Mar.-APRIL, 1920.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 43 
Hallii, Coradinei, mulus, Lindleyanum, and what we take to be a form of 
O. elegans, though obtained as O. Kegeljanii. A spike of the brilliant 
Ada aurantiaca, a spray of Oncidium superbiens, and three good forms of 
Sophronitis grandiflora, help to make a very attractive group. 
By J. T. BARKER, Orchid grower to His Grace the Duke of 
7] CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MARCH-APRIL. 
Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon. 
HE months of March and April, with their proverbial changes of wind, 
sunshine, and showers, are a trying period to all who have the manage- 
ment of a collection of Orchids. Watchfulness is necessary in the matter of 
ventilation, so that the plants may not receive a check, either from too 
much cold air blowing upon them, or from insufficient air, heat or moisture. 
Shading from bright sunshine must now be generally adopted for all 
Orchids, with the exception of those grown in the Mexican house, which 
revel in light and air. It will be well to emphasise the advice concerning 
the benefit of shading Orchids during these early months, when the plants 
are emerging from the dull days of winter to the bright ones of spring. 
The beautiful sunshine which we have recently enjoyed, has had a most 
stimulating effect upon all Orchids; new roots are pushing forth, together 
with new growths, and everything is full of promise for the future. Speak- 
ing generally, the past winter has been favourable for plant life, with plenty : 
of light, and fair progress has been made at this early season of the year. 
So fast will be the development of eronal at this season, that it will need 
energy to keep abreast of the work. 
REPOTTING, which constitutes the principal work at this season, should 
be done carefully and well, and as most collections have suffered more or 
less from the want of rooting material, there is much leeway to make up. 
It is a difficult matter to nurse an unhealthy plant back to vigour, hence 
the necessity of taking care that the — do not suffer at the roots from 
decomposed materials. 
TEMPERATURES.—With the lengthening days, and the increased amount 
of light and sunshine, the plants will become active, and commence to push 
their growth rapidly. The temperatures may now be raised a few degrees 
higher all round, and with the increased heat, additional atmospheric moisture 
must be given. A humid atmosphere may now be maintained in all the 
houses, and conditions made that are conducive to sound healthy growth. 
Orchids cannot grow satisfactorily in a hot, parched atmosphere, any more 
than in a wet, cold one. 
WATERING at this season requires a great amount of care on the 
cultivators’ part, as much harm may accrue by the compost being in a 
