THE ORCHID REVIEW. 34t 
and the P. Fairrieanum influence has introduced striking modifications 
in the P. insigne character which it still largely retains. P. X cenanthum 
superbum is one of the oldest and best of the coloured forms, but some of 
the more recent ones are likely to be appreciated when better known. It 
would be easy to draw up quite a long list of hybrids which flower at this 
season, and a good many of them owe this character more or less to the 
influence of the species just mentioned. The hybrids of P. Charlesworthii, 
which are beginning to come, seem also to retain largely the autumn- 
blooming character, and those that retain the bright colour of the dorsal 
sepal of this species will be highly prized. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
By H. A. BURBERRY, Orchid Specialist, King’s Heath, Birmingham. 
THE temperatures given for last month are likewise suitable for the present, 
although, of course, a little allowance may be made as we enter into the 
depth of winter. The lowest degree however that I can safely recommend 
will be 5° lower all round than those given in the last Calendar. 
See that all Orchids that are inactive enjoy a real good rest, but at the 
same time do not let that rest take the form of absolute starvation, which is 
Sometimes the result. In other words do not bake up the roots of an Orchid 
too severely, so that it causes the pseudobulbs to shrivel, and the plant to 
Present a distressful appearance, or much and oftimes irretrievable damage 
is done; also see that the atmosphere in the resting house contains a 
Teasonable amount of moisture, either by the admission of the moist air 
from outside or by the distribution of water within. The first named 
method is doubtless preferable. 
Careful stoking of the fires must now be the order of the day, for it is no 
exaggeration to say that success for the next four or five months rests chiefly 
upon this one thing: The fire should now scarcely ever be quite 
extinquished, but that is no reason why the pipes should be hot when 
lukewarmness would suffice. Remember that the hot pipes rob the 
atmosphere of its life-giving and growing qualities, therefore, while always 
having enough to maintain the desired temperature, carefully guard against 
excess, 
Select a fine, bright morning for a general watering of the plants, and 
make the best use of the same by giving some to all those that can take it 
with safety. But when the sky is overcast, and the weather cold, let the 
watering at the roots be of an exceptional nature. When watering resting 
plants during winter it is not good practice to thoroughly soak the compost 
by immersion, because it remains wet too long. It is better to water 
with the water-can, as enough soaks in for the plants’ requirements. 
