The Directors of the Fruit Growers’ Association have long felt the
importance of having a monthly publication as a medium of communication
between the members, and a means of imparting information on subjects of
interest, more frequently and promptly than can be done by the Annual
Report. And now, after careful deliberation, they have decided to make
the experiment, and commence to-day the issue of the HORTICULTURIST, in
the hope that it will find favor with the members. It will be devoted
chiefly to the publication of such information as is sought after by
those who are interested in fruit culture, yet not neglecting those
kindred subjects which are closely connected with that pursuit. The
lover of fruits is also usually a lover of flowers, and delights to
surround the house with a well kept lawn. It will therefore contain
occasional articles intended to guide and help those who seek to
cultivate flowering plants and shrubs, and to make their grounds bright
with summer flowers. And if the less showy, but not less important
vegetable garden should have a place now and then in these pages, there
are those among the readers, it is believed, who will welcome any timely
information in this department also.
But while the Directors will spare no pains to make the HORTICULTURIST
acceptable and profitable, it will nevertheless be, in a very large
degree, what the members shall make it. If they shall use it as the
medium through which they tell each other of success and of failure with
particular fruits, flowers, trees, &c., and in which they ask for
information upon doubtful points, then will it become what the Directors
hope, a mirror, in which is reflected continually the Horticultural
progress and skill of Ontario. They ask therefore that the members will
regard it as their publication, put forth in their interests, to help
them in whatever way it can, and to be used by them for the promotion of
Horticulture in this Canada of ours.
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