74 Collection and Transportation of Orchids. 



has but little chance of success, only the hardier orchids surviving the 

 voyage, most plants dying from want of moisture. 



They are often sent in wooden boxes instead of baskets, with a few holes 

 bored for air. These retain moisture longer than the baskets, and about 

 a fourth of the plants survive. Importations made in close wooden cases, 

 the seams of which have been tarred, arrive safely if the passage is not 

 very long. Where the plants have been carefully packed, wrapped in 

 moss, the decayed and injured bulbs removed, and the plants placed on 

 open-work of bars running across the case, the results have been most 

 satisfactory. 



Where moss cannot be procured, it is better to use shavings than either 

 hay or straw. If the plants should start into growth during the voyage, 

 the young roots would attach themselves to the shavings. The best way, 

 however, to import orchids, is in glass" cases. 



The larger plants are placed on the bottom of the case, and are held 

 tirmly by brass wire. Nails are driven into the sides of the frame and the 

 span roof, to which plants are suspended. All nails and wire should be 

 of brass or copper, as iron rusts. Care must be taken that the plants do 

 not rub against each other, which is easily prevented by securing each 

 one with wire. 



These cases must be made perfectly air-tight : all joints should be her- 

 metically sealed. On arrival, care should be taken not to expose the 

 plants too suddenly to the external air. There are many orchids of very 

 small size and delicate growth ; such, for instance, as Comparettia^ Sophro- 

 nitis, Burlingtonia, &c. These should be sewed in a mat, and lightly 

 covered with moss. The mat, so disposed as to bring the layers of 

 plants one above the other, is placed in a glass case; and it is seldom that 

 the plants do not arrive in good condition. 



When very large masses of bulbs are to be sent, it is better to pack 

 them in a basket, fixing them in position with bars of wood, tying the 

 pseudo-bulbs strongly together, packing moss between to prevent them 

 from touching each other. 



The moss used should always be dry : if green or wet, it causes the 

 plants to rot, and almost always destroys them. Before packing the plants, 

 they should be carefully examined. It is necessary to remove all decaying 

 or injured bulbs, and also to dislodge any insects that may lurk among the 



