PACKING AND MARKETING FLOWERS. 



355 



deep ; the next 24 by 14 1 by h\ inches, reducing them till the smallest size used by 

 market growers is reached, these having hinged or wired lids, and measuring 17 by 13 

 by 3 inches. A very useful size measures 18 by 12 by 4 inches. They are bought by 

 the gross or fractions of the same, the smaller size costing nearly l^d. each and the 

 largest about 7d. each. 



The bulk of the flowers marketed are bunched in the manner already shown. Line 

 the boxes with soft packing-paper, not necessarily tissue-paper, leaving about one-half 

 of the sheets employed, hanging over the sides. Pack the several bunches closely, 

 with the flowers facing upwards, and if there is room for a second layer, place a sheet 

 of paper between them. Finish by turning in the ends of the packing-paper, on which 

 shut down the lids tightly. In frosty weather use more paper inside the boxes, and 

 also enclose the boxes in paper. There should be no nailing down of lids, but they 

 ought to be strongly tied. Arums 



are not bunched, but should be 

 laid in neatly and closely ; the 

 spathes at each end points upwards, 

 Fig. 204. They ought to be kept 

 in position by having strips of 

 wood, cane or bamboo pressed down 

 on the stalks, also pressing firmly 



against the box sides. Other long- 

 stemmed flowers, including cattleyas, liliums, and gladioli, are sometimes similarly 

 packed. Eucharises, gardenias, and camellias are mostly conveyed in the small boxes, 

 duly lined with cotton wool. They should be packed closely, facing upwards, have the 

 tissue-paper lapped over them, and cotton wool laid on the top of this. White roses 

 ought to be very carefully packed, as they bruise readily. 



Postal boxes ought also to be strong enough to bear pressure all round, light deal 

 boxes being more trustworthy than those made of cardboard. Flowers sent in them 

 should be packed closely and firmly, covering with paper, and over this, if need be, 

 cotton wool. String them up securely, and if a loose label is tied on, write the address 

 on the box also. Light deal boxes, with corner plates, are the best for wreaths, and the 

 like, but thin wood, paper-covered boxes, with cardboard lids, are more frequently 

 used, many not being sent back. The largest size that can be sent by post measures 

 18 inches by 18 inches, but a good, if not large, wreath can be sent in a box 16 inches 



