July S, 1888. ] 
TO OUR READERS. 
- o - 
On the completion of another half-yearly volume of what our friends appear to take pleasure in describing as the 
“ Old Journal,” we should be wanting in courtesy if we omitted to acknowledge the expressions of goodwill and good 
wishes that reach us from readers, old and new, residing in various parts of the old country, and in the Greater 
Britain beyond the seas. 
We have before us as we write a greater number of letters than we have ever received before in the same 
jDeriod of time, and from these letters, which are absolutely spontaneous expressions of opinion, we gather that the 
Journal of Horticulture was never more appreciated than it is now, and for this we are grateful. 
While we thank all who evince interest in the welfare of this Journal—all who, finding it useful, incite to 
greater effort by encouraging words—and they constitute an overwhelming majority—the truth must be told that 
we thank with equal sincerity the few, the courageous few, who tell us in what way they think its pages might be 
made more interesting and more serviceable. 
No doubt the gardener who wrote; “I think the Journal can hold its own as the best practical gardening 
paper of the day ” expressed, his honest opinion; but it was not more agreeable than this sentence from the 
letter of a nobleman:—“I have been hoping for months past to see something in your paper on packing flowers, for 
mine either come withered, or wither soon after they come. Cannot something be said on this subject? ” Our noble 
friend had not long to wait, and something was said; then came the postcard response—“ Many thanks ; just what 
I wanted.” 
Testimony to impartiality is the more valuable since it comes from one who has had to meet, and has met 
ably, adverse criticism such as winners of great prizes have often to endure. From his letter we cite: “ I think 
your paper improves, and I hope it may prosper, as it will do so long as you pursue your present impartial course, 
not to idolise some and ‘sit upon’ others.” We shall undoubtedly pursue the course indicated. A fair field is open 
to all who till it profitably and pleasantly, avoiding the introduction of weeds in the form of literary thistles and 
stinging nettles. Sentences framed to cause pain are more injurious to the reputations of the authors of them than 
to the intended victims. “Strong” language cannot obscure weak argument, and usually denotes a tottering case. 
The chief object of this Journal is to be useful, and no reader who may fail to find in its pages the precise 
information he needs can act better for himself, and more agreeable to us, than to make his wants known and his 
difficulties clear; then, so far as is possible, the former shall be supplied and the latter removed or reduced. 
Questions answered have been of service to many besides those who have asked them. Here is what one who has 
benefited writes: “ You have answered many questions relating to gardening. I have always followed your 
directions, and am glad to say have always been successful.” That is encouraging, but much must be credited to the 
aptitude of our correspondent in can’ying out the instructions. 
From the Antipodes letters are before us, and a brief citation from one of them from Otahuhu, New Zealand, 
must suffice as typical, namely: “ Your journal is looked for with a great deal of pleasure; you are doing a good 
work, and may you long continue to do it.” It shall be our endeavour to disseminate sound information, and to 
present matter of interest to our readers at home and abroad, and with the aid of valued coadjutors, competent in 
every branch of gardening, we doubt not the result. To all, of every rank and degree, who have contributed by 
their pens and their patronage in the production of this Volume, our best thanks are due, and are hereby cordially 
tendered. 
