METHODS OF PACKING 121 



in the Metropolitan district in small shallow boxes or trays. 

 A size which is used in large quantities is 14J inches 

 long by 9 inches wide and 2 inches deep ; they are 

 made of thin wood, just strong enough to carry the plants 

 and soil until the former are put out in the borders. When 

 bought by the thousand, these cost less than id. each; 

 by the gross, they are a fraction over that sum. Market 

 men having an extensive trade in this direction occa- 

 sionally employ their own machinery to produce supplies, 

 but that can only pay where the machinery is utilised at 

 other times during the year for general box-making. 

 Small trays like those named will carry from two dozen to 

 loo or more young plants, according to their kind and 

 strength. Cuttings are often rooted in such boxes and 

 sold direct without any transference to other boxes, but 

 seedlings are usually pricked out, though a few sorts 

 are sowed thinly and sold as they stand. Only those 

 who are familiar with certain market gardening districts 

 in the home counties have the slightest idea of the 

 magnitude of the business done with plants in this way. 

 Apart from those sent to market, whenever the market 

 growers are within convenient reach by road from 

 popular centres, the costermongers dispose of enormous 

 quantities ; and as they pay cash for all they take it is a 

 form of trade which often suits the grower well, though 

 the prices are low. 



When sent to market these trays of small plants have 

 either to be packed in wooden crates fitted with move- 

 able shelves, or the van itself must be so fitted. The 

 two chief difficulties are to economise the space, as the 

 value is low, and at the same time to pack firmly, so 

 that none may be overturned in transit. Provision must 

 be adequate for this work, as when the markets are very 

 full a proportion of the load may have to be taken home 

 again, though it does not pay to do that many times. 



Plants grown in pots can be most conveniently packed 



