155 



J. J. Downing, of Andover, died Dec. 22, 1888. He was an 

 enterprising farmer, and took great pains to improve his farm 

 stock. He was one of the largest Apple growers in Essex 

 County, and was often an exhibitor at our Annual Fairs. In 

 1875 he became a member of the Society. 



Charles L. Flint, of Boston, the subject of this notice, died 

 February 2G, aged G4 years, 9 months, while on a visit to 

 Georgia, where he had gone in hopes of regaining his health, 

 which had declined for a year or more. He was born in Middle- 

 ton, May 8, 1824, on the old paternal farm that had been in the 

 family for six generations ; son of Jeremiah and Mary Howard 

 Flint, and passed his early years on his father's farm ; but soon 

 developed a yearning for a more extended education than his 

 native town afforded. He entered Phillips' Academy, in An- 

 dover, and by persistent effort and struggle, with very limited 

 means, worked his way through the Academy and Harvard 

 College, graduating in 1849, after teaching two years ; studied 

 two years in the Harvard Law school, and in 1852 entered a law 

 oifice in New York, under very favorable auspices, and was 

 admitted to the bar. 



At this time, the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture 

 was established, and in casting about for a suitable person for 

 its first secretary, attention was directed to the young and 

 promising New York lawyer, by his prize essay in 1849, entitled 

 '•History and Importance of Indian Corn or Maize," which 

 took the first premium offered by this Societ}', on essays. 

 Thus he became a member of this Society, and again received 

 in 1850, the first premium for an essay entitled "Top Dressing 

 for Mowing and Pasture Lands." He was chosen the first Sec- 

 retary of the State Board of Agriculture, leaving his chosen pro- 

 fession, and devoting his untiring energy and brilliant talents to 

 the cause of agriculture for the remainder of his useful life. 



II is history of Indian corn was the most exhaustive and com- 

 plete that has ever been written upon that subject. His twentv- 

 five volumes of Annual Reports of the State Board of Agricul- 



