IMPORTED ORCHIDS 63 
between the tubers. If there are several different kinds 
to be forwarded, all the small boxes containing them may 
be packed together in a larger box. 
Next to the trouble caused by loss in transit is that 
of having plants arrive without any means of identification. 
The collector should be careful to write the name of every 
specimen on an imperishable label, or, better still, send each 
under a number and forward a numbered list with the 
names corresponding to the numbers on each kind sent. 
Those who are collecting Orchids should, as often as pos- 
sible, dry specimens of the growth and flowers of each kind, 
forwarding one set, numbered similarly to the set retained, 
to their correspondent, or to some authority, for identifica- 
tion, A description or rough sketch of the plant should 
be given on the same sheet as the dried specimens, stating 
such important particulars as colour of flowers, altitude of 
habitat, and exact locality. 
CHAPTER XVII 
TREATMENT OF IMPORTED ORCHIDS 
MucH depends on the condition of the importations, 
whether they have been collected at the proper time, and 
whether they have been properly packed and forwarded. 
Many imported Orchids offered for sale cannot possibly 
do well, as from improper packing they have “heated,” 
or been subjected to excessive heat or cold whilst on board. 
Cases of Orchids awaiting transit are often left on the 
landings in the full sun and become partially desiccated, 
