMBEES. 



Since my last report on the decease of members, three of the 

 founders of this Society have been removed by death, " like 

 fruits fully ripened in their season." I allude to Dr. Alfred S. 

 Monson of New Haven, Connecticut, Dr. E. T. Underhill of 

 Croton Point, New York, and Dr. Eben Wight of Dedham, 

 Massachusetts, all three of whom were present and took part 

 in the proceedings of the first meeting, twenty-three years ago. 



Dr. Alfred S. Monson died, May 22, 1870, at New Haven, 

 Connecticut, at the advanced age of seventy-four, universally 

 respected and beloved. He was one of the signers of the cir- 

 cular calling the convention which resulted in the organization 

 of our association ; was the first Vice-President from Connecti- 

 cut; and on that occasion read a most able and instructive 

 paper "^On the deterioration of certain fruits, and of parasitic 

 agents injurious to vegetation." This paper may be found in 

 the published Transactions of the Society, and gives evidence 

 of the careful investigation and research of its author. Dr. 

 Monson possessed a highly appreciative mind, a refined taste, 

 and a great capacity for enjoyment. Hence his love for fruits 

 and floAvers, which was a ruling passion with him through life. 

 He was the first President of the New Haven Horticultural 

 Society, established in 1831, — one of the earliest in this coun- 

 try, — and was a frequent writer on subjects connected with 

 horticulture and rural arts. His address before that Society in 

 1843, is full of wisdom and beautiful illustrations. His mem- 

 ory will ever be reverred and honored by all who knew him. 



Dr. K. T. Underhill was also one of the founders of our 

 Society, and his name is borne on the call for its first meeting. 

 He commenced his poraological pursuits at Croton Point about 

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