July 18S9. 
TO OUR HEADERS. 
The half-yearly Volume of the Journal, to which the accompanying Index refers, closes with brilliant sunshine 
and amidst the Rose season of 1889. 
Very fleeting must the Roses be under the exhausting weather influences; but the Journal, deep rooted and 
well supported, goes on its way unobstructed by the changes which affect the Roses and various other flowers 
and crops, to the culture of which its pages are devoted. 
During no period of its now long career has a greater and deeper interest been manifested in gardening. 
Every branch has devoted adherents, and it is our duty and pleasure to present their work—to scatter widely the 
seed that is sown for the benefit of all. 
That the information imparted and disseminated is serviceable and appreciated we have abundant 
testimony. One of the great gardeners of the kingdom, who has of late visited many of the best gardens, 
writes:—“ I made a point of discussing the gardening papers, and without desiring in the least to do otherwise 
than accord just credit to all who are well and worthily engaged in the literature of horticulture, I am bound 
to say the Journal more than holds its own as a substantial and reliable organ of instruction.” 
Another, who, we hope, will be a “great gardener” some day after his good beginning, modestly remarks:— 
“ I have been a reader of your Journal only since the commencement of the present year, and deeply regret 
I was not aware of its high standard of excellence before. I have come to look upon it as a faithful friend and 
adviser. I am not ashamed to admit there are many things I do not know. Though I am constantly receiving 
praise for my productions in flowers, fruit, and vegetables, yet those who admire them little think how much I feel 
the need of more light and more knowledge, and this I am gaining a little at a time by the help of your Journal, for 
which I send you my hearty thanks.” 
IVe intend that there shall be no falling-off from the “standard” attained: no effort lacking to obtain the 
“light” which many are seeking; and we know that what is wanted will be forthcoming, for we are happy in having 
with us those friends who have instructed in the past, with a rising generation of promising coadjutors, who in their 
commendable endeavours to convey information find that by the same act they themselves gain knowledge; and this 
cannot fail to be an important element in their future career. 
To gardeners and amateurs, old and young, our obligations are. recorded for their appreciated efforts in 
making the Journal of Horticulture what it is to-day—an acceptable medium of intercommunicat on in the wide and 
delightful world of gardening. 
