OctTosErR, 1916.) THE ORCHID REVIEW. 245 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, 
Hessle, E. Yorks. 
f~¥ HE month of October varies much as regards the climatic conditions ; 
sometimes fine, bright weather prevails, at others it is wet and sun- 
less, sometimes with fog or frost and cold winds. Whatever the outside 
conditions are the Orchid grower must be prepared to deal with them, so 
that all evil effects to the plants may be avoided. After a season like th 
present, it is advisable in every department to maintain the temperatures a 
trifle on the warm side, as many plants are late in completing their growths. 
The temperatures should be reduced gradually, not brought down at once 
to the winter figures, and in every case-a wet, heavily-saturated-atmosphere 
must be avoided, though the other extreme must also be guarded against. 
TEMPERATURES.—During this and next month the night temperatures 
should be kept as nearly as possible at the following figures :-— 
East Indian or Warm house: 65° to 70°. 
Cattleya and Mexican house: 60° to 65°. 
Intermediate house: 58° to 62°. 
Odontoglossum or Cool house: 55° to 60°. 
During spells of cold weather a slight fall in temperature, if not allowed 
to remain too long a time, will do no harm, provided the atmosphere is in 
a dry condition. Excessive fire heat is detrimental to the plants, as it not 
only pushes them into premature growth, but also dries the compost 
unduly, thus necessitating frequent watering, which decays both the 
compost and the roots, and is a frequent cause of plants declining in vigour. 
SHADING may now be dispensed with unless the sun is very powerful, 
when it may be used over the newly-potted Cool house Orchids during the 
brightest and hottest part of the day. 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE must now be used with discretion, and much 
will depend upon the weather. In some low-lying districts little damping 
down will be required, but in exposed, dry situations more moisture in the 
houses will be needed. Care should be taken that all excessive moisture is 
evaporated before nightfall. 
VENTILATION at this season is of the greatest importance, as fresh air, 
combined with light, are the two great factors in ripening the newly-made 
growths. In the southern counties the greater amount of light enables 
growers there to ripen their plants satisfactorily, but in many northern 
districts, where light is much subdued, more care is necessary. Premature 
ripening by withholding water is not to the benefit of the plants, and should 
not be practised. During humid weather it is a wise precaution to have 
one or more of the top ventilators slightly open, which is the means of 
