38 



THK ORCHID WORLD. 



[November, 1915. 



SEASONABLE NOTES 



THE advent of colder weather, more 

 especially at night time, necessitates 

 extra care m the maintaining of 

 suitable temperatures. Plants suspended 

 from the roof are often chilled by being too 

 close to the glass, and they are frequently 

 subjected to condensed moisture falling from 

 the sash bars. Where the height of the house 

 permits, it is advisable to lengthen the 

 suspending wire of the pan or basket, and so 

 remove them further from the glass ; also, 

 when cold nights are expected, the compost 

 should not be too freely watered or it may 

 fail to dry out as quickly as is desired. These 

 may appear simple matters, but they are 

 nevertheless worthy of consideration. 



The removal of the old flower spikes 

 of Cattleyas and allied genera, also needs 

 attention, for if neglected there is a risk of 

 setting up decay and black rot in the apex of 

 the bulb, and this disease soon spreads and 

 ultimately destroys the whole bulb. The 

 old flower sheath should be split down the 

 sides and each part removed by carefully 

 pulling it away in an opposite direction to the 

 leaf. The whole of the remaining flower stalk 

 IS then exposed and may be severed close to 

 the bulb by means of a sharp pocket knife. 

 In doing this care must be taken that the leaf 

 IS not cut or otherwise damaged. 



With Odontoglossums and Oncidiums the 

 removal of the old flower spike is by no 

 means necessary, for as these plants are 

 accustomed to accumulate moisture in the 

 base of the leaves, there is little fear of any 

 serious trouble arising. Even if the cultivator 

 desires to remove the remnant of the spike it 

 could not be properly done without removing 

 or at least damaging some of the leaves, a 

 procedure that is certainly to be avoided. 

 Oncidium l-'apilio and O. Kramerianum are 

 rare examples in which the old flower 

 spike produces fresh flowers during several 

 successive months, consequently the cultivator 

 should use his discretion as to whether the 

 plant is sufficiently strong to carry a spike for 

 so long a period. 



Washing the glass is almost a weekly task 



when the houses are situated near large towns. 

 The surrounding atmosphere is often of a 

 foggy nature during the late autumn months, 

 and on this account every means must be 

 utilised to procure as much light as possible 

 for the plant. Far away m the country there 

 is no need to cleanse the glass, except near 

 the heating apparatus, where it is bound to 

 become dirty through falling soot. Some 

 growers are in the habit of allowing the 

 permanent shading used on the glass in 

 summer time to be gradually worn off by 

 rain and frosts, which is a slow process and 

 one that causes the light to be unnecessarily 

 subdued. The extra labour incurred by 

 thoroughly cleansing the glass is well 

 balanced by an increased ripeness of the 

 foliage. 



Rain-water tanks require an occasional 

 inspection, for all miinner of things find their 

 way into them. At this season there is every 

 prospect of a fresh supply of water, so no one 

 need be afraid of emptying them for the 

 purpose of repair and cleansing. Overflow 

 pipes and drains must be kept in order, while 

 the stokehole drainage is an ever-important 

 matter. 



The ground beneath the hot-water pipe?, 

 requires keeping m a moist condition ; daily 

 attention is necessary, for it is surprising how 

 soon some portions become dry. A dry 

 atmosphere is favourable to thrip, and an 

 attack of this insect generally commences at 

 the driest portion of the house. When the 

 boiler is m contact with or under the 

 house considerable evaporation occurs, 

 and a plentiful supply of moisture is best 

 applied by placing pans of water in convenient 

 places. 



The extreme weather conditions to which 

 the glass is subjected often brings about the 

 loosening of several squares, which then 

 admit cold draughts and drip to the detriment 

 of plants close by. Many amateurs are 

 [jractical workers, and a few tools with paint 

 and putty will soon put things in order once 

 again. Frequent changes in the atmosphere 

 invariably cause badly fitting doors and 

 ventilators, both of which should now be 

 examined and repaired where necessary. 



