Sept.-OcT., 1920.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 155 
and C. Dowiana aurea, the former derived from C. Lueddemanniana and 
Le. callistoglossa (Lelia purpurata X C. Warscewiczii), and with such a 
distinguished ancestry one can understand the quality of the 
plant under notice, which is among the most brilliant of late summer 
flowering hybrids. Both the spikes sent are excellent examples of good 
culture. Mr. Rickards in a letter comments upon the early-flowering of 
some of the Cattleya hybrids this season. 
yy J. T. BARKER, Orchid grower to His Grace the Duke of 
Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon. 
l CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR SEPT.-OCT. 
EFORIE: these lines appear in print the majority of Orchids will have: 
completed their season’s growth, and the object now should be to 
consolidate and mature that growth as much as possible, so that the plants 
may be capable of passing through the winter months satisfactorily. This 
is best accomplished by admitting the maximum amount of sunlight and 
air, so that they neither suffer by scorching nor by draughts. September 
and October may be very variable months, and often after seasons like the 
present, when sunshine has been very rare, we may get the best part of the 
year at this time. But whatever the outside conditions, the plants should 
be gradually inured to the sunlight, and fresh air should be admitted 
whenever possible. Everything depends upon a proper balance being 
maintained in the different departments. Vary the conditions as required, 
and there will be no question of the plants not thriving. 
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS.—The atmospheric conditions of the different 
houses should be carefully watched at this season of the year, when nights 
are often cold, and evaporation very slow; an over-humid atmosphere may 
very easily be made which, if allowed to last very long, may do much harm, 
The other extreme should also be strictly guarded against. Syringing and 
spraying must now be done with discretion, taking care that the plants get 
dry before night, as much harm is often caused by plants being exposed to: 
a low temperature when their surroundings are wet and cold. 
VENTILATION.—Fresh air being life to all plants, it is essential, under 
the artificial conditions of our glass houses, that every opportunity should 
be taken of admitting it on favourable occasions, according to the nature 
of the plants grown. Each plant has an individuality of its own, and it is 
necessary to study its requirements during the various seasons of the year. 
What would be correct during active growth would be quite wrong during 
the resting season, hence the necessity of close observation at all times. 
WaTERING.—In a season like the present, when sunshine has been 
reduced to a minimum, plants take up much less water than during brilliant 
