MISCELLAXEOrS EXHIBITIOls^ PLAiJTS. 93 



health of the plant. They should not be subject to any sudden 

 changes, and when nearing the show-day, they ought to be 

 carefully and gradually hardened off, so as to be able to bear 

 the exposure without risk of injury. In preparing the plants 

 for transport to the exhibition, the leaves should be carefully 

 drawn up towards the centre, and be securely tied to a stout 

 state, round which cloth and cotton-wool has been wrapped, 

 to prevent injury by rubbing. The pinnse should be all 

 neatly laid in, and secured with strands of flat raffia, using 

 tissue-paper and cotton-wool wads wherever necessary, to pre- 

 vent crushing or rubbing. When all are securely laid in, 

 the whole should be wrapped in a soft cloth or sheet, and 

 the plant may then be transported any reasonable distance in 

 perfect safety, even in coldish weather if frost does not pre- 

 vail. All packing materials must be entirely removed from 

 every specimen before it is set up for competition ; and after 

 they are placed, a careful glance around ought to be given, to 

 see that every leaf is shaken out free, and all in perfect order. 

 Eqvial care should be given to the repacking and taking home 

 of exhibition plants, because every blemish to the foliage is 

 permanent, and can never be got rid of till the leaf is removed. 

 When safely returned to their quarters, they should be kept 

 it little close and moist for a few days, when they will pick 

 themselves up, and look as fresh and beautiful as if fchey had 

 never been out of the house at a flower-show ; and whenever 

 they are wanted, they are ready again to do the same work, 

 which, in short, means " successful exhibiting.'' 



JUDGISG. 



In judging Palms the chief points of merit are : (1.) A free 

 graceful habit; (2.) size and freshness of the leaves; and (3.) 

 size, health, and cleanness of the plant. 



