Through temporary ailment, Col. Wilder was not able to preside at the recent meeting of the Pomological Society in Philadelphia, but his numerous friends will be glad to learn that he seems as active and full of life as ever. We note, by the Boston papers, that on the 25th of Sept., he passed his 85th birthday, and that the leading representatives of the city and State, gave a public dinner in honor of the occasion. Among the speeches of the evening Mayor Palmer said that "the merchants of Boston, with a unanimity of judgment and affection, regard Col. Wilder as one of their noblest leaders and princes of commerce. He felt especially proud of him also as a son of New Hampshire, and recalled the high honor and warm regard in which he was held in that State. And since he came to Boston, even the history of the splendid achievements of her merchants, among whom he was eminent, stands to-day eclipsed by the one product of magnificent manhood which you honor this evening. His admirable character, the highest and legitimate conclusion of the calling of merchants in Boston is its fit representative all over this country and all over the world.

Not only would the speaker express his personal respect and esteem, but also the pride love and reverence which every man who walks the streets of this city feels for the distinguished guest."