the journal of horticulture and cottage gardener, Jnly S, 1800. J 
TO OUR HEADERS. 
•c 
A QUESTION we are ofcen asked is this—Is horticulture advancing? If we take as evidence Roses and Strawberries- 
—which now abound—the reply must be distinctly in the afhrmative, for at no period was either of them so well 
and extensively cultivated in fields and gardens as at the present time. 
4 
We are glad also to believe that in other directions progress is being made, and we are convinced that 
never before was gardening so highly cherijhed as it is now, nor practised ^so well in its many branches by such 
a large number of persons in this country. 
All this is gratifying, as though rain may spoil a few Roses and Strawberries, and frost and caterpillars' 
decimate our fruit crops occasionally, they are only passing troubles, and the more widely and well the art of 
gardening is pursued the greater the pleasures and benefits to individuals who engage in it, and the greater the- 
advantages to the general populations who enjoy what is so freely produced. 
It is not only our duty but our pleasure to gather the best information that is available for distribution 
to the world through the Journal of Horticulture, in the hope and with the object that the advance irt- 
gardening in its varied phases will be greater iu the future than in the past; and we cannot adequately record 
our obligations to all who so willingly and ably co-operate with us in this most agreeable work. 
In tendering our thanks to all —gardeners and amateurs—wdio by their talents have enriched the pages- 
of the last completed volume of this Journal, we desire to add that seekers for information are also helpers in 
eliciting it, and we cannot conceive any greater pleasure than assisting young gardeners and inexperienced 
amateurs in moments of difficulty. 
The key not') of the Journal or Horticulture is usefulness, and the desire of its conductors and staff 
is to be helpful to all. 
