DcCC'inlxT, 2. I 
THK ORCHID WORLD. 
65 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
IN the cultivation of Orchids an abundance 
of hght is indispensable to their well- 
being. We have now arrived at that 
season of the year when the least amount is 
available, and, therefore, it becomes necessary 
to utilise to the best advantage all that we 
get. Those who have the good fortune to be 
located in a pure country district, far away 
from any large manufacturing town, have a 
decided advantage over those who are placed 
in close contact with such places. 
Daylight being of very short duration at 
the present time, and in smoky districts a 
very scarce commodity, it is necessary to 
keep the roof glass of the houses clean, in 
order to get all the light available. The 
temperatures of all the divisions should now 
reach their lowest point, and every induce- 
ment shouW be given the plants to rest ; 
much harm may accrue from either too much 
or too little heat. The temperatures given in 
the January calendar should be strictly 
adhered to, with but little variation. 
Watering and ventilation. The remarks 
made last month regarding these two essen- 
tials should have every care and attention ; it 
is obvious that if these conditions are not 
satisfactory the plants must suffer and begin 
to go on a downward grade. These two 
details of cultivation cannot have too much 
thought and attention bestowed upon them 
during the dull days of winter. 
This is the season of the year when drip 
may do irreparable harm, therefore, every 
care should be taken to prevent its occurrence. 
In spite of drip proof bars and other con- 
trivances drip will sometimes occur from 
condensed moisture, and when least expected. 
When this takes place the plants should be at 
once removed to a place of safety. 
Cymbidiums. Several members of this 
genus, such as C. giganteum, C. Tracyanum, 
C. Mastersii, and C. Winnianum are most 
useful Orchids, flowering as they do during 
the shortest days of the year when flowers of 
any description are valuable. Some of them 
are already in bloom, while others are fast 
developing their spikes, and as these last a 
considerable time, either on the plants or in 
a cut state, they are worthy of all care. 
Plants of the late winter and spring-flowering 
kinds have mostly completed their season's 
growth, and are now pushing flower spikes. 
The amount of root moisture needed by 
Cymbidiums at this season will not be so 
great as hitherto, water being supplied only 
when the compost becomes dry. Those who 
are fortunate in having plants of C. grandi- 
florum (Hookerianum) pushing up flower 
spikes should take every care in the applica- 
tion of water to the roots, for if the compost 
is too wet the buds will turn black and fall off. 
This plant is best kept on the dry side whilst 
its flower spikes are developing. 
Cypripediums. Members of this genus 
belonging to the cooler section are amongst 
the most important of the beautiful Orchids 
flowering at this season of the year. The 
ease with which these Cypripediums may be 
grown and the quantities of bloom that 
healthy plants will produce make them 
desirable subjects wherever indoor gardening 
IS attempted. The flowers possess great 
lasting properties either in a cut state or upon 
the plants, and for decorative purposes the 
flowers are invaluable. They also have the 
good quality of withstanding fogs, which 
damage almost all kinds of flowers. 
The love of Cypripediums is undoubtedly 
an educated taste. The more one sees of 
them the more fascinated does one become. 
The plants are always in growth, and on 
account of being without pseudo-bulbs abso- 
lute dryness of the compost for any length of 
time is injurious. At the present season the 
minimum amount of moisture at the roots is 
required, and w^hen the plants have developed 
their flowers the compost may be allowed to 
become comparatively dry before affording 
water. A moist atmosphere must at all times 
be maintained, but a saturated one with a low 
temperature should be avoided or the flowers 
will become spotted and spoilt. Cypripediums 
in flower are most effective when grouped by 
