44 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [Mar.-APRIL, 1920. 
over-saturated, or over-dry condition for any length of time. A certain 
amount of discrimination must be used in supplying and withholding water, 
first making sure that the compost is dry enough, and then giving a good 
soaking, taking care that the compost becomes dry again before repeating 
the operation. 
VENTILATION during this month requires great care and attention, 
perhaps more than at any other season of the year. It is often difficult to 
ventilate a house as one would like, especially during the many sudden 
changes which often occur at this period. Air must, nevertheless, be 
admitted on all favourable occasions to sweeten the atmosphere. Fresh air 
is life to plants, but in its admission we must be careful to avoid draughts, 
or much mischief will be done. 
STOKING, during this period, will also need considerable attention, as 
the outside conditions often vary from one extreme to the other. A fair 
amount of artifical warmth will still be required at night in the warmer 
divisions, but during the day, only just sufficient should be given to 
maintain the temperatures. Sun heat should be utilised whenever possible 
to increase the temperature a few degrees. Too much heat in the pipes is 
injurious, and in all cases extreme fluctuations of temperature must be 
avoided. 
SHADING will now come into general use, but it must not be applied to 
excess, or the plants will become weak and spindly. After the dull dark 
days of winter, the leaves and bulbs of the plants are tender, and they must 
be inured to the light and heat of the sun gradually. Direct sunshine in 
some cases seems to paralyse plants, especially those that delight in shady 
positions, hence the necessity of patient observation on the part of the 
cultivator, and the separation of those plants which do not succeed in 
strong light. 
THUNIAS will be commencing to grow, and must be repotted before the 
new shoots commence to push forth their roots. The compust I recom- 
mend for them is half peat and half loam, from which all the fine particles 
have been removed, mixed with some sphagnum moss, and dried cow 
manure. The pots must be well drained, as when in full growth and well 
rooted, an abundant supply of water is necessary. They must not be 
potted too firmly, as their roots are not capable of penetrating a close 
compost. Thunias enjoy a sunny position in the warmest house, placed 
well up to the glass, and exposed to the light, and water must be sparingly 
applied to them until the flower spike appears at the apex of the newly 
made bulbs. They may be potted up singly, or made up into specimens, 
according to the requirements of the cultivator. When in full growth an 
occasional watering with weak manure water will be beneficial. 
“€ALANTHES of the deciduous section will need repotting when the new 
aif 
‘ck oma 5] 
ee ee ae 
OT ee ee eae ac eee ee yo 
FU ie Dnt whos A ie Or 1, di eat onl ee oe 
