36 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [Fesrvary, 1918. 
| CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
SS " 
Hessle, E. Yorks 
HE treatment given last month relating to temperatures, watering, ] 
atmospheric moisture, ventilation, and the general management of ‘ 
the plants for this month will differ but little from that advised previously. ’ 
The lengthening days, with the increasing amount of light and sunshine, q 
and the consequent increase of temperature in the houses during the middle 
hours of the day, will be of great benefit to the plants. With the increased — 
heat slightly more moisture in the atmosphere may be used, but as we are 
not through the winter months, it is advisable to keep everything as fat om 
possible in a resting condition. At all seasons, and under all conditions, — 
the balance of heat, light, and moisture must be maintained, if the plants 
are to be kept in a robust and healthy state. j 
PoTtinc.—With the present month the year’s work in this respect a 
practically begins, and if this is neglected trouble is sure to accrue. It 18 
much the best practice to repot any plant before the compost become sO” 
and decomposed, as it is much easier to keep a robust plant growing | 
vigorously than to nurse a rootless plant into a healthy condition. In any 
collection there is always some plants that require special attention, and 
these are best placed by themselves, and elevated well up to the light, — 
where they may receive close attention. There is at the present time some 
difficulty in obtaining suitable fibres to make up our composts, so that — 
those plants that are in good material may be safely left over to a future j 
time, when we hope labour and material will be more abundant. Az and — 
peat fibre are the only materials available, and if properly cleaned and made : 
porous will grow Orchids satisfactorily. 
DENDRoBIUMS of the deciduous section are now coming on quickly, and 
these will make a great display for some time to come. Where good” 
growth was obtained last year, and afterwards properly ripened, the flower 
buds will push readily. On no account force them forward too quickly, if q 
fine flowers are required, as the majority of late winter and spring flowering — 
varieties develop much better and finer if brought along slowly in 4 — 
temperature of about 60°, giving sufficient water at the roots and in the | 
atmosphere to keep the stems plump. The additional light and sun heat '5 : 
a great aid in the development of the flowers of this large genus. It is as 4 
yet early to attempt much repotting, but any seedlings or other plants : 
which have started into growth may be done, and under existing conditions a 
I recommend a compost of equal portions of Ar fibre and sphagnum moss, — 
thoroughly cleaned. | 
CYPRIPEDIUMS of the insigne section, also the many hybrids which 
