ENTOMOLOGY. ' 67 1 



produced by G. biseptatum are usually nodose, increasing year by year until they 

 attain a size of 6 to 8 in. in diameter. Those produced by the second species are 

 never as thick, but the involved branches radiate in a fan-like growth resembling 

 witches' brooms. The effect of the different fungi upon the tissues of the host is 

 shown, and the belief is expressed that the fungi cause marked metabolic changes 

 in the stem, accompanied by the considerable accumulation of resin and other 

 substance^. 



Studies of some tree-destroying' fungi, G. F. Atkinson ( Tran.s. 3fasmchu!^etts 

 Hurt. Sor. 1902, I,})}). 10!)~1S0). — A report is given of a lecture, in which the author 

 described I'oJyponis horcalls, I'. suIp]tiireHS, P. igniarius, Tmmeles nbif'tii<, and Rhizoc- 

 tonin sp. The effect of these different fungi ui^on the trees is shown and the methods 

 of growth and distribution of tlie fungi are indicated. 



Suggestions for the removal of epiphytes from cacao and lime trees, A. 

 Howard ( West Indian Bui, 3 {1902), No. 2, pp. 189-197). — A discussion is given of 

 the presence of epiphytes upon cacao, lime, and other trees, and suggestions given 

 for their removal. The larger forms, like ferns, orchids, etc., are best removed by 

 hand, while the smaller ones can probably be best removed bj' spraying the trees 

 with a 6 per cent solution of copper sulphate or one of the resin compounds. 



The general treatment of fungoid pests, A. Howard {Imp. Dept. Agr. West 

 Indie.^, Fumphlii Xo. 17, 190.1, pp. 4.), Jigs. 5). — A general discussion is given of the 

 various diseases caused by fungi, and suggestions given for their prevention. 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



Some miscellaneous results of the work of the Division of Entomolog'y 



( U. S. Ik'pt. -Agr., Division of Entomology Bui. 38, n. ser., j>p. 110, pis. S, figs. 9). — The 

 southern grain louse, T. Pergande (pp. 7-19). — Notes are given on the appearance and 

 habits of this insect as learned through correspondence and newspaper clippings. 

 The life history of the species is not well understood. A description is given of the 

 wingless and migratory females. A number of natural enemies are known, includ- 

 ing ladybirds and an internal parasite, Lisiphlehus tritici. No artificial remedies are 

 effective. 



Report of an investigation of diseased cocoanut palms in Cuba, A. Busck (pp. 20-23). — 

 An investigation of the diseased cocoanut palms in Cuba was carried out with the 

 result that a fungus {Pestalozzia jHtlmarum) was found to be the primary cause of the 

 disease. The trunk is destroyed within 3 months after the beginning of the attack 

 and is then completely disintegrated by white ants and other insects. For pre- 

 venting the spread of the disease the author recommends cutting dow'n and burning 

 diseased palms. The insects found upon the cocoanut palm were few in number 

 and of little or no economic importance. 



The 2>(dm and palmetto weevils, F. H. Chittenden (pp. 23-28). — Descriptive economic 

 and biological notes are given on Rhynchophorus palmarum and R. cruentatus. A 

 number of insects were found associated with the first named species, among which 

 were 2 species of mites which are doubtless of some value in destroying the weevils. 

 R. cruentatus has been observed at Ft. Ogden, Fla., on seedling dates, the trunks of 

 which it thoroughly destroyed. The treatment recommended for this insect is both 

 cultural and mechanical. It is suggested that young trees or wild species of palm be 

 cut down or wounded; the sap which exudes from wounded trees strongly attracts 

 the beetles and they may thus be easily captured. 



Notes on the rhinoceros beetle, F. II. Chittenden (pp. 28-32). — Notes are given on the 

 habits and life history of Dynastes tityns. The larva of the insect is descril)ed for the 

 first time and descriptions are given of the other stages. 



Notes on enemies of mushrooms (uid on experiments with remedies, A. Busck (pp. 

 32-35). — The chief enemies of mushrooms are considered as being snails, roaches, 



