"We now have a lively sense of the meaning of this expression. On the 19th of December, the Horticulturist was consumed at the large fire in Frankfort Street When we say that nothing was left but the editor and the publisher, we state pretty nearly the exact truth. Our printed sheets, engravings, copy, rules, every thing, in short, except proofs of two or three articles for the January number, were utterly consumed. This is our apology for the late appearance of the present number. We must ask the indulgence of our readers and correspondents; their sympathy we feel sure of. We set to work again the next morning in good earnest, on nothing, and have worked hard ever since, and trust that we shall not be much behind. To our friends and correspondents, who replied promptly to our appeal, we return our hearty thanks. The responses of all did not come in time to be available for the present number, as it was indispensable to push it through without delay. We have done the best we could under the circumstances, and trust the present issue will not be found devoid of interest.

This calamity has made our year to consist of thirteen months instead of twelve; it has also given us an opportunity of testing the sincerity of our friends. They have borne the test handsomely, and we are content. Much miscellaneous matter, notices of Horticultural Societies, and some very interesting correspondence - some of which had lain over a month for want of room - have been consumed. Will such of our correspondents as have not heard from us, and whose letters, etc., do not appear in the present number, do us the kindness to write again? We have written to all that we could remember; but, in the confusion, not a few may have been forgotten. The loss of our publishers is not exactly known yet The loss of Mr. Jenkins, our printer, will reach fully $50,000. We extend to him our warmest sympathy, with the earnest wish that he may soon find himself in a position to resume business. To our readers, we extend the compliments of the season, with a thrice happy Kew Year.