ON PACKING TREES AND PLANTS, 



the upper edge, and then are firmly secured by a nail driven into the end of the 

 strip through and from the outside of the box. When one row is thus finished, 

 some few inches more moss is placed on the lov\^er course of pots, another layer of 

 pots, and then another strip ; this is again repeated till the box is full. If the 

 strips are pressed tight to the faces of the pots, they will not press heavily on 

 those beneath them ; and if the whole is properly done, plants may be sent a six 

 weeks' voyage in safety, without the breakage of a pot. Some plants, as oranges, 

 camellias, and other similar plants, are taken out of their pots, and moss or can- 

 vass wrapped around the balls; these are repotted on arriving at their destina- 

 tion, and in proper hands do very well, while it saves considerable expense in 

 freight and express charges. Young trees are packed in moss, in any way they 

 will lie conveniently ; when the box is tight, a very thin layer of moss is employed 

 between each layer of trees ; in open crates, a greater quantity is used around the 

 roots, and less among the branches. 



Baling is a more difficult operation to perform properly. From fifty to one 

 hundred of ordinary sized nursery trees make a respectable bale ; two or three of 

 the tallest trees are first collected together, then small quantities of damp moss 

 placed in the crevices of the roots, a few more roots laid on, and more moss, until 

 the whole number is laid together ; a band of rye straw is then passed around the 

 bundle near the collars of the roots, and drawn together as tightly as possible ; 

 two or three more bands are passed around at other parts. 



A bast or cocoa-nut mat — the last to be preferred — is then laid on the floor of 

 the packing shed, and a few bundles of rye straw spread out the length of the 

 stems of the trees, so that six or eight inches of the end of the straw will lap over 

 the mat; then on the mat some six inches of wet straw is placed, and on this, the 

 roots laid in about the middle of the mat; the bundle is placed, the wet straw well 

 l)aeked around the roots, the mat drawn up very tightly around, and sewed together; 

 and then lastly the straw brought equally around the bundle, and corded regularly 

 around, at about six inches interval till the end is reached, when the cord should 

 be brought down on the opposite side lengthwise, secured to each circle of cord 

 as it passes, and finished by being secured to the mat at the base. 



In cording bales, deciduous trees cannot be too tightly drawn together; ever- 

 greens should be drawn together more loosely, as they are apt to heat, especially 

 if they are somewhat damp. 



I trust this brief explanation of the principles of packing, and slight sketch of 

 the mode of doing it, will be sufiBcient to set novices on the track of becoming 

 proficients in the art. I am sensible I have done little for their information, for it 

 is truly one of those arts in which " practice makes perfect." 





