62 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



On the prevention of smut of barley and oats by soaking the seed, M. 

 Hollruno (Landw. Jahrb., 26 (1897), No. 1, pp. 145-190). 



Treatment of common diseases and insects injurious to fruits and vegeta- 

 bles, S. A. Beach and W. Paddock (New York State Sta. Rpt. 1S95, pp. 345-388, 

 figs. 4). — The subject hero discussed is divided into (1) diseases and insects injurious 

 to fruits; (2) diseases and insects injurious to vegetables; (3) diseases and insects 

 injurious to nursery stock, and (4) fungicides and insecticides. The diseases and 

 the insects are briefly and popularly described, and the remedy which has been 

 found to be most efficient is recommended. In all cases the remedies have been 

 tested, and detailed directions are given for their proper application. In the section 

 of the paper devoted to fungicides and insecticides formulas for the preparation 

 and directions for the application of the leading fungicides and insecticides are 

 given. 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



The principal household insects of the United States, L. O. 



Howard, C. L, Marlatt, and F. H. Chittenden ( U. S. Dcpt. Agr., 

 Division of Entomology Bui. i, n. ser., pp. 130, Jigs. 64). — This is a 

 popular compilation, containing numerous original observations. In 

 nearly all cases the habits and life histories are described, original 

 figures given, and the most appropriate remedies mentioned. 



Mosquitoes and fleas, L. 0. Hoivard (pp. 9-31). — Original observations 

 are recorded relating to the mosquito (Culex pungens) and the dog flea 

 (Pulex serraticeps). The eggs of the former insect, it is stated, arc 

 probably laid in the early morning hours, in numbers varying from 

 200 to 400. They are aggregated into a single layered, more or less 

 boat-shaped, floating mass. The larva? hatch in from 16 to 21 hours 

 and escape into the water, but, unable to remain long beneath it, they 

 gather at the surface of the water and project their small respiratory 

 siphons into the air. The end of the body is never projected out of the 

 water. The larval condition lasts 7 days and the pupal state 2 days, 

 thus giving in all 10 days as the minimum generation for the species. 



As remedies, pouring kerosene over the surface of the water in which 

 they breed, agitating it, introducing salt or brackish water or small 

 fish, and draining are recommended. Appended to the chapter is a 

 list of the mosquitoes of the United States. 



The generation of the dog flea is stated to be probably a fortnight 

 in length. The food of the larvae is believed to be the blood excrement 

 of the adult and the dry vegetable accumulations in floor cracks, etc. 

 The principal method of combating the pest is the preventive one of 

 keeping the floors and carpets thoroughly clean. Pyrethrum, buhach, 

 and benzine are not always effectual. A fairly successful method of 

 attacking the adults 1 is to fasten sticky paper to the legs of a person 

 and then have him walk back and forward over the floor. 



The bedbug and conenose, C. L. Marlatt (pp. 32-42). — The bedbug 

 (Cimejc leetularius) and the blood-sucking conenose ( Gonorhinus Bangui- 

 sHi/a), which in the South seems to have acquired a taste for human 



! Insect Life, vol 7, p. 422. 



