NOVEMBER, 1912.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 325 
lead, but I think it is better still to have thin blinds, for one is able to give 
the plants more light. I have also damped down with manure-water two 
or three times a week, when closing the house in the afternoon, at the time 
when the plants are making new roots, and then discontinuing it for a few 
weeks. This Vanda, like many other Orchids, flowers very freely in 
California, on account of the bright weather throughout the year. 
San Mateo, W. E. EGLINGTON. 
California, U.S.A. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
FROM now onwards until the end of the year the figures given last month 
as regards the temperatures for the different departments will be applicable. 
Should cold or severe weather prevail a slight decrease will do no harm, 
provided there is no excess of atmospheric moisture. Owing to the 
delightful change in the weather of the last few weeks, and the increase in 
the amount of light the plants have received, they are ripening their 
growths and finishing much better than at one time seemed probable. 
The importance of light, especially at this season ofthe year, is not 
realised to the extent it ought to be, therefore the glass of the houses 
should be kept as clean as possible. I am aware that in smoky districts 
around our large cities this is more easily said than done, but if plants are 
to be grown satisfactorily the matter must be persevered with. The old 
axiom, nothing without pains, is applicable to all thése small trifles which 
make for success. = 
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE:—The remarks made last month respecting 
this essential item in our practice still hold good, and the same applies to 
the ventilation of the houses. I am a great advocate for fresh air in the 
cultivation of Orchids, as I am firmly convinced that plants that are grown 
under these conditions are more capable of withstanding slight hardships 
than those that are coddled up without a breath of fresh air. Coddling in 
the cultivation of all plants is harmful, and Orchids are no exception. 
Undoubtedly many have been killed with kindness. 
WATERING, to my mind, is the greatest item in our practice, and as the 
days shorten must have the greatest attention. At this season of the year 
no plant should have water applied to it unless it-absolutely requires it, as 
many a plant receives its death-blow by the ‘indisermnate“use of the water 
pot at this season. Too much wet is as harmful as too little. On the 
other hand, plants that like a dry rest must not be allowed to shrivel at any 
time, as shrivelling is debilitating. One should try to strike the happy 
medium. 
DeENpRoBIUMS of the evergreen section which have completed their 
