June, 1917,] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 133 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR JUNE. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
Hessle, E. Yorks. 
HE climatic conditions have taken a most welcome turn since my last 
notes were written, and the warmer weather has been responsible for 
the rapid strides the plants have made during the past month. Growth is 
active in every department, and flowers will soon be abundant. A collection 
of Orchids is always interesting, but especially so at this season when so 
many are in bloom. By these the grower sees the result of his labours» 
and he anticipates the result of his work by the strength of the new growths 
that other plants are pushing at this season. There is no more interesting 
occupation than Orchid-growing, in spite of numerous disadvantages, for it 
provides one continual change, which makes many other occupations 
appear quite monotonous. 
The general conditions of the different houses as regards temperatures, 
watering, ventilation, and atmospheric moisture should be conducive to 
growth, therefore liberal conditions should prevail in every department. 
The general conditions laid down last month are suitable for the present 
one, with the single exception that, should hot weather prevail, even more 
humidity may be maintained. No plants can make satisfactory growth at 
this season in a dry parched atmosphere. Again, moisture must be used in 
conjunction with heat, as a cold, saturated atmosphere, even at this season, 
may do much harm. In the cultivation of plants there are a few essentials 
to be always kept in mind. Firstly, that they are dependant on the 
quarters we provide for them. Secondly, that they must not suffer, either 
from too much or too little water at the root, the latter especially at this 
season, and, thirdly, that a rootless plant is incapable of taking up water 
from the compost. A little careful thought and consideration is a great 
aid to successful plant cultivation. 
CATTLEYAS AND ALLIES.—These comprise so many beautiful plants,. 
and produce such a succession of flowers at this season that they are 
indispensable, and from their diverse characters it is quite obvious that the 
necessary treatment will vary somewhat as regards when repotting should 
be done. It is perfectly safe to undertake this operation at any season of the 
year, with the exception of the dull dark days of winter. But whenever it is 
done, the compost must be kept comparatively dry until the new roots have 
taken hold of it freely. It is absolutely necessary that this detail should be 
carefully observed. Plants of C. Warscewiczii (gigas) that are now making 
strong growths, and showing flower sheaths, should have abundance of 
heat and light, and be supplied with water whenever they become dry. 
This plant, owing to its short season of growth, should receive generous 
