462 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



trees is noted, and the apisearance of the affected portion of the tree is described. 

 Inoculation experiments upon sound horse chestnut trees gave negative results. The 

 fungus is believed to be a wound parasite and is capable of serious injury to the trees. 

 A weakened condition of the trees is favorable to the rapid development of the 

 disease and thorough drainage of the soil is said to reduce the liability of attack. 



Some new parasitic fungi of oaks, E. Henry {Bui. Soc. Bot. France, 48 {1901), 

 Xo. 5-6, pp. 151-155). — Descriptions are given of species of fungi which have been 

 recently described as occurring parasitically upon oaks. Among those described are 

 Pseudomha lor>f/i]}e><, Aghinspora Udeola, and Fezimla dnnamomea. 



Canker of Abies balsamea in Minnesota, A. P. Anderson {Bui. Torreij Bot. 

 Cbih, 29 {1902), No. 1, pp. 23-34, pis. 2). — While engaged in botanical investigations 

 in northern Minnesota in 1896, the author noticed the balsam firs were affected to a 

 great extent with numerous canker-like growths and swellings. Not infrequently the 

 cankers extended around the tree trunk or branch, causing its destruction. The rough 

 bark of the canker was found to bear numerous ascomata which resembled those of 

 Dasyscypha calycma of Europe which produces canker upon the larch. Subsequent 

 studies showed the fungus was probably identical with D. resinaria. A description 

 is given of the organism, and although no European specimens have been at hand to 

 compare, the author believes there is no doubt of the identity of the species. The 

 characteristic smooth bark of the fir becomes rough at the canker spot by the forma- 

 tion of ridges and bark projections soon after the infection takes place. The outer 

 bark is broken through and scales off on account of the rapid inci'eased gi'owth of 

 the inner layers of the bark. The effect of the (tanker on the cortex and wood is 

 described, and although no opportunity has been at hand to perform inoculation 

 experiments, the conclusion is reached that the disease is caused by the fungus 

 mentioned above. The fungus is always found on the bark of the canker spots and 

 nowhere else on the tree. So far as possible to make out, the fruiting occurs on the 

 dead stems and continues only for one season after the stems have been killed by 

 the parasite. The absence of insects and the presence of the mycelium in the bark, 

 as well as in the cambium, and the absence of ascomata from the normal bark of the 

 livmg tree and its presence on the dead stems, is considered sufficient evidence for 

 establishing the parasitism of the fungus. 



The preparation of fungicides, L. Degrully {Prog. Ayr. et Vit. {Ed. V Est), 23 

 (1902), No. 19, pp. 548-553, figs. 2). — Formulas and directions for preparation are 

 given for a number of forms of Bordeaux mixture. Burgundy mixture, a copper 

 sulphate and soap mixture, verdigris, and jjotassium permanganate. 



Purity and control of copper sulphate, E. Chuard ( Chron. Agr. Canton Vaud, 

 15 {1902), No. 15, pp. 462-465). — The varying purity of copper sulphate is com- 

 mented upon, and attention is called to the Federal regulations concerning the 

 analysis and certification-of copper sulphate, sulphur, and similar chemicals. 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



Notes on economic entomology, F. V. Theobald {Jour. Southeast. Agr. Col, 

 Wye, 1902, No. 2, pjp. 20-54, pi. 1, figs. 4). — Currant scale insects and their treatment 

 (pp. 20-27). — The author gives biological, economic, and descriptive notes on Pid- 

 vinaria rihesise, Lecanitun coryli, Mytilaspis pornorum, and Aspidiotus ostreivformis. Of 

 the many remedies which have been recommended in the destruction of these 

 insects the author has found only 3 to be of any real service in killing the scales. 

 Caustic alcohol wash, if applied in the winter, removes scale insects and also lichens 

 and moss. Resin wash also proved successful when applied in the following propor- 

 tion: Resin, 24 lbs.; caustic soda, 3 lbs.; soft soap, 4J lbs.; water, 100 gal. Fumiga- 

 tion with hydrocyanic-acid gas is successful if properly applied. Brief notes are also 



