250 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECORD. 



42 to 75° F., one-tliird were viable at the end of 49 days. At freezing tempera- 

 ture or below tbe loss of vitality was less pronounced. When separated and 

 allowed to dry, pycnospores were found less resistant than if dried in the 

 form of sporehorns. When dried on glass, from 66 to 78 per cent were killed 

 by the process, and none remained viable for more than 2 weeks. 



When separated and allowed to dry from suspension in water, aseospores 

 were found much less resistant to desiccation than when dried in perithecia or 

 as spore-prints on object slides. When so separated, from 86 to 94 per cent 

 of the aseospores were killed in the process of drying, and none remained 

 viable more than 35 days. 



The vitality of separated spores when dried on living leaves or bark was 

 found to be much greater than when dried on a glass surface. 



An unreported fungus on the oak, C. A. Schwakze (Ahs. in Phytopathology, 

 4 (1914), No. 6, p. 396). — The author reports a leaf spot on the black oak, 

 chestnut oak, and red oak in different parts of New Jersey, In which the spots 

 are from 3 to 8 mm. in diameter and light reddish-brown in color with a 

 narrow dark brown border. Examination showed the presence of a fungus 

 which is very similar to, if not identical with, Actinopelte japonica. 



Notes on soil disinfection, C. Hartley {Ahs. in Phytopathology, ^ {1914)f No. 

 6, p. 398).— Information additional to that previously noted (E. S. R., 31, p. 647) 

 is given regarding exijeriments conducted with soil disinfection for pine seed 

 beds. 



Heating has proved a failure on account of the fact that the soil is left in a 

 condition suitable for the reestablishment of parasites. Sulphuric acid, copper 

 sulphate, and zinc chlorid were more effective than formaldehyde, and were 

 fairly satisfactory even when applied the preceding autumn. The use of acids 

 was found cheaper than formaldehyde, and has given rather satisfactory re- 

 sults except on soils containing carbonates, where acids have failed and toxic 

 salts have proved the best. The precipitation of copper salts was found to be 

 delayed by adding ammonia. A large number, of other substances have been 

 tested, but only sugar, acetylene, and arseuicals seem to be worthy of further 

 consideration. 



The acid treatment, followed two days later by an application of lime, is 

 recommended as a ix)ssible substitute for heating for crops that do not tolerate 

 acid alone. 



Nematodes and their relationships, N. A. Cobb (17. 8. Dept. Ayr. Yearbook 

 1914, pp. 4511-490, figs. 20). — This is a somewhat popularized discussion of 

 nematodes in general and also as curious, harmful, or helpful organisms. It is 

 intended to indicate to the general reader the vast number of nematodes that 

 exist, the enormous variety of their forms, and the intricate and important 

 relationships they sustain directly or indirectly to mankind. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



Field mice as farm and orchard pests,. D. E. Lantz (Z7. 8. Dept. Agr., 

 Fanners' Bui. 670 (1915), pp. 10, figs. 7).— This deals with the habits, distribu- 

 tion, and methods of combating meadow and pine mice. The protection of the 

 natural enemies of mice is also touched upon. 



Our shore birds and their future, W. W. Cooke (17. 8. Dept. Agr. Yearbook 

 1914, pp. 275-294, pJs. 3, figs. 3). — This is a discussion of the habits of shore 

 birds, particularly as their migration habits relate to the problem of protection. 

 It is pointed out that few shore birds put less than a thousand miles between 

 their nest and winter home, and most of them make a trip of several thousand 

 miles each way. Among the species considered are Wilson snipe, woodcock, up- 



