Marcu, 1916.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 67 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR’ MARCH. 
Ry J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
Hessle, E. Yorks. 
ITH the lengthening days, and the increased amount of light and sun 
heat, our plants will resume their activity, and growth will become 
general. The mild weather experienced during the winter has been to the 
liking of the plants in all departments, and only rarely are they seen 
in such condition at this particular season as during the present year. 
This may be partly accounted for by the favourable summer of last year, 
together with an exceptional winter, although probably additional light 
would have been still more beneficial: It is a consolation to have some 
- aids to cultivation to record during these strenuous times, for undoubtedly 
many of us will feel the inconvenience of the shortage of labour, and 
material, and other things owing to the war. 
TEMPERATURES.—These might be slightly raised all round, and with 
the increased heat additional atmospheric moisture must be given. The 
proper regulation of the great factors of heat and moisture in the different 
houses are of the greatest importance, as no plant can thrive under 
improper atmospheric conditions. A humid atmosphere may now be 
maintained in all the houses, but it is obvious that less moisture is required 
on a dull wet day than on a bright one. A fair amount of artificial heat will 
still be required during the night, but in the day time only sufficient is 
necessary to maintain the temperatures. 
Waterinc.—Although growth with most plants will have commenced, 
the application -of:water to the roots will still require some consideration, 
as much damage may be done either by overwatering or by keeping the 
compost too dry. 
VENTILATION during the present month, owing to the changeable nature 
of our climate, is often a difficult problem, especially in those districts 
where cold east winds are prevalent. The plants must, nevertheless, 
receive fresh air on all favourable occasions, and the cultivator must use 
some ingenuity in supplying it. Although fresh air is life to plants, if 
injudiciously used it may also become a source of danger. Draughts must 
be most carefully avoided. 
SHADING will now become general, and after the dull wet weather of the 
past winter it will be wise to inure the plants gradually to the sun. This, 
like everything else appertaining to plant culture, can easily be overdone. 
Puativs, Calanthes, and Peristeria elata will, as they commence to grow, 
require attention as regards new rooting material. These, owing to the 
nature of the compost, are best repotted annually. A suitable compost is 
made up of one half peat or osmunda fibre, the other half good fibrous 
