Marcu, 1917.] . THE ORCHID REVIEW. 6% 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
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CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. y 
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INCE my last we have passed esioh a period of severe weather, and 
the extra amount of artificial heat needed to maintain the tempera- 
tures is not always to the welfare of the plants. The increased dryness of the 
atmosphere caused by the extra firing in some cases leads to an outbreak of 
thrip and other pests. During such times the cultivator must use every 
means at his command to keep the atmosphere of the different houses in a 
genial and healthy condition. 
With the present month we may look for more genial conditions, and, 
as the different plants start on their season’s growth, care must be taken 
that they receive no check. The temperatures may now range a few 
degrees higher, both night and day, in each department, than those given 
in the January Calendar, especially with sun heat. The atmospheric 
conditions should always follow the temperatures, the more heat, the more 
moisture should be used, and the conditions prevailing at this season 
should be conducive to free and healthy growth. In regulating the 
conditions, due regard must, of course, be taken of requirements of the 
plants in each separate department. 
VENTILATION, with the increasing power of the sun’s rays, will require 
great attention in this often very wild month. Fresh air must be admitted 
on all favourable occasions in every department, as this is essential to the 
welfare of all Orchids. 
WATERING will also require considerable attention, and perhaps, at the 
present season, one requires more patience than at any other, as the plants 
have not yet began to take up water in quantity. Make sure that the 
plants actually require water before it is applied to them, and special care 
must be taken in the case of newly-potted plants. 
SHADING, if not already put into position on the houses, should have 
immediate attention, for we may soon have a period of clear sunny weather. 
After such a season as the one we have passed through, the plants will not 
be able to withstand bright sunshine until they have been inured gradually 
to it. 
PREPARING CoMposT.—Every opportunity should be taken to prepare 
composts, so that when the busy season comes the most may be made of 
the time at the grower’s disposal. It is sound business to repot any plant 
whenever the compost shows sign of decay, for it is much easier to keep a 
healthy growing plant than to nurse an unhealthy one back to good health. 
Decipvous Orcuips.—The deciduous Calanthes, Thunias, Cyrto- 
podiums, and similar plants will soon be ready for repotting, having started 
