Packing and Shipping Field-Grown Plants 



firm against the end of the box, so that, when the cleat is nailed fast, the 

 plants cannot be moved, even when the box is roughly thrown about. Then 

 put another layer of sphagnum moss over the roots of the last layer of 

 plants, and fill in other plants, cleating them in as with the first layer, and 

 continue until the box is filled. 



In closing up the box, the cover should be raised from two to three 

 inches above the sides, and should be supported by cleats nailed into the 

 corner. When the cover is nailed on, there should be a circulation of air 

 all around and over the tops of the plants, and every layer should be so 

 thoroughly cleated in that the plants will not fall out, or move, even if the 

 box be turned upside down. Mark the address of the consignee so plainly 

 upon the top and on the end of the box that it cannot be mistaken. Do not 

 fail to print in large letters, "Perishable Plants No Delay." All this done, 

 the shipment is ready for delivery to the express company. 



Treatment of Field-Grown Plants When Received After 



a Long Shipment 



The grower, upon receiving a lot of field-grown plants that have been 

 shipped from a distance, should place the box immediately in the coolest 

 place at hand, and unpack as quickly as possible. It will be best to retain 

 as much of the sphagnum moss as is practicable around the roots. When 

 unpacked, the roots of the plants should be set upon a moist surface, in a 

 cool place, and the tops well moistened with cool water. If they are wilted 

 to any extent, the plants should remain in the cool place until they show 

 some evidence of recovery from the wilt. In some instances, a good soaking 

 of the entire plant in clear water has proven beneficial. They can then be 

 planted upon the benches. 



Where plants have been shipped some distance, and are, to some extent, 

 in a delicate condition, it is best to plant them in the benches late in the 

 afternoon, so that they may have the cool of the night in which to com- 

 mence the first stage of recovery. If they are received upon a cloudy day, 

 they can be planted at any time ; but, as a general rule, we have obtained 

 the best results by planting after three o'clock in the afternoon. 



Plants received from distant points require rather more shading, and 

 a little closer watch upon the ventilation, than those taken direct from fields 

 near by. It will also take such stock considerably longer to recover, and 

 the results from it will scarcely ever be as good as from the stock grown 

 at home. Such plants are also more liable to attacks of spot, rust, stem-rot, 

 and the other fungous diseases, especially if not properly cared for. 



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