254 EXPERIMENT STATION RECOED. 



periments are reported iu which lime-sulphur solutions were used to control 

 the sooty mold on olives and oranges and the mildews of grapes, peaches, roses, 

 oaks, etc. 



The results show that lime-sulphur is efficient in controlling powdery mildews, 

 exceeding iu that respect sulphur as ordinarily applied. For the sooty mold 

 the results were less definite, although the solution uad value as an insecticide 

 against the scale insects. For the rose rust it was inefficient. 



Notes on the preparation of copper fungicides, G. Chappaz {Prog. Agr. et 

 Vit. (Ed. VEst-Centre), 33 {1912), No. 12, pp. 353-360, figs. 3).— Directions are 

 given for the preparation of various fungicides, and particular attention is 

 paid to what are believed to be some of the essential facts relative to securing 

 the most beneficial mixtures. The fungicides described are Bordeaux mixture. 

 Burgundy mixture, Bordeaux mixture modified by the addition of neutral 

 copper acetate, and fungicides containing soap, resin, oil, etc. 



The influence of tobacco smoke on plants, H. Molisch {Anzeiger K. Akad 

 Wiss. Wien, Math. Naturw. KL, 1911, No. 2, pp. 20-22; ahs. in CentU. Bakt. 

 [etc.], 2. AhL, 31 {1911), No. 11-15, pp. 380, 381).— This is substantially a 

 summary of reports already noted elsewhere (E. S. R., 26, p. 230). 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



Further notes on the fruit-eating habits of the sage thrasher in the 

 Yakima Valley, Washington, C. H. Kennedy {Auk, 29 {1912), No. 2, pp. 

 224-226).— In these further notes (E. S. R., 25, p. 150), the author states that 

 the sage thrasher {Oreoscoptcs inontanus) did not appear iu 1911 iu numbers 

 until the middle of August, thus was too late to attack blackberries and rasp- 

 berries. 



It was found that the omission of suiumer pruning to remove the extra 

 foliage effectually protectetl nearly all of the bunches of Campbell Early 

 grapes, the earliest variety to ripen, and concentrated the damage on the few 

 that were exposed. It failed, however, to save the Tokays and other Vitis 

 vinifera varieties, which began ripening 3 weeks after C'amj)bell Early. In 

 order to save the later varieties shooting was resorted to. " The small number 

 killed and the speedy and complete disappearance of the species seemed to 

 indicate that they are very local in their individual ranges, and that these were 

 living altogether in the vineyard during their depredations." 



The I'esults of examinations made of 12 stomachs are reported. 



" The omission of summer pruning is not a satisfactory method of solving 

 the Campbell Early grapes as the later ripening involves a loss of about 30 

 per cent in value." The sage thrasher must be killed, and it is thought to be 

 justifiable to shoot early enough to save the Campbell Early. 



The English sparrow as a pest, N. Dearborn {U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers* 

 Bui. 493, pp. 2.'i, figs. 17). — This bulletin, designed to supersede Farmers' Bul- 

 letin 383 (E. S. R., 22, p. 549), describes means for aiding native birds against 

 the English siiarrow, the prevention of increase, and the best methods of 

 effecting a reduction of their number. Additional directions for trapping and 

 illustrated plans for the construction of traps are included. 



Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) in Chester County, Pa., T. H. Jackson {Auk 

 29 {1912), No. 2, pp. 243, 2////).— A flock of 30 or more individuals is reported 

 to have been observed in December near West Chester. 



State of Washington laws relating to fish, oysters, and game, 1911 

 (01 urn pill, Wash.: State Fish and Game Dept., 1911., pp. 116). — The laws relating 

 to fish, oysters, and game are compiled and indexed iu this handy form. 



