ENTOMOLOGY. 73 



a thiu bark before it is used as a remedy. Kerosene emulsion diluted 

 with 3 parts of water is concluded to be unsafe and uncertain. Crude 

 petroleum emulsion is both more expensive and more dangerous than 

 kerosene emulsion. 



The bramble flea louse (Trioza tripunctata) (pp. 619-623). — This insect 

 is considered historically and biologically. Gathering the curled leaves 

 or cutting off the heads of canes is recommended as the only practical 

 remedy. It is suggested that frequent applications of a weak kerosene 

 emulsion, when the curling of the leaves is first noted, will considerably 

 reduce the amount of injury. 



The spinach leaf maggot or miner (Pegomyia vidua) (pp. 621-633). — 

 This insect receives the same treatment as the last. The only remedy 

 recommended aside from the destruction of the infected plants is a 

 cultural method of destroying all lainb's-quarters or pig weeds through- 

 out the summer and cutting the weeds in neglected corners, hedges, 

 fences, roadsides, driveways, and turnrows, and keeping such places in 

 grass, clover, rye, or oats. The pupae may be gotten rid of by deep 

 plowing. 



The increase of the San Jose scale in Delaware during 1896, 

 G. H. Powell (Delaware Sta. Bui. 33, pp. 10). — The increase of the 

 San Jos*'' scale during the past year is mentioned and some of the 

 causes pointed out. From a known number of 50 trees infested in a 

 previous year the scale insect has spread until more than 1,000 trees 

 are known to be infested at the present time. The cause of this increase 

 is attributed to the rapid multiplication of insects, the indifference of 

 some fruit growers to it, the inefficiency of some of the washes used, 

 the impossibility of determining with defiuiteness every affected tree, 

 and the absence of laws enforcing methods of eradication. The author 

 considers that it is impossible to exterminate this scale by spraying, 

 but it may be held in check by this means. Laws are needed in the 

 State to prevent the introduction of infested stock, and the compensa- 

 tion to the owner of destroyed orchards is considered as the most eco- 

 nomic policy for the State to pursue at the present time. 



Spring feeding (Jour. Hort., 49 (1897), No. 2534, p. Sol). — In feeding bees it is 

 advised that the food be slightly warmed when beginning feeding, and that 1 pt. 

 be fed at a time as fast as the bees will take it, or at the rate of 3| oz. per day. 



Concerning hydromel, R. Pinzot (L'Apicultem; 41 (1897), No. 2, pp. 60-62).— The 

 methods of making this substance are discussed. 



The pear gal] gnat, G. Abbey (Jour. Hort., 49 (1S97), No. 2540, pp. 486,487, fig. 1).— 

 After speaking of the synonyms of Diplosus pyrivora and of its introduction into 

 Connecticut, probably from England in 1877, and its subsequent spread to neighbor- 

 ing States, the insect is described, and also the manner and the effects of its attack 

 upon the pear. When the flies appear they may be caught on traps made of strips 

 of tin, 3 by 12 in. in size, smeared with a mixture of resin and sweet oil; or by 

 spraying just before the blossoms open with soluble petroleum ; or by the use of the 

 odors of formalin or spidacide. When the petals drop, an insecticide may be used. 

 Other precautionary methods recommended are the removal of the infected part and 

 dressing the ground beneath the tree with kainit at the rate of 1,000 lbs. per acre 

 or 7 oz. per sq. yd after a rain. 



