Thus was consummated Mr. Baxter's happy thought, and the 

 good old Saxon word, "Fells," transplanted from old to New 

 England soil to take root deep down in the grand hills of Middle- 

 sex. 



The outcome of all this, was the organization of the "Fells 

 Association" with Elizur Wright for president and Wilson Flagg 

 for secretary, with the avowed purpose of securing the preserva- 

 tion of the " Fells " for a great natural park, or forest conserva- 

 tory. 



Steps were at once taken to accurately define the boundaries 

 of the Fells, by the publication of a map, and every possible 

 effort made to arouse a public sentiment in favor of the move- 

 ment. ^ 



The growing interest in Forestry, the peculajr fitness of the 

 Fells, for one of a series of state conservatories, devoted to the 

 cultivation and preservation of forest trees, and the vigorous pro- 

 tests everywhere being made against the wholesale and wanton 

 destruction of woodlands, going on in various parts of the country, 

 combined to make the time seem an auspicious one, and encour- 

 aged the friends of the movement to look for a successful con- 

 summation of their efforts in its behalf. 



I will not take up your time with the details of succeeding 

 events. The untiring energy and boundless enthusiasm with 

 which Elizur Wright gave himself up to this great work is well 

 known, and 1 need not dwell upon it here. 



The more retiring and sensitive nature of Wilson Flagg, shrank 

 from too close a contact with public action, and the active work 

 devolved upon Elizur Wright, who continued to brave every dis- 

 couragement long after the death of his gifted compeer had left 

 him to struggle on almost alone, but hopeful to the last. One 

 day he called to invite me to attend a meeting of some friends of 

 the Fells' movement, and when next 1 heard from him he had 

 gone to "Join the innumerable caravan, that moves to the pale 

 realms of shade," and struck his "White tent for the morning 

 march, upward and onward to the eternal hills. 



Associated with Elizur Wright at this time, was the veteran 

 naturalist, John Owen, who did good service in behalf of a move- 

 ment which deserved only success. 



With the death of Elizur Wright the gradual dissolution of the 

 Fells Association followed, and the movement for the preserva- 



