ENTOMOLOGY. 387 



Report of the entomologists, C. II. and H. T. Fernald i Massachusetts Sta. Rpt. 

 1903, pp. 105-109). — During the year under report the climatic conditions were gen- 

 erally unfavorable to the multiplication of insect pests. A few insects, however, 

 were unusually numerous, particularly the apple-tree tent caterpillar, elm-leaf beetle, 

 San Jose scale, plum curculio, and imported willow borer. Neuroloma rufipes was 

 reported as causing great damage to plum trees in the Connecticut River Valley. 

 The gypsy moth no longer occurs in such large colonies as formerly, but the insect 

 is generally distributed, so that it appears to be impossible to exterminate it. 



Entomological department, W. R. Shaw (Oklahoma Sta. Rpt. 1904, pp. 57-61). — 

 Brief notes on the best methods of combating Hessian fly, garden web worm, and 

 Pyrausta rantalis. 



The apple-tree tent caterpillar and its life history, X. F. Davis {Pennsylvania 

 State Dept. Agr. Bui. 120, pp. 15, pis. 28). — Brief notes are given on the appearance, 

 habits, life history, and distribution of this insect. In 1903 a large percentage of 

 the caterpillars in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey were destroyed by a 

 bacterial or fungus disease. Notes are also given on other natural enemies of the 

 pest. The usual remedies in controlling this insect are recommended. 



Report of the habits of the kelep, or Guatemalan cotton-boll-weevil ant, 

 • >. F. Cook ( U. S. Dept. Agr., Bureau of Entomology Bui. 49, pp. 15). — About 4,000 of 

 these ants in 89 colonies were introduced from Guatemala and appeared to endure 

 the journey very successfully. 



A detailed account is presented of the habits and biological relations of the ants. 

 Several of the colonies were found with 2, 3, or more queens. The ant appears to 

 be truly predaceous in habits, and no fear is entertained of its becoming a menace to 

 cotton or other cultivated plants. The ant will attack and destroy the adult boll 

 weevil and exhibits habits which make the author hopeful of its successful coloniza- 

 tion in Texas. It still remains doubtful, however, " whether the keleps will survive 

 the winter climate of Texas and whether they can be obtained or propagated in 

 sufficient numbers to serve the practical purpose for which they have been introduced." 

 It is urged that cultural methods of control be still maintained. 



The Mexican cotton-boll weevil, E. M. Wilcox (Alabama College Sta. Bui. 129, 

 pp. 91-104, figs. 4). — A review is presented of the introduction, history, and present 

 distribution of the cotton-boll weevil within the United States. A copy is given of 

 an Alabama law for preventing the importation of seed from cotton affected with the 

 boll weevil. Notes are given on the habits and life history of this pest. While a 

 number of natural enemies have been mentioned as likely to assist in the control of 

 this pest, the author believes that improved methods of cultivation are the only effect- 

 ive means of controlling the boll weevil so as to raise profitable crops. 



Insects injurious to the basket willow, F. H. Chittenden ( U. S. Dept. Agr., 

 Bureau of Forestry Bui. 46, pp. 63-80, fig*. 17). — The author presents an account of 

 the habits, life history, natural enemies, and means of combating imported willow 

 curculio, poplar girdler, bronze birch borer, various species of sawflieSj leaf beetles, 

 leal-eating caterpillars, and plant lice injurious to the basket willow and other species 

 of willows. In combating these pests good results are usually had from complete 

 inundation, and willow plantations on ground which can not be inundated suffer m< »re 

 extensively from insect injuries. Learf-feeding species of insects may be destroyed by 

 spraying with arsenate of lead, Paris green, or by the jarring method. 



The codling moth, C. Mayer (Agr. Jour. Cope Good Hope, .'5 (1904), No. 2, pp. 

 153-157, figs. 7). — The condition of infestation with this insect pest is briefly noted 

 and directions are given for applying a most effective preventive remedy for controll- 

 ing it. The remedies recommended are spraying with Paris green, banding the trees, 

 and destroying windfalls. Brief notes are given on the results obtained from the 

 application of these remedies. 



