METHODS OF PACKING 119 



Franchetii, and Viburnum Opulus (Berries) are also 

 sent in bunches by the dozen. 



In connection with the cut-flower department the 

 foliage sold separately in bunches must be considered, 

 as similar methods of packing are adopted for most of 

 that grown under glass. The following, for instance, 

 are sent in dozen bunches : Crotons, Adiantum, Myrtle, 

 and ferns of several kinds. Asparagus plumosus, 

 Sprengeri, etc., usually in bunches, but the long growing 

 form of the first named, is cut in lengths and sold by 

 the " trail," which also applies to the "Smilax" of 

 the markets (known in gardens as Myrsiphyllum 

 asparagoides, or Asparagus medeoloides). Hardy 

 foliage of many kinds is sold in bunches, particularly in 

 the autumn, when the leaves are changing colour. 

 Notable amongst these are Ampelopsis, Beech (Fagus 

 sylvatica), Chestnut (Castanea vesca), Oaks of various 

 sorts, but especially Quercus rubra, Q. coccinea, and Q. 

 palustris. At other times the Mahonia (Berberis) 

 foliage is in demand, and is sold in bunches like those 

 already named, together with the Common Asparagus, 

 and limited numbers of Carrot leaves when they are 

 becoming tinged with red. Ivy is in demand of the 

 small leaved, bronzed, and marbled forms, either in long 

 " trails," in bundles, or by the dozen bunches. 



Obviously the bunching of flowers greatly facilitates 

 the packing and aids in their preservation when due 

 care is exercised in both operations. Bunches of medium 

 size can be packed with safety and with economy of 

 space in larger boxes than bunches of greater propor- 

 tions. With the judicious use of suitable paper little 

 other material is required, but if any is used for the 

 sake of firmness, or to avoid crushing, nothing of a 

 porous or absorptive character should be allowed to 

 come in direct contact with the flowers. From the time 

 the package leaves the grower until the contents are on 



