ZOOLOGY. 631 



from the Arctic districts to the eastern end of the Isthmus of Panama, as well as 

 those which are found in the West Indies, other islands of the Caribbean Sea 

 (except Trinidad and Tobago), and the Galapagos Archipelago. Introduced and 

 naturalized species are included, as well as accidental and casual visitors. The 

 system of classification is that of the most recent authorities. Analytical titles for 

 the identification of groups and species are given, and extensive synonymy is pre- 

 sented in connection with tlie descrijition of each species, together with complete 

 bibliograi>liical references. 



Rabbits and their injuries to young- trees, H. G.vrman (Kentucky Sta. Bui. 93, 

 pp. 111-118, ph. 5). — Notes are given on the prevalence of the common species of 

 rabbits in the State. In some nurseries it is reported that 25 per cent of the apple 

 trees were destroyed by the rabbits. Where the rabbits are hunted extensively 

 their numbers are kept so reduced that their injury is less noticeable. For prevent- 

 ing the injury by the rabbits to nursery stock and orchards, inclosure of the area 

 with a slat fence is recommended. The slats may be bought for from $4 to $7 per 

 thousand, and may be held in place by wires stretched between the fence posts. 

 Several forms of traps and snares for catching rabbits are described. The use of 

 poisoned l)ait and smearing trees with blood and other offensive materials are not 

 recommended by the author. Wrapping the trunks of trees with cornstalks, straw, 

 paper, and other material is considered very effective. Notes are given on the habits 

 of Lepus syivaticus, L. pulustrls, and L. aqwtlicus. 



Rabbit control and destruction, A. Bruce {Agr. Gaz. New South Wales, 12 

 (1901), No. 7, pp. 751-769, figs. 6) . — The methods of rabbit destruction discussed by 

 the author include rajjbit-proof fencing, poisoning, trapping, fumigation, and destruc- 

 tion of rabbit tnirrows. The use of woven-wire fences in preventing the attacks of 

 raljbits is considered an effective and cheap method. The poisons which have 

 proven most successful are phosphorus, arsenic, and strychnin. Phophorus may 

 be applied with oats, wheat, or other grain. Arsenic may be used in a dry condi- 

 tion, mixed with grain, chaff, carrots, apples, and other substances; or may be used 

 in solution in which these same substances are soaked. Strychnin may be added to 

 jam or placed in carrots, apples, or twigs of trees. A most effective means of apply- 

 ing strichnin and arsenic in the poisoning of rabbits consists in the use of these poi- 

 sons in tanks of water where rabbits go to drink. Various chemical devices are 

 described l)y which the rabbits are enticed to visit the tanks in which the poisoned 

 water is contained. The most effective substance for dealing with ra])bits in bur- 

 rows is Insulphid of carbon. 



Vermin destruction {Jour. Agr. and Ind., South Australia, 4 [1901), No. 12, pp. 

 970-978). — Detailed directions and formulas are given for the preparation and distri- 

 bution of phosphorized oats, wheat, and other substan(;es, chaff and arsenic, grain 

 and arsenic, apples or quinces and strychnin, carrots and strychnin, carrots and 

 arsenic, apples and arsenic, and jam and strychnin. These methods are especially 

 adapted for the destruction of ral)bits. It is recounnended that the poison be dis- 

 tributed along freshly broken furrows where it is claimed the rabbits are much more 

 apt to eat the poison. 



Revision of the skunks of the genus Chincha, A. II. Howell (11. S. De.pt. 

 Agr., Dirl.sioii, of Biological Surrey, North American Fauna No. 20, pp. i>2, pis. 8). — 

 This iMilletin discusses the history, distribution, habits, external characters, and 

 nomenclature of the skunks of this genus, including a description of the specimens 

 of which a study was made. The genus Chincha is subdivided into 2 subgenera, 

 Chincha and Leucomitra. The characters of the genus, subgenera, species, and 

 subspecies are given in detail, together with a list of the species and subspecies of 

 the type, localities, and a key for their identification. 



Rat plag-ue, A. EDixcrroN {Crnthl. Bakt. u. Par., 1. AhL, 29 [1901), No. 2.',, pp. 

 889-894, Jigx. 4). — The author investigated an outbreak of disease among rats in Kap- 

 stadt, where the bujjonic plague was jirevalent to some extent among human l)eings. 



