1884.] TRANSACTIONS. 19 



Paine; to whom that would have been truly a dies non on which 

 they failed to take their morning pinch of snuff in his office ; 

 detracts nothing from his individual merit. 



Being more familiar than most of you with the character and 

 extent of his devotion to your service, I should have been false 

 to my own sense of duty had I omitted to pay this inadequate 

 tribute to the memory of Clarendon Harris. 



Our record of official existence bears upon its every page the 

 honored name of Paul Whitin. Distance prevented his being 

 a large or frequent exhibitor : but his interest in our work was 

 ever manifest during his regular visits to Worcester, whither he 

 was so often called by his punctual discharge of public trusts. 

 It seemed to enliven and refresh him to come into our Hall upon 

 his way home ; and the sight of his benignant features was as 

 much of a treat to others as the interchange of friendly greetings 

 appeared to be to him. He was a keen observer ; closclj^ watch- 

 ing the introduction of new varieties of flower or fruit, and 

 retaining to a surprising degree the memory of any characteristic 

 peculiar to each or all. I well remember his pleasant smile 

 when, asked what he thought of the Crescent Strawberry, first 

 placed upon our tables by himself, he replied that it was a 

 variety to be tried less by the taste than scent ! He never 

 obtruded his individual opinion, although amply qualified to give 

 it with authority upon any branch of Horticulture. Yet no one 

 was more ready to respond to a call for information, which he 

 could supply at will from the stores wherewith he was so richly 

 endowed. His attendance and services were at our command : — 

 his purse also. For, when the movement to remove, or at least 

 alleviate, our load of debt, was initiated by Hon. Stephen Salis- 

 bury, years since, Paul Whitin sympathized cordially in the 

 purpose and, with his brothers, contributed liberally towards the 

 desired end. 



At the age of Eighty-Five (85) he passed literally from our 

 active life, without a struggle :* leaving us, for remembrance, a 



* He was found lifeless, in bed, Thursday morning, February 7th. On the 

 afternoon of Wednesday (the day before), he had attended a meeting, in 

 "Worcester, of the Directors of the Manufacturers' Mutual Fire Insurance 

 Company of whom he was an Associate. E. W. L. 



