ENTOMOLOGY. 56*9 



Root rot of tobacco caused by Thielavia basicola, V. Pegliox (AM P. Accad. 

 Lincei, 5. ser., 299 (1897), No. 2, p. 52). 



On the evolution of black rot, A. Phuxet (Prog. Ayr. et Fit., 28 (1897). No. 47, 

 pp. 598-690). 



The barberry as a host plant for grain rusts, J. Eriksson (Landw. Vers. Stat., 

 49 (1897), No. 1-2, p. 83). 



Treatment for leaf curl of plum, W. C. Sturgis (Connecticut State Sta. Rpt. 1896, 

 p. 281). — A l>rief note is given in which it is stated that trees which received thor- 

 ough treatment with Bordeaux mixture in 1895 were completely protected the fol- 

 lowing season from attack of leaf curl. 



Concerning the effect of formalin on grain smuts, T. Geuther (Ber. Pkarm. 

 Gesell., 5, pp. 325-330; aba. in Jahresber. Ayr. Chem., ID (1897), p. 418). — The author 

 reports that 0.1 per cent solutions in 2 hours destroyed T'stilago spores and 0.25 per 

 cent solutions reduced the germination of grain. Seed of legumes soaked in 0.2 per 

 cent solutions for 24 hours were injured. Soaking spores of Ustilago carbo for 24 

 hours in 0.05 per cent solutions did not kill the spores. 



Observations on the treatment of black rot, Cazeatjx-Cazalet (Per. Vit.. 1897, 

 No. 167, pp. 234-236). 



On spraying tomatoes with copper solution, C. Teyxeika ( G tor. Farm. Trieste, 

 2(1897), p. 71; aba. in Vrtljschr. Chem. Nahr. n. Gemissmtl., 1 .'. No. 2. p. 286).— The 

 author found 0.02 to 0.05 gm. copper in 1,000 gin. tomato juice when tomatoes were 

 sprayed with copper sulphate and none when they were sprayed with Bordeaux 

 mixture. 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



The asparagus beetles, F. H. Chittenden ( U. S. Dept. Agr. Year- 

 book 1896, pp. 341-352, figs. 6). — After a few general introductory 

 remarks, noting that the 2 important beetles attacking asparagus are 

 not native forms, the author discusses the first, the common asparagus 

 beetle (Crioeeris asparagi), noting the damages done by it, its present 

 and probable future distribution, its habits, life history, natural checks, 

 and remedies. 



The insect is now known to have extended its range up the Hudson 

 River and into Ohio. Its spread inland, except in the neighborhood of 

 water, has been limited. In time, however, it will probably spread 

 over the whole of the upper Austral life zone. 



Under the head of natural checks there are noted the spotted lady- 

 bird (Megilla maculata), the spined soldier bug (Podisus spinosus), the 

 armored soldier bug (Stiretrus anchorago), Polistes pallipes, and Agrion 

 positvm. For the larvae the best remedy is thought to be air-slaked 

 lime dusted on the plants in the early morning while the dew is on. 

 Cutting down all the plants in early spring and forcing the beetles to 

 lay in the new shoots which are to be cut down from day to day is also 

 commended. Among other remedies noted is one employed by Klein, 

 consisting of 1 part of a mixture of soft soap and quassia decoction 

 (equal parts), and 5 parts of water. 



The twelve spotted asparagus beetle (Crioeeris duodedmpunctata) is 

 similarly discussed. During 1890 it was found in Charles County, 

 Maryland, and made a serious invasion into Prince George County, in 



