12 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



once enlisted and his persistent ability and inspiring presence 

 speedily placed him at the head. 



Others will dwell upon the traits which gave him success in the 

 various fields of his usefulness. \Ve turn rather to notice his 

 characteristics in his favorite pursuit of horticulture. In this he 

 is best known. Here he did his best service for his fellow men. 

 It was, indeed, a favorite pursuit — a genuine love. "While en- 

 gaged in large commercial business he yet found time .for the ex- 

 tensive importation and cultivation of a great variety of hardy 

 and exotic fruits, plants, and agricultural products, being one of 

 the earliest introducers, and always on the alert to obtain and test 

 new kinds. This enthusiasm was lifelong, and was as hearty in 

 the cultivation of pajonies as pears ; or in the case of camellias or 

 dahlias or azaleas as of raspberries and strawberries. Undeniablj' 

 he was stimulated by a desire to exhibit the best ; but before and 

 deeper than this was a hearty interest in every form of cultivation 

 of mother Earth. From m}- earliest acquaintance with Mr. Wilder, 

 more than thirty years since, I recall a reverent appreciation of 

 the wisdom and goodness of the Creator in all his material works. 

 And I think as the years went by a steady and a marked increase 

 of this feeling was to be noticed — a leading from Nature up to Na- 

 ture's God, so that he gave frequent expression of his gratitude to 

 the Infinite Ruler of the Universe. 



After his severe prostration, more than a score of 3-ears ago, 

 which compelled his retirement from active commercial enterprise, 

 it was remarkable with what new zest he entered upon horticultural 

 pursuits. He did not consider himself too old to sow seeds of 

 trees, to cross-fertilize flowers that he might obtain seeds for new 

 varieties, to form and lead off new societies which might exert a 

 perpetual influence. His interest in this Society was never more 

 active than in the last days of his life. And while often alluding 

 to the vast changes which had been accomplished in tiie modes of 

 culture and the improvements in varieties, how hoiicfully did he 

 look forward to the progress yet to be made ! With what youth- 

 ful vigor did he anticipate the results to be obtained b}' hybridiza- 

 tion ! 



We shall love to recall the picture of this patriarch as he walked 

 among his plants, watching to obtain some new results and improve- 

 ments by crossing and varied culture. It seemed as tliougii this 

 occupation was to liini the very elixir of life, imparting to him a 



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