ROOTED PLANTS THROUGH THE POST.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 336, 23 January 1889, Page 3

ROOTED PLANTS THROUGH THE POST.

With the extension of the parcels post system an opportunity is afforded for the transmission of cuttings, scions, and even rooted plants by post which we have never had before. It is really wonderful what long distances plants can be carried safely by the exercise of a libtle ingenuity with regard to packing. We recently described in The Farmer a method of carrying cuttings long 1 distances without injury to their vitality. We now desire to furnish a few hints \rith regard to the conveyance of rooted plants of such a kind as without careful management perish easily when sent by sea or land for long distances. Some kinds of plants carry comparatively easily, such as geraniums and others which have thick fleshy stalks or roots., the only precaution needful being to provide against excessive dryness during transit. But other plants with delicate fibrous roots, or with soft slender stems, are easily killed by a severe check. What is required in such cases is to convey the plants in such a way that they shall not be crushed or bruised, while they are kept as moist as possible during the journey.

""The engraving represents a simple but •effective contrivance. In such a package ■as is here illustrated plants of choice violets have been safely sent all the way from England to America through the post. The roots of the plants were surrounded by damp (not wet) moss, which was inclosed in sheet gutta-percha or waterproof paper. The plants thus prepared were then fastened in small crates, two in each like that shown in the engraving. The crate is 9 inches long, and 2§ inches square at the ends. Two pieces are placed in the middle, to prevent crushing. The plants were so tied to the slats of the crate that they could not shake about and be bruised, and the whole covered with strong ■paper. The plants in such a package have all their wants fairly supplied, except light, and, save that the leaves were much "blanched, came to hand in very satisfactory condition. These crates, we are told, weighed 4£ ounces each, and they might have been made of lighter materials and fulfilled their purpose equally as well. Theßame kind of package, made larger and "stronger to suit the size and weight of "balled plants of considerable size, would, ire should think, be found very useful for *fche conveyance of certain varieties of trees •and shrubs which do not stand transplanting after much knocking about. Through "the post, of course only small crates such as above described could be sent, but by steamer or rail larger things could be sent safely packed in the same manner.