February 5, 18S8 J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
83 
colours and habit. A dwarf race has now been formed with large 
flowers having exceptionally broad petals, and the varieties of this 
section possess considerable decorative value. Some flowers of these 
were shown at South Kensington by Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, 
last year, and they call attention to some of the varieties in the cut 
(fig. 14) kindly lent us by that firm. The colours vary from deep crimson 
and scarlet to orange and yellow, either self-coloured or spotted and 
streaked with other tints, giving them in some cases a very unique ap- 
the safe packing of all soft fruits ; and last, but not least, because the 
“ sweet ” or “ fusty ” smell which is always present is most objectionable. 
Mr. Pettigrew says some gardeners of considerable experience use dry 
moss or paper shavings. It certainly would be interesting to know why 
Mr. Pettigrew prefers hay, which is all the more to be regretted, seeing 
that he has spared no pains in desciibing the entire arrangement of the 
box referred to that has always been such a success. But in case the 
box should be turned upside down in its transit, “ which is by no means 
an unheard-of occurrence,” I am unable to see how (l-rapes could escape 
being crushed by the weight of Pines, Melons, Cucumbers, &c., being 
Pig. 14.—new CAKKAS. 
pcarance. The foliage also differs, bronze, purplish, dark and light green 
tints prevailing. A long list of new varieties is given in Messrs, i 
Cannell’s “Floral Guide.” 
PACKING FRUIT. 
This is an operation most gard(!ner3 have to perform, and success 
often is as varied in packing fruit as in cultivating it. The hay process 
recommended by Mr. Pettigrew, page 8, is one I have known the last 
forty years, and have long since discontinued it, for two reasons—fir.st, 
because it is of a flexible nature and not elastic, which is so essential in 
suddenly placed on them. Evidently Mr. Pettigrew's boxes have always 
travelled right side up, which is most creditable to the officials on that 
particular route. 
Again, referring to Mr. Pettigrew’s mode of Grape packing, I fail to 
see how the bloom is preserved. The large bunches vve find are first 
placed in the four corners of the box and then wedged in with smaller 
bunches, covering them with paper, and on the paper a layer of 
yet, strange to say, Mr. Pettigrew’s Grapes always look as fresh after the 
long journey as if they had been newly cut from the Vines. ^ ™ 
plead ignorance as .an excuse for my inability to catch the secret of t is 
success, as I have yet to be convinced that “ anything ” touching the 
