3i4 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 



By John Mackay, The Gardens, Highbury, Birmingham. 

 We have approached the time of year when the Orchidist can look forward 

 to seeing the results of his labours during the past months. His plants 

 should by this time have completely recovered from the effects of repotting, 

 &c, and be well provided with healthy vigorous roots. In this case the 

 pseudobulbs now forming, as well as those that have done so, will 

 begin to fill up rapidly, and will be able to go through the long dreary 

 winter months with better results. 



The following table of temperatures may be useful during the next few 

 weeks, but should not be too strictly adhered to, as one must be guided by 

 the prevailing conditions of the weather, and allow a rise or fall of 5 to io° 

 accordingly. 



Cool House :— Day 6o°, night 55 , morning 50 . 



Intermediate, Mexican, or Cattleya Houses :— Day 65 to 70 , 

 night 65 , morning 6o°- 



East Indian House :— Day 75 , night 70 , morning 65 . 

 Probably there is no other month throughout the year, when less water 

 is required for damping-down purposes, as the great majority of plants in 

 the various departments have now completed growth ; others are approaching 

 that stage, so that they not only require less water direct, but a much less 

 humid atmosphere ; whilst those having no apparent season of rest require 

 also less moisture, so that new growth may become somewhat hardened, 

 ere the rigours of winter set in. The desirable conditions of hardening 

 are only secured by admitting a good deal of fresh air, which is at 

 this season heavily charged with moisture, and therefore cannot absorb the 

 same so quickly from the interior of the house, as is the case during the 

 summer months. It will therefore be seen that not nearly so much damping 

 is necessary, and in no case should this be proceeded with until the normal 

 degree of warmth in a house is reached. 



Cool HousE.-Fire heat will now be required during the night, and 

 also during the day should the weather be cold and dull. It is best to have 

 a gentle warmth in the pipes, to allow a sufficient amount of ventilation, 

 and to maintain a steady and regular temperature of from 50° to 6o° ; 

 which will be found a suitable one throughout the winter months. The 

 tender subjects which were placed in this house for the summer months, 

 may now be removed to warmer quarters. 



Cattleya HousE.-The species in this house, such as Cattleya 

 Schroedera, C. Mendelii, C. Trian^e, and La^lia purpurata, which are about 

 to finish up growth, as well as the various hybrids, need careful attention at 

 this season ; sometimes moisture will collect about the base of the new 



