DECEASE OF JOHN FISK ALLEN. 9 



active labors of the old niemlters in the early days of the Society, 

 and particularly of those of Mr. Allen, who, in his specialty of 

 grape culture, was highly instrumental in encouraging and extending 

 the growth of fine grapes. 



Resolved, That to his enthusiasm and labors we are indel)ted for 

 some of our best hybrid grapes, his exeilions in their production 

 stimulating others to like attempts, and we may date the interest 

 in the production of new grapes from his early eftbrts in that 

 direction. 



Resolved, That as the first person to introduce and cultivate that 

 magnificent lily, the Victoria regia, in our State, he achieved the 

 highest success, and contributed both to the pleasure and instruc- 

 tion of the citizens of his native city, as well as to that of the 

 members of this Societ}', before whom it was exhibited, and to that 

 of the lovers of beautiful flowers ever}' where. 



Resolved, That the sympathies of the members be extended to 

 the bereaved family, and that these resolutions be entered upon the 

 records of the Society. 



Mr. Hovey remarked that the circle of cultivators contemporary 

 with Mr. Allen, was narrowing, and s})oke, also, of the folio volume, 

 illustrated with beautiful plates, in which the results of Mr. Allen's 

 culture of the Victoria regia were recorded, the copy of which, now 

 in the librar}' of the Society, was presented b}" the author. 



Robert Manning seconded the resolutions, and spoke of the 

 liberal contributions made to the exhibitions of the Society, in years 

 past, by Mr. Allen, it being no unusual thing for him to place on 

 the tables, at one time, twenty or more varieties of grapes, and the 

 latest specimens from his retarding house being scarce^ gone before 

 those from the earliest forcing house came in. He also alluded to 

 Mr. Allen's continued interest in the Societ}', as manifested hj 

 occasional visits long after failing health precluded him from taking 

 an active part in its work. The last of these visits was on the 3 0th 

 of September, when he presented specimens of a seedling grape ; 

 and, in answer to an inquiry by Mr. Manning, stated that he had 

 tested in his houses four hundred varieties of the European grape, 

 which was believed to be a greater number than have been tested 

 under glas& b}' an}- other cultivator in the world. 



John Robinson spoke of Mr. Allen's culture of the Victoria regia, 

 and of his vivid recollection, as a boy, of visiting the house where 

 that wonderful flower was growing. 



