IMPORTED ORCHIDS 63 



between the tubers. If there are several different kinds 

 to be forwarded, all the small boxes containing them may 

 be packed together in a larger box. 



Next to the trouble caused by loss in transit is that 

 of having plants arrive without any means of identification. 

 The collector should be careful to write the name of every 

 specimen on an imperishable label, or, better still, send each 

 under a number and forward a numbered list with the 

 names corresponding to the numbers on each kind sent. 

 Those who are collecting Orchids should, as often as pos- 

 sible, dry specimens of the growth and flowers of each kind, 

 forwarding one set, numbered similarly to the set retained, 

 to their correspondent, or to some authority, for identifica- 

 tion. A description or rough sketch of the plant should 

 be given on the same sheet as the dried specimens, stating 

 such important particulars as colour of flowers, altitude of 

 habitat, and exact locality. 



CHAPTER XVII 

 TREATMENT OF IMPORTED ORCHIDS 



MUCH depends on the condition of the importations, 

 whether they have been collected at the proper time, and 

 whether they have been properly packed and forwarded. 

 Many imported Orchids offered for sale cannot possibly 

 do well, as from improper packing they have " heated," 

 or been subjected to excessive heat or cold whilst on board. 

 Cases of Orchids awaiting transit are often left on the 

 landings in the full sun and become partially desiccated, 



