Marcu, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 17 
@| CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. | 
: "i By T. W. Briscor, Late Foreman of Messrs. Veitch’s 
Hybridising Department. 
ARCH is usually a busy month for the Orchid grower, especially 
where a general collection is cultivated. Each division will require 
more attention in regard to ventilation and damping down, while it will be 
necessary to lower the blinds on the Cool or Odontoglossum house for a 
few hours when the sun is strong. The ends and sides of all the houses. 
can be stippled over with a mixture of milk and whiting, and if there is any 
doubt about its sticking on, a little builders size may be added. At this 
season extra care is required when admitting air, because the wind is often, 
very cold, although the sun may be shining brightly, a condition which. 
often deceives the unobservant cultivator. 
For the present the temperatures should be as follows :— 
East Indian or Warm house: Day, 70° ; night, 65°. 
Cattleya or Intermediate house: Day, 65°; night, 60°. 
Odontoglossum or Cool house: Day, 55°-60; night, 55°. 
Seedling house (Cattleyas, &c.).: Day, 70° ; night, 65°. 
Seedling house (Odontoglossums, &c.): Day, 65°; night, 60°. 
Each division will need damping down twice or thrice each day, so as. 
to maintain a buoyant atmosphere and those desirable growing conditions 
which an experienced grower can feel directly he enters the house. Every 
encouragement must be given to the inmates to make strong healthy 
growth, and there is nothing to equal light, if admitted judiciously, to 
bring this about. Much care and discretion is, however, essential to secure 
the best results, and at this period of the year, when we are just emerging 
from the winter months, it is advisable to lower the blinds rather early in 
the day, as the tender foliage of some species is easily injured until the 
plants become accustomed to the increased sunlight. Flower buds will 
readily respond to its influence, while root action and top-growth will be 
active where the conditions are right. 
SpaTHOGLoTTIS.—As these start into growth they should be repotted, if. 
not taken in hand last year, and on account of their terrestrial habit a little 
fibrous loam and partly decayed oak leaves may be incorporated in the 
usual compost. Fairly deep pans are often employed as receptacles, and 
with very good results. A liberal supply of water is needed throughout the 
growing period, but it should be gradually diminished as the bulbs reach 
maturity, and entirely withheld for a few weeks during the winter months. 
Thrip and red spider will sometimes attack the under-surface of the leaves, 
but if they are sprayed during hot weather these pests are not so trouble- 
some. 
