THE ORCHID REVIEW. 121 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 



By John Mackay, The Gardens, Highbury, Birmingham. 

 The temperature in all departments may be slightly increased, taking a 

 guide from the prevailing conditions outside. With the lengthening days, 

 and stronger sunlight, it will now be essential to damp down more frequently 

 in the houses, and the amount of water afforded some species may also be 

 increased without fear of injury. Shading will be necessary on all the 

 houses, with the exception of the Mexican house, admitting as much sun in 

 the early morning, and late in the afternoon, as can be done with safety, 

 taking precaution that the sun does not burn or unduly shrivel any of the 

 plants. Every attention will be necessary during the next few weeks to 

 keep the temperatures under control, by judicious ventilation, shading, and 

 a proper manipulation of fire heat. The spraying of plants overhead, where 

 necessary, should only be done on favourable occasions, the best time being 

 about midday, and it should be done lightly, so that no moisture may 

 remain in the young growths during the night. 



The re-potting of the plants generally will at present give plenty to do, 

 and whatever is necessary should be proceeded with without delay. Most 

 of the Cattleyas, Lselias, many Oncidiums, Odontoglossums, Dendrobiums, 

 •&c, are done at this season, because new roots push freely, and the plants 

 re-establish themselves, if the atmosphere be kept moist and 'genial, before 

 the weather gets very hot. 



The Mexican house will require little or no shading for some time to 

 come, because this house is generally set aside for species that delight in 

 plenty of sunlight, the exceptions being L. albida, L. autumnalis, L. Eyer- 

 maniana and L. furfuracea. These require more shade, compared with 

 L. anceps and varieties, L. majalis, and L. Gouldiana. 



Phal^nopses. — These handsome Orchids commence to make new 

 roots this month, or early in May, and will therefore soon require attention. 

 Teakwood baskets, or cylinders, undoubtedly form the best receptacles, 

 and unless these are in any way decayed, there will be no necessity to 

 disturb the roots, which will be attached to the bars. Remove as much of 

 the compost and drainage as is permissible, using a pointed stick for this 

 purpose, then thoroughly cleanse the roots and the rest of the drainage, by 

 immersing in tepid rain water, then renew the drainage, and finish off with 

 cleanly picked living sphagnum moss, making this moderately firm at 

 the base of the plants. Having finished the potting, afford the plants tepid 

 rain water copiously, and shade rather heavily plants that have been dis- 

 turbed. Avoid a stuffy atmosphere at all times, by giving the necessary 

 amount of warmth, and a genial humid air, so that growth may be free, 

 hedthy and strong. 



