42 orchid-grower's manual. 



PACKING ORCHIDS FOR CONVEYANCE TO 



EXHIBITIONS. 



N transporting Orchidaceous plants to exhibitions they 

 require great care in packing and tying, for many 

 are very tender. Their flowers in many instances 

 are large and waxy, and some of them require more packing 

 than others. It is extremely annoying to have a fine specimen 

 plant spoiled, during its journey to the place of exhibition, in 

 consequence of its not being carefully packed, when with a 

 little care it would have travelled safely to any distance. In 

 fact distance is of very little consequence, if the packing is 

 well done. This was proved in a most extraordinary manner 

 in the spring of 1869, by Robert Warner, Esq., who sent 

 upwards of fifty specimen Orchids, from his gardens at Broom- 

 field, to the International Horticultural Exhibition at St. Peters- 

 burgh. These plants were carefully packed in close cases, 

 and sent by rail the whole journey, saving the short run by 

 steamer, across the Channel, eight days being occupied in 

 the transport. When unpacked and staged, they were in ex- 

 cellent condition, having suffered during the journey no 

 more than they would have done in the houses at home. 

 That these plants should travel to St. Petersburgh in such 

 excellent condition, is undoubtedly the greatest feat in con- 

 nection with horticultural exhibitions that has ever been ac- 

 compHshed, especially when it is stated that they were all 

 large plants, — amongst them PhalcBnopsis Schilleriana, with a 

 hundred expanded blossoms ; P. Grandifioraf with about half 

 the number ; Vandas, with numerous spikes ; Tricliopilia crispa^ 

 with a hundred open flowers ; Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Odon- 

 toylossums^ Cypripediums^ Aerides, and several other genera, 

 the whole being profusely bloomed. A remarkable proof of 



