12 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [JAN.-FEB., 1920. 
By J. T. BARKER, Orchid grower to His Grace the Duke of 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR JAN.-FEBRUARY. 
Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon. 
NCE more we review the cycle of cultural routine, and we may now 
hope for a speedy return to pre-war conditions. Orchids, despite the 
many difficulties which still attend their culture, have lost none of their 
popularity, and when the existing troubles pass away, we may look for 
many accessions to the ranks of Orchid lovers and growers. The war has 
undoubtedly caused a serious setback to Orchid culture, but progress has 
been maintained, at all events so far as hybridisation is concerned, and if a 
return to normal conditions can be secured, things should soon right them- 
selves again. Orchids are not only a delightful hobby, but they have 
‘become an important branch of decorative horticulture, thanks to the 
persistent efforts of the hybridist. The amount of progress since ‘the 
Orchid Review was founded, twenty-seven years ago, is marvellous, as may 
be found in its pages, and the record itself is an achievement. It has not 
been accomplished without hard and persistent work, and the difficulties 
caused by the war must have made it well-nigh impossible. A tribute of 
appreciation for such an achievement is due from one who has known and 
valued the work from the commencement. 
TEMPERATURES.—For the benefit of new readers and beginners in 
Orchid culture, I will give the most suitable temperatures for the different 
departments :— 
Cool house ; day, 50° to 55°; with sun, 60°; night, 50°. 
Intermediate house: day, 60° to 65°; with sun, 66°; night, 57° to 60°. 
- Cattleya and Mexican house: day, 60° to 65°; with sun, 68°; night, 58°. 
East Indian house: day, 65° to 70°; with sun, 75°; night, 65°. 
_ These figures are given as a guide, but slight variations are permissible 
in accordance with the outside conditions. Sun-heat should be utilised to 
raise the temperatures a few degrees. A regular, even temperature should 
be maintained as far as possible. In large establishments there are 
frequently houses that are kept at temperatures a little higher or lower 
than the figures given, and this provides suitable conditions for a greater 
variety of plants. The small grower in many cases suffers from the small- 
ness of his houses, as these fluctuate more quickly than those of larger size. 
Success depends entirely upon the conditions provided for the different 
plants which go to make up our collections, and even when the best 
possible conditions are provided, some districts are more favourable for 
certain plants than others. 
The principal work for the period under consideration consists in 
