ENTOMOLOGY. 471 



near the base of the stems to such an extent that tlie stems })roke down when the 

 prain was cominj; into head. The jjjrain was attacked when al)()ut (i in. hijih and the 

 work of tlie^rain aphis cansed bending of the stems, which later led to their hreakinf;;. 



The Knthergk-n hu*; (A7/.s'/».s riiiilor) is similar in habits to the chinch l)ng, bnt has 

 a jjreat variety of food plants, attackiiif; wheat and other field crops, as well as various 

 fruit trees and garden crops. In combating the insect on fruit trees, the author had 

 good succ-ess with the use of a tray 3 by 2^ ft., containing water covered with a film 

 of kerosene into whicli the insects were jarred in the early morning. Experiments 

 with hydrocyanic-aciil gas indicated that this method could be used to advantage in 

 destroying these insects. 



The grain aphis, W. (i. Joiixst)N (Weekly Mod Miller, £6 {1901), No. 44, ji. IS, 

 fifls. :>) . — Brief notes on the damage causecf by this insect, especially in Texas, togetlier 

 with an account of the parasitic insects and fungus diseases which help to keej) the 

 grain aphis in check. 



The Hessian fly in Minnesota, E. B. Foebes {Farm Stndeidn' Rer., 6 {lUOl), 

 No. 9, pj>. 1S3, 134)- — It is rei>orted that the Hessian fly occurred in unusual num- 

 bers during the season and that the wheat crop was damaged in some localities to the 

 extent of 50 per cent. The insects seemed to be present in all parts of the State. 

 Brief notes are given on the life history of the insect, and it is recommended that in 

 combating the attacks of the Hessian Hy attention should be given to the burning of 

 stubble, rotation of crops, and plowing. 



Insects that attack grains and meals, A. M. Lea {Jour. iJcpt. A;/r. We.st. Aus- 

 tralia, 3 {1901), No. 3, pp. 183-188, _fi(j><. 6). — Notes on the habits, life history, and 

 means of combating Sitolroga cerealella, TrUioUam ferrnyhieinn, (itiathocerm roritittus, 

 Silvanus surinamensis, Lasiodcrma serricorne, Teriebrio molitor, CarpopJdlus dimidiatus, 

 and Tyroglyphus ^iro. 



Observations on insects injurious to sugar beets in Italy, <i. del (toercio 

 {Nuove Relaz. R. Staz. Ent. Agr., 1. ser., 1900, No. 3, pp. 371-409, figs. 6') .—The author 

 describes Meldlontha mdgaris in all its stages and gives details of observations concern- 

 ing the life history of this insect. An investigation was made to determine the, 

 periods (hiring which the species is most active and most injurious, and the results 

 of this study are presented in talmlar form. The injuries from this species during 

 certain seasons reach great proportions. Conditions which are favorable to the 

 development of the cockchafer are temperate climate, protection from strong winds 

 and heavy rains, and against severe and sudden changes of temperature. The life his- 

 tory of .the species occupies about 3 years in France and countries of the same latitude, 

 but is somewhat shorter in Italy. Although the larvse are usually found near 

 the surface of the ground, they occasionally penetrate to the depth of a meter or 

 more. The means usually recommended for the destruction of this species include 

 infection with the spores of Botrgth tenella, the collection and destruction of the 

 larvH' and adult insects, and tlie use of carbon bisulphid in the soil. The author 

 believes that the last 3 methods promise the best success, and recommends the use of 

 bi8ulj)hid-of carbon in quantities of from 300 to 500 kg. per hectare. 



Pentodon punctatus is described and illustrated in its various stages and brief notes 

 are given on its life history and habits. The conditions which are most favorable 

 for the rapid development of this sjiecies are similar to those which favor the spread 

 of the cockchafer, and the artificial remedies which promise the most success are 

 the same as those already recommended for the latter species. The use of cylinders 

 made of reeds, tin or other metal, is said to have been attended with considerable 

 success. Such cylinders prevent the attacks nl this insect upon the young i)lants. 



Some insects injuring market garden crops, H. T. Feknald {Md.'^sncfmsctis 

 State Bd. Agr. Rpt. 1900, pp. 322-335, figs. 6). — Descriptive, biological, and economic 

 notes are given on the asparagus beetle, imported cabbage butterfly, squash bug, root 

 maggots of onion, cabbage, and turnip, flea-beetles, and cutworms. 



