180 3IASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Albany, and upon the establishment of the "Country Gentleman" 

 by Luther Tucker in 1853, he became associate editor, and held 

 this important position for more than forty years, until compelled 

 by ill health to resign in August last. During this long period he 

 was unwearied in his writings, giving practical instructions in 

 cultivation and suggestions as to buildings and farm machinery, 

 with drawings from his own pencil, and replying to questions with 

 unvarying patience and skill. During the same period he wrote 

 "The American Fruit Culturist," a most comprehensive and authori- 

 tative work, which will be of enduring value ; also a volume on 

 " P^arm Machinery," besides editing the nine volumes of " Rural 

 Affairs," extending over twenty-seven years, their contents being 

 indeed, chiefly from his pen and their many illustrations chiefly 

 from his pencil. These writings were far from being the specula- 

 tions of a theorist but rather were a record of the observation and 

 experience of a man who came into actual contact with the soil. 

 With him theory and practice went hand in hand. The smoothing- 

 harrow, the pruning shears, the sliding gate, jarring of plum trees 

 for the curculio, sanitary arrangements for outhouses, and a 

 multitude of other methods which he devised, were all suggested 

 by his owu necessities as an extensive orchardist and nurseryman. 

 It was for this reason that his opinions were regarded as of such 

 practical value and were so constantly sought and prized. 



It is not easy to estimate the wide influence which Mr. Thomas 

 thus exerted throughout the country. But his interest was not 

 limited to rural pursuits. His was a well-rounded character, 

 active in all social, educational, moral, and I'eligious questions of 

 the day. With uniform kindliness, sterling integrity, and recog- 

 nized sagacity, he gave expression to his views and widely 

 influenced public opinion. AVhen some great military captain is 

 gone we recount his brilliant deeds of arms. When an eloquent 

 statesman has run his course we magnify his masterly service. 

 Shall we put a less value upon the work of him who in the quiet 

 and unobtrusive walks of life has yet been a mighty power for 

 good in all our wide land? 



Mr. Thomas was elected an Honorary Member of the Massachu- 

 setts Horticultural Society in 1856. In the closing of tliis earthly 

 life of our fellow-worker and friend this Society desires to express 

 to his family its deep sympathy with them in their loss. May it 

 not also join with them in grateful acknowledgment to the Author 



