50 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



had pilfered 70 per cent of the seed. One of the chipmunks was seen to visit 

 38 seed spots in 4 uiinutes. In a reforesting experiment in the Blaclj Hills by 

 the Forest Service, from 30 to 70 per cent of the seed was destroyed by chip- 

 munks and mice within G days after planting. The chief seed eaters concerned 

 are Say's ground squirrel {Callosphermophilus lateralis), thirteen-lined ground 

 squirrel {CitcUus tridccemlineatiis pallidus), Rocky Mountain chipmunk (Euta- 

 mias quadrivittatus) , and white- footetl mouse {Peromyscus maniculatus 

 rufinus ) . 



Protective coatings proved inefficient and the use of poisoned bait is recom- 

 mended, preferably before seeding. Two formulas are given with directions for 

 the preparation of poisoned bait, the first of which consists of wheat 1 bu., 

 water 1 qt, starch 2 tablespoonfuls, saccharine 2 teaspoonfuls, and strychnia 

 (pulverized) 2 oz. ; the second of rolled oats 25 qt., strychnia (pulverized) 1 oz., 

 saccharine 1 teaspoonful. and water 6 qt. The second is a much more attractive 

 bait and one much easier to prepare, but the cost of the rolled oats considerably 

 exceeds that of wheat. 



Ordinarily in distributing poisoned wheat about 20 kernels should be dropped 

 every 3 or 4 ft. along parallel lines about 5 yds. apart, an extra quantity being 

 left under logs and shelving bowlders. At this rate a bushel of wheat is 

 sufficient for about 40 acres. Poisoned bait may be protected from rain and 

 guarded from birds or poultry by placing it under pieces of bark or small 

 piles of stones. 



A sack for distributing poisoned grain, made of denim or other strong cloth 

 with a shoulder strap and a narrow wooden bottom fitted with a simple drop- 

 ping device, is described and the details relating to its structure made clear 

 by figures. 



The mammals of Europe, E. L. Trouessart (Faune des Mammifdres d' Europe. 

 Berlin, 1910, pp. XV II -{-266; rev. in 'Nature [London^, 85 (1910), No. 21J,0, pp. 

 3^ ^). — This is a descriptive catalogue of the mammals of Europe. As regards 

 the distribution of the European fauna, the author recognizes four distinct 

 areas, namely, Central European, Arctic, Eastern or Steppe, and African or 

 Mediteri-anean. 



Our vanishing shorebirds, W. L. McAtee (U. S. Dept. Agr., Bur. Biol. Sur- 

 vey Circ. 79, pp. 9, figs. 3). — This circular calls attention to the fact that 

 shorebirds have been hunted until only a remnant of their once vast numbers 

 Is left. Their limited powers of reproduction, coupled with the natural vicissi- 

 tudes of the breeding period make their increase slow and peculiarly expose 

 them to danger of extermination. Emphasis is placed upon the great need of 

 better protection, especially in view of their economic importance, which is 

 discussed. 



Reptiles of the world, R. L. Ditmabs (New York, 1910, pp. XI+373, pis. 

 gO). — The author gives in a popular manner a general survey of the reptiles of 

 the world. It is illustrated by plates from photographs taken from life. 



Papers on insects afEecting stored products, F. H. Chittenden (U. S. 

 Dept. Agr., Bur. Ent. Bui. 96, pt. 1, pp. 18, figs. 2).— Three papers are here 

 presented. 



A list of insects affecting stored cereals (pp. 1-7 ) .—Seventy-six species of 

 insects affecting stored cei-eals and cereal products are listed, together with 

 their common names, brief references to their literature, and notes on their 

 feeding habits. 



The Mexican grain beetle (Pharaxonotha kirschi) (pp. 8-13). — While not 

 permanently established in this country, the Mexican grain beetle has come 

 repeatedly under the author's observation. It was first observed infesting 

 stored grain in the foreign exhibits at the World's Columbian Exposition at 



