bution from the Bureau of Plant Industry, it is reported that a species of Cronartium on Ribes aureum has been known in Colorado for many years and by some has been considered identical with C. ribicola, the cause of the white pine blister rust. A study has been made of this fungus, and the species native on Ribes spp. and Grossularia spp. in Colorado and Arizona has been found to be distinct and has been described as C. occidentale n. sp. The æcial stage of this fungus occurs on piñon pines (Pinus edulis and P. monophylla), and to this stage of the fungus the name Peridermium occidentale has been given. The piñon blister rust is said to be widely spread throughout Colorado, extending into Arizona, and it is thought probable that further surveys will extend the known range of the species. The telial stage of the fungus occurs most commonly on Ribes aureum, but it is also occasionally found on R. odoratum, R. inebrians, and Grossularia leptantha, and it has been successfully inoculated on a number of other species. So far as known, only the piñon pines are attacked by P. occidentale. Based on circumstantial evidence, it is believed that the fungus is able to overwinter and maintain itself independent of the æcial stage.

Notes on Cronartium cerebrum, G. G. HEDGCOCK and N. R. HUNT (Abs. in Phytopathology, 8 (1918), No. 2, p. 74).-Inoculations made on pines with C. cerebrum from pedigree cultures from the fusiform type of the fungus (Peridermium fusiforme) and from the sphæroid type (P. cerebrum) are said to indicate that the two forms of Peridermium belong to distinct races, if not to distinct species of the fungus.

Conditions of receptivity in Pinus pinea for Sphæropsis necatrix, L. PETRI (Ann. R. Ist. Sup. Forestale Naz. Firenze, 2 (1916-17), pp. 449–463).—This is an account of conditions related to the occurrence and development of S. necatrix on P. pinea as studied since 1916 in portions of Italy. It deals with such factors as precipitation and soil composition or content, leading to the conclusion that the greater or less abundance of parenchymatous elements, the quantity of water in correspondence with the percentage of mineral elements present, and the stimulating action of manganese on the parasite are constitutional characters or conditions which determine susceptibility in the presence of appropriate climatic conditions. These constitute the chief external factor determining attack by S. necatrix.

Notes on some western Uredineæ, G. G. HEDGCOCK, E. BETHEL, and N. R. HUNT (Abs. in Phytopathology, 8 (1918), No. 2, pp. 73, 74).—According to the authors, the pycnia of Peridermium pyriforme are borne on areas of the bark of pines contiguous to the æcia and preceding them by a year, while the pycnia of P. filamentosum occur on the twigs and smaller limbs of pines on the more newly invaded areas, usually near the tips and ends and beyond the æcia. In case of both species, the pycnia usually appear at a date later than the æcia. P. filamentosum and P. harknessi, although having their uredinial and telial forms on Castilleja, are considered to be distinct forms of the same species, or, more probably, distinct species.

ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY-ENTOMOLOGY.

Wild life of the world, R. LYDEKKER (London: Frederick Warne & Co. [1915], vols. 1, pp. XIV+472, pls. 40, figs. 239; 2, pp. XII+440, pls. 39, figs. 218; 3, pp. XI+457, pls. 41, figs. 156).—The first volume deals with the animals of central Europe (pp. 5-382) and of northern, Alpine, eastern, and southern Europe (pp. 383-464); the second with those of Asia (pp. 1-238), the northern seas (pp. 239-312), and of America (pp. 313-426); and the third with animals

of Africa (pp. 1-206), Australia and Polynesia (pp. 207–298), and the southern and eastern oceans (pp. 299–394).

The rice rats of North America (genus Oryzomys), E. A. GOLDMAN (U. §. Dept. Agr., Bur. Biol. Survey, North American Fauna No. 43 (1918), pp. 100, pls. 6, figs. 11).—This is a revision of the genus Oryzomys, all species of which genus are known as rice rats due to the fact that O. palustris was originally found in the rice fields of South Carolina and Georgia, though many inhabit regions where rice is not cultivated.

In the present work 51 forms of 21 species, representing the three subgenera Oryzomys, Oligoryzomys, and Melanomys, are recognized from continental North America, two of which (0. melanotis colimensis and 0. fulvescens mayensis) are characterized for the first time. The general range of the genus is from New Jersey and the central part of the Mississippi Valley southward, the group being represented in nearly every part of South America and ap parently reaching its greatest development there.

