ENTOMOLOGY. 883 



lajidK from which logwood trees had been cut, and it is possible that some relation 

 exists Ix'tween the root rots of these two plants. 



Fungus cultures in the tropics, C. Holtermann {Anu. Bat. Gard., I'eradeniya, 

 1 {I'JOl), pp. J7, pi. 1; abs. In Bat. Ccnthl., 90 {1902), No. 8, pp. 201, 208).— \\. is stated 

 that the excreted gum of the sugar palms (.Irmfifasacc/Kfri/Vca and Carijloa urens) when 

 diluted in w'ater and properly sterilized proves excellent media for the cultivation of 

 different genera of fungi. It is further observed that the germinating spores of 

 Hemileia vastatru; the fungus which causes the destructive coffee leaf disease, showed 

 that the hypha? never possess transverse walls. This fact tlie author considers as 

 indicating that the fungus does not belong to the Uredin;v, where it has been 

 previously classed. 



Comparative investigations of certain germicides, (t. Wesenburg {Centbl. 

 Bukt. u. Bar., ^. AhL, S [1902), No. 20, pp. 627-638; abs. In Jour. Roy. Micro.';. 

 Soc. [London'], 1902, No. 4, p. 472). — A series of experiments was conducted to test 

 the relative value of a number of substances which are offered for sale as fungicides. 

 Antigermin was found to be a copper salt compound, with some weak organic acid. 

 It is odorless, of a greenish color, and requires about 200 parts of hot water to com- 

 pletely effect solution. Mikrosol is a greenish paste of some copper compound. 

 Afral is an organic compound, jjrobably a nitro product of phenol. Antiforniin is a 

 chlorin compound similar to eau de Javelle. The effect of these various fungicides 

 was tested on Oidimn lactw, BenkilUain glaiicnin, dry rot of timber, etc., and Anti- 

 gernun was found to be the best preventive against tiie attacks of the dry rot, and it 

 and ]\Iikrosol were almost equally effective in destroying yeasts and molds. The 

 other fungicides were found to be much weaker in their action. 



The copper content of fungicides, with special reference to the copper 

 poisoning of soils, K. Sajo {Brometheus, U {1902), No. 685, pp. 129-132) .—The 

 author discusses the composition of Bordeaux mixture, soda-Bordeaux mixture, eau 

 celeste, etc., with special reference to the possibility of their injurious effects on soils 

 when applied to plants for a long series of years. 



Plant pathology, E. Rostrup {Bbuitepatologi. Copenhagen, 1902, pp. 640, jigs. 

 259). 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



Insects of the year {fJalifornia Bd. Hort. Rpt. 1901-2, pp. 89-172, figs. 72).— 

 SontJi African black-scale }>arasite {Scutellista cyanea) A. Craw (pj). 91, 92). — This para- 

 site was imported from Cape Colony and has become established in California. 

 Observations thus far made upon this insect indicate that it is an exceedingly effect- 

 ive agent in the destruction of the black scale. 



Calif omia peach-root borer, E. M. FJirliorn (pp. 93-102). — Notes are given on the 

 appearance of the insect in its various stages and on its life history and habits. The 

 methods recommended for destroying this species are digging out, the use of carbon 

 bisulphid, strong washes, tobacco, gas lime, paper and other barriers around the 

 trees, and a mixture of lime, coal tar, and whale-oil soap. The last named remedy 

 is said to give the best results. 



Insects as distributors of human diseases (pp. 103-114). — A brief discussion of the 

 agency of mosquitoes and other insects in the transmission of malaria, typhoid fever, 

 yellow fever, etc. 



Locusts (pp. 115-125). — A number of species of locusts are annually injurious in 

 California and occasionally certain species become unusually abundant. Notes are 

 given on the life history of these insects and on the natural enemies and artificial 

 remedies for their control. 



Blant lice (pp. 126-137). — Kconomic and biological notes on woolly aphis, cabbage 

 louse, wheat aphis, hop louse, black peach aphis, and cherry aphis. 



