HENRY PURKITT KIDDER. 631 



fence to see the grass grow." This was a simple and accurate enough 

 statement of the pleasure which he took in gardens and gardening, in 

 travelling in picturesque countries, and of the solid satisfaction which 

 he took in natural beauty, whether simple or grand. Without the 

 slightest facility of hand beyond the ability to make a neat geo- 

 metrical drawing, he had much of the make-up of an artist, which 

 showed itself both in his choice of pictures for his home and in the 

 large amount of time and life which he really consecrated in the 

 open air. 



He was chosen into the American Academy on June 9, 1880 ; treas- 

 urer, on May 29, 1883. The surviving members will remember with 

 interest the impressive exercises at his house on the evening when 

 Mr. Corliss received the Rumford Medal, as well as other occasions 

 when the Academy has enjoyed his hospitable welcome. 



Mr. Kidder was a member of the government of the Massachusetts 

 General Hospital, and of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College ; 

 he was President of the Unitarian Association, of the Children's Mis- 

 sion, and of many other charitable societies. It is interesting to say 

 of a man so largely engaged in the public service, that he was super- 

 intendent of the Sunday school of the South Congregational Church 

 for more than twenty years. His life, indeed, was freely given to the 

 service of his fellow men. 



When one has said this, he has said the most remarkable thing about 

 his life, and has named the most remarkable feature in his character. 

 He would himself have said that such success as had come to him in 

 life was due to his determination to use life for the common service. 

 But it must be added, that this firm moral purpose had so moulded his 

 habits of daily work as to give him a power of command or leadership 

 which does not fall to common men. While the city of Chicago was 

 yet burning, a town meeting of the people of Boston was held to take 

 measures for their relief. The Mayor presided, and read a list of offi- 

 cers whose names were suggested as a commission to collect and for- 

 ward the contributions of Boston. Almost of course, Mr. Kidder was 

 proposed as treasurer. A little after, he left the j^l^tform and went 

 back to his bank. Within a few minutes came down from him this 

 message to the Mayor : " I have bidden them draw on me at sight for 

 6100,000." The other speaking was interrupted, that this best speech 

 of all might be repeated ; and Faneuil Hall was never so enthusiastic 

 as when it thus learned to what standard of liberality he had pledged 

 them. In point of fact, the subscriptions of Boston amounted to more 

 than half a million. It was that despatch of his which struck the kej- 