While the rice rats are not so injurious to agriculture as some other rodents, they consume in the aggregate large quantities of forage when, like cotton rats and meadow mice, they increase locally to excessive numbers. By reason of their small size and nocturnal habits these rodents largely escape observation and the economic importance resulting from their excessive numbers and wide distribution is not generally realized.

The control of mice in Virginia orchards, D. E. LANTZ (Rpt. Va. State Hort. Soc., 22 (1917), pp. 155–161).

Squirrel eradication, W. C. JACOBSEN (Mo. Bul. Cal. Com. Hort., 7 (1918), No. 3, pp. 149-156, figs. 3).

Winter birds about Washington, D. C., 1916-17, W. L. MCATEE, E. A. PREBLE, and A. WETMORE (Wilson Bul., 29 (1917), No. 4, pp. 183–187).

Description of a new subspecies of the little yellow bittern from the Philippine Islands, A. WETMORE (Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 31 (1918), pp. 83, 84).

The bobwhite, W. S. TAYLOR (Univ. Tex. Bul. 1748 (1917), pp. 26, figs. 7).— A popular account of the quail in which particular attention is given to its food habits, the benefits derived from its destruction of injurious insects being emphasized.

The common ravens of North America, H. C. OBERHOLSER (Ohio Jour. Sci., 18 (1918), No. 6, pp. 213–225).-The author recognizes four forms, of which one, Corvus corax europhilus from the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, is described as new.

Bird enemies of tree hoppers (Membracidae), W. L. MCATEE (Auk, 35 (1918), No. 3, pp. 373, 374).-In the course of a review of that part of the work by Funkhouser previously noted (E. S. R., 38, p. 462) relating to bird enemies of tree hoppers, the author calls attention to the fact that in investigations made by the Bureau of Biological Survey of the U. S. Department of Agriculture tree hoppers have been found in the stomachs of more than 120 species of birds and in numbers up to 26 individuals in a single stomach. "They have been found in 15 or more stomachs of each of the following species: Great-crested and ash-throated flycatchers, meadowlark, Brewer's blackbird, Bullock's oriole, English sparrow, cliff swallow, red-eyed, solitary, and warb ling vireos, bush-tit, and ruby-crowned kinglet. The tree hoppers identified belong to 21 different genera, indicating that no partiality is shown. Membracids with the most prominent horns and spines of any in our fauna, as those of the genera Campylenchia, Platycotis, Ceresa, and Platycentrus are taken with the rest."

Report on insect [migration] investigation, S. C. BALL (Carnegie Inst. Washington Yearbook, 16 (1917), pp. 167–170).-This is a report of investiga

tions of the forced migration of mosquitoes and other insects by the wind, made upon the Rebecca Shoal light station during the period from June 26 to July 18, 1917. This station is isolated in 12, ft. of water; 12 nautical miles east of the easternmost of the Tortugas Keys, the nearest land, 24 miles of open sea separating it from the Marquesas Atoll on the east. The nearest point on the mainland of Florida is Cape Sable, 105 miles to the northeast, and the nearest point on the Cuban coast is Habana, 95 miles south.

Commencing with July 1, when a single specimen was taken, the mosquitoes (Culex) Ochlerotatus sollicitans and (C.) O. tæniorhynchus were collected at intervals, the former in much the larger numbers. Collections were made during intervals when the wind had been for many hours from the northeast and south, on which winds they must have been borne.

The author concludes that the mosquitoes are brought by the north winds from some point on the west coast of Florida, the direction of the wind having made it possible that some may have traveled 180 miles due south from Tampa Bay. Those arriving on the south and southeast winds must have come from some portion of the Cuban coast. Visits made to Loggerhead and East Keys, where no breeding places existed, showed O. tæniorhynchus to be fairly abundant. In an untreated reservoir on Garden Key a considerable number of larvæ and pupa of Culex pipiens was found. Many specimens of Aedes calopus were discovered on Loggerhead and East Keys which may possibly have been reared in cisterns.

In investigations at Rebecca Shoal forced migrations of the house fly were observed, 3 to 5 specimens being taken per day during a light east wind and as many as 25 on July 6 following a quick change of the wind from the north to east, indicating that they were brought from points eastward on the reef or possibly from the southern extremity of Florida. Along with the 37 mosquitoes, 18 house flies arrived from Cuba on July 11. A large strong-flying moth (Syntomeida epilais) arrived from Cuba on July 12. Other species collected were a green blowfly (Lucilia sp.) with an east wind; a tabanid with east wind; a small gnat, wind east-northeast; a dragonfly and a tabanid, wind east; 3 blowflies, 1 small fruit fly, and a Chrysopa, wind east; and 1 Lucilia, wind very light east. Three of five female O. tæniorhynchus collected were allowed to suck blood and deposited eggs in a dish of fresh water three days after being inclosed in a cage on July 12. Attempts made on Loggerhead Keys to induce the house fly to breed in dead crabs failed, but the beachflies (Sarothromyia femoralis and Sarcophagula occidua) bred readily in such

matter.

