GROWING FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES 119 



than six days. There is sufficient moisture 

 in the plant itself to retain vitality for some 

 time, and whatever is used to fill up inter- 

 vening spaces must be perfectly dry. Moss, 

 excelsior, and cocoanut fibre are the best 

 materials for filling. 



"Plants that are to be exported should be 

 put into a cold, airy house for a week or ten 

 days, and watered very sparingly, in order to 

 harden the wood. If packed too soft they 

 generally perish. Before placing in the 

 boxes remove most of the foliage, as it is 

 very apt to die and cause decay. The balls 

 of earth should be wrapped in dry moss and 

 tied securely. Place the plants in an upright 

 position on the bottom of the box, using a 

 cleat to each row; in this manner they are 

 held securely in the desired position. If the 

 weather is severe, protection against frost 

 will be necessary, and may be provided as 

 previously described. In hot weather the 

 same method of packing is employed, with 

 the exception that wet moss is used, wrapping 

 each ball with wax paper. Holes are bored 

 through the sides of the box to admit light 

 and air. The holes are generally covered 

 on the inside with wire screen to prevent 



