SEPTEMBER, 1916.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 219 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER. ll 
BY oso "Es ee ee The West Hill Gardens, 
He ssle, E. Yorks 
INCE writing my last notes the outside conditions have been ideal for 
Orchid culture, a clear atmosphere with bright sunshine prevailing, 
and this has enabled the plants to make rapid growth, and, to a certain 
extent, to consolidate it as made. With a continuance of such weather the 
general conditions advised in previous Calendars may be observed, but. 
should cold, damp weather intervene a drier atmosphere, with a slight 
reduction in temperature in all departments, will be advisable. September 
may be a month of sunshine or of wet, sunless weather, and the manage- 
ment of Orchids should be modified accordingly. In some cases it may be 
necessary to maintain the temperatures by fire heat, especially towards the 
end of the month. 
At this season it will be necessary to gradually inure the plants, as a 
whole, to more sunlight, and to reduce the amount of shading in order to 
ripen-and consolidate their growths. . This, of course refers especially to: 
those plants which have hard pseudobulbs, as Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, &c., 
whilst such plants as Phalenopsis, Cypripediums, Odontoglossums, and 
others, which are liable to injury if exposed to strong sunlight, must be 
shaded whilst the sun has strong power. It is a difficult problem to give 
precise directions as to what the grower should do under every condition, 
and the treatment may have to be modified to suit local circumstances. 
SHADING.—The blinds should only be used when the sun is powerful, 
and there is danger of the plants scorching, as this may mean the loss of a 
valuable plant. 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE must be gradually reduced as the days shorten, 
and the sun loses power, but for those plants which are in full growth genial 
and humid conditions must still be maintained. . 
VENTILATION at this season is one of much importance, as fresh air, 
combined with light, are the elements necessary to ripen the newly-made 
growths. Special care is necessary in some of the more northern districts, 
but in the south the greater amount of light experienced enables the plants. 
to ripen their growths satisfactorily. 
WATERING.—The application of water to the roots will now require: 
much consideration, as those plants which have completed their growths. 
will only require sufficient to keep them from shrivelling, whilst those in. 
full growth must have it applied whenever they become dry. The water 
supply should be gradually reduced as the plants mature their growth, and 
the careful observer will easily see when the plants take up less moisture 
from the compost. Plants in dry positions should be watched, as. the 
