THE ORCHID REVIEW. 367 
fine fluffy fibres, or downy threads loosély woven together, completely 
choking up the middle of the pod along its whole length. After the pod 
had dried these fibres became quite glossy in appearance, and reminded one 
somewhat of cotton. 
The two remaining crosses, Lycaste Skinneri crossed with the pollen of 
Lelia anceps on 15th February, 1897, and Lycaste Skinneri crossed with 
Brassavola glauca, on 16th March, 1897, appear to be doing well, and are 
gradually increasing in size. 
I have recently set two pods on Oncidium flexuosum, crossed with the 
pollen of Odontoglossum crispum, on 11th August, 1897, which appear to 
be healthy and full of vigour. For the present I think any speculations as 
to the probable outcome of these curious crosses, however interesting to 
contemplate, would serve no useful purpose. For not only have these 
fertile seeds to pass through the uncertainties of germination before plants 
are obtained, but even then they may resolutely refuse to flower, as in the 
case of many well-known crosses between Paphiopedium and Phragmi- 
pedium, and even if this much desired consummation be reached, there is 
still the possibility that they may not flower as true hybrids. 
G., C. Hurst. 
Burbage Nurseries, Hinckley. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
DayLicut is such a scarce commodity during this month that there is little 
opportunity to do much other than the necessary watering. Fortunately, 
in one sense, there is little to do, the chief thing being to keep the 
temperatures as even as the fluctuations of the weather outside will admit, 
and renew the air as often as possible. The temperatures of all the 
divisions will reach their lowest point during this month, and should, with 
little variation, be as under :— 
Stove or East Indian house .... ... Day, 65°, Night, 60°. 
Cattleya and Mexican house ... Dee, 4 5S 
Intermediate house... a e Sey of es 
Masdevallia house a8 ee ee ar cy, 50": 
Odontoglossum house ... ee se ae aw Ss 
As before stated, these figures represent the temperatures to be secured by 
fire heat alone; arise above these through natural causes will be to the 
advantage of the plants rather than otherwise. The day temperatures 
should be maintained until the fires are done up for the night, allowing the 
mercury to recede the other five degrees during the night, and be raised 
again as soon as possible when the working hours arrive again. 
Unfortunately, for the plants and their growers, houses are often used 
