JAN 28 1895 
48471 
TO OUR READERS. 
Healthy Periodicals, like good wine, require some years to ripen them. They 
go on from year to year improving — acquiring more spirit — more strength — get 
more character — are more relished — sell better — and pay better. Now, this is 
precisely the case with The Cottage Gardener, and we may carry the simile still 
further, and claim to be likened to any Vineyard of good mark. When its wine 
first comes to the merchant it has to gain a name — the manager of the wine¬ 
press has to gain experience — to ascertain the taste of the consumers — and to 
find the favoured crus, or spot, in his Vineyard that yields the most approved 
liquor. So was it with ourselves; and as our Vintage of 1856 was more approved 
than that of 1853, and as that was more commended than the first Vintage of 1849, 
so we shall be much deceived if the Vintage of 1857 is not superior to any of 
its predecessors. And so it ought to be; for all the old Vines are healthy; new 
ones are coming into bearing; there is no mildew upon any of their leaves; there 
is every promise of an excellent, well-ripened crop, and the wine will have that 
bouquet which has always rendered it pleasant for immediate use, yet of such good 
body that it is suitable for storing. 
