158 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [Sert.-Oct., 1919. 
By J. T. BARKER, Orchid grower to His Grace the Duke of 
7 CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR SEPT.-OCTOBER: F 
Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon. 
UTUMN isa period when we experience very changeable conditions as 
#H regards the weather, bright sunshine often alternating with spells of 
cold and wet, so that it is impossible to prescribe any exact course of 
treatment. The greatest point to observe at this season is to maintain a 
proper balance of temperature, neither too hot nor too cold, with sufficient 
atmospheric moisture to prevent a stuffy feeling in any of the houses. 
Localities differ as regards humidity, and even the position and structure of 
the houses must be taken into consideration, as these affect the general 
results. Sunshine should be allowed to reach all plants which require well 
maturing before producing their flowers. At one time’ it was considered 
good policy to withold water to such an’ extent that the plants were often 
shrivelled, but this is neither conducive to good growth nor satisfactory 
flowering. Ripening and consolidation of the growths is not done by 
starvation, but by a proper balance of heat, water, light and air, to all the 
plants, according to their different requirements. This can be done without 
causing any great fluctuations in temperature, and the effect of either 
extreme is injurious and should be avoided. ; 
SHADING.—Canvas blinds can now be safely dispensed with. A fine day 
should be chosen for their removal, as they should be thoroughly dry before 
being stored away for the winter months in some dry place. Where lath 
blinds are used they may remain, as their use is a great help at night during 
severe weather in helping to maintain an even temperature without the use 
of excessive fire heat. They must be raised during the day time. At this 
season it is better to discontinue the use of blinds, and give sufficient ventil- 
ation to prevent the sun scorching the foliage. This treatment consolidates, 
hardens, and matures the pseudobulbs and growths, which enables them to 
pass through the winter without injury. Plants treated in this manner 
start with much more vigour into growth in the spring, produce finer 
gtowths, and with the stronger growth proportionally finer flowers: 
VENTILATION.—Air being one of the greatest aids in maintaining a 
sweet and healthy atmosphere in the different houses, it should be admitted 
in all departments on every favourable opportunity. Air in conjunction 
with light is the great factor in the consolidation of growth so desirable to 
the plants at this season, so that they may pass through the vissitude of 
the winter without harm. Cold winds and direct currents of air on the plants 
must be strictly guarded against. A drier atmosphere in general must also 
be maintained, in order to check the development of spot, which practically 
_all Orchids are subject to if grown under unsuitable conditions. IIl-ripened 
