XnE JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER, January 8, 1691. ) 
TO OUR READERS. 
While the year 1890 will long be remembered for its fatality in the world of horticulture, and while none can more 
deeply regret than we do the loss of long-esteemed familiar friends, so, conversely, few can have greater cause for 
thankfulness than we have, inasmuch as all the members of the staff of the Journal of Horticulture, and 
staunch and steady contributors who shared in its production at the beginning of the year, were happily with 
us at its close. 
The half-year’s Volume to which the accompanying Index refers covers a period of great activity in the field 
in which our readers, more or less actively, engage, or look over interestingly. The centenary of the Chrysanthemum 
was celebrated by thousands with extraordinary heartiness, so much so as to suggest that the enthusiasm of 
cultivators and admirers of the flower must have reached its zenith. Time alone will tell whether that is so or 
not, but at present we are informed that the demand for new and meritorious varieties is greater than ever, which 
indicates that the Chrysanthemum tide is flowing still. 
Hardy fruit culture and preservation have pressed their claims to attention more forcibly than ever; and 
although 1890 was one of the worst “Apple years” on record, yet the largest competitive exhibition of the fruit 
ever seen was displayed in the London Guildhall, and attended by 35,000 persons, many more failing to gain 
entrance to the densely packed building. In connection with that event it should be stated as a matter of public 
interest, not hitherto made known, that Messrs. G. Bunyard, J. Cheal, T. F. Rivers, A. H. Smee, and J. Wright 
have received the Freedom of the City of London—the first practical horticulturists on whom, so far as we know, 
this honour has been conferred. 
The hardy fruit supply of the kingdom appears likely to be revolutionised, and it is most necessary that 
prudent action be taken in every step for ensuring the greatest possible success in cultivation. Sound guidance 
has been given and will be continued in our pages, by those competent to teach on this important subject. 
It is due to our valued coadjutors to know that their endeavours to render the pages of the Journal 
useful and acceptable to gardeners and amateurs are appreciated, as many letters testify. A thoroughly good 
and successful gardener writes:—“The Journal is my favourite gardening paper, as I have long thought there 
is none to approach it for good, sound information on all subjects, and I hope it will always receive the support 
it deserves.” From an amateur we receive this kindly reference:—“Thursday is always looked forward to by 
me, and I enjoy ‘ our ’ Journal exceedingly. It seems as if there existed a bond of friendship between all the 
readers and contributors, as, indeed, in a sense I really think there is. We are like members of a family, and 
revere the good Doctor as the head. Let me, as I belong to the East, finish in Eastern style: ‘ May his shadow 
never be less.’ ” 
Such generous expressions and good wishes encourage and help us onwards in our work—the promotion 
of good gardening and good fellowship between all who engage in it, and especially between editors, writers, 
and readers of the Journal of Horticulture. 
