mulch on the ground over the roots. This is apparently much more needful at this crisis than in ordinary winters.

WE VISITED the FarmeRS' INSTITUTE at Jordan.—Mr. Wyman Elliot and the secretary, as representing the horticulural society with Hon. S. M. Owen for company, took advantage of the presence of the institute at so convenient a point as Jordan and spent Saturday, the 15th inst., there. We found an audience of some 150 "hanging breathless" on the words of Supt Gregg and his able corps of assistants. These gatherings seem to lose nothing of interest since our last visit of several years earlier. While the state is doing so much of a somewhat paternalistic character for other classes of our people, it is certainly no more than right that the farmers should receive at least this much special attention as their share, but aside from the equities in the case it is good policy to provide this greatest of all classes in our country the knowledge needed to enable them to grow "two blades of grass where one grew before," for the whole people participate in their prosperity. We found Mr. A. K. Bush occupying the place of the lamented E. J. Cutts, as lecturer on horticulture, and rapidly familiarizing himself with the work. At an early afternoon session he talked to an audience of ladies on the ornamentals in our art and had their closest attention. principal work in the institute now is the elaboration of a plan for a fruit and vegetable garden, to illustrate which he carries a large chart prepared specially for this purpose. It is evidently a very practical and appropriate topic.

His

THE MINNESOTA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION IN ANNUAL SESSION.This gathering, held Jan. 12, in the same rooms lately occupied by our society, in point of numbers was not a success, only something like a score being present at the afternoon session, the one we had the opportunity of attending; but in the character of the audience present and its weight with the community and in the matter of the subjects presented, it was in the highest degree a success.

It is unfortunate that this society convenes on the same day as the State Agricultural Society in St. Paul, where so many of those interested in forestry find it absolutely necessary to be. This should certainly be remedied before the holding of another meeting. The subjects considered largely grouped themselves around the central thought of forest reserves and their protection, and after the presentation of the last one on the program, by Capt. J. N. Cross, a suggestion of his bore fruit in the appointment of a committee—to be announced latter-to arrange for a meeting of representatives of the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, for the purpose of drafting a forest reserve law, to be urged simultaneously upon the legislatures of the three states.

Resolutions of sympathy with Col. J. H. Stevens in his present domestic affliction were adopted.

Secretary Barrett was not able to be present and his son appeared in his stead. We understand Mr. Barrett's health is improving and he is likely to be out again soon.

P. S.-The committee above referred has been announced and consists of Capt. J. N. Cross, D. R. McGinnis and A. W. Latham.

(See biography.)

On the morning of February 8th the spirit of this well known reformer, author and forestry teacher, took its flight from earth, from his home in Brown's Valley, Minn. He had been ill for some time but was not considered dangerously so until a few days prior to his transition, hence his departure will be a shock to his thousands of friends throughout the country.

Mr. J. O. Barrett was born in Canaan, Me., Aug. 21st, 1823, and would have rounded out seventy-five years on earth on his next birthday. He was a close student from boyhood, and fitted himself for the Universalist ministry at an early age. He was pastor of several Universalist societies in Maine, and is held in affectionate remembrance by many of his former parishioners wherever he was called upon to labor for humanity. Removing to the West, he continued his ministerial labors in various sections, being finally called to Sycamore, Ill., where he remained until 1869, when he resigned his ministerial work. For the next eleven years his home was Sheboygan Co., Wis., finally removing with his family, for the last time, to Traverse Co., Brown's Valley, Minn., in 1881.

Since 1880 Mr. Barrett has been interested in reform work of various kinds, but has devoted nearly his entire time for many years to the question of planting and preserving the forests of the West, particularly in Minnesota. Upon the reorganization of the Minnesota State Forestry Association, eight years ago, he was elected its secretary and was still filling this important office at the time of his death. His zeal in this work outran his strength and may have contributed to his unexpected demise. During these years the Minnesota public has become familiar with his pen, for he has written many trenchant articles upon forestry topics and contributed very materially to the growing and intelligent interest in the northwest on this important subject.

Mr. Barrett took an active interest in politics, and early espoused the cause of freedom. His voice was heard with no uncertain sound

in behalf of the black men of the South, and when the struggle for freedom and the Union came, he was ready to do his part.

The famous Eighth Wisconsin Regiment and its war eagle, "Old Abe," interested Mr. Barrett, and he wrote its history,combined with a life of "Old Abe", at the close of the war. The proceeds of the sales of this work were generously donated by Mr. Barrett to the Sanitary Commission for the benefit of the sick and wounded soldiers. He had "Old Abe" in charge at the Centennial Exposition, in 1876. He was an earnest advocate of the education of the black race, and did all in his power to secure that needed reform. Mr. Barrett always sympathized with the poor and oppressed classes among his fellowmen. He felt that the millionaire was entitled to no special privileges because of his wealth and position; hence, he uttered a ringing protest against organized injustice with regard to the nation's money and the rights of citizens in every department of life. In 1889 Mr. Barrett was the candidate of his party for the office of lieut-governor of Minnesota and received a very flattering vote, nearly sixty thousand voters declaring themselves in his favor.

During his busy public life Mr. Barrett found time to engage in literary pursuits to no little extent. He was editor of "The Scholars Leaf" in 1849, and wrote constantly for the Universalist press for many years. He edited the Free Press (Eau Claire, Wis.) during the early part of the war.

He needs no encomiums of praise to add to the lustre of his fame His best record, his noblest monument, can be found in the pure upright, conscientious life that he led during his sojourn upon earth. Becoming weary of the struggles, vicissitudes and perplexities of life, he has lain down the burden of years to take a needed rest in spirit. His heart was large and his soul sincere. He loved his fellowmen, and sought to benefit them through his sincerity of purpose and devotion to principle. He was an honest, upright manly man, and has made the world better because he lived in it. A devoted wife, a daughter, three sons, five brothers and a sister survive. Pass on to thy rest, thou who hast overcome! Peace, peace, eternal peace, be with thee in heaven, and with thy loved ones on earth!

Mr. Barrett became a member of this society first in 1886, and thereafter his name is found continuously upon the roll. In 1889 he was elected vice-president for his congressional district and continued to hold this honorable position up to the time of his decease. As an earnest and faithful member of our organization he was in nothing lacking, never shirking a duty, but cheerfully and willingly always taking up and carrying forward with credit to himself and great benefit to our cause any work coming in his way. Of whom of our members can more than this be said? Of him it was ever most true that he lived "with malice towards none and charity for all." He will be sadly missed and mourned by our fraternity, with whom he served so truly. SEC'Y.