The great need for the establishment of competent bureaus for the study of injurious insects in all American countries, L. O. HOWARD (Proc. 2. Pan Amer. Sci. Cong., 1915-16, vol. 3, pp. 874-876).

[Economic insects and their control in Minnesota] (Minn. State Ent., 1917, Circs. 42, pp. 4, figs. 3; 44, pp. 14, pl. 1, figs. 7; 1918, Circs. 46, pp. 13, pl. 1, figs. 4; 47, pp. 14, figs. 22; 48, pp. 16, figs. 19; 49, pp. 7, figs. 6; 50, pp. 7, figs. 8).These several circulars relate to The White-Marked Tussock Moth, by A. G. Ruggles; Household Insects, by F. L. Washburn and C. W. Howard; The Hydrocyanic Acid Gas Treatment for the Flour Moth, by F. L. Washburn; Some Insects Injurious to the Potato, by S. A. Graham; Spraying, by A. G. Ruggles; and Insects of the Home Vegetable Garden and Insects Injurious to Small Fruits, both by S. A. Graham.

Some insect enemies of corn, W. WILLIAMSON (Univ. Minn. Col. Agr. Ext. Div. Spec. Bul. 8 (1916), pp. 14, figs 11).-A brief summary of information on the more important insect enemies of corn in Minnesota and means for their control.

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Insects of the season (Ann. Rpt. Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. Farm, 43 (1917), pp. 18-20).-Brief reference is made to the more important insect pests of 1917. Notes regarding insect pests [in Tortola], C. H. BRANCH (Imp. Dept. Agr. West Indies, Rpt. Agr. Dept. Tortola, 1916-17, pp. 27, 28).-The large beetle Batocera rubus, reported as occurring in Tortola in 1913, at which time it was observed attacking the papaw trees growing at the experiment station and soon killed them, has since spread and now occurs in nearly all parts of the island. It has also been observed on Jost van Dyke and is recorded from St. Croix. The pest is now attacking the wild fig tree (Ficus sp.), which it is rapidly killing, and also the hog plum (Spondias lutea). It has been reported to attack the avocado pear, and a specimen has been collected from F. elastica growing at the experiment station.

The other pests mentioned include Diaprepes abbreviatus doublieri, which attacks the young parts of limes, bay plants, avocado pears, and many ornamental plants; Alabama argillacea, which was not abundant owing to the destruction of cotton in the gale of October 9; and the cotton stainer (Dysdercus andreœ), which was less troublesome than in previous years.

[Indian insect pests] (Rpt. Prog. Agr. India, 1916-17, pp. 72-84, 87-89).—The more important Indian insects for the year 1916-17 included those affecting cotton, rice, sugar cane, tea, coffee, orchards, and gardens, stored grain, lantana, etc. Work with the silkworm and bees is also reported upon.

[Report on] entomological work, D. CLOUSTON (Dept. Agr. Cent. Prov. and Berar [India] Rpt. 1916, pp. 19, 20).-The work of the year dealt particularly with investigations of the life history of and control measures for the rice leaf-hopper (Nephotettix bipunctatus), a pest first observed in 1913.

The control and eradication of pests and diseases of stock and of crops (Aust. Advisory Council Sci. and Indus., Rpt. Exec. Committee, 1917, pp. 15– 19). This reports upon the status of work in Australia with the cattle tick; Onchocerea gibsoni, the cause of worm nodules in cattle; tuberculosis in stock: sparrows; and insects damaging grain in store, of which the granary and rice weevils, the grain moth (Gelechia cereallela), and the grain beetle (Silvanus surinamensis) are the most important.

Shuck protection for ear corn, C. H. KYLE (U. S. Dept. Agr. Bul. 708 (1918), pp. 16, figs. 3). This is a report of investigations conducted with a view to deter mining the merits of shucks or husks as a means of preventing insect damage to ear corn.

