ANNUAL REPORT. 207 



to mention his writings from time to time, he added an intimate 

 knowledge of nature, which he loved, and in whose communion 

 he spent many, many hours. His library is a wealthy assemblage 

 of learning devoted to these matters, and in former years he found 

 time to spend long seasons on his farm on Cedar mountain, in 

 closest study of the out-of-door world of trees and flowers. 



It seems strange that so diverse and active a life could have 

 lasted so long, for Dr. Russell was never rugged, indeed he was 

 quite the opposite in health; but this very fact led him to observe 

 the closest care of his physical health, and perhaps, after all, the 

 weakness was a source of strength, and his zealous care of him- 

 self the real reason for his long and busy life. 



Profound sorrow marked the passing of this "grand old 

 man" in his native city and throughout the whole State. 



Paul Thomson, of West Hartford, who died in February, 

 1909, had been an active member of the Society since its 

 organization. Mr. Thomson, who was of Scotch descent, 

 was well known as a successful gardener, florist and fruit 

 grower. He was active in the grange and in town afifairs 

 and was held in high esteem by all with whom he Avas asso- 

 ciated. 



Wm. M. Tyler, of Waterbury. Mr. Tyler had been an 

 active member of the Society almost from the beginning,' 

 and was a regular attendant at its meetings and greatly in- 

 terested in its work. His death, which occurred in March, 

 1909, brings a sense of loss to all his associates. For many 

 years he was one of the largest peach growers in his sec- 

 tion of the State, attaining success in this line of work. Mr. 

 Tyler was a man of high character, beloved by all who 

 knew him. 



Chas. H. Hall, of Cheshire, died in the winter of 1909 

 and had been a member of the Society since 1901. 



Edward H. Barnes, of Nczv Haven, died suddenly in 

 the spring of 1909. He became a member of the Society in 

 1905 because of his deep interest in fruit culture, especially 



