November, iqi2.] THK ORCHID WORLD. 41 
the roots. The covering of the surface with 
a layer of sphagnum moss alone is not recom- 
mended for large plants, for when so done 
the air has little chance of entering the com- 
post, and it has previously been mentioned 
that Orchid roots have a strong dislike to a 
sodden, solid material. 
Large plants may always be subjected to 
a lower temperature during the dull winter 
months. With a somewhat dry condition of 
the atmosphere a minimum of 45 degrees will 
do no harm. Any slight condensation, due to 
an excess of atmospheric moisture, will do no 
harm to the plants, but it may produce an 
unsightly spotted condition of any open 
flowers. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens, Hessle, E. Yorks. 
THE Orchid grower has now reached the 
most difficult month in the whole 
year with which to contend, the 
climatic conditions being so varied and the 
changes so rapid that his skill and patience 
will often be taxed to the utmost. 
The temperatures given last month for the 
different departments should be maintained to 
the end of the year. In the case of extremely 
cold weather prevailing a fall of a degree or 
two will do no harm, but excessive fluctuations 
are most harmful. Clear frosty weather, if 
accompanied with sunshine, is most beneficial, 
but dull, moist, foggy weather may do irrepar- 
able harm if the temperature is allowed to fall 
too low. Cultivators who reside in districts 
where November fogs are unknown can hardly 
realise the damage that is done to collections 
situated on the outskirts of large cities. 
Ventilation is one of the m^ost essential 
things in the cultivation of all plants in glass 
houses ; every effort should be used to ensure 
daily ventilation. It is often advisable to use 
slightly more fire heat to allow one or more 
\'entilators to be opened, and with a little 
thought it is astonishing what can be accom- 
plished even m this small matter. I am 
thoroughly convinced that it is m these small 
details where many amateurs often go astray- 
Watering the plants at this season will need 
careful attention ; not only must the wants of 
the plant be studied but also the nature of 
the compost in which it is growing, for some 
composts retain moisture for a much longer 
period than others. In every case the culti- 
vator should be quite certain that the plant 
requires water before applying it. I am no 
believer in dribbling water upon any plant ; if 
it IS not dry enough to receive a good soaking 
leave it until the following day, it will take no 
harm. The dribbling process is injurious to 
any plant, and, to my mind, doubly so in the 
cultivation of Orchids. 
Dendrobiums of the spring-flowering section 
will by this time have finished their growths, 
and should be thoroughly cleaned and placed 
in their resting quarters. Give them a 
position where they may receive all the light 
possible. When these plants are at rest only 
sufficient water should be given to prevent 
the bulbs shrivelling ; if this occurs, or their 
foliage is lost, the constitution of the plants 
suffers to such an extent that they are 
frequently worthless. D. Dearei, if still in full 
growth, should have every encouragement 
possible. A shady position in the stove or 
East Indian house answers its requirements, 
and no Orchid more fully repays one than 
this species, for when well grown its pure 
white flowers last practically through the 
summer months. D. Phalaenopsis and D. 
formosum, as they finish flowering, should be 
induced to take a decided rest, and for this 
purpose they should be removed to a slightly 
lower temperature. A sunny position in a 
warm Cattleya house will suit them well 
during the winter months ; they should c^nly 
receive sufficient water to keep the bulbs 
plump. D. Jamesianum and D. infundibulum, 
which have been gi'owing in the cool house, 
should now be removed to the cool end of the 
intermediate house, which will suit them much 
better than if allowed to remain in the cool 
house during the winter month§. 
