STATE POAIOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 147 



IN MEMORIAM. 



Hon. Z. a. Gilbert. 



1833 — 19^2. 



Without detracting in the least from the valuable service 

 rendered by the loyal workers in fruit culture, from the ear- 

 liest period to the year just closed, it is but just to claim that 

 Maine is indebted to Mr. Z. A. Gilbert for its progress in fruit 

 problems more than to any other man. 



Instinctively a farmer, naturally a close thinker and reasoner, 

 conservative in methods and habits, and yet with an earnest 

 spirit for investigation, he combined those rare qualities which, 

 from the first, made him a safe leader, a wise counsellor, a 

 progressive worker, a successful farm.er and a reliable neighbor, 

 friend and co-worker. A close intimacy extending over many 

 years has strengthened first impressions of his powers of lead- 

 ership. Granted a long life of service for his beloved State 

 and its fundamental industry, his faith never wavered and 

 there was little patience with those who doubted the certain 

 outcome of the years. To think as he worked was ever his 

 motto, and thus wherever he spoke, ripe, well digested thoughts, 

 clearly expressed, carried conviction. 



His term of public office for the advancement of tlie agricul- 

 ture of the State covered that period when service was rendered 

 for the good of the cause and with little thought of compensa- 

 tion, but throughout the years tliat service was as cheerfully and 

 unstintingly rendered as though the salary had been liberal. 

 Thousands of young men found the way to a happy, prosperous 

 farm Hfe through contact, with this loyal friend of the rural 

 home. 



