SELECTED PAPERS. 



MARSHALL FINCKNEY WILDER. 



1798-1886. 



"The man of all others whom the pomologists of America respected, 

 admired and loved." These are the words of Hon. Charles W. Gar- 

 field, Secretary of the American Fomological Society, in announcing 

 the death of Col. Marshall P. Wilder, which occured at his home in 

 Dorchester, Mass., on the morning of Thursday, December 16, 1886. 

 "One of the most noted men in the science of pomology of the pres- 

 ent century," is the language of Mr. S. D. Hillman, Secretary of the 

 Minnesota State Horticultural Societ}'. Similar expressions have 

 been made by the officials of every horticultural and pomological 

 society' in the country, and by the press generall}', especially by the 

 agricultural and gardening journals. It seems eminently fitting that 

 we should preserve upon the pages of our Transactions some memorial 

 of Col Wilder's life and services ; and, accordingly, the follow- 

 ing sketch is published. It has been chosen from several sources, all 

 of which are believed to be trustworthy, although we have deemed it 

 best to omit many details pertaining to his political and business career, 

 and to give prominence to that which pertains to his love for and de- 

 votion to pomology and horticulture. 



The death of Hon. Marshall Pinckney Wilder occurred at his home 

 in Dorchester, Thursday morning, December 16, 1886. Mr. Wilder 

 was at the breakfast table as usual, and died about half-past nine 

 o'clock. His death will occasion a widespread feeling of regret. 

 Though he had attained an age beyond fourscore years, he had by 

 no means outlived his usefulness. For many 3'ears Mr. Wilder has 

 been honored in this communit}' as a man who was living with the 

 most unselfish aims. While he appreciated the respect shown to him 

 by public honors and private acts of kindness, he was never happier 



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