May, 1916.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 123 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 
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LTHOUGH plants in general are not so far advanced in growth as 
- usual at this season, owing to the dull cold weather recently 
experienced, it will be found that they are active as regards making roots 
and growth. The conditions now must be generous and conducive to the 
production of strong and healthy growths, whilst air should be admitted 
on all favourable occasions to consolidate the same as it is made. 
TEMPERATURES.—The summer temperatures may now be maintained in 
all departments. When the outside conditions are mild and genial, efforts 
should be made to husband the heat and light of the sun in every way; yet 
care must be taken that plants do not suffer from scorching. Plants 
inured to the maximum amount of light, consistent with reason, will 
always produce better and more flowers than those grown under more 
shady conditions, because they are better matured. The following figures 
are safe and reliable for the temperatures of the different departments 
during the growing season :— 
East Indian house: 65° to 70°. 
Cattleya house: 60° to 65°. 
Mexican and Cool Intermediate house, about 60°. 
Cool house: 50° to 55°, or as cool as possible. 
These figures are only given asa guide, for I am well aware that it is 
impossible to maintain a house at any particular degree under all 
conditions; -yet care should be taken to avoid all undue fluctuations. 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE may now be used more liberally, and with the 
increased amount of ventilation no harm is likely to accrue, provided the 
temperatures are maintained. A hot, dry atmosphere, as well as a wet, 
cold one are extremes to be avoided, and both are dangerous. 
VENTILATION.—The ventilation of the houses will require much atten- 
tion during hot and dry weather, and especially in those districts where 
changes are rapid. If used in excess, the humidity of the atmosphere is 
lost, and draughts, if admitted, may do irreparable harm. 
WaATERING.—Last month’s advice may be followed right through the 
growing season, but as this is the chief item in successful cultivation, care 
must be taken that no plant is kept in a saturated condition. The compost 
should be allowed to become elneaeed dry between each application of 
water to the roots. 
SHADING also must have attention, and the blinds should only be ‘ase 
when necessary, for plants grown in dense shade make soft and immature 
growth. On the other hand, the sun must not be allowed to shine on the 
