8 BANQUET TO THE 



out. More than a hundred gentlemen were present 

 on the occasion, most of whom had occupied high 

 positions in the State and Nation, and in the walks 

 of learning and letters. 



The dining-hall, under the direction of Mr. Joseph 

 H. Beckman, one of the proprietors of the Parker 

 House, was fitly ornamented with the richest trophies 

 of the flower-garden, arranged with exquisite taste. 

 These decorations of floral beauty, filling twenty 

 magnificent baskets, gifts from Messrs. H. H. Hun- 

 newell, Francis B. Hayes, John L. Gardner, the 

 Messrs. Hovey and Company, and Mrs. E. S. Joyce, 

 were the delight and admiration of the party. Mrs. 

 Joyce, of Medford, contributed also a bouquet of 

 exquisite and crowning beauty. At the upper end 

 of the hall were two fine specimens of the Victoria 

 Regia, and other lilies, presented by E. S. Sturde- 

 vant, of New Jersey. Most agreeable music was 

 discoursed by the Germania Band. On the cover of 

 the Menu was a splendid life-like portrait of Colonel 

 Wilder, and by the side of each plate was placed a 

 Grace-Wilder carnation pink, relieved by maiden-hair 

 fern, making an exquisite boutonniere. This carna- 

 tion is a seedling raised by Mr. Joseph Tailby, of 

 Wellesley, and was named by him for a daughter 

 of Colonel Wilder, in honor of her father. 



Mr. Charles H. B. Breck, chairman of the Com- 

 mittee, presided. The Hon. Francis M. Weld, 



