366 THE ORCHID REVIEW. 
that it will probably improve considerably on attaining its full development. 
C. Bowringiana, from its free habit and numerous flowers, is a very 
promising parent, and it is not improbable that we may soon hear of several 
other crosses from it. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
By H. A. BuRBERRY, Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham. 
TEMPERATURES for this month should range as follows, always allowing a 
rise with sun heat. 
Coot House.—Day 55°, night 50°, morning 45°. 
INTERMEDIATE HousEe.—Day 60° to 65°, night 55° to 60°, morning 53° 
to 55°. 
East InpDIAN HousE.—Day 65° to 70°, night 60° to 65°, morning 58° 
to 60°. 
We are now in the depth of winter, and many Orchids are resting, while 
the growth of others seems almost at a standstill. Under these circum- 
stances all good cultivators will be contented, their sole aim this month being 
to keep what growths the plants have already made in a sound and healthy 
condition, rather than to increase the size of the plant. Keep the tempera- 
tures steady; do not try to force matters by giving too much heat and 
moisture, but, on the other hand, avoid any excess of aridity, for such I 
believe is unnatural in their native habitats, and I know is harmful under 
cultivation. We must not forget that although it may not rain for many 
months during their dry season, the heavy dews at night serve to water and 
refresh vegetation, the air never becoming parched. It will therefore be 
necessary to damp down once or twice a day as may seem necessary, and 
this will cause the hygrometer to register about three degrees below the 
temperature. 
Do not hurry the winter and early spring flowering Dendrobiums. It is 
quite possible to have some of them in flower by the end of this month, but 
it is much too early, February or the beginning of March being a much 
better time, if the health of the plants be considered. I refer to such species 
as D. Wardianum, D. nobile and others, the flowers of which, when forced 
too much, are fewer in number and inferior in quality to those opening at a 
later date. As a useful and accommodating species there is no doubt that 
Dendrobium nobile takes the premier place; for it is more amenable than any 
other in the matter of being brought into bloom at a given date, either 
early or late. If many plants are grown, those which have completed their 
pseudobulbs first, and of which the flower buds are consequently most 
advanced, should be selected and placed in the intermediate house, and 
