356 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.38 



stain the mycelium of Cronartium ribicola and the cells of the host so that the 

 mycelium may be distinguished from that of other fungi parasitic on white pine 

 bark. The manner in which the parasite attacks the host cells is said to be 

 very characteristic, in that the cells remain alive for a long time when attacked 

 by the blister rust fungus, the hyphse run between the cells, the bark swells, 

 turns a yellowish-green color, and does not crack until the secia are produced. 

 The presence in the bark of Pinus strobus of mycelium showing these phenomena 

 is considered sufficient evidence to warrant the conclusion that the pine is 

 Infected with C. ribicola. 



The leaf disease of rubber. Conditions in Surinam, C. K. Banceoft {Jour. 

 Bd. Agr. Brit. Ouiana, 10 (1917), No. 2, pp. 93-103). — An account is given of 

 the results of inspection of Hevea, coffee, and cacao plantings in Surinam and 

 of examinations at the botanic station at Paramaribo. 



The leaf disease first appeared in Dutch and British Guiana about 1907, 

 assumed epidemic form on some plantations in 1914, and at the time of this 

 report existed on every estate in Surinam growing Hevea. It affects trees of 

 all ages and shows no sign of diminution locally, though indications at some 

 of the places are more hopeful. The causal organism, wliich has been named 

 in different localities Fusicladium macrosporum, Passalora hevete, and Mela- 

 nopsammopsis hevece, is said to be native to Peru, Brazil, Dutch Guiana, British 

 Guiana, and probably Trinidad, occuring in these countries on wild trees of 

 H. brasiliensis, H. guyanensis, and H. confusa. A brief discussion is given 

 of the fungus, its life history, and remedial measures, including destruction of 

 wild Heveas near the plantations and I'emoval of all infected leaves. Defolia- 

 tion by smoke as a remedial measure is also discussed. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



Rodent destruction on ships, R. H. Ckeel (Pub. Health Rpts. [U. S.], 52 

 (1911), No. 36, pp. l-i45-1450). — A report on the relative efficiency of fumigants 

 as determined by subsequent intensive trapping over a period of one year. 



In the fumigation work sulphur dioxid was used on 62 vessels and hydro- 

 cyanic acid gas on 182 vessels. The latter resulted in the destruction of 95 

 of each possible 100 rodents, and the former destroying 77 per cent, notwith- 

 standing the fact that the duration of exposure was 6 hours for holds and 

 superstructures alike when sulphur was used, in contrast to 1^ hours for 

 the holds and 30 minutes for the superstructures with hydrocyanic acid gas. 

 Cyanid was used at the rate of 5 oz. to 1,000 cu. ft., and the sulphur in the 

 proportion of 3 lbs. to 1,000 cu. ft. of space. 



" Sulphur fumigation is not effective for the destruction of rata on loaded 

 vessels or in superstructures. . . . Judging from the results of our observa- 

 tions it would appear that the fumigation of engine and fire rooms can, 

 under ordinary conditions, be omitted, without materially reducing the effective- 

 ness of the destruction of rodents on vessels. ... In exceptional cases, sucli as 

 demonstrable plague infection on board vessels, it is believed that the engine 

 and fire rooms should be included in the procedure." 



See also a previous note (E. S. R., 35, p. 53). 



House rats and mice, D. B. Lantz (U. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 896 

 (1911), pp. 23, figs. 10). — A revised edition of Farmers' Bulletin 369. previously 

 noted (E. S. R., 21, p. 751). 



The game birds of West Virginia, E. A. Brooks (Bien. Rpt. Forest, Game, 

 and Fish Warden, W. Va., 1915-16, pp. 91-160, pis. 9).— In addition to descrip- 

 tions of the species of game birds of West Virginia chapters are devoted to 

 discussions of the fovest conditions in the State as related to game birds. 



