THE ORCHID REVIEW. [APRIL, 1918 
34 
[ CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
By J. T. BaRxer, The West Hill Gardens, 
Hessle, E. Yorks. 
HE weather during the last few weeks has been on the whole favourable — 
for plant life, with plenty of light, and fair progress has been made at } 
this early season of the year. April is often very changeable, which 4 
necessitates watchfulness and consideration in the matter of ventilation, so 
that the plants may not receive a sudden check, caused either by two much 7 | 
cold air blowing upon them, or by insufficient air, shading, or moisture — 
Shading from bright sunshine must now be generally adopted for all | 
Orchids, excepting those grown in the Mexican house, which revel in light — 
and air. It will be well to emphasise the advice concerning the benefit of | 
shading Orchids during the early spring months, when the plants ate I 
‘emerging from the dull days of winter to the bright ones of spring. The — 
beautiful sunshine we have enjoyed recently has had a most stimulating — 
effect upon all Orchids. New roots are pushing forth, together with new — 
growths, and everything is full of promise for the future. So fast will be | 
the growth at this season that it will be sharp work, with the depleted stalls i 
available, to keep abreast of the work. . 
REPOTTING.--Whatever plants are repotted, let them be done carefully - 
and well, while those which can reasonably be expected to go through the ~ 
season successfully without it, should be left undisturbed. : 
TEMPERATURES.—The different houses, with the exception of the Cool : 
house, may now be raised five degrees higher than the figures given in the : 
January number. The Cool house should be kept as near as possible at the — 
figures there given. With the increased temperatures more humidity % 
atmospheric moisture must be maintained, to provide growing conditions — 
for the plants, and to prevent attacks of insect pests. The conditions of 
growth provided for the plants at this season of the year cannot have 1° 2 
much consideration or attention. 
WaTERING.—With the brighter days and the increased ventilation, the 
plants will take up more water; but it must be applied with discretion, and ; 
if sufficient moisture is maintained in the atmosphere no harm will accrue ; 
from a plant occasionally becoming dry. 2 
CALANTHES.—Among the numerous plants that are now commencing 0 — 
grow, and need attention before the new roots attain any length, are the 
deciduous Calanthes of the vestita and Veitchii section, which hold 4 
prominent position as winter decorative subjects. Previous to repotting: 
the plants should be thoroughly overhauled and closely examined for scale 
insects and other pests which may infest them. Care must be taken while 
cleansing the pseudobulbs not to injure the eyes or young growths at thé 
