CUT-FLOWER CROPS 278 



freeze solid. The frames are then covered with boards so 

 that the plants will remain frozen during the winter. By 

 the middle of February, mats and glass shutters should 

 be used, and the beds covered on cold nights. As soon 

 as the plants start into growth, they should be given 

 ventilation every bright day, and should not again be 

 allowed to freeze. The plants should begin to flower by 

 the middle of April, and their season of bloom should 

 continue until the first of June. 



356. Marketing. Marketing is one of the most im- 

 portant factors connected with commercial violet-growing. 

 It is exceedingly important that the greenhouse be located 

 comparatively near the market, for the violet soon loses its 

 delicate perfume, for which it is specially prized. The 

 best market for violets is one which can be reached without 

 delay after the flowers are picked. The flowers are usually 

 picked in the early morning and taken to market im- 

 mediately. Violets are very susceptible to diseases, and 

 they are described in Chapter XL 



ORCHIDS 



357. Botanical classification. Order, Orchidaceae ; 

 genera, over three hundred ; species, about ten thousand. 

 The word orchid is derived from a Greek word and refers 

 to the gland-like character of the pseudobulbs. The 

 family is a large and important one from the florists' 

 point of view. As a rule, the plants are unattractive, but 

 the unusual shapes of the flowers, their brilliant coloring 

 and comparative scarcity make them much in demand. 

 The most important commercial genera are : 



Calanthe Cypripedium Lseliocattleya Oncidium 

 Cattleya Dendrobium Lycaste Phalaenopsis 



Coelogyne Laelia Odontoglossum Vanda 



