Introduction. 3 



tion of manures, the treatment in fruit and flower, the preservation and 

 ripening of fruit, and the different modes of pruning. 



The kitchen-garden, so important, and so much neglected, will be under 

 the especial charge of correspondents whose long experience is sufficient 

 guaranty for the practical value of their communications. Articles on 

 architecture, as adapted to horticulture and to country-homes and the em- 

 bellishment of grounds, will be contributed by one whose taste was never 

 yet at fault ; and the kindred subject of landscape-gardening will be spe- 

 cially within our province. Entomology and ornithology, as connected with 

 horticulture, will be treated by competent writers. 



And, to do all we promise, we present you a magazine twice the size of 

 any now published in the country. Of its style and general appearance 

 the opening number can enable you to judge ; and we can only say, that, 

 as improvement and progress are to be our aim, we trust each month may 

 be an improvement on the past. 



For our corps of writers, and other general information, we refer to the 

 publishers' advertisement : but, as editors, we shall cordially welcome any 

 contributions from any source ; and we ask the aid of all interested in 

 horticulture in carrying out our plans. 



We shall hold ourselves ready to answer any questions on horticulture 

 as far as may be in our power. 



Our pages will ever be open for discussion on subjects of horticultural 

 interest, in which, while avoiding all personalities, it will be our aim to 

 develop the truth. 



And we must invoke the assistance of our fair readers to aid our under- 

 taking. A portion of our pages each month will be devoted to gardening 

 for ladies, and the culture of plants best suited for the parlor will receive 

 special attention. 



Our course will be independent. Having no interest in any horticultural 

 establishment, we shall aim to do justice to all. 



These being our aims, we ask you to extend to us a cordial greet- 

 ing ; to take us by the hand on this morning of the new year, and bid us 

 welcome. We will not always come with a wreath of holly-berries and 

 evergreen, but, as the days roll on, will greet you with snowdrop and 

 crocus, with rosy showers of apple-blossoms, with roses and lilies, golden- 



