ENTOMOLOGY. 769 



sulphuric acid in 1 or 2 per cent solutions, essence of terebinth and soap, and kero- 

 sene emulsion. The most successful remedy for destroying caterpillars was found 

 in Bordeaux mixture to which arsenical soap had been added. Spraying with these 

 insecticides caused a nearly complete destruction of the caterpillars and caused no 

 injury to the grapes. The author believes that while artiticial remedies may be 

 adopted in the combating of the insect in all its stages, it is specially desirable 

 tliat the chief efforts should be directed toward destroying the insect in its larval 

 stage. 



The ravages of Tortrix pilleriana in the Beaujolais, and the destruction 

 of the moths by means of acetylene gas lamps, G. G.\stine and V. Vkkmokei. 

 [Compt. Eend. Acad. Sci. Paris, 1S3 {1901), Xo. 13, p}). 488-491).— The imihor made 

 use of acetylene lamps with the jet of the height of from 12 to 15 cm., situated 

 above the center of a shallow circular metallic vessel of from 40 to 50 cm. diameter. 

 The vessel Avas partly tilled with water covered with a film of kerosene. In 

 using these lamps in vineyards it was noticed that comparatively few moths were 

 captured in the early evening. The most abundant captures took place late at 

 night. Detailed tables are given showing the number of moths of T. pilleriana, and 

 a number of other insects caught by each lamp for each night. From these tables 

 it appears that from July 13 to 31, 170,000 moths of T. pilleriana were captured, or an 

 average of 940 moths for each lamp per night. The cost of maintaining an acetylejie 

 lamp was found to be about 8 centimes per night. 



Smyrna figs growing in California, H. E. Van Deman {Rural Xew Yorker, 60 

 {1901), No. 2680, p. 408). — The author recounts the history of attempts to introduce 

 the fig insect into California for the purpose of fertilizing Smyrna figs. A large 

 quantity of good fruit was produced as a result of the successful introduction of this 

 insect, and the fruit, according to the opinion of the author, is equal to that which 

 is imported directly from Smyrna. 



Orchards, insects, diseases, and spraying, F. Sherman {Bid. North Carolina 

 State Bd. Agr., 22 {1901), No. 10, pp. 9-24, figs. 7). — The benefits of spraying are 

 briefly discussed in a general manner. A report is given upon an inspection of 

 orchards of the State, in which especial attention is given to the quality and quantity 

 of the fruit and the comparative prevalence or scarcity of the insect and fungus pests. 

 Directions are given for the selection and management of different kinds of spraying 

 apparatus, together with formulas for Bordeaux mixture, Paris green, and kerosene 

 emulsion. A list of the nurserymen doing business in the State is presented, and 

 suggestions are given to intending purchasers concerning inspection of nursery stock 

 before it is accepted. 



Beneficial insects, H. F.es {Chron. Agr. Canton Vaud, 14 {1901), No. 22, pp. 

 5o.5-o59, figs. 3). — Descriptive, biological, and economic notes on species of ichneu- 

 mon and tachina flies. 



Scavenger beetles and the fertilization of the soil, C. Onelli {Bol. Agr. y 

 Ganaderia, 1 {1901), No. 1, pp. 27-29). — The author calls attention to the work of 

 various species of scavenger t)eetles in altering the physical characters of the manure 

 of cows and horses and in burying these substances beneath the soil. The well- 

 known habit of these insects in burying small balls of manure in which their eggs 

 are deposited makes it necessary to remove about 5 cc. of soil for each Ijall. Esti- 

 mates are given by the author of the amount of earth thus removed from given areas 

 by scavenger l)eetles. This quantity in localities where the beetles are numerous is 

 so large that it may be compared with the work of earthworms. In making exca- 

 vations underneath and around the droppings of cows and horses it was found 

 that the soil was rendered more loose and friable by the work of the beetles, and 

 that small particles of the manure were scattered through the soil at various depths. 

 In i)asture land the droppings of domestic animals contain many seeds of grasses 

 which are still capable of germinaticm if placed in favorable conditions; these seeds 



