ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY ENTOMOLO(iY. 105H 



Practical methods of combating field rats, ('. MAtiAS {Com. I'ar. A;>r. 

 \Mcj-iro]. ('ire. 6',, pp. 12, figs. ,s').— The damages c-aiiscd hy rats to various crops 

 are briefly discussed. The remedies proposed for combating these pests include 

 carbon bisulpbid, sulphui-, arsenic, phosphorus, strychnin, and rat virus. 



On introduced birds, J. Drummond (Trans, and Proc. New Zeal. Inst., 39 

 {1906), pp. 227-252). — A considerable number of birds have been naturalized 

 and established in New Zealand. Most of these have come from England and 

 liave been introduced in conformity with the sentiments of many settlers who 

 came from England. In order to study the economic relations of these birds and 

 particularly any changes of habits which may have occurred, the author made 

 numerous personal observations and distributed a circular letter of inquiry 

 among a large number of farmers and others who are interested in the study 

 of birds. 



These observations indicate quite striliing changes in the feeding habits of 

 some bix'ds after their introduction Into New Zealand. Some of the species, 

 particularly the sparrow, sky lark, and blackbird, proved quite injurious. The 

 black swan has thrived well in New Zealand while the white swan has increased 

 only slowly. The ring-necked pheasant appeared to be well acclimatized 

 within a short time after its introduction and multiplied in a .satisfactory 

 manner. Recently, however, these birds are becoming scarcer. 



Seventh report of the State entomologist, W. E. Britton {Connecticut State 

 Sta. Rpt. 1907-S, pt. 5, pp. 266-338+11, pis. 16, figs. 6").— A brief statement is 

 given of the chief entomological features for the season of 1907 together with 

 notes on nursery inspection. 



A series of experiments was carried on for the purpose of finding whether 

 there are any gaseous substances which can advantageously replace hydrocyanic- 

 acid gas for fumigating small lots of trees, scions, and similar material. In 

 these experiments the author used carbon bisulpbid, carbon tetrachlorid, sul- 

 phuretted hydrogen, and chlorin in comparison with hydrocyanic-acid gas. The 

 liquids were volatilized in shallow dishes placed upon cross boards near the top 

 of the box. In all 359 apple and peach trees were thus treated. Carbon 

 bisulpbid used at the rate of 10 fluid ounces per 100 cu. ft. killed nearly all 

 of the scales without injuring the trees. When used at greater strength all of 

 the scales were destroyed and a little injury was produced upon the trees. 

 Carbon tetrachlorid used at the rate of 40 fluid ounces per 100 cu. ft. for a 

 period of 2 hours killed some of the trees. All of the scales were killed when 

 this substance was used at a lower strength, and it was considered a very 

 promising insecticide. The method of generating sulphuretted hydrogen was 

 slow and some of the trees suffered from the insecticide. The scales, however, 

 were all killed. Chlorin gas killed all the scales, but was also very injurious to 

 trees and was not considered a satisfactory insecticide. 



A test was made of commercial miscible oils with satisfactory results. B. II. 

 Walden studied the habits, life history, and means of combating the peach 

 sawHy H'anipiiilius prrsirum). From the experience thus far had with the 

 peach sawtly it is recommended that the foliage be sprayed with arsenate of 

 lead at the rate of IJ to 3 lbs. in 40 to ~>0 gal. of water. In the larval and pupal 

 stages the insects may be destroyed in the ground by carbon bisulpbid. 



An account is also presented of the progress in the work of controlling the 

 gipsy moth and a copy is given of the recent State law regarding the gipsy and 

 brown-tail moths. The life history of the brown-tail moth is briefly described. 

 Brief notes are given on mosquito breeding conditions at Niantic and Crescent 

 Beach, the hickory tussock moth, riumd-beaded aintle-tree borer, pine-leaf scale, 

 willow curculio, maple bor<>r. and other pcsls. An article on lead arsenate and 

 I'aris green (E. S. li., 19, p. 454) is reprinte<l with slight emendations. 



