DrceMBeER, 1914.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 357 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
By T. W. Briscor, Late Foreman of Messrs. Veitch’s 
Hybridising Department. 
T this period of the year growth is slow, and the days are short, which 
two facts must be borne in mind in the general treatment of our 
plants. The temperatures and atmospheric moisture must be so adjusted 
that the plants will remain in a normal state, and those in a resting 
condition not be excited into activity. Extremes of temperature must be 
avoided, and every care ought to be taken when giving water. Sharp 
frosts may be experienced at any time, when it will be necessary to drive 
the fires rather harder, but it is not advisable to create a hot, stuffy 
atmosphere. The better plan would be to slightly lower the temperatures, 
which will reduce the amount of damping down, and thereby bring about 
those conditions that are most beneficial to Orchids at the end of the year. 
VENTILATION.—The ventilation now requires more thought and attention 
than at any other time. The top ventilators will be rarely opened, but the 
bottom ones may be used on all favourable occasions}; in fact they can be 
open more or less every day, excepting during fogs, extremely cold weather, 
and when from any cause the temperatures have fallen below the minimum. 
Each division should be vaporised with some reliable fumigant about every 
fortnight, and a close watch must be kept in the seedJing house for thrip 
and other insect pests. During this month the houses can be washed down, 
where such an operation is necessary, and all plant cleaning concluded by 
the end of the present year. 
CooL HousE.—This division is certainly one of the most important In 
collections of to-day, and in many instances it contains numerous choice 
and rare specimens. Throughout the winter months the watering and 
ventilation require extra care, and in regard to the former each plant ‘aust 
become moderately dry before water is given, otherwise excessive moisture 
will cause the compost to become sour, and then the roots soon decay. If 
the weather continues mild and open, the house can be freely ventilated, or 
growth will be weak and spindly, while little need be done in the way of 
damping down, especially where the gangway is made of ashes and sogieg 
Moisture holding material. No plant should be permitted to develop its 
full complement of flowers, unless it is strong and well rooted. 
CALANTHES.—Some of the vestita section will now be in flower, and 
they should be staged where the atmosphere is fairly dry and the aces aie 
ature near 60° Fahr., when the beautiful arching scapes will remain tn 
Perfection for a much longer period. Little or no water will be ae ate 
‘when the spikes are cut the plants should be placed on a dry light she 
Antil signs of life are again apparent. 
