90 PLANT LABELS 



Ivorine label. This label, which is a composition of thick 

 parchment-like substance, of the appearance and consistency of 

 ivory, is now largely used in Europe for labelling" pot-plants, 

 especially orchids. It is of neat appearance, is said to be imperish- 

 able and unbreakable, and it can be written upon by either pencil 

 or pen, the writing being indelible, except when well rubbed with 

 soap. 



Waterproof labels. For the temporary labelling of plants, 

 etc., as in packing them for transport, these labels are most service- 

 able and convenient. They are made of Manila substances, with 

 a parchment surface and are easily written upon with ink or pencil. 



Preservatives for wooden labels. Wooden labels should 

 always have the part that is to be fixed in the ground treated with 

 some preservative before being put out. Various compounds of 

 creosote, copper sulphate, carbolic acid, etc., are used for the 

 purpose, all with more or less success. Dipping the labels in 

 boiling tar, and then plunging them in sand, is adopted with satis- 

 factory results in Ceylon. MR. W. NOCK, late Superintendent of 

 Hakgala Gardens, found the following method an excellent one: 

 Mix fine .coal-dust with linseed oil until of the consistency of thick 

 paint ; boil the mixture, and while in a state of boiling dip into it 

 the part of the label which goes in the ground. When the labels 

 are dry, the operation should be repeated. Slightly charring, and 

 afterwards tarring, the portion of the label to be in the ground has 

 an excellent preservative effect. 



Indelible ink for zinc labels. A solution of platinum bichloride 

 (one tube of 15 grains 'to about l| fluid oz. of water) forms 

 one of the best and most durable forms of writing fluids for 

 zinc labels. It can be used either with a steel pen or a pointed 

 piece of palm-leaf petiole. Special writing fluids may be obtained 

 from nurserymen, but when neither these nor the platinum are 

 procurable, a useful substitute may be made as follows : Take one 

 part salamoniac, 1 part verdigris, and 10 parts water ; mix well 

 together and keep in a glass-stoppered bottle ; shake before using. 

 A strong solution of copper sulphate will also answer the purpose 

 to some extent, but is less efficient. 



