124 ANNUAL REPORT 



suited in the organization of the American Pomological Society, 

 of which he was chosen the first president, and has been re- 

 elected at every subsequent meeting, and held the office until the 

 hour of his death. To him the State Agricultural College at 

 Amherst owes its existence, and every society or movement for 

 the promotion of agriculture or horticulture throughout our coun- 

 try has received his kindest sympathy and been strengthened by 

 Ms wise councils. 



In his addresses to the American Pomological Society he has 

 set up a lighthouse and flung a banner to the breeze from its 

 highest tower, upon which is inscribed in letters of light the 

 method for the sure solution of the fruit question adapted for all 

 lands: "Plant the most mature and perfect seeds of the most 

 hardy, vigorous and valuable varieties; as a shorter process in- 

 suring more certain and happy results, cross and hybridize our 

 finest kinds for still greater excellence. Go on; go on while you 

 live, and when we are gone others will rise up to chant our old 

 .song: 



Plant the best seeds of all your best fruit, 

 Good fruits to raise that some lands may suit; 

 Fruits which shall live their blessings to shed 

 On millions of souls when you are dead. 

 Plant; plant your best seeds, no longer doubt 

 The beautiful fruits you may create; 

 Fruits which perchance your name may enshrine 

 In emblems of beauty and life to shine." 



The following beautiful paragraph occurs at the conclusion of 

 his last address to the American Pomological Society at Grand 

 Eapids, Michigan, in 1885: " Fruits are the overflow of nature's 

 bounty — gems of the skies which are dropped down to beautify 

 the earth, charm the sight, gratify the taste and minister to the 

 enjoyment of life, and the more we realize this the more shall we 

 appreciate the Divine goodness to us and the duty of providing 

 them for others. ' ' May these parting words of our wise and noble 

 friend be indelibly imprinted »pon our memory and stimulate us 

 to go forth planting orchards and gardens that shall be fitting 

 and enduring monuments to his memory. 



The father of American pomology lived long beyond the age 

 commonly allotted to man, and continued his life work to its close. 

 Sadly do we mourn his loss and cherish his name as one of the 

 most useful men of his time, a name that shall be handed down 

 all through the coming ages, honored and revered. 



