ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY ENTOMOLOGY. 551 



The heartwoocl of the sassafras is normally of a rather dark brownish color, 

 but when attacked by this fungus it is lighter in color and slightly reddish, 

 due, doubtless, to the presence of the mycelium of the fungus. The rotten wood 

 seems to retain much of its original appearanc*", yet it is decidetlly weakened 

 liy the action of the fungus in dissolving the middle lamelUe from between 

 many of the cells. 



Effect of formalin and bluestone on the germination of seed wheat, D. Mc- 

 Ali'ine (Dii)t. Agr. Ho. Aust. Bui. 12, pj). 21). — Experiments were carried on in 

 which seed wheat was treated with different strengths of a solution of formalin 

 and with copper sulphate to test the effect of these fungicides on the germination 

 of wheat. 



When the formalin and copper sulphate treatments were compared the former 

 was found to give a higher percentage of germination. 



The best strength of formalin for field use is said to be 1 lb. in 40 gal. of 

 water. This strength may be used for all varieties of wheat, and the higher the 

 normal germination the better will be the results with the formalin. 



Wheat treated with formalin of this strength is best if sown while damp, and 

 the germination becomes less and less satisfactory until about a week after 

 treatment when it is at its lowest point. The germination is said to improve 

 again when the wheat is sown about 2 weeks after treatment and to continue to 

 improve, so that on sowing 4 weeks after treatment the germination will be 

 practically as good as at 24 hours. If stronger solutions are used, as a rule the 

 germination becomes poorer the longer the grain is kept before sowing. 



The preparation of Bordeaux mixture, G. T. Gbignan (Rev. Uort. [faris]. 

 79 (1901), yo. 20, pp. 470-.'/72). — A discussion is given of the common methods 

 of preparing and using Bordeaux mixture, and attention is called to the recent 

 investigations of Pickering relative to the composition of that important fungi- 

 cide ( E. .S. R., 10, p. 450). The efficiency of more dilute solutions than those 

 commonly recommended is pointed out and attention directed to the facts that 

 Cavazza had recommended the use of dilute Bordeaux mixture as early as 18S0 

 and that such solutions are in common u.se in Italy. The injury sometimes 

 caused by Bordeaux mixture is also noted, the information being largely drawn 

 from New York State Station Bulletin 287 (E. S. R.. 19. p. 50). 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



Report on zoology, E. Blackweldek (Research in China. Washington, D. C: 

 Carnegie Institution, 1901, vol. 1, pt. 2, pp. .'{81-501, pis. 6). — During three jour- 

 neys through various parts of China observations were made on the vertebrates 

 and invertebrates along the route. Particular attention was given to Batrachia, 

 reptiles, birds, and mammals. The notes on the species and habits of birds are 

 especially complete. 



Birds in relation to the farm, the orchard, the garden, and the forest, 

 C. H. Hooper (Agr. Students' (iaz., n. ser., 13 (1901), ^o. .J, pp. llS-Uo). — De- 

 tails are given regarding the feeding habits of more than 50 species of birds 

 which are classified as beneficial or injurious according to their food. Among 

 the beneficial birds the cuckoo, starling, tits, and swallows occupy a prominent 

 place. Grouse, wood pigeons, jays, etc., are mentioned as injurious. 



The relation of birds to the cotton boll weevil, A. H. Howell (L'. H. Dept. 

 Agr., Biol. Survey But. 29, pp. 31, pi. 1, figs. 6). — Birds can not be depended 

 upon to control the boll weevil but they assist in keeping it in check. As a 

 result of 5 years' work 4P. species of birds have been found to feed on the boll 

 weevil, 23 principally in summer. Suggestions are made regarding State legis- 

 lation needed to protect certain of these birds. 



