746 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



Tests to determine the commercial value of wood preservatives. A prog- 

 ress report, H. F. Weiss (Orig. Commun. 8. Intertiat. Cong. Appl. Cliem. 

 [Washington and New York], 13 {1912), Sect. Via, pp. 279-300, figs. 5).— An 

 account of prelimiuary experiments conducted to determine the practical value 

 of a number of substances which have been either used or suggested as wood 

 preservatives. The following points were studied in these tests : The important 

 chemical and physical properties of the preservative; the effect of the pre- 

 servative on the strength of the wood treated; penetration and diffusion of the 

 preservative through the wood ; permanency of the preservative after its injec- 

 tion into the wood; the combustibility of the treated wood; toxic efficiency of 

 the pi-eservative ; the corrosive action on steel ; and the effect of the preservative 

 on paint applied to the wood subsequent to treatment. 



Recent investigations in the realm of wood conservation, E. F. Petritsch 

 (Cenm. Gesam. Forstw., 38 {1912), Nos. 6, pp. 265-282, figs. 8; 7, pp. 321-333, 

 figs. 3; 8-9, pp. 383-392, figs. 2). — A general review of experimental work in the 

 use of wood preservatives. ^ 



DISEASES OF PLANTS. 



Smut fungi and smut diseases, V, O. Brefeld ( Untersuch. Gesanimtgeb. 

 Mykol., 1912, XV, pp. V+151, pis. 7). — In continuation of previous studies of 

 the author (E. S. R., 18, p. 449), this volume is largel5' taken up with a con- 

 sideration of smut fungi. The pathological effect of the fungus on the host 

 plant ; the preservation of the fungi within and without the host plants ; a study 

 of some of the fungi related to smuts, such as Geminella, Entorrhiza, and 

 Ustilaginoidea ; the present state of knowledge regarding the smut diseases ; 

 hemibasidia forms; and fruiting forms of smut fungi are discussed. Chapters 

 are also given on the occurrence of chlamydospores and comparisons of their 

 form in the higher and lower fungi. 



Two new species of rusts, W. H. Long {Mycologia, 4 {1912), No. 5, pp. 282- 

 284). — A description is given of two parasitic fungi, one which is the type of a 

 new genus, Tricella acuminata n. sp., occurring on Coiirsctia glandulosa, and the 

 other, PerUlermium inconspicuum n. sp., which was collected on Pinus virginiana. 



The present state of knowledge regarding the propagation of rust, 

 J. Beattvekie {Arm. Soc. Bot. Lyon, 36 {1911), pp. 24-60). — This is a critical 

 review of literature prior to 1911 and a discussion of the present state of 

 information regarding parasitism, specialization of rusts, immunity from their 

 attacks, and the various theories regarding the propagation and wintering of 

 rusts. A bibliography is appended. 



Studies on Corticium javanicum, A. Rant {Bui. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg, 2. 

 ser., 1912, No. 4, pp. 50, pis. 9). — This parasite is here listed as now known on 

 341 species contained in 104 genera. Culture methods are here detailed and a 

 bibliography is given. Bee also a previous note (E. S. R., 25, p. 546). 



The secidia of Puccinia fusca, A. F. Pavolini {Bui. Soc. Bot. Ital., 1912, 

 No. 4, pp. 90-93). — This is a very brief discussion of the development of the 

 aecidiospores in the case of this fungus, suggesting a further study thereof and 

 comparative studies of other Uredinete in this I'espect. 



Fungus diseases, ,T. E. Howitt {Ann. Rpt. Ontario Agr. Col. and Expt. 

 Farm, 37 {1911). pp. 47-51, figs. 3). — Notes are given on the occurrence of a 

 considerable number of plant diseases, some of which are said to be becoming 

 tirevalent and destructive in Ontario. In addition directions are given for 

 treatment to prevent attacks of loose smut of wheat {Ustilago tritici), crown 

 rust of oats {Fuccinia coronata), hollyhock rust {P. malvacearum), rose leaf 



