File:Annual report of the secretary of the State Pomological Society of Michigan (1874-1880) (19360637692).jpg

Title: Annual report of the secretary of the State Pomological Society of Michigan
Identifier: annualreportofse79stat (find matches)
Year: 1874-1880 (1870s)
Authors: State Pomological Society of Michigan
Subjects: State Pomological Society of Michigan; Fruit-culture -- Michigan
Publisher: Lansing : The Society
Contributing Library: New York Botanical Garden, LuEsther T. Mertz Library
Digitizing Sponsor: The LuEsther T Mertz Library, the New York Botanical Garden

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CHARLES DOWNING.âFROM A LATE PHOTOGRAPH. Samuel B. Parsons, in the Rural New Yorker of August 16,1S79, gives the follow- ing brief biography of Charles Downing, which we are permitted to use in connec- tion with the above accurate portrait: "Born in 1S02, and â¢working Avith his father among trees and flowers until twenty years of age lie then succeeded him and commenced that scries of experiments with fruits, Avhich makes him now the most trustworthy pomologist in America. From 1S36 to 1833 he was in partnership with his brotlier who afterward commenced his literary work and filled the niche which was then open. A. J. Downing held a spirited and graphic pen and his breezy articles, when editor of the Horticulturist, were the natural outgrowth of his taste and love for horticulture. In the prepara- tion of his book of fruits, however, he Avas much indebted to his brother Charles, Avhose long experience gave him accurate knowledge, and who had fruited and compared many thousand varieties. After the death of A. J. Downing this book passed through several editions, each greatly enlarged by Chas. Downing until the present edition is the best Pomological book in the world and made so mainly by the labors of the subject of this sketch. It Avas not until after 1840 that I knew either of them, and Avhile admiring the striking qualities of his brother, I Avas ahvays impressed Avith the quiet observation, the great accuracy, and the iinobtrusivc modesty of Charles Downing. He never sought appreciation, but alAvays received it from those Avho truly kncAV him. "While Avriting of his attention to fruits, I should not forget his love for ornamental plants and his Icnowledge of them. His old place Avas much changed in 1868 by the running of streets and the destruction of many of his trees. He still indulges his taste, liOAvevcr, and his memory does not â fail him. Any one desiring information on fruits can rely upon its correctness, if received from Charles Downing. When thinking of the usefulness of such a life, one cannot help Avishing (for the old days of Methuselah Avhen man's life Avas not limited to fourscore years. "In the career of the two brothers is a valuable lesson. One gave his life to save lifeâthe other has spent his years in labor for men. Sacrifice and labor arc tAVO pivots on Avhich the moral world arevolvcs. Happy is the man who has his share of each."

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