752 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



The relation between birds and insects, F. E. L. Beal (U. S. Dept. Agr. 

 Yearbook 1908, pp. 3.^3-350). — The author considers birds to be the most im- 

 portant natural factor in the control of injurious insects, and he believes that 

 they do but little permanent harm in eating insects indiscriminately. 



The importance of local ecological studies to entomology, C. W. Johnson 

 (Psyche, 16 (1909), A'o. 1, pp. 5-12). — This is the presidential address delivered 

 at the annual meeting of the Cambridge Entomological Club, January 19, li)09. 



Some phenomena associated with parasitism, F. A. Potts (Parasitology, 2 

 (1009), No. 1-2, pp. Jf2-56, figs. 3). — "In the Insecta, parasitism appears to 

 influence caste production. Grassi suggested that the sterility of soldiers and 

 workers in Termites is due to protozoan parasites. In ants a giant caste is 

 known (mermithergates) always harboring a nematode worm." 



Detection of eggs of parasites in feces, W. Telesiann (Dcut. Med. Wchnschr., 

 3.'f (190S), No. 35, pp. 1510, 1511).— The author describes his method for the 

 detection of eggs in feces as follows: (1) Select several small portions, about 

 the size of a pea, from different parts of the stool to be examined; (2) mix 

 them in a i%agent glass filled with equal parts ether and hydrochloric acid ; 

 (3) shake the mixture; (4) filter through a hair sieve; and (5) centrifugalize 

 the filtrate for 1 minute. The eggs will be found at the distal ends of the cen- 

 trifugal tubes. 



Report of standing committee on insects and diseases, W. T. Horne (Ann. 

 Rpt. Cuban Nat. Hort. 8oc., 3 (1909). pp. 59-67). — Particular attention is given 

 to citrus troubles, of which the blue-green beetle (Pachnwus sp.) is said to be 

 the most serious. During the excessive droughts of the previous 2 years all the 

 groves unless treated with sulfur suffered considerably as the result of the at- 

 tacks of the red spider. It is said to be necessary to spray all lemon and grape 

 fruit orchards for the rust mite, as well as the orchards of oranges intended for 

 export. 



The citrus white fly, which was abundant in the vicinity of the experiment 

 station 4 years ago, can not now be found upon the island. The principal 

 fungus which attacks the gnava white fly in Cuba looks like the Aschersonia 

 aleyrodis which attacks the white fly in Florida. In previous years the long 

 scale and the oyster-shell scale were extensively destroyed by. a gi'ay fungus 

 Ophionectria coccicola, while during the summer of 1908 the roimd black scale 

 was attacked in a very effective manner by Sphwrostilbc coccophila. The snow 

 scale (Chionaspis sp.) is said to be rather exempt from natural enemies. 



The orange borer (Apate carmelita) was frequently reported as injuring 

 young citrus trees. The scab of lemons, grape fruit, etc., and gummosis or foot 

 rot are also considered, and brief mention made of vegetable and tobacco 

 troubles. 



Report of the superintendent of entomology, J. Kotinsky (Rpt. Bd. Comrs. 

 Agr. and Forestry Haivaii, 5 (1908), pp. 97-119, pi. i).— This is the fifth report 

 of the division of entomology, covering the calendar year 1908. 



Inspection work is said to have taken up the greater part of the time. Among 

 the pests on fruits condemned were Aspidiotus rapax on apples, pears, and 

 lemons, and the purple and San Jose scales on lemons. Very few lots of turnips 

 were admitted owing to infestation by the cabbage maggot which has not as 

 yet appeared on the islands. Soil on roots, etc., is considered one of the most 

 dangerous importations as a source of agricultural pests. Lists of the pests 

 intercepted in the course of inspection and the beneficial insects distributed are 

 included and the rules and regulations pertaining to the importation and the 

 inspection of honey bees and honey are appended. 



