INTRODUCTION 



come, chiefly by the influence of Mr. Veitch, and of a few 

 others who supported him. In all movements for the advance- 

 ment of horticulture he was ready to take a foremost part. 

 Latterly, however, owing to his failing health, he has been 

 less active in matters of this kind, but even so late as the 

 occasion of the organization of the English Committee of the 

 Hamburg International Show, those who attended the pre- 

 liminary meetings were assisted by his advice. 



" Some two years ago, owing to premonitory symptoms of 

 heart disease, which have proved but too well founded, Mr. 

 Veitch ceased to take so active a part as he had been wont, 

 either in horticultural affairs or in matters of business ; but 

 latterly he had been in better health and spirits than usual, 

 and even on the day before his decease had greatly enjoyed a 

 visit from his old friend and collector, Thomas Lobb, so that 

 his death on the morning of the 10th instant, at Stanley 

 House, Chelsea, at the age of 54, came suddenly on his family 

 and friends, although, under the circumstances, it can scarcely 

 be said to have been wholly unexpected. His mortal remains 

 have been deposited in the Brompton Cemetery, and there lie 

 peacefully in the immediate vicinity of the scenes of the most 

 active portion of his life. That he himself was not unprepared 

 for the change that was to befall him is shown by the fact that 

 only a few days before his death he selected, without the 

 knowledge of any member of his family, a site for a family 

 grave ; and in its selection and attendant negotiations mani- 

 fested those business habits so characteristic of him. 



" Little remains for us to add. We have said enough to 

 show that this was no ordinary man. Zeal and energy per- 

 vaded his every action. A quick temper and impatience of 

 opposition were natural adjuncts to such a character ; but at 

 the same time it must be added there was thorough conscien- 



17 



