134 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [May, 1908, 
this group are known to lose their leaves in periods of drought, and, in 
fact, to become semi-deciduous. 
(To be concluded.) 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 
By W. J. Morcan, Rann Lea Gardens, Rainhill, Lancs. 
OponToGLossuMs that have passed out of flower should be examined, and 
any that require potting or top-dressing should be attended to. When the 
growths are about half developed is the best time to pot, as then the young 
roots soon get hold of the new material, and the whole bulb will not be so 
likely to shrivel. So long as the plants are in the right condition for 
potting they can be done at any time. | Autumn is the generally recognised 
time for potting, but I find that by watching the plants, and doing those at 
once that have the growths half made, instead of leaving them all till 
autumn, that you keep the work in hand, and the plants improve with being 
caught at the right time, whereas if the early growths are left they get too 
far advanced, and when potted they do not go away so well as the younger 
growths. A mixture of peat, leaves, and moss, with plenty of crushed 
crocks, will suit them well. 
Extra shade should be given to newly potted plants, and not quite so 
much air given until they get established again. Frequent spraying over- 
head will keep the bulbs plump. 
A sharp look-out must be kept for thrip during the summer months. 
Often in the summer, when the outside conditions are dry, thrip is very 
plentiful outside, and with the extra ventilation which has to be used, they 
soon get plentiful in the Odontoglossum house if not checked. 
The houses will have to be well shaded during the next few months. 
Where lath or canvas blinds are used there will be no difficulty in keeping 
the glass cool, but where the houses run north and south a slight sprink- 
ling of flour and water will prevent scorching early in the morning, and in 
the evening after the blinds are rolled up. 
SEEDLINGS should be pricked off as soon as they are large enough to 
handle, and pushed on while the weather is warm, as then they will have 
a better chance to survive the winter. Pots should be prepared several 
days before they are required for use, and placed in the house to get 
thoroughly warmed before using them to prick off into, as a sudden 
check to small seedlings causes them to damp off. Plenty of moisture 
should be kept in the house, and the temperatures should be kept eve? 
Spray overhead in fine weather, as it saves so much watering, and gives the 
plants a chance to get hold without getting the pots sodden. Keep the 
seedlings well up to the light, and well shaded. There will be plenty of 
time to harden them in the autumn. We keep ours going all the yee 
