ENTOMOLOGY. 765 



strong solution of iron sulphate and lime, In order that the plant should receive 

 sufficient iron. 



Eel worms in grape roots, G. Abbey {Jour. Hort., 51 (1899), No. 2623, pp. 14, 15, 

 figs. 2). — Notes the presence of Heterodcra radicieola on grape roots. The life his- 

 tory of the nematode and means for its destruction are given. The application to 

 the roots of a solution of 3 oz. of Little's soluble phenyl in 3 gal. of water is recom- 

 mended. Digging about the roots and applying nitrate of soda and surphate of 

 ammonia is also recommended. 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



On the poison of honeybees, J. Langer (Arch. Expcr. Pathol, u. 

 Pharmakol., 38 (1897), pp. 381-396; abs. in Jahresher. Thier. Chem., 27 

 (1897), pp. 520, 521). — The poison drop, freshly excreted, weighs from 

 0.0002 to 0.0004 gm. It has a specific gravity of 1.0013, is clear as water, 

 and has a marked acid reaction, bitter taste, and a pleasant aromatic 

 odor. The poison was obtained by collecting the drops or by extract- 

 ing the entire poison apparatus with alcohol. This caused coagulation, 

 and the poison was taken up by the alcohol. When the alcohol was 

 supersaturated with ammonia and evaporated a yellowish material was 

 obtained. Solutions of this gave reactions of formic acid. The author's 

 investigations, however, showed that formic acid does not possess the 

 poisonous properties of the bee poison. The solution of the poison 

 contains an albuminoid, hydrochloric and phosphoric acids, sodium, 

 and calcium. The albumin does not produce the poisoning, since a 

 solution of the poison freed from it produced poisoning symptoms, as 

 observed on the conjunctiva of a rabbit's eye. Evaporating the poison 

 and heating at 100° does not diminish its properties, nor does keeping 

 it for some time in sealed capillary tubes. On the other hand, when 

 kept in open glass tubes the poisonous properties are lost in about 4 

 weeks. The poison spoils on standing and loses its toxic properties. 

 The poisonous substance is held in suspension by acid, and can be 

 precipitated by alkali. This shows that the active principle secreted 

 by members of the aculeata group of Hymenoptera is a base. 



Report of the department of entomology, J. M. Aldrich (Idaho 

 Sta. Bui. 15, pp. 167-176, Jig. 1, pi. 1). — This bulletin gives a brief 

 account of the work of the year and the result of several investigations. 



An investigation of the grasshoppers (Camnula pellucida) in a few 

 localities in the State is reported. A method which was found very 

 useful in destroying young grasshoppers was to drive them together by 

 partly flooding the ground by irrigation ditches, and to burn them 

 during the cool part of the day through the aid of straw. Where this 

 treatment was impracticable hopperdozers were employed. The young 

 grasshoppers did not jump into the hopperdozer when it was drawn 

 along, but did so when it was left standing and they were driven 

 toward it. 



