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THE ORCHID REVIEW. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER. 



By John Mackay, The Gardens, Highbury, Birmingham. 

 The mention of November is not calculated to inspire Orchid growers with 

 hilarity, especially those in the immediate vicinity of large towns, as with 

 one or two visits of fog, the result of twelvemonth's work is often ruined. 

 This is the time for foggy weather. The pure fogs of the country are in no 

 way injurious, but those in the neighbourhood of large towns are so charged 

 with smoke and various chemical fumes, which are unable to pass away, 

 that vegetation is seriously handicapped. Under these circumstances it is 

 not at all surprising that when the fog fiend swoops down upon our plants, 

 the flowers and flower-spikes are spoilt, and even the foliage of some species 

 is likewise affected ; more especially if the atmosphere of the house be very 

 much parched. I would recommend all ventilators ' 

 sufficient warmth maintained to cause a genial temperature. Time per- 

 mitting, it is a good plan to sponge the leaves of Orchids with clear soft 

 water when the fog has passed away. 



A good deal of attention should now be given to the atmosphere of the 

 various houses. By all means avoid a fiery dry air when strong heat is 

 necessary from the pipes, judiciously damping down once or twice a day as 

 may seenrnecessary. On the other hand avoid an atmosphere overladen 

 with moisture during damp mild weather, when but little fire heat is 

 needed, for at such times very little damping down should be done. Whole 

 days may probably pass by when it may be inadvisable to use a drop of 

 water for such a purpose. It is impossible to write down instructions 

 which are applicable to all cases, and the cultivator must use his discretion 

 to some extent, as to when the damping down is necessary. Excessive drought 

 causes the plants to lose vitality, whilst excessive moisture is a prolific 

 source of spot and other diseases. The coolest houses, where less artificial 

 warmth is necessary, are those demanding the least amount of moisture 

 during the winter. 



Watering is another matter which should be done carefully at this 

 season. Even those plants which are in growth during winter, such as 

 Odontoglossum crispum, will require comparatively little, while all those 

 species having a decided season of rest will require much less. Enough, 

 however, must be supplied to keep the pseudo-bulbs quite plump. Once a 

 week, or more, may suffice, according to the weather and strength of the 

 plants. I recommend generally, when giving a plant water, to do it 

 thoroughly, but there are exceptions to this rule also. For instance, when 

 a plant is in a large receptacle, which necessitates a large mass of compost, 

 it often becomes advisable, especially at this dull time of the year, to 

 moisten the surface of the compost only, for if the whole body is saturated 



