258 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.38 



commissioners regarding insects tliat miglit be introduced from abroad into 

 Australia to destroy tlie pricldy pear. 



Household pests and their treatment, H. Garman {Kentucky Sta. Circ. 15 

 (1917), pp. 63-90. figs. IJf). — This is a popular summary of information. 



The parasite methods of controlling insect pests, H. S. Smith {Cal. Citrogr., 

 2 (1017), No. 6, pp. 2, 3, figs. 4). — This popular review of the subject iucludes 

 an introduction by G. H. Hecke, State commissioner of horticulture of Cali- 

 fornia. 



The double purpose spray, A. A. Ramsay (Agr. Gaz. N. S. Wales, 28 {1917), 

 No. 6, pp. 43.5-.iS7). — A report upon the results obtained from adding lead 

 arsenate to other spray mixtures. The experiments indicate that soap should 

 not be mixed with lead arsenate, but that lead arsenate may be mixed with 

 both Bordeaux mixture and lime-sulphur mixture with safety. 



Fumigation of ornamental greenhouse plants with hydrocyanic acid gas, 

 E. R. Sasscer and A. D. Borden {U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 880 {1917), pp. 

 19, figs. .{).— Substantially noted from another source (E. S. R., 3G, p. 842). 



Detection of hydrocyanic acid gas. — Use of small animals for this purpose, 

 S. B. Grubbs {Pub. Health Rpts. [U. S.], 32 {1917), No. 16, pp. 565-570, fig. 1).— 

 The author's experiments, here summarized in tabular form, have led to the 

 following conclusions : 



" Sparrows or other small birds are the most delicate live indicators for 

 hydrocyanic acid gas, but are not recommended for routine work. Mice or 

 tame rats are almost as susceptible as sparrows and are probably the best test 

 animals available. Cats are sufficiently susceptible, and with care the same 

 animal may be used several times. Guinea pigs are quite resistant to the 

 effects of the gas and should never be used where rats are available. If guinea 

 pigs be the only test animals obtainable, exposure should be prolonged and 

 other allowances made for these animals' increased resistance to the gas, as 

 indicated in the included table." 



Directions for raising rats and mice, by W. E. Castle and L. C. Dunn, are 

 appended. 



The Blattida9 of North Am.erlca, north of the Mexican boundary, M. 

 Hebaed {Mem. Amer. Ent. Soc, No. 2 {1917), pp. 28^ + 77, pis. 10, figs. 2).— The 

 author recognizes 43 established species and one geographic race of cockroaches 

 belonging to 26 genera, of which 9 species and 4 genera are described as new. 

 In a supplement he lists 31 species found to be adventive but not established 

 in portions of the United States and Canada. 



Destruction of the migratory locust, P. Caeide Massini {An. Soc. Rural 

 Argentina, 51 {1917), No. 4, pp. S09-3U, pi. i).— This paper deals at length with 

 the sarcophagid parasite Sarcophaga caridei, an important enemy of the locust 

 in South America, noted by Da we (E. S. R., 37, p. 357). A colored plate of the 

 adult fly is included. 



Fighting grasshoppers, including the results of a campaign conducted in 

 1916 and suggestions for the control of this pest, C. R. Jones {Colo. Agr. 

 Col. Ext. Serv. Bui, 1. ser.. No. 118 {1917), pp. iS).— Substantially noted from 

 another source (E. S. R., 37, p. 661). 



Is Diestrammena marmorata an injurious insect? M. Wolff {Centbl. Bakt. 

 [etc.^, 2. AM., 45 {1916), No. 6-12, pp. 258-262; abs. in Rev. Appl. Ent., Ser. A, 

 5 (1917), No. 3, p. 98). — It is concluded that this orthopteran, introduced into 

 Germany from Japan, does not feed on plants and that the injury ascribed to 

 it is due to other less conspicuous insects. 



Thrips attacking French bean flowers {Agr. Gaz. N. S. Wales, 28 {1917), 

 No. 6, p. 4"^G). — Through feeding upon the pollen, thrips injured French beau 



