314 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [OcroBER, 1913. 
the lip, as in the handsome variety of M. vexillaria from which the pollen 
was derived. Messrs. Charlesworth must be congratulated on having 
raised such a sterling novelty, one of the comparatively small number 
which have retained the handsome marking of the pollen parent. It may 
be added that there is a beautiful variety of M. Charlesworthii, called 
Mrs. Ralli, in the collection of Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Epsom, 
which received an Award of Merit from the R.H.S. on July 2gth last. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
THE conditions which have prevailed generally during the present season 
have been most favourable to the growth of most Orchids. The majority 
of the plants having made satisfactory growth, everything now depends on 
the way this growth is matured. When the plants are badly ripened the 
flowering period is never so satisfactory as when the opposite conditions 
prevail. Light and air are important factors in Orchid culture, and the 
amount of sun-heat this season has been above the average, and has enabled 
the grower to give abundant ventilation without letting the temperature 
fall too low in the houses. 
TEMPERATURES.—During the present month we must begin to place 
the plants in their winter quarters, and the temperatures of the different 
houses should be gradually reduced to the minimum degree. Suitable night 
temperatures for this and the following months are as follows :— 
East Indian house: 65° to 70° Fahr. 
Cattleya and Mexican houses: 60° to 65°. 
Intermediate house: 58° to 60°. 
Odontoglossum or Cool house: 55° to 60°. 
In the case of extremely cold weather a slightly lower temperature will 
do no harm, and, in the case of extremely mild weather prevailing, a 
slightly higher temperature will be beneficial. Slight variations in 
temperatures do not matter, but when the fluctuations are excessive harm 
may accrue. 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE.—With the lower temperature, the humidity of 
the atmosphere must be correspondingly reduced, but even at the present 
season a genial atmosphere must still be maintained. A parched dry 
atmosphere is as harmful as a cold damp one, and the extreme in either 
case must be avoided. 
VENTILATION.—The admission of fresh air to the houses on all favour- 
able occasions is essential to the well-being of the plants, and therefore 
should be practised whenever Opportunity occurs. Fresh air and light are 
the principal factors in ripening and consolidating the growths of the 
plants, and, as previously remarked, an ill-ripened plant cannot withstand 
