JAN 23 1895 
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TO OUR READERS. 
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The following questions and replies were not long since interchanged between the little 
daughter of a gardener and a Sunday-school teacher:—“What should be the object 
of every inquiry?” “Truth.” “ What should guide you in the inquiry?” “Sincerity.” 
“ When obtained, what should help you to impart it?” “Kindness.” 
Our own experience enables us to testify that those replies were just. We have, 
in every inquiry relative to our appropriate subjects, endeavoured to ascertain the Truth ; 
we have stifled all minor influences and feelings, and pursued every research cordially 
and sincerely; and the result of every research we have striven to impart plainly, fully, 
and kindly. 
The consequences are these : In our twenty-three volumes now completed, and in 
our current pages, are contained a mass of correct information such as no other journal 
ever gathered together upon similar topics. Inquiries come to us from every latitude 
of the earth, and we spare no effort to obtain for those inquiries truthful answers from 
the best authorities. 
Consequently, as no inquiry however simple is ever rudely put aside by us, applications 
for information on all appropriate subjects abound more and more ; and we do not regret 
that confidence in us is shown by inquiries often arriving relative to subjects not quite 
within our province. For example : Here is a letter from one for whom some years 
since we had the pleasure of speaking “the kind word.” 
“ You will perceive by the enclosed that I am still with Mr.-, and I think 
I shall be for some time. I like my place — I like my employer and his family — I 
like the people around here — and I like the country. You would not counsel me to 
remove, would you ? I am thinking of getting married. Perhaps you will scarcely 
like to hear this; but I have found Solomon’s virtuous woman “ whose price is 
above rubies”—one who has been my guardian angel through that most critical period 
of a man’s life, his entrance into manhood — one to whom I owe everything that is good 
in me. Shall I do w T rong, think you ? Being without a father, I speak to you as a 
son — in all my troubles and in all my joys, I come to you with all a son’s simple 
sincerity.” 
Now, we shall not reveal what we said in reply to that appeal, but will confess that 
we were gladdened by receiving it. It is evidence that we have not wrought in vain. 
Let not one of our readers think that all this is self-laudation and savouring of 
self-complacency, for it neither is such nor intended to be such. All the truth, all the 
knowledge, all the kindly tone of The Cottage Gardener is due to the contributors 
to its pages ; and no other praise is due to the Editors than that they selected for their 
helpmates “the kindly-hearted cunning.” Moreover, the Editors have published these 
results of their efforts to give evidence that they court and covet inquiries, convinced as 
they always have been that the way to be most useful is to impart only the knowledge 
needed, and as it is needed. 
Finally : Rejoicing in the knowledge that the shadows of such inquirers fall thicker 
and faster on our desks, let us add what even the most cynical will believe is truth told 
with sincerity — May those shadows never be less! 
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