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THE HORTICULTURIST. 



iariotts ^stimatts of its Udiu; 



HE point of view we take in examining any subject is 

 of the utmost importance in determining its character. 

 This is fully illustrated by several personal interviews 

 we have lately had when in a serai-somnambulent state, 

 and as the observations we record illustrate the above 

 position, we deem it well to print them. Some are not 

 very flattering, but when we awoke we consoled our- 

 selves with believing the point of view of the speakers 

 was erroneous. At all events, the difficulties of the 

 editor's position will be better understood by a perusal 

 of the conversations and remarks. 



\_A Lady and Gentleman are seen entering a gate Lodge, 

 conversing. ] 



Gentleman. Well, now, my dear, I like the Horticulturist as well, if not better 

 than ever. It generally contains just what I want to know. I hope the mail has 

 brought it. 



Lady. I should think so, from your habit of re-reading it so often. For my 

 part, I think it is dreadful dull. We've had but one or two stories in it the whole 

 of last year. 



Gentleman. Very true, but " stories" are no part of its business. It is designed 

 to impart information, and in a pleasant way to instruct us. Its eompositio^i is 

 evidently a work of love, and great care and much time are bestowed upon it. My 

 only fear is that it doesn't pay the publisher. 



Lady. I should like to see more poetry and some fiishion in it, for my part. 



Gentleman. For that matter, if poetry and fashionable intelligence get into it, 

 I give it up. 



The Gatekeeper. Here are the newspapers and the other post-office matters. 

 How I wish they'd stop that Horticuftur«/ist ! I never could see what people 

 want to keep fishes in vases for, and are always trying to get newer grapes, as if 

 they thought them better than our good old ones ! 



Gentleman. Ah ! very true, Jonathan. You know better than that, don't you? 



Gatekeeper. Certainly I do! Why, the old fox grapes never was exceeded, 

 and as for Hamburghers, they're no touch to my old seedlins. 



Gardener (stepping up). Jonathan, you know nothing, and never will learn it, 

 neither. Why, nobody can do without the Horticulturist ! I wish, however, he 

 had told us last month a little more about the mildew. I'm sure it might be 

 better. What business had they to waste the room with a foolish story about 

 Aunt Charlotte's seedling strawberry ? it was sheer nonsense. 



Gateheeper. I suppose it was; I never reads them are things, and wonder any- 

 body can. 



[^Tfie Lady and Gentleman get home, with a new Horlicidturist.'\ 

 Lady. Any tales like the Strawberry Seedling in the Horticulturist this month ? 

 entleman. None ; I have already said we don't want any tales in it. 



Vol. VII —Jan. 1857. 2 



