%a % |lc;ii)crs of % |ortiailtuiist. 



THIS number of tlie Horticulturist will convey to its readers the intelligence 

 of an important change in its affairs, and this change closes my engagement as 

 Editor. 



I make this annoimcement with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret — with 

 pleasure, because it relieves me of duties which I had not the leisure to discharge 

 with efficiency ; with regret, because I feel as if the ties which bound me to a wide 

 circle of friends were partially severed. 



For my own part, I should have been glad if this change had been deferred until 

 the close of the current volume ; but this is a- matter over which I had no control, 

 and for which I am not in any way responsible. I say this, not because I have any 

 apprehension that the patrons of the work will feel themselves wronged, but because 

 I prefer to fulfil every engagement I enter into as far as it may be possible. 



It was in the first place with very great reluctance that I consented to take the 

 editorial charge of the Horticulturist , as successor to the lamented Downing. I 

 knew how warmly his readers were attached to him, and how ardently they admired 

 his taste and talent as a wi'iter. On all sides I heard it declared, " there is no 

 one to fill his place," whilst I was fully conscious of my own want of the requisite 

 qualifications and leisure to sustain the character and usefulness of the work, and 

 satisfy the expectations of the public. 



My friend, Mr. ViCK, with whom I was at the time associated in conducting the 

 '' Genesee Farmer,'^ purchased the Horticulturist of Mr. Tucker, during my ab- 

 sence at the meeting of the Pomological Society in Philadelphia, without having 

 advised me of his intentions. On my return he informed me of his pui'chase, and 

 that he relied upon my assistance. I declined and hesitated for some time, but 

 finally to save him from disappointment and probable loss, I consented to undertake 

 the duty for a time, and do the best in my power for him and the patrons of the 

 work. 



How I have succeeded is not for me to say, but I have the gratification of know- 

 ing that the circulation of the work, to-day, is more than twice as large as it was at 

 the time of Mr. Downing's death. No journal of the kind has, or ever had, so 

 wide a circulation in this country. I mention this not in a spirit of boasting, for I 

 am quite free to confess that this result is not wholly due to my humble exertions, 

 but in a great measure to the good taste and liberal co-operation of Mr. \ick, the 

 publisher, to the zealous and efficient aid of contributors, to the kind encouragements 

 of the press, and of the friends of horticulture in general. I feel that my labors 

 have been estimated far above their value, and for all this kindness and partiality I 

 tender my grateful acknowledgements, I do not relinquish my charge as one sick 

 disappointment, on the contrary I am well pleased ; and when my business can 



