108 THE ORCHID REVIEW. |May, 1917. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 
Hessle, E. Yorks 
PRIL, from a cultivator’s standpoint, has this year been a most anxious 
and trying month. The extreme cold has necessitated the use of 
much fire heat to maintain the temperatures of the different houses, at the 
same time preventing that free admission of air that is possible when milder 
and more genial conditions prevail. Whatever growth is made under these 
ircumstances is weak, and less able to withstand the sun than when the 
weather is more genial, besides being more subject to insect attacks. The 
summer temperatures should not be allowed to make up for the lateness of 
the season, as any attempt to force the plants may easily end in disaster, 
especially to things just coming into bloom. 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE may now be used most liberally whenever the 
outside conditions are at all spring-like, and, with the warmer weather and 
the increased ventilation, little harm is likely to accrue, provided the 
temperatures are maintained. The extremes of a wet and cold atmosphere 
and a hot and dry one are to be avoided at all times. 
VENTILATION.—The ventilation of the different houses must have the 
greatest attention, so as to provide a genial growing atmosphere. Every- 
thing depends upon the internal conditions, and these are secured by a 
proper balance between the elements of heat, light, air, and moisture 
present, so that too much attention and forethought cannot be bestowed 
upon it. No plant will thrive in unsuitable quarters, and most cases of 
failure are attributable to unsuitable conditions being maintained. 
SHADING also must have close attention, as the blinds should not be 
kept down when not required. On the other hand, the sun must not be 
allowed to shine on the plants when there is danger of the foliage suffering, 
and this may easily occur after a sunless period like that we have recently 
passed through. The maximum amount of light should always be admitted, 
without direct sunshine. 
CyPRIPEDIUMS that have passed out of bloom should be repotted at 
once, should they require it. Owing to the lateness of the season many of 
this popular genus have carried their flowers over a longer period than 
usual, therefore they should be potted immediately their flowers fade. 
CATTLEYAS AND ALLIED GENERA.—The spring-flowering section of these 
beautiful plants will now be pushing up their flowers within the sheaths, 
and it is advisable to place the plants where they may receive abundance of 
light and air on all favourable occasions. 
plants thoroughly before the flower buds 
broken afterwards. 
It is also advisable to clean the 
push through, as they are easily 
When in bloom the conditions of the house may be 
ce 
FP ee 
