May, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 141 
By T. W. Briscor, Late Foreman of Messrs. Veitch’s 
i CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 
Hybridising Department. 
6°: ERAL REMARKS.—Plants in each division are now growing freely, 
and every inducement should be given them to build up strong 
healthy pseudobulbs. The temperatures for the next few months should be 
slightly raised, and will be higher than at any other period of the year. 
The summer-flowering section of Cypripediums may be neatly staked as 
their flower scapes develop, and the Sobralias that are producing flowers: 
may be given a little weak liquid manure if they are in a pot-bound 
condition. Numerous Cattleyas and Miltonia vexillaria in variety will be 
making a nice display, and it behoves every grower to take care of the 
distinct ‘C. Lawrenceana, which at present is none too plentiful. Odonto~ 
glossum grande, Insleayi, and their allies will soon begin to root from the 
new shoots, and can be repotted at this season if required, while the same 
remarks apply to Dendrobium Phalenopsis and D. formosum. The 
Odontoglossum house must be kept cool, and if the weather is hot and dry 
the top ventilators should be opened with discretion during the day. In 
the Warm houses a little fire heat will be necessary through the night, but a 
sharp eye ought to be kept on the stoker to prevent excessive heat in the 
day time. Each division should be vaporised at intervals to hold in check. 
insect pests, and a dirty plant ought not to be passed twice in any 
collection. 
Cympipiums.—These handsome Orchids are now extremely popular 
with most growers, thanks to the introduction of the beautiful C. insigne,- 
which has been the means of creating several new and distinct hybrids. 
With a few exceptions all the species and hybrids produce spikes of fine 
showy flowers, while the general aspect is imposing and stately, which | 
renders them ideal subjects for a corridor, or centre stage in a house of 
fairly large dimensions. The roots are thick attd fleshy, and as they are 
freely produced, ample pot-room must be provided. They need a more 
retentive rooting medium than is given to most Orchids, and’ good results- 
can be obtained from a mixture of turfy fibrous loam and partly-decayed 
Oak leaves, to which is added a moderate quantity of crushed crocks.- 
When repotting, sufficient space must be left below the rim for watering 
Purposes, as Cymbidiums enjoy plenty of moisture when in robust health. 
and growing freely. There is no necessity for annual disturbance at the 
root, but when such an operation is decided upon it should be carried out 
Soon after the spikes are removed. They are not too exacting in regard to 
temperature, but for preference the Intermediate house should be chosen, 
although C. Lowianum will thrive equally well at the warmest end of the: 
