APRIL, 1916.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. IOP 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
H Yorks. 
i CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
be, 7E-. 
HE climatic conditions with us, since my last, have been of the worst 
possible nature; one continued spell of dull, wet weather, with a cold 
north-east wind which has been felt by the inmates of our houses, and the 
want of light and sunshine has retarded growth. By the time this appears. 
in print I hope we may have a change to more spring-like conditions. 
TEMPERATURES.— Where the temperatures were raised, as advised last 
month, they may continue for the present, with a slight increase by sun 
heat, except in the Cool house, which, during hot weather, should be kept 
as cool as possible. Artificial heat in this department should be dispensed 
with whenever practicable. 
WATERING.—The plants will now take up more water at the roots, but 
excess must be guarded against. The increase of solar heat and the more 
humid conditions will be conducive to healthy growth. 
VENTILATION, during this fickle month, must have the greatest attention, 
and this, combined with shading, will be the means of keeping the different 
houses in that sweet and healthy condition which the plants revel in. The 
whole secret of successful plant culture under glass depends upon the 
conditions provided, and these are largely under the control of the grower. 
DENDROBIUMS.—Although not so popular as they were a few years ago, 
these plants are still delightful subjects. Taking the genus as a whole, 
there is probably no other with such diversity, as regards size, form, and 
colour of flower, and habit of growth, and almost the whole year round 
some member of the genus will be in bloom. My remarks, however, refer 
to the spring-flowering species and hybrids, which are the flowers of the 
month, and fill up the gap which comes between the Cypripediums and the 
earliest of the Cattleya family. D. nobile and its many hybrids are 
extremely useful. As the different plants pass out of flower, and commence 
to push forth growths and roots from the base of their pseudobulbs, any 
necessary repotting should be attended to. The disturbance of plants that 
are well established in good material should be avoided, but those in which 
the compost is in a loose and sour condition must have attention. Well- 
drained pots, pans or baskets are suitable receptacles for these plants, and 
the potting may consist of any good clean fibre, either At or osmunda, and 
sphagnum moss, in equal proportions. Pot the plants moderately firmly, 
keeping the base of each slightly below the rim of the receptacles. 
During the early stages of growth water must be applied with great 
discretion, but when the roots become active, and have entered freely into 
