426 MISSOURI STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



methods of packing. As we have had some little experience of market 

 system, we will give our readers a brief outline how it is carried out. In 

 the first place, many of the florists' flowers arc done up in bunches of 12 

 sprays in a bunch ; the scarlet, white, antl pink Geraniums should have 

 the centre of each bloom, gone over with a gum brush can, or it can be 

 done with small stick ; the double varieties do not need it. In making 

 up the bunches, cut the stems a good length, tie the ends tightly with 

 matting, and just above the tie, put in a good piece of cotton wool to 

 keep the trusses well apart ; the same rule applies to Azalea, Bouvardia, 

 Pelargonium, &c. A box about six inches deep is the best ; the light- 

 made French boxes are principally used by West-end florists. In pack- 

 ing bunches, lay them on a sheet of wadding, with a piece between each 

 bunch, packing them close, without crushing. Should there not be 

 enough to fill the box, the space left must be filled up with some loose 

 paper or wadding, so as to make the whole firm ; another layer of tissue 

 paper and wool if necessary, so that the cover does not press too tight- 

 ly. They will thus travel without the least injury. Other larger and choice 

 blooms, such as Orchids, Eucharis, Camellias. Lilies, and large specimens 

 of Chrysanthemums, should be packed in layers on cotton wool, in shallow 

 boxes, only putting one row, as closely as possible. In the case of Ca- 

 mellias, they might overlap a little, with a piece of wool between each ; 

 if sending a quantity, about six small boxes can be tied together, as they 

 then go as one parcel for rail. Other hardy kinds of flowers, such as 

 Asters, Chrysanthemums, of the small kinds, Sweet Peas, Marguerites, 

 Sunflowers, Sultans, Zinnias, &c., can be packed in baskets or boxes, in 

 about three layers. All out-door flowers should be gathered when dry, 

 if possible ; it is a good plan to damp or dip the stems in water before 

 packing. 



CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 



There are so many varieties now that the trouble is not to get good 

 ones, but to pick out the " best " of these good ones. Those mentioned 

 below are all distinct early varieties and will be found well worth grow- 

 ing : Elaine, pure white ; Venus, light lilac ; Golden Beverly, bright 

 yellow ; Timbal d' Argent, white, anemone flowered ; Juvena, dark 

 maroon ; Mad. Andiguier, clear pink, very fine ; Roseum, bright rose ; 

 Souce d' Or, deep yellow ; Lakme, light bronze ; Golden Dragon, 

 Japanese yellow ; Snowstorm, pale lemon changing to pure white ; 

 Red Dragon, dark red ; Nympha^a, pure white, sweet scented. Those 

 who wish a larger number of varieties can easily obtain them at any 

 good floral establishment. 



