330 
THE FLORIST. 
fore, at once became the admirably constituted medium for the ad¬ 
vantage of the one, and for the wants of the other. Of the truth¬ 
fulness, beauty, and excellence of the plates, it is wholly unnecessary 
to speak ; that the highest talent in this department of art has been 
engaged, their execution itself testifies. To cultivators, the advan¬ 
tages of seeing the correct delineation of a flower previous to its 
purchase are self-evident; while to ail, the exact portraiture of a 
new variety, wherein fresh beauties and hitherto unattained perfec¬ 
tion are developed, is equally delightful and pleasing. But as the 
mind of man is prone ever to think lightly of even the highest 
blessings vouchsafed to him, because they are common (yet neces¬ 
sary for his well-being) ; so is it also with all advantages which cost 
no effort in the attainment : thus. The Florist is ever open, not 
only to receive, but even to procure, at its own cost, drawings of 
such novelties as are really meritorious, and deserving of being figured: 
let it be hoped that such boon is not unappreciated. 
This work is an unbiassed and respectable medium for the inter¬ 
communication of knowledge. On this point I could speak at length ; 
for it must with pain be confessed, that the peaceful delights of flo¬ 
riculture have suffered much disturbance and hindrance from the 
unfair and unseemly tone of those who should have been the con¬ 
servators of its honour, its character, and the rectitude of its journals.* 
Though the Editors of The Florist are unknown to me, by their 
work have they amply justified themselves. That the friends of 
floriculture have felt assured of this, the character and standing 
of those who have favoured us with their writings sufficiently 
demonstrate ; and of what importance it is to the prosperity of 
the art, to have men of experience and knowledge come forward, 
and freely unfold to all what length of time, labour, and research 
have first taught themselves, your readers, who have been the re- 
cipients of their instruction, will best appreciate, and most thank¬ 
fully acknowledge. It is, indeed, no ordinary advantage, to listen 
to the teaching of such men as Messrs. Rivers, Story, and very 
many others, whose communications are as valuable as the motives 
which dictated them are disinterested. 
And yet, let us hope that the second volume may be as the 
good wine that was kept at the marriage-feastthere are yet, I 
doubt not, good store of your readers who have but deferred their 
communications. That a greater readiness to come forward has not 
generally been evinced by your readers, is, to myself, a circumstance 
of surprise and real regret; and did I not feel assured that their 
time will come, it would afford scope for ungentle rebuke, that they 
who receive good at the hands of others, will bestow it not again. 
A new opportunity will, however, speedily be afforded them, in the 
commencement of another volume ; and let it be urged, with all 
seriousness, and as a rightful claim, that they assist in their own 
cause. 
* The Midland Florist is a worthy exception to such a system, as are also 
some other publications. 
