570 MEMORIAL OF 



ney Wilder the Massachusetts Horticultural Society recognizes the benevolent 

 hand of the Giver of all Good. A specially kind Providence seems to have 

 smiled upon his enthusiastic love of Nature and his efforts to develop the 

 works of the Creator. With gratitude do we . acknowledge the wide and 

 lasting influence which Mr. Wilder has exerted in his favorite pursuit of 

 horticulture, an influence of which this vicinity has had the near and special 

 benefit, but which has also extended beyond the limits of one State and 

 country, and is recognized wherever our art is known. We shall cherish the 

 memory of his unflagging zeal in every branch of horticulture, his example 

 in skillful cultivation, his constant attendance and his wise and kindly 

 words of encouragement. While painfully conscious that these halls can 

 never more welcome his presence, we turn from this sad thought to dwell 

 upon the fact that his was a completed life, that he had filled up the meas- 

 ure of usefulness to the full, and that he was gathered like a shock of corn 

 fully ripe in its season. 



" Who can doubt that in humble trust he has entered the paradise of God 

 and that in company with those he loved he is now in higher, yet it may be 

 kindred, pursuits with those that were the joy* of his earthly life. Let it be 

 our aim to be animated by his noble example. 



"To the family of the deceased the society extends its profound sympathy 

 in their sorrow." 



In presenting this memorial Mr. Strong added that — 



To the active members of this society Mr. Wilder was so well known that 

 it seems superfluous to speak of the traits of character which so distin- 

 guished and endeared him to us. Yet it is well for us to dwell upon his 

 example, that we may get such clear and fixed impressions as shall be help- 

 ful to each of us in worthy living. 



Mr. Wilder was born to be a leader. At the early age of 21 years he was 

 chosen captain of a military company, and at 26 years of ;jge he was colonel 

 of a regiment. 



When first elected to the senate of this commonwealth, it was not deemed 

 necessary that he should become familiar with the routine of business, but 

 contrary to all custom he was at once selected as presiding officer. And thus 

 has it been with the numerous societies which he has either formed or with 

 which he has been connected. In all these he has advanced to the front 

 rank. In every enterprise which engaged his attention his enthusiasm was 

 at once enlisted, and his persistent ability and inspiring presence speedily 

 placed him at the head. 



Others will dwell upon the traits which gave him success in the various 

 fields of his usefulness. We turn rather to notice his characteristics in his 

 favorite pursuit of horticulture. In this he is best known. Here he did his 

 best service for his fellow men. It was indeed a favorite pursuit — a genuine 

 love. While engaged in large commercial business, he yet found time for 

 extensive importation and cultivation of a great variety of hardy and exotic 

 fruits, plants and agricultural products, being one of the earliest introduc- 

 ers, and always on the alert to obtain and test new kinds. This enthusiasm 

 was life-long, and was as hearty in the cultivation of pasonias as pears, or in 

 the case of camellias or dahlias or azaleas as of raspberries and strawberries. 

 Undeniably he was stimulated by a desire to exhibit the best; but before 

 and deeper than this was a hearty interest in every form of cultivation of 



