signs of pneumonia showed themselves, and he failed rapidly.  He still recognized those around him, among the rest Judge Hoar, to whom he held out his arms for a last embrace.  A sharp pain coming on, ether was administered with relief.  And in a little time, surrounded by those who loved him and whom he loved, he passed quietly away.  He lived very nearly to the completion of his seventy-ninth year, having been born May 25, 1803, and his death occurring on the 27th of April, 1882.

Mr. Ireland has given a full account of the funeral, from which are, for the most part, taken the following extracts:—­

“The last rites over the remains of Ralph Waldo Emerson took place at Concord on the 30th of April.  A special train from Boston carried a large number of people.  Many persons were on the street, attracted by the services, but were unable to gain admission to the church where the public ceremonies were held.  Almost every building in town bore over its entrance-door a large black and white rosette with other sombre draperies.  The public buildings were heavily draped, and even the homes of the very poor bore outward marks of grief at the loss of their friend and fellow-townsman.

“The services at the house, which were strictly private, occurred at 2.30, and were conducted by Rev. W.H.  Furness of Philadelphia, a kindred spirit and an almost life-long friend.  They were simple in character, and only Dr. Furness took part in them.  The body lay in the front northeast room, in which were gathered the family and close friends of the deceased.  The only flowers were contained in three vases on the mantel, and were lilies of the valley, red and white roses, and arbutus.  The adjoining room and hall were filled with friends and neighbors.

“At the church many hundreds of persons were awaiting the arrival of the procession, and all the space, except the reserved pews, was packed.  In front of the pulpit were simple decorations, boughs of pine covered the desk, and in their centre was a harp of yellow jonquils, the gift of Miss Louisa M. Alcott.  Among the floral tributes was one from the teachers and scholars in the Emerson school.  By the sides of the pulpit were white and scarlet geraniums and pine boughs, and high upon the wall a laurel wreath.

“Before 3.30 the pall-bearers brought in the plain black walnut coffin, which was placed before the pulpit.  The lid was turned back, and upon it was put a cluster of richly colored pansies and a small bouquet of roses.  While the coffin was being carried in, ’Pleyel’s Hymn’ was rendered on the organ by request of the family of the deceased.  Dr. James Freeman Clarke then entered the pulpit.  Judge E. Rockwood Hoar remained by the coffin below, and when the congregation became quiet, made a brief and pathetic address, his voice many times trembling with emotion.”

I subjoin this most impressive “Address” entire, from the manuscript with which Judge Hoar has kindly favored me:—­