1888.] TRANSACTIONS. 9 



which many shrink. His legal experience was freely 

 proffered in our behalf, and but recently became of avail 

 to our exceeding benefit. His time was spared un- 

 grudgingly, if his obligations as Trustee exacted. And 

 of how fully, completely and gladly he officiated as 

 President, there should be no occasion for recital to this 

 audience. He had accepted election at your instance; 

 thereafter for him nothing remained but the conscien- 

 tious discharge of every duty appertaining to the office. 



This Society has never lacked members whose skill 

 in pomology had achieved a fame that far transcended 

 the limits of the Commonwealth. President Dewey 

 partook of their interest; yet his chief attention was 

 engrossed by floriculture. In that his enthusiasm be- 

 came almost feminine in its passion. How often have I 

 watched his progress through our Hall when he sup- 

 posed himself unnoticed, after his attention had been 

 solicited to some particular specimen of fruit! With 

 what certainty, if almost unconsciously, he would 

 draw back to admire or criticise the Rose or Clem- 

 atis from which he had been temporarily diverted! 



The Rose, with its petals and fragrance long since 

 faded to dust. The gracious presence awaits burial; 

 but as spring revives, shall not the Rose renew its bud and 

 bloom? From the analogy of nature we derive Hope, 

 which may not be superfluous to those of ample Faith. 



"And the evening and the morning were the first 

 day." In the morning, upon that fairest of all De- 

 cember days, he was gathering the fruits of diligence 

 whereof he had sown the seed. At noon I met him, 

 and was literally astonished at the expression of his 

 countenance. The light that shone there might well 

 excite comment from adepts in psychology, in view 

 of the subsequent fatality. His cordiality was marked; 