"Field investigations showed 43 per cent more weevil infestation in corn with poor shucks than in that having good shucks without wormholes. Storage investigations showed 93 per cent more weevil infestation in corn with poor shucks than in that with good shucks without wormholes. Laboratory investigations showed that weevils would starve rather than force their way through good shuck covering. These investigations showed 3 per cent more rotten, 16 per cent more discolored, and 18 per cent more worm-moldy ears in poor shucks than in good shucks.

This

"The so-called good shucks of these investigations were not ideal, but only better than the so-called poor shucks. The later investigations made it clear that the longer the shuck extension beyond the tips of the ears, the more effec tive is the protection against causes of damage, including earworms. suggests the possibility of breeding a shuck extension long enough to be entirely effective against ear damage. Increased shuck protection need not increase the cost of shucking if proper use is made of shuck-shelling machinery.

"These investigations appear to justify the following recommendations: (1) Breed corn with a very long shuck extension that fits tightly about the silks. (2) To better protect ear corn in the fields from weevils, earworms, molds, and

6

discoloration, grow the best shuck-protected corn. (3) To make practicable the more general holding and feeding of corn on farms in the wevil-infested areas, store shuck-protected ears in their shucks and feed or sell the unprotected ears as early as possible."

The wheat insect survey of 1918, H. O. GOSSARD (Mo. Bul. Ohio Sta., 3 (1918), No. 9, pp. 259–266, figs. 2).—This is a report upon a field survey of wheat conditions made by the station, the extension service of the Ohio State University, and the State department of agriculture in 1918, in which 73 of 88 counties were explored.

The jointworm was found to be the most important wheat insect, having been responsible for a decrease of at least 10 per cent in the yield, amounting to $8,000,000. The average infestation for the whole State was about 40 per cent. In northwestern counties parasitism ran high, in many fields 90 per cent of the jointworms being parasitized. There appear to be two species of jointworms at work in the State. Early seeding seems to lessen the injury.

The Hessian fly and the chinch bug were most numerous in the northwestern corner of the State. The wheat midge was next in importance to the jointworm, the damage as a whole amounting to 1 per cent or $700,000.

Recommendations given for the control of these pests include a map giving the dates of wheat sowing as determined by the survey and long time experiments.

The control of three important wheat pests in Indiana, J. J. DAVIS (Indiana Sta. Circ. 82 (1918), pp. 11, figs. 6).—This is a summary of information on control measures for the jointworm, Hessian fly, and wheat midge, based upon work conducted in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture.

The tussock moth and other important shade tree insects, E. M. SCHLACK (Trans. Ill. Hort. Soc., n. ser., 51 (1917), pp. 248–257).—A brief summary of information on the occurrence and control of these pests in northern Illinois. Key to Orthoptera of Michigan with annotations, R. H. PETTIT and EUGENIA MCDANIEL (Michigan Sta. Spec. Bul. 83 (1918), pp. 48, figs. 108).—Keys are given for the separation of the Michigan Blattidæ, Phasmidæ, Acrididæ, Locustidæ, and Gryllidæ, and their genera and species occurring in Michigan. Generic descriptions are included.

The destructive South American locust in British Guiana, G. E. BODKIN (Jour. Bd. Agr. Brit. Guiana, 11 (1918), No. 1, pp. 3–10).—An account of the recent locust infestation and control work therewith.

Instructions for combating the locust by the use of Coccobacillus acridiorum, E. LOPEZ VALLEJO (Instrucciones para Combatir la Plaga de Langostas por Medio de Cultivos del Coccobacillus acridiorum. Mexico: [Dir. Agr.], 1917, pp. 18, pl. 1, fig. 1).—Directions are given for the use of this organism.

Locust control, R. RAMÍREZ (Medidas contra la Plaga de la Langosta. Mexico: Dir. Agr., 1917, pp. 60).—A discussion of control measures for Schistocerca americana.

Test for control of the sugar-beet root louse, D. HANSEN (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Plant Indus., Work Huntley Expt. Farm, 1917, pp.. 19, 20.)—This is a report of work commenced in 1914 and carried on in cooperation with the Montana Experiment Station (E. S. R., 38, p. 129), in which varying quantities of irrigation water were applied to sugar beets in order to determine whether a greater amount of water than is ordinarily used in irrigating beets would result in controlling the damage done by invasions of the sugar beet root louse. Papers relating to the subject by Parker have been previously noted (E. S. R., 33, p. 357.)

In 1917 two, three, four, and five irrigations were applied as follows: Two irrigations, August 1 and 30; three irrigations, July 26 and August 8 and 22;