feel a just pride in the successes of the Choral Society since he was made president. In conclusion, let us hope that this is only the beginning of greater efforts and achievements in the future.

NOTES.

Littleton sent some of its best singers to our aid, and it gives us great pleasure to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Mrs. Silsby, who sang the part of Mary in the Spinning chorus from the "Flying Dutchman," and one of the soprano parts in the double quartettes in Elijah. Other visitors from Littleton were Rev. Lucius Waterman and wife, Mrs. Dr. McGregor, Mrs. Chester P. Chase, and Mr. Frank Thayer.

Among the prominent singers who were welcomed as chorus members were Mrs. E. A. Hibbard and Miss Laura Hibbard of Laconia, Mrs. H. C. White of Tilton, Dr. Drake of West Lebanon, E. M. Temple of Nashua, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Daggett of Boston, Miss Rose F. Jenkins of Claremont, Mrs. B. F. Neally of Dover, wife of exMayor Neally, and Mrs. Laura Page of Haverhill.

Mr. Harry Brooks Day, the accomplished organist and composer, was present during the festival and conducted his work for female voices, "The Sirens." Here is another New Hampshire boy who will live in the musical history of the state for all time to come.

Mr. S. B. Whitney, the celebrated organist and choir master of the Church of the Advent, of Boston, was in attendance at the festival as a guest of the Rev. Dr. Roberts. It is a great pleasure to meet so genial a gentleman and to know that so great a musician feels an interest in musical undertakings and efforts outside the large centres. Such encouragement is what we ought to expect from men of his calibre, but which, from selfishness or lack of interest, is seldom bestowed.

Prof. E. T. Baldwin and wife and Prof. George Frese of Manchester were also present.

STATE COLLEGE CORNER-STONE.

The corner-stone of the new main building of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts, on the Thompson farm at Durham, a cut of which appeared in the first number of this volume of the GRANITE MONTHLY, is to be laid with imposing ceremonies, by the officers of the State Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, on the 17th day of June inst. This will be an important occasion in the educational history of the state, and in addition to the officers of the State Grange, the State Board of Agriculture, officers of the State Dairymen's Association and other agricultural organizations, the governor and council and leading state officials are expected to be present. Secretary Rusk has also been invited. There will be speaking by wellknown educators and agriculturists, and a large attendance of Patrons of Husbandry and the general public is naturally expected. Special railroad accommodations will be arranged for the occasion.

THE TRULY BLESSED.

BY GEORGE B. GRIFFITH.

O'er lowly roof the sweet birds sing
Far oft ner than on palace dome,
And blushing roses love to cling
Around the cotter's humble home.

Even so, though sometimes in disguise,
God's blessings reach the pious poor;
Bring happiness, because they prize

His constant goodness more and more.

His tender love brings wealth of cheer,
Because to humblest hearts 'tis sent,
And by Him counted ev'ry tear

Comes back a jewel of content.

HON. WALTER ABBOTT WOOD.

BY H. H. METCALF.

Not alone the men who have planned great military campaigns and led armies to victory on the field of battle in behalf of national freedom or unity, nor yet those who have stood foremost in the halls of legislation, whose voices have been most potent in the public forum, who have won distinction at the bar, in the pulpit, in the fields of literature, in the domain of science, or in the marts of trade, have accomplished notable work in the cause of human advancement-have contributed in large measure to the material prosperity and intellectual progress of mankind. The triumphs of genius and skill in the domain of mechanical invention have been, ofttimes, more effective, so far as the good of mankind is concerned, than the highest measure of military or civic success.

The state of New Hampshire has given birth to distinguished military leaders in all the wars of the republic, to statesmen of the highest rank in the nation, to lawyers, clergymen, authors and journalists unsurpassed by any; so, too, she has produced those whose genius and enterprise have lightened the physical labors of mankind, and, in corresponding measure, enhanced the moral and intellectual development of the race. A conspicuous representative of the latter class of human benefactors was Walter A. Wood, for a long series of years the head of one of the greatest industrial establishments in the country-the famous mowing and reaping machine works at Hoosick Falls, N. Y.-who was born in the town of Mason, Hillsborough county, N. H., October 23, 1815, and died at Hoosick Falls, January 15, 1892.

WALTER ABBOTT WOOD was the second son of Aaron and Rebecca (Wright) Wood, both his parents being of English descent. Aaron Wood was a manufacturer of wagons and plows. The year following the birth of Walter he removed with his family to Rensselaerville, near