SS ee ee et es ene 
DECEMBER, 191 3-] ZTHE ORCHID REVIEW. 365 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
By J. T. Barker, The West Hill Gardens, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
THE climatic conditions experienced during the past month have been 
abnormal, and the amount of light has been most beneficial to all Orchids. 
Owing to the very favourable season plants have made satisfactory growth, 
and with the delightful autumn sunshine this growth is well-ripened, and 
undoubtedly will produce flowers abundantly when the flowering season 
comes round. We have again reached the period when we can sum up the 
results of our practice, either successfully or otherwise. During the short, 
dull days of December it is a very easy matter for plants to go wrong, in 
spite of all the cultivator can do for them, especially where the houses are 
crowded, or convenience is limited. 
TEMPERATURES.—The temperatures of all the divisions will reach their 
lowest point during the present month, and should, with slight variation, 
be kept at the figures given in the January number. One or two errors are 
often made as regards the winter temperatures of Orchid houses. An 
excessive amount of fire heat is most detrimental to the plants, as it not 
only undermines their constitution but also dries up the compost, which 
entails unnecessary labour in watering to keep the plants from shrivelling, 
and also causes the compost to become sour and decomposed. A low, 
damp atmosphere must be strictly guarded against during the winter 
months, as these conditions bring nothing but trouble, and should the 
temperatures fall below the requisite degree in any of the divisions, no 
harm will accrue provided a dry atmosphere is maintained. Most of the 
evils with which we as Orchid growers are troubled are attributable to a 
faulty atmosphere in the houses and careless watering. Thrip and other 
insect pests are also encouraged, likewise the much-dreaded spot disease, 
which is generally brought about by one excess or the other. 
WATERING AND VENTILATION.—These two important matters will need 
great attention, especially during wet, cold weather. As regards the 
application of water to the compost I must again urge the necessity of 
moderation, always being sure water is required before applying it. In the 
matter of ventilation it should be always a rule to have a little air on some- 
where, in all the divisions, as it does away with those ‘‘ stuffy ’’ conditions 
which are prevalent in many houses. Some growers are apt to ridicule 
the more modern treatment of fresh air to our houses, but I am firmly 
convinced that this is a point where many go wrong, and that the great 
improvement made in Orchid culture is due to the more rational methods 
adopted at the present day. It is not so much on general principles where 
the great mistakes are made but in the smaller details of our practice. 
MILTONIA VEXILLARIA AND ITS HYBRIDS.—The summer-flowering 
