NOVEMBER, 1916.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 267 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER. 
By J.. T.. BARKER, The West Hill. Gardens, 
Hessle, E. Yorks. 
jase is probably the most trying month in the whole year for 
those who have the care of Orchids, and it is often difficult to main- 
tain the conditions necessary to success, ‘particularly with regard to light, 
which, in some districts, is at a premium during foggy weather. Light is 
one of the most essential factors in plant culture, and when the days are 
short, every means should be taken to keep the glass clean, and thus admit 
as much as possible of this all-important element. This is particularly 
applicable to those who are situated near large towns, where fogs and bad 
light often preponderate during this month, and who are severely 
handicapped as compared with those who live in districts with a clear and 
healthy outside atmosphere. Heat, air, and moisture are more under our 
own control, and we can use them in proportion to the amount of light 
obtainable, and in accordance with the requirements of the different 
departments. 
TEMPERATURES.—As regards temperatures, the figures given last month 
will be applicable until the end of the year. If any change is made, 
it should be to slightly reduce the temperatures, as Orchids that are at rest 
must not be induced to start prematurely, whilst those that are growing 
must be encouraged to mature sound healthy growth. During spells of 
bright weather, however, the temperature may be allowed to run up 
slightly while the sun is upon the houses, and at the same time air should 
be carefully admitted, as fresh air is essential to plant life. Plants cannot 
exist on foul air any more than the cultivator, a matter that is sometimes 
overlooked by growers, and there are many enthusiastic amateurs who lose 
sight of these small details. There is one matter on which I think most 
Orchid growers can be congratulated at the present day, namely, on the 
number of plants cultivated. 
DaMPING DowN.—Very little damping down is now required, water 
“being only used in sufficient quantity to maintain a humid atmosphere in 
those houses where plants are growing, and to counteract the dryness of 
the fire heat where it is necessary to maintain a warm temperature. 
WATERING.—Too much stress cannot be placed upon care in the 
application of water to the plants during the winter months, as injury may 
arise from giving either too little or too much water. I am fully aware of 
the difficulty in maintaining uniform conditions in a large collection, but 
that is the ideal to be aimed at. 
DENDRoBIUMs of the evergreen section—which comprises such species 
as D. thyrsiflorum, densiflorum, Farmeri, and others—upon completing 
