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108 THE ORCHID REVIEW. (Mav, 19M 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
Hessle, orks. 
] CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MAY, 
ja 
T is a great pleasure to the cultivator at the present time to notice how | 
quickly the plants have responded to the increased light and sun heat 
which they have experienced during the past few weeks. Plants in each 
division are now growing freely, and every inducement should be given 
them to build up strong healthy pseudobulbs. The temperatures for the 
next few months should be raised a few degrees in each department, and | 
during bright weather will attain the maximum for the year, which is to 
the benefit of the warmer divisions. Cool house Orchids, however, are 
soon injured by exces-ive heat, and during hot weather must be kept as 
cool as possible, by the use of a great amount of humidity in the 
atmosphere. 
ATMOSPHERIC MoisTuRE.—The advancing power of the sun and the 
general increase in temperature necessitates the use of more moisture in the — 
houses, both to keep the plants in a healthy and growing condition, and 
also as a preventative against insects. A hot dry atmosphere is a perfect 
Eldorado for the increase of these injurious pests. | Unsuitable conditions 
of atmosphere, either too wet or too dry, bring their respective troubles, 
and a proper balance between heat and moisture must be maintained to 
secure the best results. Spraying and syringing may be indulged in 
frequently on fine bright days, but only soft tepid water should be used for 
this purpose. On cold damp days it may be omitted. 
WATERING must be done at all times with care, as the state of each 
individual plant, whether growing actively or not, must be taken into 
consideration, The danger of overwatering is hardly present when the 
compost is full of roots and the plant is in active growth, but at other times 
an excess of water has the effect of killing the roots. On the other hand, 
an inadequate supply of water is a hindrance to free growth. 1 
VENTILATION.— During excessively hot weather the ventilation of the : 
Cool house will need considerable attention, as the humidity of the 
atmosphere must be maintained, so as to keep the temperature at the 
lowest point possible. The ventilation of the other houses must be a 
arranged so that the plants may receive at all times a continual supply of 
fresh air, without causing draughts, which no plant can thrive in. Th 
bottom ventilators of the houses may be left partially or wide open at night 
according to circumstances, thereby providing a sweet and healthy atmo 
phere at all times. This question of atmosphere deserves the attention ™ § 
everyone engaged in the cultivation of Orchids. In nature these plank : 
enjoy the blessings of fresh air, and in the artificial means at our. dispost! 2 
