THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
83 
is rather too large ; and hence many exhibitors have a number 
of boxes made to hold eighteen each, and if they want to show 
seventy-two varieties, they put four boxes in a row, and cover the 
whole with moss, and so make one continuous bed of the whole. 
The boxes should have covers one inch larger every way, and inside, 
all round, should have a narrow beading half an inch from the 
bottom of the lid ; this will rest on the 
edge of the boxes, and leave space be- 
tween for the roses, which cannot be 
too closely confined, provided solely 
that nothing touches them. It is ne- 
cessary to have holes pierced at equal 
distances for the roses, and to provide 
zinc tubes, with moveable tops, to hold 
the flowers. These should be of the 
regulation pattern, and the best way to 
secure a supply is first to beg one of 
an exhibitor — and any exhibitor will 
say “ Yes ” on the instant — and go to 
a tinman for a supply, giving him the 
one you have begged for a model. 
Before cutting the flowers, it is desirable to have printed or 
carefully written a number of neat cards bearing the names of 
varieties to be shown. At the last moment you will of course modify 
your plan more or less, and therefore you must have spare flowers 
and spare cards to meet all probable emergencies. The cards are 
usually three inches long, and 
one inch wide, but you may 
have them smaller, provided 
always that the names are 
legible. Some exhibitors place 
the labels on edge in front of 
the roses ; others insert them 
in neat cleft sticks which stand 
up slightly above the flowers. 
To keep the labels in lots, 
alphabetically arranged, is easy 
enough; and it is a particularly 
convenient way for one whose 
bauds are likely to tremble iu 
finally touching up the flowers 
preparatory to quitting the tent 
at one end as the judges come 
in at the other. 
To select good flowers is of course one step towards success. 
For days in advance of the show you will have your eye on certain 
thumping buds that sit amidst buxom bright green leaves, and pro- 
mise each to count one — or more than one — in the judging. Xow 
you must be prepared with a number of wire shades eight to ten 
inches in diameter, and five to six inches deep, made to slide up and 
down a stake, and to be fixed when required by inserting a wedge in 
the sliding socket. Xever use the shade unless you feel that it is 
March. 
