ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY — ENTOMOLOGY. 347 



between 68 and 80° F. These results substantiated the field observations, which 

 showed a cessation of spore expulsion during the winter period. The perithecia 

 were found to have an almost phenomenal power of spore production, spores 

 being expelled from some specimens daily for a period of 168 days, and some 

 perithecia were still active when the test was discontinued. The necks of the 

 perithecia were found to play an important part in the mechanics of spore ex- 

 pulsion. Expulsion was found to occur in a saturated atmosphere, but was 

 more pronounced when specimens were permitted to di'y out gradually. 



A bibliography is appended. 



Plane tree leaf scorch, C. C. Bbittlebank (Jour. Dept. Affr. Victoria, 12 

 {19 U), No. 6, pp. 335, 336, figs. 2).— The author describes this disease as noted 

 in specimens recently sent from portions of South Australia for examination, 

 cautioning against confusing this trouble (due to Olwosporium nervisequum) 

 with a somewhat similar disfigurement due to excessive transpiration caused 

 by hot, dry winds. The perfect stage has not been observed in Victoria, and 

 may possibly not occur in the genial climate of this region. Pollarding, in case 

 of large trees, and spraying with Bordeaux mixture, in case of smaller ones, 

 are recommended, as is also the destruction of all fallen leaves and diseased 

 twigs. 



The spotting of prepared plantation rubber, A. Shaeples (Dept. Agr. Fed. 

 Malay States Bui. 19, pp. 31, pis. 4)- — This follows up a preliminary account of 

 related studies by Bancroft (E. S. R., 29, p. 451). 



It is stated that spottiugs and discolorations on plantation rubber are due 

 in most cases to common saprophytic fungi possessing proteolytic enzyms, four 

 species receiving more particular attention in this connection, PeiiAciUium 

 maculans n. sp., Chromosporium crustaceum n. sp., Trichodenna koningi, and 

 Fusari^im sp. The infection is said to follow inoculation in the field, or under 

 bad conditions in drying sheds. 



Methods of prevention include sterilization of the latex with formalin and 

 quicker drying of the rubber by the employment of thinner working and the 

 addition of sodium bisulphite. Dilution with water seems to increase the 

 tendency to spotting, and this is also true of the addition of coagulant above 

 the minimum amount necessary for this purpose. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



How to attract birds in northeastern United States, W. L. McAtee ( U. 8. 

 Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 621 (1914), pp. 15, figs. 11). — This discusses protec- 

 tion, breeding places, water supply, and means of providing a food supply for 

 wild birds about the homestead. Charts are given which show the seasons of 

 fruits attractive to birds and of fruits useful to protect cultivated varieties. 

 It is the first of a series of publications dealing wih practicable methods of 

 attracting birds about homes in the various parts of the United States. 



Eecent investigations on parasitic and other eelworms, G. E. Johnson 

 (Rpt. Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sd., 1913, p. 526). — A brief review of recent studies of 

 the nematodes. 



Report of the entomologist, 1912-13, T. J. Anderson (Dept. Agr. Brit. East 

 Africa Ann. Rpt., 1912-13, pp. 124-131).— A report of observations of the more 

 important pests of the year. 



Insect records. — Miscellaneous notes by officers of the division of ento- 

 mology (Agr. Jour. Union So. Africa, 8 (1914), No. 2, pp. 240-244, figs. 8).— 

 Notes on the pumpkin stem borer (Apomecyna Mnubila), which is the source 

 of considerable injury in certain sections of South Africa, and on the bind- 

 weed gall maker (Nupscrha apicalis) are presented by C. Fuller. 



