122 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Charles M. Hovej^, Chairman of the Committee appoiuted to 

 prepare resokitions in memory of Captain William R. Austin, 

 presented the following : 



The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, having learned with 

 deep regret of the death of their late associate, Captain William R. 

 Austin, 



Resolv(d, That in his decease the Society mourns the loss of one 

 of its most honored and trusted members. As Treasurer for a long 

 series of 3'ears, he devoted his leisure time and ability to the 

 welfare and best interests of the Society ; as a member of various 

 committees, he neglected no dut}' ; as a horticulturist, he originated 

 the now well known method of training pear trees, so successfully 

 practised by him during his life ; and as an exhibitor of choice 

 fruits, his contributions attested his enthusiasm and skill as a 

 cultivator. 



Resolved^ That we highly appreciate the valuable services ren- 

 dered by Captain Austin to the Society, as well as his life-long 

 devotion to horticultural pursuits — a rare example of untiring in- 

 dustry, and enduring interest, in all the objects and purposes of our 

 association . 



Resolved^ That the members of the Society condole with the 

 family of their late associate in their irreparable loss. 



Resolved, That these resolutions be entered upon the records of 

 the Society, and that a copj^ be sent to the family of the deceased. 



Mr. Hovey said that it was unnecessary to go into any extended 

 remarks on one so well known as Captain Austin. Besides his 

 interest in fruit culture, as shown by the plan which he originated 

 of training trees in the vase or wine glass form, and which he 

 carried to perfection, producing finer specimens of trees, both on 

 quince and pear roots, than any other cultivator, and by his large 

 contributions to our exhibitions, — aside from air this, we recall his 

 services as Treasurer, commencing in the comparatively earl}^ 

 history of the Society, and continuing for many 3'ears, during all 

 which time he so managed the financial affairs of the Society as to 

 oive entire satisfaction. We remember him as a merchant, citizen, 

 husband, and father, and as exemplary in all these relations. We 

 remember his generous hospitalities, and feel that we are greatly 

 indebted to him, and that our loss is irreparable. 



Marshall P. Wilder said that he could not allow this occasion to 

 ' pass without saying one word as a testimonial of respect and affec- 



