124 CAMELLIA CULTURE. 



of placing the plants on the sides of the box, with strips 

 placed against them to keep them in position. 



Double the quantity of plants can be put in the same 

 size box by the new system of packing, and they will 

 reach the purchaser in much better condition. 



For the months of April and May, I do not recom- 

 mend shipping Camellia plants, for it is only during these 

 months that they make their growth for the year. 



Should this growth be checked, the result will be no 

 flowers the coming fall and winter. 



The best months for shipping this plant are September, 

 October and November. 



Three important matters in packing and forwarding 

 during the winter months, are: 



First. To have the moss perfectly dry which is to be 

 placed around the ball of earth. 



Second. Do not water the plants the day they are to 

 be packed, and especially if they are to be sent a long 

 distance. I prefer always to pack moderately dry, for 

 plants packed closely will create a moisture of themselves. 

 It will be much better for the purchaser to receive the 

 plants in a dry condition, for by soaking them in water 

 for a few hours, they will in all probability recover with 

 the loss of only their foliage; but if received in a wet and 

 mouldy condition, there is no remedy within my knowl- 

 edge that will restore them to their former health. In all 

 probability the majority of them will die. 



Thirdly. Always have the plants forwarded by ex- 

 press; it will be found to be the quickest and most reli- 

 able, as well as the cheapest way in the end. 



