PACKING AND SHIPPING 453 



possible. The boxes are first lined with newspaper, then 

 with waxed paper and lastly with a layer of sheet cotton. 

 The flowers are laid on this, and it is well to fasten the 

 stems to the bottom of the box. When all the flowers 

 are in place, a light covering of sheet cotton may be placed 

 over them and thin cleats of wood nailed inside the box 

 to hold the cotton in place. Waxed papers and news- 

 papers are then laid over the cleats. Packed in this way, 

 the most delicate orchids should travel for long distances. 



749. Easter lilies. Lilies are also difficult to pack. 

 When possible, they should be shipped when about to 

 open. If necessary to ship them in bloom, the box should 

 be carefully lined and each individual flower wrapped in 

 tissue paper or sheet cotton. Sometimes, cotton batting 

 is placed inside the flower to prevent its crushing. Thick 

 pads of excelsior wrapped in newspapers are used under- 

 neath the stems near the flowers. Frequently, a light, 

 thin strip of wood is nailed inside the box, and covered 

 with sheet cotton. The necks of the lilies are laid on this 

 and fastened securely. This prevents any crushing which 

 might result from the flowers touching the bottom of the 

 box. Several stems of lilies may be bunched before plac- 

 ing them in the box, and thus economize space. 



The most delicate flowers, such as sprays of bouvardia, 

 gardenias and camellias, are usually prepared for ship- 

 ment by wrapping individual flowers or sprays in waxed 

 paper, then packing all the flowers lightly in a strong box. 



In shipping cut-flowers, it is always best to have the 

 boxes tied with strong string or cheap twine. This 

 facilitates handling the boxes and they are more certain 

 to reach their destination promptly. All shipments 

 should be labeled in large type, " Perishable," " Plants/' or 

 " Cut-flowers." 



