672 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
August 8, L903. 
WORK OF THE WEEK. 
Among the Orchids. 
Calanthes.—Tlie species and various hybrids belonging toi 
the deciduous section of Calanthes have now reached the most 
interesting period of their growth. One is always looking for¬ 
ward just at the period when the actual pseudo-bulb is in course 
of formation, and wondering if it will be possible to pioeure 
better results than the previous season have provided. It is. 
at this season also' that the plantsi require assistance. Where 
small pots are used, they will now have become practically 
filled with roots, so much so that a considerable amount of 
water is required to retain the plants in, a flourishing condition. 
It is in such cases as these, where abundant and frequent water¬ 
ings are demanded, that the potting compost becomes ex¬ 
hausted, and a little stimulant, in the way of feeding, is accept¬ 
able. 
There is nothing more beneficial than liquid cow-manure 
water. I find it a good plan to have a barrel with one end 
knocked out; place the manure in a bag, then put the bag 
and contents, securely fastened, into the tub, fill with water, 
and stir the bag. The diluted contents will then become mixed 
with the water, and by straining again before use, veiy little 
deposit will be left to be distinguishable after watering. At 
first the manure-water should be heavily diluted, only using it 
in a very weak solution, just sufficient to colour the water. 
As they become more advanced and the plants thought to> 
require it, stronger solutions may be given, but I do not con¬ 
sider, even in the brightest weather, liquid manure should be 
applied more frequently than twice a week. 
I am convinced that excessive: feeding gives, unusually large 
pseudo-bulbs, which are, under ordinary circumstances, difficult 
to ripen, and unless the pseuclo>-bulbs are properly matured, 
however vigorous and promising the flower-scape may be at 
the commencement of its growth, it will generally be found 
wanting when the time comes for the development of the 
flowers. Where Calanthes are grown in an ordinary stove 
house, where a, considerable amount of shading has to be 
applied to suit the remaining occupants of the house, it is 
often a, difficult matter to properly mature the pseudo-bulbs 
by the' time the flowering time is reached. But where facilities 
are afforded where the plants can be accommodated with ample 
light, the difficulty is considerably diminished. 
Shading Calanthes.—I have not the least doubt that a 
great deal of the cause of the so-called spot, unsightly 
as it is, is immaturity of the bulbs, and a great deal of 
the want- of ripening is brought about by excessively shading 
the plants. The best Calanthes it has ever been my lot to 
grow were started at the back of a. Melon house, and as soon 
as the shelves were clear of the Strawberry crop the Calanthes 
were put in their places-. No shading whatever was used in 
the house. 
I saw it stated a few weeks since that a prominent Calanthe 
grower considered the cause of the spot on the leaves was 
from syringing the other plants, in the house when the young 
growth of the Calanthes was in a small state. I have this 
season placed some of the worst possible varieties under the 
same conditions: we grow our Dendrobes, where shading is only 
used through the hottest part of the day, and removed suffi¬ 
ciently early to permit the temperature to reach 125 to 130 
degrees. The atmosphere is saturated from the use of the 
syringe over the plants. There are no ill-effects or sign of 
spotting up to the present, while the substance of the foliage is 
most remarkable. I feel confident that the result of the ex¬ 
periment will be altogether satisfactory. II. J. 
The Stove and Greenhouse. 
Cyclamen,—These plants cannot be surpassed for making a 
display in cool glass-houses during winter and early spring. 
By sowing the seed about this: date the plants: may'be grown, 
on gently all winter, and by February they should be nice stocky 
plants fit for repotting into 00's. It has been abundantly 
proved that Cyclamen persicum may be grown and flowered 
m, fifteen months from the date of sowing the seed, and although 
a few growers obtain fair results by growing the corins two 
and even three years, it is the exception rather than tli6 rule. 
1 prefer to raise a, fresh batch of healthy young plants every 
year. 
It is remarkable the great diversity of form and colour that 
these flowers have attained through careful crossing during the 
last few years. Seed should be purchased from a reliable seeds¬ 
man, as then the risk of having an inferior strain will be reduced 
to a minimum. Pots or pans may be utilised for sowing the 
seed in ; they must be clean and well drained. The compost I 
use for seed-sowing consists of two parts leaf soil to one each 
of loam and peat, with plenty of sharp sand added. Sow 
thinly and evenly on a level surface and gently press the seeds 
into the soil and cover with fine soil. Place a- sheet of glass 
on top with some moss over it to prevent the soil becoming 
unduly dry. Remove this as soon as the seed lias germinated, 
and place the seedlings near the roof-glass to keep stocky. A 
temperature of about 55 or 60 deg. will be suitable for raising 
the plants, and when they have produced the second leaf they 
should be potted off singly into thumb pots. Maintain humidity 
about them by frequent syringings, and shade from bright sun. 
The next shift will be into 60’s, and finally into their flowerins 
pots, viz., 48 1 Si or 32’s. When established in 60’s, the plants 
will be best grown in a pit having a cool bottom for the summer 
months', and remove the lights on fine nights that the dews may 
fall upon, them. As the flowering pots become well filled with 
roots, give weekly applications of liquid manure, soot-water 
and guano alternately until flowers begin to throw up. 
Climbers. —All stove and greenhouse climbing plants should 
be gone over closely, removing weak and non-flowering growths 
that are not wanted for extension. This- will allow the sun 
and light to reach the remaining growths for the purpose of 
maturing the: wood to ensure an abundance of blossom another 
year, and to develop the blooms that are now opening. The 
importance of this operation cannot be over-estimated, and it 
is as essential as summer pruning fruit, trees, for without well- 
ripened wood good results cannot be expected the following 
year. 
Fuchsias.—Now is a good time to insert cuttings for pro¬ 
ducing plants for flowering next year in the conservatory. 
Insert half-ripened cuttings: in light, sandy soil, and keep close 
and warm in a, Cucumber frame or propagating pit,. When 
rooted pot off singly into, 60’s, then grow on, gently till October 
In the winter they should be kept somewhat drier at the roof 
and overhead, but there is: no necessity to- allow them to gc 
completely to- rest,, as it, usually done with older plants. Early 
in the year they should be repotted into rich soil and growr 
on in heat. Stake each plant, and pinch out, the points ol 
the side-shoots, but allow the leader to grow unchecked. 
K. M. 
Hardy Fruits. 
Apricots.— A sharp look-out must be kept for wood-lice, eai 
wigs and birds where fruit are ripening, or much damage nia; 
be done. Short pieces of Bamboo or Broad Bean, stalk prov 
a, good trap for earwigs, which should be examined every morn 
ing, killing all that can be caught, while -|- in. mesh nettin; 
best defies the birds. The fruit should have overhanging leave 
tied aside, so that the sun can assist to- colour the same; le 
the fruit be nearly ripe and thoroughly dry before gathering 
and place in a, cool store or fruit-room until required for use 
The variety Gross© Peche finishes up very fine fruit. 
Peaches. — Attend to the fastening in of extension shoot: 
cutting away all laterals, and expose all fruits to the full sun a 
much as possible. Very little hosing or syringing of the- tree 
has been necessary again this season with so much rain, wine 
has also kept the borders, moist without much manual la-bow 
Early varieties of the Peach, such as Alexander, we gathere 
July 14th. Ams,den June, Hale’s Early, Waterloo, and Earl 
