PLAXT LABELS 89 



Lead Labels. This is perhaps the best permanent label for 

 trees and shrubs, and is used exclusively for such at the Royal 

 (i irdens. Kew. It consists of a piece of sheet-lead, about 3 inches 

 long by 2 inches wide, with about i inch of one long side turned 

 over to form a rim, below which 2 holes are pierced for suspending 

 by wire. The letters composing the name of the plant, etc., are 

 punched in with punch-type, the impressions being tilled with white 

 lead or /inc. and the surface afterwards rubbed over with an oiled rag. 

 Brick labels. To obviate the destructive effects of termites, 

 brick labels, made to a given mould, have for many years been 

 largely used in the Botanic Gardens, Ceylon. The top has a slop- 

 ing smooth surface, which is painted black, the name and other 

 particulars being printed on in white-lead or zinc paint. Though 

 this type of label is not durable, it is comparatively cheap and is 

 also, of course, termite-proof. 



Zinc labels. Narrow pieces of clear sheet zinc make excellent 

 labels for pot-plants, orchids, hanging baskets, etc., and are exten- 

 sively employed in the Ceylon Botanic Gardens. These are written 

 on with an indelible ink, which can be obtained ready-made (See 

 Indelible Ink, below). 



Sheet-iron labels. Strips of sheet-iron painted black, with 

 the name, etc., written on in white, are said to be often used for 

 labels in India. 



The "Imperishable Stratford" labels. These excellent labels 

 are made in England to order, of almost any size and shape 

 required and may include any name, description or notice as may 

 be desired ; the names, etc., should be typed when sent to the 

 manufacturer with the order. The "Stratford label" is cheap 

 while satisfactory, and differs from the "Acme" in being made 

 of white metal, with the raised letters in black. These labels are 

 largely used for plants and trees in Botanic Gardens in India and 

 Ceylon, and also throughout the West Indian Botanic Gardens. 

 They may be kept in a legible condition by an occasional cleaning 

 followed by a coat of paint over the raised type. In order to effect 

 the latter, mix some paint to the consistency of printer's ink, spread 

 this out on a smooth hard surface, pass a squeegee over the paint 

 and then over the raised letters. 



The "Acme" labels. These are made of stout zinc, with 

 raised letters on black ground. They are supported on stiff wire 

 stems, or have a pair of eyes for suspending by wire or nailing to 

 a wall. 



