THE ORCHID REVIEW. 77 



Geranium no longer frightens one. Let them, therefore, in England and 

 elsewhere, try the new method of culture in leaf-mould ; experienced culti- 

 vators will understand why I say that it will only be service to those who 

 do not know how to cultivate Orchids. 



If a Commission were sent to Belgium to study the new system, I would 

 strongly invite them to visit also our Moortebeek establishment, and to make 

 a comparison. 



L. Linden. 



[The above is a translation of a letter sent to us by M. L. Linden, and 

 we take the opportunity of saying that we invite others to send us their 

 experience on this important question. — Ed.] 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 



By John Mackay, The Gardens, Highbury, Birmingham. 

 The temperatures in the various departments may now, with advantage, 

 be slightly increased. The following will be a useful guide :— 



Cool House : Day, 6o° ; Night, 50 to 55°. 



Intermediate House: Day, 65 ; Night, 55 to 6o°. 



East Indian House : Day, 70 ; Night, 6o° to 65 . 



With the increase of temperature, it follows that the atmospheric 

 conditions should gradually become more favourable to new growth. The 

 amount of water afforded the plants may also be increased without fear of 

 injury, and damping down will be necessary two or more times a day, as 

 circumstances require. Avoid urging the plants into active life too soon, 

 however, by employing an undue amount of heat and moisture; rather 

 allow them to take a natural course, giving cultural assistance when 

 necessary by placing those in a forward stage of growth where the best 

 conditions may be obtained. Make use of mild weather and bright 

 days by giving more air than hitherto, using bottom ventilators only. 

 Now that the sun is giving more power, the houses may sometimes become 

 uncomfortably hot. I find it advantageous to use blinds in order to keep 

 the temperatures under, rather than ventilate too freely, especially at this 

 season, when cold winds are often prevalent. The chief evil the cultivators 

 must guard against is to avoid direct draught reaching the plants. 



East Indian House.— Many of the occupants of this house will now 

 require attention in the way of re-potting or top-dressing, as, for instance, 

 Aerides, Saccolabiums, Vandas, Angrsecums, &c. Plants of this class often 

 appear unsightly through loss of the lower foliage, so it becomes necessary 

 to remedy this by replacing them in other receptacles, which requires care 

 and judgment in so doing, or injury will result. The receptacles may take 

 the form of pots, pans, or baskets, the latter being preferable for many, 



