726 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The role of chlorophyll in sugar production (Rev. Agr. Reunion, 2 (1S9S), No. 9, 

 pp. 425-430). — An important role in sugar production is shown for chlorophyll, and 

 it is stated that the sugar content is lowered whenever the leaves are attacked hy 

 fungi or insects which cause a loss of chlorophyll. 



So-called assimilation, C. R. Barnes (Bot. Centbl., 76 (1898), No. S, pp. 257-259).— 

 Attention is called to the necessity of some specific word for the process of the manu- 

 facture of carhohydrates by plants. The author states that in 1893 he suggested 

 photosyntax as such word. Photosynthesis has since been used by a number of 

 writers, but the author objects to this word as etymologically less accurate than the 

 term proposed by himself. 



Concerning the assimilation of nitrates by phanerogams in the dark, 

 U. Srsna (Hot. Centbl., 75 (1898), No. 10, pp. 289-292). 



On the synthesis of proteid materials by plants, W. Palladin {Sep. Adhr. Arb. 

 Naturf. Gesell. Univ. Charkov, 38 (lS98),pp. S). 



The formation of asparagin in the plant, E. Schulze (Landw. Jahrb., 2? (1898), 

 No. 3-4, pp. 503-520). 



Root tubercles of leguminous plants, A. V. Beuthoumieu (Rev. Sci. Bourbonnah, 

 11 (1898), No. 129-130, pp. 160-175, pi. 1). 



ZOOLOGY. 



Cuckoos and shrikes in their relation to agriculture ( U. S. Dept. 

 Agr., Division of Biological Survey Bui. 9, pp. 26, pi. l,fig. 1). — The food of 

 cuckoos, F. E. L. Beal (pp. 1-14). — On the basis of an examination of a 

 large number of stomachs, the food of cuckoos is described and a list is 

 given of the insects identified. It is stated that from an economic 

 standpoint cuckoos rank among the useful birds, since their diet con- 

 sists very largely of insects and caterpillars found on trees and shrubs. 



The food of shrikes, S. D. Judd (pp. 15-20).— The contents of the 

 stomachs of a number of shrikes was examined and a list is given of 

 the birds, mammals, and insects consumed. The author notes that 

 although shrikes destroy birds, they destroy many mice and insects 

 also. Their beneficial qualities are thought to outweigh their injurious 

 qualities 4 to 1. 



The winter food of the chickadee, C. M. Weed (New Hampshire 

 Sta. Bui. 54, pp. 85-98, figs. 11). — The different insect eggs which chicka- 

 dees eat are described, and observations on the abundance and food 

 habits of chickadees in New Hampshire are reported. The investiga- 

 tions indicate that the chickadee should be encouraged, since through- 

 out the winter it destroys large numbers of insect enemies of the farm, 

 orchard, and garden. 



The fact is pointed out that the presence of chickadees may be encour- 

 aged by suitable trees for shelter, and by placing suet or bones in 

 trees where the birds may obtain them during the winter. 



Feeding habits of the chipping sparrow, 0. M. Weed (New Hamp- 

 shire Sta. Bui, 55, pp. 101-110, fig. 1).—A careful record, covering one 

 day, was made of the number of times a pair of chipping sparrows 

 (Spizella socialis) left their nest, and the food which they brought to 

 their young when they returned. The fact is noted that they frequently 

 removed excrement from the nest. 



