January 7, 1885. 
TO OUR READERS. 
The annexe! index of the contents of the past twenty-six numbers of the Journal of Horticulture is a sufficient 
indication of the comprehensiveness of the work. In the variety of subjects and the manner of their treatment it is hoped 
the last completed volume may be worthy of its place in the long line of its predecessors, which collectively are admitted to 
form an encyclopiedia of practical gardening such as can only be produced by long years of work by the best men of the 
time in which they practised. 
We are particularly gratified by the fact that there has been no break in our staff of contributors during the year. The 
old remain with us, and their longer experience will not render their valued services less reliable, while young men of much 
promise have also shared with credit to themselves and satisfaction to us in the completion of the volume. 
It is pleasurable to all—to writers and conductors alike—to have testimony that their efforts to provide aud disseminate 
information are fully appreciated. We have received far more letters of approval than can possibly be published, and brief 
extracts from four must suffice as typical of old subscribers and new, of gardeners and amateurs:— 
“ My horticultural pursuits are my greatest pleasure. At my very advanced age, now upwards of eighty years, I am still able to occupy and 
amuse myself, and having now no head gardener as of old, I superintend everything myself with the aid of the cherished Journal—always eagerly 
looked for every week. I believe I must be one of its oldest recipients of benefits. Even when abroad I had it regularly forwarded to me.” 
That is the testimony of very matured experience. A newer reader, yet who has had time to form a judgment, and 
who has clearly not given his verdict without examining the evidence, observes :— 
“ I have just been re-reading the numbers of the Journal issued since January, and looking back at the year’s work am better able to appreciate 
the value of the teaching it contains than I was as quite a beginner in horticulture last winter.” 
Nor is the testimony of a gardener, who ranks amongst the most competent, less reassuring. Here it is:— 
“ I take this opportunity of thanking you most heartily for the very large amount of assistance I have received during the last few years 
through the medium of your excellent Journal. I have not one word to say in depreciation of any other similar publication, but for practical utility 
the Journal of Horticulture stands in my opinion simply unique 1 As such I have very strongly recommended my foreman to purchase the Journal 
in preference to all other gardening periodicals. I am glad to inform you he is now doing so, and is both well pleased and most ably instructed.” 
Last, but not the least valued, is an amateur’s testimony—a lady amateur—whose garden is her great delight. She 
writes:— 
“ How I wish more would take and study the Journal. Useful though cheaper papers may be they lack authority, while the Journal 
represents the highest scientific horticulturists’ knowledge and the experiences of many eminent amateurs. I am more instructed by it in my 
small sphere and more charmed with it than ever.” 
It will thus be seen that, thanks to our able coadjutors, the Journal maintains its popularity, and with their continued 
aid it will merit the approval of old and win the confidence of young readers, to the mutual advantage of them and 
ourselves. Our cordial greetings to all. 
