92 Chrysanthemum Culture for America. 



secretary of the exhibition, or disappointment may result on 

 account of exhibiting in the wrong class ; being disqualified 

 for showing clusters of flowers when individual blooms were 

 expected, or showing bush plants, when plants grown to a 

 single stem were to be exhibited. Be sure that everything is 

 distinctively understood, and if plants or flowers must be sent 

 a considerable distance, make such calculations that they 

 may arrive at the time designated by the promoters of the 

 exhibition. 



In the transportation of specimen plants, the stakes should 

 be drawn together by means of a stout string, as they travel 

 more safely and are less liable to be broken when tied in this 

 manner. As soon as the plants reach the exhibition hall, the 

 stakes may be pressed back to their original position, which 

 they will retain by pressing the dirt firmly around the base of 

 each. 



The shipping of cut flowers to exhibition points is always 

 attended with anxiety, and to have them arrive in perfect condi- 

 tion requires great care. Those having boxes made expressly 

 for the purpose do not require any suggestions, but the ama- 

 teur who has no complete outfit will do well to observe the 

 following hints : All flowers should be cut and placed in water 

 at least twenty-four hours before shipping. Flowers that are 

 opening too early should be cut at once, with long stems, even 

 if a week before the time, and placed in a cool dark shed or 

 cellar, where the atmosphere is dry. A piece of the stem 

 should be cut off every third day, and the water changed. 



In packing, wrap each flower carefully in tissue paper, just 

 tightly enough not to bruise. They should then be placed in 

 boxes or baskets, in tiers, so that they may not press upon 

 each other. In boxes, strips should be nailed far enough 

 apart to prevent the flowers from chafing, the stems to be 

 held in place with other strips, using damp paper as a pack- 

 ing between each layer of stems. The same method should 



