966 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



A bacterial disease of strawberries, P. Voglino (Ann. R. Acanl. A(jf. Torino, 

 42 {1900), pp. 11, pi 1; (ihs. In Bol. Centbl., 86 {1901), No. 12, pp. 410, 411)-— In the 

 experimental garden attached to the agricultural academy at Turin there appeared 

 in July a hitherto unknown disease of strawberries. It spread rapidly, and by Octo- 

 ber had attacked nearly every plant and destroyed many of them. The leaves of 

 diseased plants wilt, dry up, become white or spotted, although sometimes they are 

 but little changed. The roots are badly affected. A section across one of the main 

 roots shows the outer part more or less disorganized and the woody axis entireh^ 

 laid bare. Xo fungus could be found associated with this disease, but numerous col- 

 onies of bacteria were j^resent. The organism was isolated, cultivated, and infection 

 experiments conducted that seem to show that the disease is due to bacteria. The 

 morphology and physiology of the organism are described at some length. It grows 

 readily upon a number of media and is from 0.9 to 1.5// in length, although young 

 specimens often occur 2 or 3 times that size. 



Investigations upon the action and condition of tlie sulphur used in com- 

 bating- grape mildew, K. Windlsch ( L/imlir. .Talirh., SO {1901), Xo. -i, pp. 447-495). — 

 Various theories have been suggested as to the action of sulphur in preventing the 

 growth of the powdery mildew ( Oidinm tnckeri) upon the grape. The efficiency of this 

 fungicide has been attributed to mechanical, physical, and chemical action. All of 

 these theories are stated and reviewed at some length, the author seeming to adhere 

 to the theory of chemical action, although his experiments were not satisfactory and 

 are to be repeated. Investigations were carried on upon various kinds of sulphur 

 in which the questions of fineness and purity were examined and the different 

 methods of determining these factors are described. The different kinds of sulj^hur 

 found upon the market were studied, and comparisons are drawn between the 

 efficiency of ground, sultlimed, and precipitated sulphur. The author claims that 

 nearl}- all investigators agree that ground sulphur is more efficient than the flowers 

 of sulphur in preventing grajie mildew. Analyses are reported of a number of trade 

 preparations that are recommended for use as substitutes for suljihur. In nearly all 

 of them sulphur was found to be the most abundant constituent, lime, gypsum, etc., 

 often being added to make bulk. 



A disease of carnations at Antibes, G. Delacroix {Ann. Inst. Xat. Agron., 24 

 {1897-1900), No. 16, pp. 161-201, figs. 11).- — This article gives detailed report of inves- 

 tigations conducted upon a disease of carnations caused by Fusarium dianthi. A pre- 

 liminary account of this disease has been noted elsewhere (E. S. R., 13, p. 153). 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



The entomolog'ist's experiment orchard, J. B. Smith {New .Jersey Stas. Bui. 15.5, 

 pp. 71) . — The author gives in detail the history of each tree in the orchard, which 

 was planted for experimental purposes. The orchard contains 48 trees of different 

 species and varieties. Notes are given on the method of application and effective- 

 ness of arseimte of lead, cement and milk, kerosene, crude oil, whale-oil soap, and 

 lime-sulphur-and-salt wash. No harm was done to any trees by spraying with 

 arsenate of lead. Experiments covering a number of years, with the cement and 

 milk treatment, indicate that this is an effective method for ])re venting the attacks 

 of peach borers. Fuel oil with a specific gravity of 35° injured peach trees to some 

 extent, but was safely used on plum, pear, and hawthorn. It was fatal to early Rich- 

 mond cherry trees. Four kinds of whale-oil soap were used, with varying results. 

 In some cases it seemed ineffective, in others all scale insects were destroyed. On 

 peach trees the buds were badly injured in some cases. Detailed notes are given on 

 experiments Avith mechanical mixtures of kerosene and crude petroleum with water, 

 and with these substances undiluted. The results varied according to the time of 



