ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY — EKTOMOLOGY. 249 



history, investigate its action on tbe wood, and determine jn-eventive and reme- 

 dial measures. 



Tlie fungus was found to grow sapropliytically on various substances, but 

 all attempts to infect living beech wood failed and no proof could be obtained 

 to indicate that it is strictly parasitic in its growth. It was found to excrete 

 enzyms which liquefied gelatin, dissolved starch, and reduced lignin to cellulose. 

 Its decomposition products contained neither tannin nor oil. 



Among the remedial and preventive measures for the control of this fungus 

 the author recommends the treatment of the wounds on trees with an antiseptic, 

 and the removal and destruction of the diseased parts before the sporophores 

 reach maturity. 



Studies on the biology of Gymnosporang'iuni juniperinuni, E. Fischer 

 (Ztschr. Bot., 1 {,1909). Xo. 11, pp. G83-71J,, figs. 8).— In continuation of the 

 author's investigations on heteroecious fungi, a study is reported giving the 

 results of inoculation and other experiments with G. junipcrinum, the aecidial 

 stage of which oceui-s on species of Sorbus and Amelauchier. 



Studies of Xylaria hypoxylon, R. Harder iXaturw. Ztschr. Forst ». Laudic. 

 7 {1909). Xos. 8, pp. J,29-J,3G, fig. 1; 9, pp. J,.',l-Ji6~, figs. /6).— Studies are re- 

 ported of X. hypoxylon, a little known fungus that attacks various kinds of 

 trees. 



On investigating the life history of the fungus the author found that in 

 addition to its being a saprophyte it could under some conditions become an 

 active parasite, attacking living wood. The wood attacked by this fungus has 

 a peculiar black color, which is not believed to be primarily due to the Xylaria 

 but is attributed to accompanying fungi. The rot produced by Xylaria is 

 white or yellowish in color, but it is surrounded and penetrated by the black 

 crust-like formations, which are very characteristic of this trouble. There 

 appear to be two kinds of mycelium present, one of the forms being colorless, 

 the other dark brown. The nature of the coloring matter was investigated, 

 but it has so far proved resistant to reagents. 



Some fungus parasites of algae, G. F. Atkinson {Bot. Gaz., .{8 {1909), No. 

 5, pp. 321-338, figs. 8). — Descriptions are given of a number of new species of 

 fungi found to occur on Spirogyra and other algiB. 



Experiments in combating nematodes, J. Ki^HN (Dciit. Zuckerindus., 3^ 

 {1909), Xo. .'I'h Bcihigc 1, pp. 8.'il, 8//2). — An account is given of the experi- 

 ments which have been carried on at the agricultural institute of the Univer- 

 sity of Halle since 1900 in which catch crops are grown for the purpose of 

 removing nematodes. In one series of experiments in which sugar beets fol- 

 lowed the catch crops the yield of sugar beets was 168 centners per morgen 

 (about 29,286 lbs. per acre) as compared with 94 centners where catch crops 

 were not used. 



Bordeaux mixture, how to make and apply it, P.J. O'Gara {Rogue River 

 Fruit Grower, 1 {1909). Xo. 7, pp. 1-3). — Directions are given for the proper 

 making of Bordeaux mixture on a large scale and suggestions offered concern- 

 ing its application for the control of apple diseases and similar troubles. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



A bibliography of the Russian fauna, T. Koppen (Bihliotheca Zoologica 

 Rossica. ,S7. Petersburg. 1905, vol. 1, pp. XVI+.5o2; 1908, vol. 2, pp. VII+ 

 532).— The literature up to 1885, relating to the animals of Russia, is here 

 brought together and classified. 



Antiplague operations on the Pacific coast for the fiscal year 1909, and 

 to November 1, 1909 {Pub. Health and Mar. Hosp. Serv. U. S., Pub. Health 

 Rpts., 2't {1909), Xo. 50, pp. 181ft, 181f8). — In San Francisco, the number of rats 



