1052 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



to the rapid spread of the bark disease of chestnuts, caused by the fungus 

 Diaporthe parasitica (E. S. R., 19, p. 250), and the author states that, accord- 

 ing to his observations, all varieties and species of the genus Castanea are sub- 

 ject to the disease, except the Japanese varieties {C. crenata). The latter have 

 been found immune to attack in the field and also resistant to. inoculation 

 experiments. 



The mildew of oaks, P. Haeiot {Bui. Trimest. Soc. Mycol. France, 23 (1907), 

 No. 4, pp. 156-159). — Young oaks, particularly Quercus pedunculata and Q. 

 sessiliflora, are said to have shown within the past year or two severe attacks 

 of mildew. This fungus, which formerly was rather rare in France, has be- 

 come very abundant. It attacks both surfaces of the leaves, often causing their 

 distortion. The author has investigated the various species of mildews which 

 have been reported upon oaks and has come to the conclusion that the one in 

 question is probably Microsplnrra aini. 



A disease of fir trees due to Fusicoccum. abietinum, A. Maublanc (Bui. 

 Trimest. Soc. Mycol. France, 23 (1907), No. J,, irp. 160-173, figs. 6').— A detailed 

 description is given of the disease of fir trees that has been attributed to a num- 

 ber of causes, but which the author claims is produced by the fungus F. aUeti- 

 num. This fungus attacks AMes pectiiiata, but the related species do not seem 

 to be subject to the disease. In addition to the parasite the author enumerates 

 several species of fungi that are quite commonly found as saprophytes on the 

 dead leaves of the fir. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



Notes on the habits of mice, moles, and shrews, F. E. Brooks ( West Vir- 

 (jinia Sta. Bill. 113, pp. 87-13-), pis. 6, figs. 3). — The abundance of mice, moles, 

 and shrews probably far exceeds the popular notion in this matter. The obser- 

 vations made by the author in various parts of the State indicate that these 

 animals are present in large numbers and may be readily caught in traps. The 

 economic importance of mice, moles, and shrews is likened to that of birds, the 

 mice, like the English sparrows, crows, hawks, and fruit-eating birds, being de- 

 cidedly injurious, and the shrews and moles, like the insectivorous birds, 

 beneficial. 



A detailed account is given of the habits and food of the short-tailed shrew, 

 the most common species in West A'irginia. This shrew feeds almost ex- 

 clusively on animal material, and observations indicate that it is of great 

 importance in the destruction of the larvjie of chestnut weevils and other 

 insects underground. One shrew kept in confinement ate 72 larvjie of chestnut 

 weevils in 5 minutes. The shrews were found to have made tunnels close to- 

 gether in all directions underneath chestnut trees. In addition to insects the 

 short-tailed shrew feeds upon young mice, young birds, birds' eggs, and other 

 animal material. Brief mention is also made of the natural enemies of the 

 shrew. 



In a study of Brewer's mole no evidence was obtained that this animal feeds 

 upon vegetable material except on the rarest occasions. One mole kept in con- 

 finement ate (;6 gm. of insect food in 24 hours. The habits of the mole are 

 briefly described. 



Notes are also given on the biology of field mice. These animals cause a great 

 amount of damage to fruit trees, gardens, potatoes, and other crops. Meadow 

 mice kept in confinement also ate large quantities of insects and appeared to 

 prefer them to vegetable food. An experiment with a proprietary rat virus 

 indicated that this material was of no value. Brief mention is also made of 

 other species of mice found in West Vii-giuia. 



