34 THE ORCHID REVIEW. | FBERUARY, 1917- 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. i 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
Hessle,- E.-Yorks. 
HE general treatment given last month relating to temperatures, 
watering, atmospheric conditions, and cultural hints generally, 
are applicable for the present month, which is usually of a wintry nature. 
The daily amount of sunshine will be appreciably increased, and the 
consequent increase of temperature in the houses during the middle hours — 
of the day will be greatly to the benefit of the plants. 
During spells of clear bright weather, and especially frosty weather, it is 
advisable to distribute a more liberal supply of water on the stages, floors, 
and paths, to counteract the dryness caused by the hot water pipes in 
maintaining the temperatures. In bright sunny weather a slightly humid 
atmosphere may be maintained, and the houses must be ventilated with 
care. It is still advisable to keep everything at rest as far as possible, as 
plants that are unduly pushed into growth may suffer a severe check when 
more genial weather comes. A thing that the grower has to contend with 
is the different requirements of the plants that have to be grown together, 
and average treatment cannot always be correct, but if the temperatures 
and atmospheric conditions generally are kept as advised the majority will 
thrive, and exceptional cases can be met by moving the plants. Watch- 
fulness is an essential condition, for there is no royal road to success. 
WATERING.—The application of water to the compost is of the greatest 
importance, and somewhat difficult for a new beginner, as some plants take 
up much more water than others, and the material in which the plant is 
growing must be taken into consideration. With the lengthening days the 
plants will take up more water at the roots; but it must be applied with 
care, as we may still have periods of cold, wet, and«sunless weather. It is 
much easier to make a compost wet at this season than to get it dry again, 
a point which is somewhat overlooked by the uninitiated. 
PoTTING.—With the present month ‘the year’s work, as_ regards 
repotting, practically begins, and, under the existing conditions, it will 
be advisable to start as early as possible, and as the different plants arrive 
at the desired state they should receive attention. Potting, to be effectual, 
must be well done, otherwise it is best left alone. 
Composts.—As there may be some difficulty in obtaining potting 
materials during the coming season, many plants may have to stand over 
until next year. A continual change of the rooting material is a source of 
trouble and anxiety, and not to the plants’ benefit. We are not likely, 
however, to have much choice, and so must make the best of the material 
at hand. But as long as the fibres used are made clean and porous, 
