﻿THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 



By John MACKAY, The Gardens, Highbury, I r gha 



given last month in 



hand, by insufficient air, shading or moisture. Shading from bright 

 sunshine must now be generally adopted for all Orchids, except those in 

 the Mexican house. Damping down should be done twice or more daily, 

 in all departments. It will be well here to repeat the advice concerning 

 the great benefit of shading Orchids during early spring. It is well to 

 remember that the plants, when emerging from the dull weather of winter, 

 are rendered somewhat soft or sappy, and unable, therefore, to withstand 

 sudden or long spells of hot, bright sunshine direct upon them. Manx- 

 Orchids are thus damaged, and the greater part of the beautiful growing 

 weather of the summer is taken up in restoring to them that which they 

 lost in the course of a few hours neglect by omitting to shade. Therefore, 



inure your plants to the bright weather. 



The beautiful sunshine we have had lately has had a most stimulating 

 effect upon all Orchids. The foliage, which had become perhaps limp and 

 flaccid, is fast regaining its stiffness. New roots are pushing forth together 

 with new growths, and this is a most welcome sign. So fast will be the 

 growth at this season, that it will be sharp work where large quantities of 

 Orchids are grown to keep pace with the times, so far as repotting is 

 concerned. Nearly everything will seem to claim attention at once, 

 making the present a very busy and anxious time, as Orchids cannot be 

 repotted and cleaned so quickly as most other plants. The work, howewr 

 must be done properly. Whatever plants are repotted, let them be done 

 carefully and well, while those which can reasonably be expected to go 

 through the season successfully without it should be left undisturbed, 

 receiving only a little new material placed lightly on the surface: 



The inmates of the East Indian house are now among those requiring 

 attention in the way of top-dressing or repotting. Owing to the increased 

 warmth from the sun and moisture in the atmosphere they are starting to 

 make new roots in profusion. We will commence first with the Aerides. 

 Most of the species are already showing signs of renewed activity, by 

 producing new leaves and fresh roots; which reminds us that potting must 



under favourable conditions, the 



