J >nnary 15, 1885 ] 
TO OUR READERS. 
On the addition of one more to the now long line of volumes of this Journal, our first words can only 
fittingly be words of thanks to all who have aided in its completion—to the old writers whose ripe experience has 
enabled them to teach soundly; to “ young scribes ” who give promise of becoming worthy representatives of 
the spade and the pen; to skilled amateurs whose special knowledge and literary accomplishments have enriched 
its pages; but to you, “ our readers,” our thanks are especially due, for it is you who make the writers, your 
wants that stimulate, your appreciation that encourages, your patronage that sustains. 
The period which the accompanying index covers has been one generally favourable for plants and crops ; a 
brilliant summer followed by a dry autumn and mild early winter. We would hope earnestly that this may prove 
the beginning of brighter and better times for cultivators in gardens and fields—the dawn of wide and general 
prosperity. 
For the future of Horticulture we entertain not the slightest misgivings, but we are confident the love of 
gardening is widening and deepening. Never before was gardening literature in such great demand, and seekers for 
information so great as now. These are hopeful encouraging signs, and we have good reason to look forward 
with cheerfulness to the future. 
We are gladdened in our work by ever-arriving testimony of its usefulness. As representative of the 
three great classes of our constituents we cite from three letters of recent date. 
A “ Head Gardener,” who has “ won his spurs,” writes : — 
“ I cannot close wltbout tendering my thanks to you for the teaching given in ‘ Our Journal.’ Having taken it for several , 
years I look forward with pleasure to its arrival on Thursdays in each week. I think it the best paper we have on practical gardening 
and for eliciting opinions on matters of general interest.” 
A young gardener writes, and his letter does him credit :— 
“ There are many young men, ever on the look-out for words of advice from the pen of long experience, who will read 
those words of wisdom of ‘ A Working Gardener’ on page 565 with pleasure and profit. It is most encouraging to us to get such 
advice as we do from time to time through the Journal. I speak as one who has gained much from its pages during the last five years.” 
And, lastly, “A London Amateur” writes :— 
May the Journal have a prosperous year, and ‘Wiltshire Rector’ be spared to write many another New Year’s article.” 
We can only improve on that good wish by emphasising and widening it. Our wish is that all our 
friends may be spared to write instructively and read approvingly; then will the Journal continue its 
prosperity. 
