876 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



Important details of spraying, A. V. Stubenrauch {Illinois Sta. Bui. 68, 

 pp. 157-lSS, figs, i.5).— The author iiresents a detailed description of certain points 

 in the preparation and apphcation of spraying materials frequently not considered 

 in bulletins on this subject. A classification of spraying mixtures is given, together 

 with brief notes on the nature of parasitic fungi and the action of fungicides upon 

 them. Spraying mixtures are arranged in 3 classes, (1) in which insoluble sub- 

 stances are held in suspension, (2) simple solutions, and (3) emulsions and mechan- 

 ical mixtures. Paris green and Bordeaux mixture are the chief representatives of 

 the first class, ammoniacal carbonate and sulphate of potash of the second class, and 

 mechanical mixtures of kerosene with water of the third class. Directions are given 

 for the selection and use of proper agitators, the placing of pumps on barrels, and 

 the method of applying the spray. In spraying with Paris green it is urged that the 

 liquid should be thrown in a fine mist, and that the leaves should be covered with 

 small globules which do not run together. When too much fluid is used the indi- 

 vidual drops run together and fall off the leaves; a portion of the poison is thus lost 

 and the leaves may be injured where large drops accumulate. The same directions 

 apply to the use of simple solutions, except where they are used for insecticide pur- 

 poses. In the use of emulsions afld mechanical mixtures the author obtained l)etter 

 results with larger nozzles than those used for simple solutions. Especial discussion 

 is given to the proper character of Paris green, Bordeaux mixture, and ammoniacal 

 copper carbonate solution. It is stated that Paris green has proved very unsatisfac- 

 tory and sometimes harmful in Illinois. The requirements for good Paris green 

 are mentioned, together with the usual tests, including that of color, ammonia, and 

 with a microscope. The objections to Paris green are generally so serious that the 

 author recommends the use of home arsenicals to replace Paris green. Arsenate of 

 lead and arsenite of lime are especially recommended. Detailed notes are given on 

 the method of preparing the liquid constituents of Bordeaux mixture and of com- 

 bining these constituents in order to make a stable mixture. It is urged that the 

 concentrated solutions of lime and copper sulphate should never be mixed, but that 

 these materials should be combined only after being diluted and being allowed to cool. 

 Precipitation is much less apt to take place under these conditions. Directions are also 

 given for the preparation and use of ammoniacal copper carljonate. 



The fowl tick (Argas americanus ) , W. W. Froggatt {Agr. Gaz. Netv South 

 Wales, 12 {1901), "So. 11, pp. 1340-1S5S, pi. 1). — A brief account is given of the geo- 

 graphical distribution of this insect, and the literature of the subject is discussed in 

 connection with a detailed bibliography. According to the author's observations, 

 this tick avoids damp places and is usually not found in wood on the ground, but 

 rather in dry nesting boxes or in cracks of the building. In order to prevent attacks 

 of this pest it is recommended that chicken houses be built in such a manner that 

 they may be easily cleaned. The house might profitably be painted with coal tar 

 in order to prevent the tick from securing a foothold. Old unused sheds loosely 

 constructed should Ije destroyed or removed to some distance from occupied chicken 

 houses. Tree trunks in the neighborhood of cliicken quarters should ))e scraped and 

 sprayed with kerosene in order to kill any ticks which may be hidden under the 

 bark. 



Silk culture, G. McCarthy {Bnl. North Carolina Slate Bd. Agr., 22 {1001), No. 

 11, pp. 7-29, figs. 6) . — In thfs article the author gives a brief popular discussion of the 

 history of silk culture; the habits, life history, and food plants of the silkworm; 

 and various details concerning the rearing of silkworms; the preparation of the silk 

 threads from the cocoon; and on the possibilities of silk raising in the United States. 



Wintering of bees, U. Gcbler {Rev. Internal. Apicalt., 23 {1901), No. 12, pp. 

 238-242). — A general discussion is given to the suliject of hibernation of bees. Exper- 

 iments have shown that bees subjected to a temperature of 7 to 8° C. can live but a 

 short time. The 3 means by which heat is lost from colonies of bees are bv conduc- 



