328 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



with warmer love for his Minnesota home, where the best years of 

 his life were spent, and where the sun of attraction was as great 

 and the bud of promise as large as in any other spot on earth. 



Of vices Mr. Harris had none. And if he had frailties or 

 weaknesses of any kind they were the trademarks of nature testify- 

 ing that none of her human productions are perfect in all respects. 

 If he was weak in anything or anywhere, it was a trivial, harmless 

 weakness. It was not a great fault, but rather a trifling misfortune. 

 But his strength, immeasurably the larger part of him, was always 

 the strength of usefulness, of helpfulness and of many-sided virtues. 



And now, our beloved brother, since you have passed the por- 

 tal that leads to the solving of the great and, we believe, the glori- 

 ous mystery of death, your character, your works, your achieve- 

 ments have become hallowed memories and sacred realizations 

 to those you left behind ; they wreath the brow of your glorified 

 spirit with the immortelles of their love. For your faith, zeal and 

 industry while of us, you are admired. For what you accomplished 

 in the work to which you were so ardently devoted, you are hon- 

 ored. By the example you were of what integrity of purpose, un- 

 daunted courage and loyalty to friends and convictions may accom- 

 plish, you contributed to the world's enrichment. By your many 

 good offices in promoting the cause of this society, you made it your 

 eternal debtor. For the many attributes of your nature that make 

 remembrance sweet, we will lovingly cherish your memory while we 

 live. • 



I do not feel justified in closing this unworthy tribute without 

 testifying to my remembrance of and love for the other translated 

 members of this society, who are remembered and revered on this 

 occasion. Friends of mine they were, too, ' and I fain would 

 speak such words of them as their work and character deserve. 

 And not only of those whose names and virtues are mentioned here 

 today, but those who preceded these last ones into the ranks of the 

 great majority. But while I may not speak of them, I may join 

 you in crowning the memory of each with chaplets of remembrance 

 and affection. 



As this society calls the roll of its dead, it has reason to be 

 proud of the contributions it has made to the spiritual hosts ; and the 

 imagination need not be strained to see our brother, after he had 

 "gathered the drapery of his couch around him and laid down to 

 pleasant dreams" — awaking on the shining shore of the "Better 

 Land" we all believe in, and there greeting, with the ready smile and 

 genial manner we are so familiar with, the old friends and co- 

 laborers of his well spent earth life. 



