ENTOMOLOGY. 177 



Grubs on oats (Jour. Bd. Agr. [London], 11 {1904), No. 4, pp. 215, 216). — For 

 preventing injury to oats from crane-fly larvae it is recommended that the ground 

 be thoroughly ploughed in June or July, and that the soil be treated with gas lime 

 at the rate of 3 or 4 tons per acre. 



The western cricket, S. B. Doten (Nevada Sia. Bid. 56, pp. 18, j>l. I). — A study 

 was made of the life history of Anabrus simplex for the purpose of learning a success- 

 ful method of combating the pest. The crickets invade cultivated fields from the 

 grazing lands and foothills. They may be checked and destroyed by water in irri- 

 gation ditches. Trenches with vertical sides serve to prevent the further progress of 

 the insects. Kerosene appears to have but little effect on them. Poisoned horse 

 dung or poisoned bran is an efficient means of destroying the pests. The most 

 certain method of protecting fields against the attacks of crickets consists in the use 

 of barriers of oilcloth or tin. The tin may be obtained from kerosene cans and 

 should be about 12 in. high. The crickets are unable to jump over it. 



In Nevada much damage is done to alfalfa. The crickets move in immense armies 

 and seem to withstand very inclement weather. The eggs are deposited in the soil 

 of the lower foothills. The crickets reach full size about the middle of July. 



The nut-grass coccid, W. W. Froggatt (Agr. Gaz. New South With*, 15 (1904), No. 

 5, pp. 407-410). — Cyperus rotundas, known as nut grass, is considered one of the worst 

 weeds in New South Wales. This weed has been held in check and, in some locali- 

 ties, quite exterminated by a scale insect (Antonina austral!*), which infests the roots 

 of the plant. The habits and life history of the insect are described. 



Destruction of slugs, S. Mottet (Ann. Sac. Agr., Loire, 2. ser., 23 (1903), Nos. 3, 

 p. 202; 4, P- 236). — Dusting with ashes or lime is recommended. Slugs have the 

 habit of collecting under some protection during the daytime and may be readily 

 destroyed in such situations. 



Results of practical experiments with peach borer, C. C. Newman (South 

 ( hrolina Sta. Bui. 83, pp. 9). — On account of the general prevalence of this pest in 

 Scuth Carolina, experiments were undertaken to control it. As a result of these 

 experiments it is recommended that the soil be removed about the base of the peach 

 trees in the fall and that the trunks be coated with a wash containing lime, whale- 

 oil soap, sulphur, and Paris green. This process should be repeated about the mid- 

 dle of March. Detailed directions are given for preparing the wash and notes are 

 presented on the habits and life history of the pest. The careful inspection of 

 nursery stock is also recommended. 



The gypsy moth, P. Lesne (Jour. Agr. Prat., n. ser., 7 (1904), No. 26, pp. 836, 

 837, figs. 3). — The habits and life history of this pest are briefly noted. It recently 

 defoliated oak trees over large areas in Hungary. The usual remedies are recom- 

 mended, preference being given to destruction of the eggs. 



Studies on the transformations of saturnian moths, with notes on the life 

 history and affinities of Brahmaea japonica, A. S. Packard (Proc. Arner. Acad. 

 Arts and Sri., 39 (1904), No. 22, pp. 547-578). — Detailed biological and economic notes 

 are given on a number of species of the family Saturniida?, with an account of their 

 habits and structure. 



The tea tortrix, E. E. Green (Circs, and Agr. Jour. Roy. Bol. Gard., Ceylon, 2 

 (1903), No. 3, pp. 33-46, jil. 1, fig. 1). — Capua coffearia has caused serious damage to 

 tea since 1889. The insect is described in all its stages, and notes are given on its 

 food plants, distribution, and natural enemies. There are about 6 broods per year. 

 Collection and destruction of the eggs is considered the most effective remedy. 



Shot-hole borer, E. E. Green (Circs, and Agr. Jour. Roy. Bot. Gard., Ceylon, 2 

 (1903), No. 9, pp. 141-156, figs. 7).— The appearance, habits, and life history of 

 Xyleborus fornicatus are discussed, with notes on its food plants, natural enemies, dis- 

 tribution, and means of repression. This beetle is particularly injurious to tea plants. 



