THE  JOUBNAL  OP  HOBTICULTUBE  AND  COTTAGE  QABDENBB,  December  S6,  189S.  ] 
TO  OUK  READERS. 
0  ■ 
“Time  Flies  Fast”  is  the  motto  of  a  prominent  and  much  respected  British  horticulturist,  and  many  ot 
his  correspondents  must  have  been  induced  to  pause  and  reflect  on  the  great  truth  and  deep  significance 
conveyed  in  those  three  small  words. 
Time  flies  fast  to  those  who  have  passed  the  meridian  of  life,  and  generally  to  all  when  it  glides 
pleasantly  along;  but  more  slowly,  sometimes  very  slowly,  to  those  who  are  climbing  the  hill  of  hope,  and 
where  obstacles  beset  the  way  to  the  seemingly  far-distant  goal. 
It  seems  but  a  short  time— a  short  six  months  ago— when  the  pages  of  this  Journal  approached 
to  600,  reminding  us  that  the  last  volume  was  nearing  its  close,  and  consequently  the  time  had  arrived 
when  it  was  our  duty  and  our  pleasure  to  convey  sincere  thanks  to  all  who  had  aided  in  its  completion. 
Again  the  figures  run  high,  again  a  volume  closes,  and  with  it  the  close  of  the  year.  The  time 
has  sped  rapidly  as  between  us  and  our  friends— the  more  quickly  because  so  pleasantly.  We  again  bow 
acknowledgments  to  all — to  writers  for  their  assiduity  and  talented  aid;  to  readers  of  varied  tastes  or  t  eir 
patience,  indulgence,  and  many  gratifying  testimonies  of  appreciation. 
Nor  would  we  forget  the  few  who  from  time  to  time  are  impelled  to  chide  us  reluctantly,  we 
perceive;  gently,  we  feel;  with  the  best  intentions,  we  know;  and  not  without  reason,  we  fear.  Sufficient 
zeal  has  not  been  displayed  in  their  department  is  the  thought  that  can  no  longer  be  suppressed,  and, 
therefore,  at  last  finds  utterance  ;  but  in  terms  which  tell  us  that  such  watchful,  thoughtful  readers  are 
not  less  our  friends  than  those  who  send  us  words  of  praise. 
Many  years  ago  the  founder  of  a  then  very  small  business  received  from  a  client  an  appreciative 
letter,  and  replied  to  it  as  follows Your  letter  is  very  pleasant,  very  welcome,  and  very  encouraging. 
I  thank  you  for  it,  and  will  do  my  best  to  merit  your  continued  approval.  May  I  now  ask  of  you  a 
particular  favour— namely,  from  time  to  time,  in  my  dealings  with  you  or  your  friends,  to  tell  me  when 
and  wherein  I  fail  to  give  complete  satisfaction.  That  is  the  greatest  kindness  you  can  do  for  me.” 
The  name  of  the  writer  of  that  letter  is  one 
the  business  he  founded  ranks  among  the  largest  in 
kind  to  all  who  wish  to  make  progress  in  the  world 
of  the  most  familiar  in  the  annals  of  horticulture,  and 
the  kingdom.  The  letter  teaches  a  lesson  of  the  right 
;  also  to  make  and  keep  a  host  of  friends. 
We  rejoice  in  a  host  of  friendly  clients  at  home  and  abroad,  and  hope  not  only  to  keep  those  we 
have  as  long  as  they  can  remain,  but  to  add  to  the  number.  This  we  shall  do  by  disseminating  the  best 
information  that  capable  workers  and  entertaining  writers  can  impart ;  also  by  giving  willing  ear  to  suggestions 
for  enhancing  the  usefulness  and  extending  the  influence  of  the  Journal  of  HoriicuHure. 
Our  last  words  of  1895  shall  be  embodied  in  the  sincere  wish  that  the  festive  time  on  which 
we  are  just  entering  shall  be  so  wisely  spent  by  all  as  to  leave  only  pleasant  thoughts  in  its  tram— 
the  precursors  of  a  desire  that  may  then  be  realised  of 
“  A  Happy  New  Yeak.” 
