January 6,18S8. ] 
JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
1 
I N horticulture, as in other pursuits and affairs of life, there 
is no standing still. Movement is the indication of life, and 
it must be onwards or backwards, upwards or downwards, better 
or worse. To remain stationary, except in resting for renewed 
■effort, means temporary stagnation, and the next step is not certain 
to be made in advance. By dint of energy and persistent 
endeavour, the position of the great industry with which our 
readers are more or less closely identified, has been well sustained 
■during a period that has been the reverse of prosperous to many. 
In a pursuit embracing so many branches it is not to be expected 
that progress could be equal in the whole of them, or that it 
should be uniform in all districts. That department of horti- 
■culture which is regarded in the category of luxuries must of 
necessity be influenced in accordance with the means for indulging 
in it. These are dependent on the state of trade and other 
circumstances that affect the incomes of those whose inclinations 
lead them to devote a proportion to the maintenance of their 
gardens and the adornment of their homes and surroundings with 
the choicest gifts of Nature. 
It cannot be denied that not a few persons have felt it prudent 
to reduce their expenditure in respect to other luxuries than those 
of the garden ; but, on the other hand, it is not the less certain 
that a greater number than ever indulge in the pleasures of gar- 
■dening, and consequently there is no reason to doubt that the 
aggregate trade, however much it may be sub-divided, and having 
regard to all its branches, has seriously diminished. It has rested, 
perhaps, but only to be invigorated. It is observable, that no 
matter how intrinsically valuable, by rarity or beauty, plants may 
be, purchasers are forthcoming for their possession ; and also, 
having regard to that which is popular, never before was a brisker 
trade conducted. Roses and fruit trees are provided in ever in¬ 
creasing numbers, and there is a greater sale of fruit and flowers 
than at any past time. But purchasers are growing more and 
more discriminating in requiring value for money, and only that 
which possesses real wmrth finds favour in these utilitarian 
■days. 
Novelty without substantial merit has practically lost its charm. 
New Roses came in such numbers at one time, with great recom¬ 
mendations, but small virtues, that mistrust bec.ame engendered in 
the prolific raisers, and credit was slowly accorded to those varieties 
which proved essentially superior. It is the same with the flowers 
that are now freshest in the memory—Chrysanthemums. Taking 
advantage of the popularity of these, and the demand for distinct 
and meritorious varieties, continental raisers are inundating us with 
new sorts, depicted in glowing imagery, which when purchased and 
grown are found to be essentially inferior. This creates disappoint¬ 
ment that eventually culminates in revulsion ; and the overhaste to 
get rich on the credulity of purchasers must sooner or later end in 
lost reputations. Speaking of Chrysanthemums and as indicating 
their growing popularity, it may be stated that one manufacturer of 
flower pots has increased his sale more than a million during the 
past season in consequence of the extraordinary increase in the 
cultivation of these plants. This is one instance of onward move¬ 
ment, and though some kinds of plants may have fallen somewhat 
in public estimation, the balance, taking a wide survey, is still in 
favour of progression. 
The opening year brings with it signs of reviving trade. The 
No. 393.—VoL. XVI., Third Series. 
clouds of depression are lifting and a brighter dawn is apparent, 
giving hope of better days. A steady and certain improvement in 
commerce leading to briskness of trade will affect beneficially the 
entire community. The corollary to the increase of wealth is in¬ 
creased expenditure, not alone in the necessities, but the luxuries of 
life, though to draw the line between the two would be no small 
difficulty. The production of what may be called or miscalled 
luxuries on the one hand means increasing the well-beinp’ and com¬ 
fort of the producers. The circulation of wealth is for the benefit 
of all, and the freer this circulation the more certain are gardens 
to have their share. We like to see the thrifty man rejoice in the 
possession of a greenhouse, and the affluent erect ranges of glass 
proportionate to the circumstances of each case, as these, well 
furnished, contribute powerfully to human happiness ; and this we 
conceive is not to be described as a mere luxury. We like to see 
the delightful flowers of spring uprising everywhere, the summer 
Queen the Rose, and the autumn Queen above mentioned, with 
other intermediary flowers, in the gardens of the cottager, clergy¬ 
man, and prince. We like to see fruit grown and cherished by 
the greatest number, and useful produce grown abundantly and 
well, because we believe those who indulge in these wholesome and 
health-giving pursuits are made happier, and the world better 
through their possession. 
We like to see a taste cultivated for all that is pure and 
beautiful—for music, painting, sculpture, and various works of 
art—because the acquisition of this taste indicates intellectual 
advancement, which is not necessarily attained at the sacrifice of 
physical energy. Some of the most intellectual of gardeners are 
the most energetic workers, and the best painters amongst them 
are at the same time well in the forefront amongst the most 
successful Grape growers and general cultivators of the generation. 
But it is not of gardeners we speak in connection with the fine 
arts, but of capitalists who are patrons of them ; and it is pleasing 
to observe that, under the stimulus of trade revival, distinct activity 
is apparent in the world of pictures, for the best of which there is 
brisker demand, and the opening year is, in that respect, hopeful. 
That we regard as a favourable symptom as affecting the art of 
gardening, and we shall be much deceived and gravely disappointed 
if this does not receive a stimulus during the year on which we 
have just entered. We look forward for an increase of interest 
in gardening matters, and a steady improvement in the horticultural 
world. 
It is not to be expected that prosperity will come with a bound. 
The period of inactivity in trade, commerce, and agriculture did 
not burst on the world suddenly, but came, so to say, stealthily, 
and its full import was not at once apprehended. What was 
regarded as a passing shadow proved to be a gathering cloud that 
spread and deepened as time rolled on. Its daily progress, like the 
growth of weeds, was not observable, but the movement was not 
the less certain, and only a lapse of time was requisite to show its 
real proportions. The same steady action in the way of improve¬ 
ment must be anticipated, and it is likely to be all the more sure 
and permanent for coming slowly, gathering strength hy degrees, 
like the growth of a vigorous tree. 
Referring a twelvemonth ago to the then past year of 1886 we 
observed, “ It has not been a bright and prosperous one, and many 
a dark shadow will be cast over the future (1887) ; but better times 
we shall hope will come with brighter days, and it will be a glad¬ 
some circumstance if the past year shall have been the last of a 
series in which trade and commerce have been abnormally inactive, 
and if the year of rejoicing (over a great historical event) shall in¬ 
augurate an epoch of national prosperity. There are not wanting 
signs of recovery in trade, and there is good hope that the year on 
which we are entering will mark the era of better times for all.” 
That was our hope expressed at the commencement of the year 
which has just closed ; and it is gratifying to perceive that the new 
year on which we are embarking has opened under better and 
No. 2049.—Yol. LXXVIII,, Old Series. 
