May, 1913.) THE ORCHID REVIEW. 145 
THE AMATEUR’S COLLECTION. 
By C. ALwyn Harrison, F.R.H.S. 
‘WirTH the advent of May the weather begins to get warmer, and as the sun 
gains in power somewhat different cultural requirements are needed. Fire 
heat is usually not necessary, yet should exceptionally cold and damp weather 
prevail, it would be of advantage to have a little warmth in the pipes, 
otherwise it might be impossible to give any ventilation. One should 
endeavour to maintain the following average temperatures :— 
Day, 58° to 65° Fahr. 
Night, 55° to 60° Fahr. 
Watering should be done with care, every plant being examined with a 
view to ascertaining whether it is in need of water. A great point to be 
remembered in regard to successful Orchid culture is to try and keep the 
plants always in an even state of moisture, not too damp nor too dry, but, 
as I remarked last month, the grower can alone determine how often this is 
necessary. 
Damping down should be done liberally, a moisture-laden atmosphere 
being of absolute necessity. I find that on bright days it is usually needed 
at 9.30, midday, and about three p.m., but when the weather is dull and 
cloudy once at Ir a.m. is often sufficient. 
Shading will now be needed as soon as the sun begins to shine directly 
upon the roof glass. Towards the middle of this month the roof glass 
should be painted with a weak solution of flour, lime, and water. Only 
apply a thin coating, and this will be found to break the force of the sun’s 
Tays without excluding at the same time any necessary light. Where, 
moreover, this shading is employed, the blind can be lowered later and 
raised earlier than would otherwise be the case. 
Any imported Orchids which were purchased last month will now 
probably be emitting some roots, and, if this is the case, they may be 
potted up, as advised in my last month’s article. For the first week after 
potting give only enough water to prevent shrivelling, but keep the 
Surroundings very moist. 
Lycaste Skinneri will now probably be over, and should repotting become 
a matter of necessity it should be done at the present time. Leave only 
' three back bulbs to support the new lead and cut off all dead roots. Place 
to one side of the new pot so as to allow for future growth. For compost, 
use a mixture of loam, osmunda fibre, and moss. Be very careful not to 
have the base of the bulbs below the rim of the pot, otherwise decay will 
probably set in. 
Cymbidiums, if requiring attention, should be taken in hand this month 
and treat as advised for Lycaste. Iam strongly in favour of the under- 
