OcTOBER, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 299 
By T. W. Briscor, Late Foreman of Messrs. Veitch’s 
' CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. | 
Hybridising Department. 
HADING.—By the time these lines appear in print all the canvas 
blinds can be safely dispensed with. A fine day should be chosen for 
their removal, and then they may be stored in a dry shed until next year. 
In the meantime any small repairs can be done. Where lath blinds are 
used they may remain, and will be a great help during cold and frosty 
weather. At this season it is much better to discontinue the use of blinds, 
and give a little extra ventilation to prevent the sun scorching the foliage. 
Cold winds ‘and direct currents of air passing over the plants must be 
guarded against. 
TEMPERATURES.—The following table should be adhered to as far as 
possible :— 
East Indian or Warm house: 65° to 70°. 
Cattleya house: 60° to 68°. 
Intermediate house: 58° to 62°. 
Odontoglossum or Cool house: 55° to 60°. 
Cypripedium house: 60° to 65°. 
Resting house : 55° to 60°. 
The maximum should be reached eat mid-day, and in the event of 
extreme weather a few degrees lower may be permitted. Excessive fire 
heat is always detrimental to plants, and Orchids are no exception. 
WATERING.—This is always an important factor in Orchid culture, and 
especially at this season. Water should now be afforded less frequently 
in every house, and most plants can be allowed to dry out a little before 
more water is given. Plants that are pushing up their flower scapes must 
not suffer from drought, and the same remark applies to those that are 
sowing, but any that have completed their season’s growth should have 
just enough to keep the pseudobulbs in a plump and rigid condition. 
DamPinc pown.—The amount of damping down to be done will depend 
upon the weather, the quantity of hot water pipes in the houses, and the 
Position of the structures. In some districts very little will be required, 
especially in the Thames Valley and similar places, but where the houses 
are well exposed more moisture will be needed. If the grower is fortunate 
enough to have charge of houses where the boiler power and number . 
Pipes are capable of meeting all demands, he is in a much better position, 
in regard to damping down, than the man with houses that are under- 
heated. Drip will have to be contended with where excessive damping 
down is done, and the loss of a few young growths is often the result. 
CLEANLINESs.—Now is a good opportunity to do any cleaning that may 
