ZOOLOGY; 853 



the pest. The best results, however, have been obtained from the use of bisulphid 

 of carbon according to a method proposed by Briest. This consists simply in intro- 

 ducing small receptacles resembling cartridges into the burrows of the hamsters. 

 The receptacles are about 2 cm. in height and :! cm. in diameter. 



Combating animal pests by means of micro-organisms, K. Koknauth ( Ztschr. 

 Landw. Versuchsvh Oesterr., 7 I 1904), No. 4, />/>■ 365-387 ).— The literature of this sub- 

 ject is critically discussed. The author presents a digest of results thus far obtained 

 by different authors in combating insects and injurious mammals by means of patho- 

 genic micro-organisms. 



Hypodermic injections of Bacillus typhimurium in the control of field 

 mice, A. Cugini and ('. Manicardi (Staz. Sper. Agr. TtaL, 37 {inn',), No. /, pp. 

 5-14).— The author considers that there are only 2 effective methods for combating 

 iield mice, viz, the use of poison and destruction by means of infectious disease. 



Experiments were made in the inoculation of mice which were subsequently set 

 free in order to carry the contagion toother mice. Notes are given on the results 

 thus obtained, and directions are presented for t lie preparation of cultures ami the 

 inoculation of captured mice so as to spread the disease most effectively. This 

 method of controlling held mice is believed to satisfy the scientific, practical, and 

 economic requirements of a successful method. 



The use of bacterial cultures in destroying rats and mice, ('. < >. Jensen 

 (Maanedsskr. Dyrlseger, in {1904), No. 8, pp. 271, .'?.'). — Brief notes are presented on 

 the successful use of bacterial cultures in destroying rats and mice. Two commer- 

 cial products containing pathogenic bacteria have been prepared under the names 

 rat in and ratinet. 



Prevention of damage by rats, M. Roberts (Jour. Jamaica Agr. Soc, 8 ( 1904), 

 No. 1 .', />/>. 4'-'-, 49J)- — The author lias suffered considerable loss by the damage due 

 to rats attacking half-grown cocoa pods. The usual methods of destroying these 

 pests by traps and poison proved unsatisfactory. Cultures of rat virus were imported 

 and were found to operate very successfully. Directions are given for using this 

 virus. 



Report of the commissioners of inland fisheries and game of the State of 

 Maine, 1904, L. T. Carleton et al. (Rpt. Comrs. Inland Fisheries and Game, Maine, 

 1904, pp. 88, pis. II, fig. 1). — A brief account is presented of the work done at various 

 fish hatcheries in the State. 



Deer are said to be decreasing in numbers, and this fact is attributed to over- 

 destruction by hunters. The moose also appear to be somewhat fewer in numbers 

 than during previous years. Caribou are almost never observed in Maine at present. 

 An account is given of the license system for hunting in Maine, together with notes 

 on the reported cases of the illegal killing of the moose in 1904, accidents to hunters, 

 game-warden service, registered guides, and recommendations regarding game laws. 



A brief account is presented of the economic relations to agriculture <>f a few birds, 

 including the ruffed grouse and the robin. 



Warning against trespass on the Breton Island reservation, J. Wilson 

 (f T . S. Dept. Agr., Biological Survey drc. 45, p. 1). — This is a notice of an order by 

 the President setting aside Breton Island as a game preserve, and forbidding hunt- 

 ing <>r the collection of eggs in that island. 



Report on scientific work in the natural history of vermes in the year 

 1900, von Linstow kt al. (Arch. Naturgesch., 63 (1904), II, No. 3, pp. 506). — A 

 classified bibliography with brief abstracts of the more important literature relating 

 to different groups of vermes, bryozoa, tunicates, brachiopods, rotifers, echinoderms, 

 and sponges. 



The birds of North and Middle America, III, R. Ridgway (Smithsn. Tnst., 

 U. S. Nat. Ma*. Bui. 50, V.><>',, />/. S, pp. XX 801, pis. 19). — This constitutes the 

 continuation of the author's monograph of the birds of North and Middle America, 



