66 PACKING, SHIPPING AND BUSINESS MATTERS 



the stems moist. For varieties that have brittle stems, 

 care must be taken not to fasten the cleats down too tight, 

 or too near the neck of the flower, or the stems will be 

 broken in handling the package. It is also well to put a 

 few sheets of tissue paper well crumpled up between the 

 cleats and the flower heads. This will absorb any damp, 

 cold air from the ice and will also serve as a cushion to 

 protect the flowers from shaking up and down in the box 

 by rough handling. 



In order to dispose of our product to advantage, it is 

 absolutely necessary to continue to improve our methods 

 of handling Carnations intended for shipment. They 

 must be grown stronger, more air given and greater care 

 taken in feeding. The eff^ect of the warm Spring rains must 

 be overcome in some way, as during such periods it is 

 almost impossible to ship Carnations any distance and not 

 have them arrive fast asleep. 



All the little details of cutting, placing in water and 

 shipping should be attended to with the greatest fidelity, 

 and as we improve our methods of handling and our varieties 

 of stock, so shall we increase our volume of business. The 

 advisability of devoting a certain amount of glass to grow- 

 ing plants for Spring and early Summer blooming is a 

 point that should be considered. There are some varieties 

 that are at their best during these periods, and there is no 

 doubt that Carnations always ship best when in full crop. 

 If the creators of new varieties would give more attention 

 to the shipping qualities of their new flowers instead of 

 trying to increase the size so much, they would be working 

 along lines that are susceptible of considerable improve- 

 ment. No matter how large a flower, or how fragrant or 

 brilliantly colored it is, if it will not ship well it cannot be 

 grown extensively. 



