Maréu, 19i2.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 8i 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 
By J. T. Barker, The West Hill, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
WirTH the lengthening days, and the increased amount of light and sun- 
shine, our plants will become active, and commence to push their growth 
rapidly. 
TEMPERATURES ‘now should range a few degrees higher all round than 
those given in the January number, and, with the increased heat, additional 
atmospheric moisture must be given. A humid atmosphere may now be 
maintained in all the houses, as everything will now be commencing to 
grow, therefore damping down twice or three times a day, according to the 
outside conditions, will not be too much. 
WATERING at this season requires a great amount of care and attention 
on the cultivator’s part, as much damage to the roots may be done by the 
compost being in an over-saturated condition for any length of time. He 
must use a certain amount of discrimination in supplying and withholding 
water, first making sure that the compost is dry enough, and then giving a 
good soaking. 
VENTILATION during this month requires more care and attention, 
perhaps, than in any other during the year. It is often very difficult to 
ventilate a house as one would like, especially with a cold north-east wind 
blowing, and the sun shining brightly at intervals. Nevertheless, air must 
be admitted on all favourable occasions from one source or the other. 
Fresh air is life to plants, but, in its admission to our houses, we must be 
careful that no draughts are caused, or much mischief will be done. 
STOKING.—Those in charge of the stoking of the fires during this month 
have also a very trying time, as the outside conditions vary often from one 
extreme to the other. A fair amount of artificial warmth will still be 
required at night, but during the day the less the better, especially should 
the sun be shining—just sufficient to maintain the temperature. In all 
cases extreme fluctuations of temperature must be avoided. 
SHADING will now come into general use, but must not be applied to 
excess, or the plants will become weak and spindly. After the wet, dull 
winter we have passed through, the leaves and bulbs of the plants are tender, 
and they must-be inured to the light and heat of the sun gradually. Sun- 
shine, in many cases, paralyses plants, especially those that delight in 
shady positions, and these should never be allowed in strong sunshine. 
Tuunias will be commencing to grow, and must be repotted before the 
new shoots commence to push forth their roots. The compost I recommend 
for them is half peat and half loam, from which all the fine particles have 
been taken, mixed with some sphagnum moss, and dried cow manure. The 
pots must be well drained, as they require an abundant supply of water 
