October, igi2 
IHK ORCHID WORLD. 
15 
Like most forms of Caltleya labiata the 
flowers of C. Gaskelliana vary considerably in 
colour, that of the sepals and petals ranging 
from amethyst-purple of a medium shade to 
pure white, whilst for general effect it is as 
varied as C. Mossias or C. Trianae. It is a 
plant of easy culture, and can be relied upon 
to produce flowers during the month of 
August, a time when Cattleya flowers are 
usually most acceptable. 
The accompanying photograph shows C. 
Gaskelliana alba flowering in the collection 
of W. P. Burkinshaw, Esq., The West Hill, 
Hessle, E. Yorks. The group contains 
thirteen plants with forty-six flowers. 
The method adopted for their cultivation 
is practically the same as that for the whole 
collection of Cattleyas, which are extensively 
grown at this place. Directly after the plants 
have finished flowering a dry condition of the 
compost is maintained until new roots are 
seen to be pushing, when all plants that 
require re-potting or re-panning are attended 
to. The compost consists of two parts 
osmunda and peat fibre, and one part each of 
A.I fibre and sphagnum moss. The fibres 
are thoroughly cleaned by taking away the 
earthy particles. The plants, after rc-potting, 
are kept on the dry side, only sufficient water 
being given to keep the compost fresh and the 
bulbs from shrivelling. 
This species is grown at the warm end of 
the Cattleya house in company with C. gigas, 
and others that require rather more heat. 
Firm potting is ensential, for the compost 
will then remain in a fresh condition for 
a considerable period, and Cattleyas make 
more roots in a firm compost than in a loose 
one. The plants, when in full growth, require 
an abundance of water both at the roots and 
in the atmosphere, but when at rest this is 
very considerably reduced. 
At the present time there are several 
varieties of C. Gaskelliana alba ; amongst the 
best are alba magnifica, alba R. Ashworth, and 
alba Queen Alexandra. The ori^^inal alba 
variety was shown by Mr. de Barn Crawshay 
at the Royal Horticultural Society, July 8th, 
1884, when it received a First-class Certificate. 
J. T. B. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill Gardens. Hessle, E. Yorks. 
ONE of the most important matters 
during this month is the management 
of the temperatures and the atmo- 
sphere in the houses, especially at night time. 
Sharp frosts frequently make their appearance 
at this season, and the grower should be on 
the alert to prevent any great fluctuations in 
the temperatures, so that no evil effects may 
overtake his plants from this source. It is 
generally during the early hours of the 
morning that these October frosts occur, and 
on such occasions the temperatures of the 
various houses are sure to fall a few degrees 
lower than they should do, but no harm will 
occur provided no watering or damping down 
is attempted until the proper degree of heat 
is attained. A hot, dry atmosphere must be 
avoided as well as a cold, damp one, and these 
two extremes must be strictly guarded against. 
Considering the exceptionally dull sunless 
season we have passed through, the safest 
course will be to keep a little extra fire heat 
in the pipes at night time, thereby preventing 
the temperatures from falling too low by the 
morning. The young growths of many 
autumn growing Orchids are frequently 
injured through insufficient heat. Another 
advantage to be derived from this extra fire 
heat is that more pure air can be admitted. 
It is difficult to forecast fluctuations of 
temperature, but many difficulties may be 
overcome by careful observation of the outside 
elements. 
During this and next month the tempera- 
tures of the various houses should be kept 
as near to the under-mentioned figures as 
circumstances will permit. 
East Indian House ... day, 70; night, 65 
