AUGUST, 1913.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 257 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR AUGUST. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
THe temperatures and the conditions as given in the May number may still 
be continued, and the remarks there made respecting watering, ventilation, 
and atmospheric moisture still apply. The atmospheric condition of the 
houses is one of the chief items in the cultivation of all Orchids, and this 
must be maintained in a sweet and healthy condition at all times, otherwise 
the plants cannot thrive. The recent warm, bright weather has suited the 
inmates of the warmer division, and the plants during the last few weeks 
have made rapid strides. Everything must now be done to encourage 
growing plants to develop and build themselves up as speedily as possible. 
During the present month we often have the hottest and driest weather 
of the whole year, therefore shading and watering must have the closest 
attention, for if the plants are to grow satisfactorily their needs must be 
anticipated and every requirement satisfied. It is a good practice to give 
those plants that are grown in the warmer houses rather more air at this 
season, counteracting its drying influence with rather more atmospheric 
moisture, thus enabling the plants to solidify themselves, so that they may 
be thoroughly ripened before the cold, sunless winter months are upon 
them. The weather we have had this season is in strong contrast to that 
of last year, and undoubtedly the plants will show at the next time of 
flowering a like contrast in their vigour, and the abundance and quality of 
their flowers. 
CocHLiopas and OponT1opAs.—Although the genus Cochlioda is small, 
it has, through its hybrids, exerted a great influence in our collections. 
Crossed with Odontoglossum it has brightened our Cool houses almost to 
the point of rivalling the Cattleya house for brilliancy of colour, and as 
time goes on still greater strides will be made with these favourite plants, 
which can all be grown in a Cool house, and are consequently great 
acquisitions. They succeed under the same conditions as Odontoglossums, 
and should be grown in shallow pans suspended or raised well up to the 
light the whole year round. They are little subject to insect pests ; like all 
Cool house Orchids, thrip is their arch enemy, and this must be kept at bay. 
Mild fumigations at regular intervals is the safest and best plan to adopt, 
as prevention is better than cure. The plants are rather erratic in their 
time of growing and flowering, and where many are grown there are nearly 
always examples in bloom. The majority are now making their growths 
for next year’s flowering, and when these young growths are about to push 
forth roots is the best time to give new rooting material to any that may be 
in need of it. They should be treated like Odontoglossums, and a similar 
compost will satisfy their requirements. 
