252 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol.35 



species of currant and gooseberry tested thus far have been found to be sus- 

 ceptible, the widely distributed black currant {Ribes nigrum) being especially so. 



Discussion on decay in timber (Trans. Canad. Soc. Civ. Engin., 20 {1915), 

 pt. 1, pp. 324-365, figs. 29). — This discussion, participated in by a number of 

 engineers, deals with the conditions, forms, and results of attacks on various 

 woods, as in mill and other structural timbers, by fungi, more particularly by 

 Meruiius lacrymans, Coniophora cerebella, and Trametes serialis, as well as 

 other fungi not yet identified. 



Among the more resistant woods heart pine stands very high, as does also 

 wood containing tannin in relation with Meruiius. Moisture which may con- 

 dense following a fall in temperature greatly favors attacks in many cases. Air 

 driven from near the surface of warm, moist earth may become saturated and 

 give up moisture in a cooler underground space, wetting the wood instead jf 

 drying it. A water pipe may cool surrounding air to saturation and rot adja- 

 cent timbers. Certain materials absorb water at high temperatures and give it 

 up at lower temperatures. Hygroscopic salts may form in certain situations or 

 processes. It is thought that il. lacrymans may obtain the moisture and oxygen 

 it requires from the wood it decomposes. 



A bibliography is appended. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



A histoi-y of British, mammals, G. E. H. Barkett-Hamilton and IM. A. C. 

 HiNTON {London: G^urney & Jackson, 1915, Ivol. 2], pt. 17, pp. 503-552, pis. 2, 

 figs. 4)- — A continuation of the Muridse of the Rodentia, previously noted (E. S. 

 R., 34, p. 57) in which descriptions of the field mouse, the Hebridean field 

 mouse, the St. Kilda field mouse, the Fair Isle field mouse, the yellow-necked 

 field mouse, and De Winton's field mouse of the genus Apodemus are given, and 

 a description of the genus Micromys commenced. 



Som^e observations on the rate of digestion in different groups of wild 

 birds, W. E. Collinge {Jour. Econ. Biol., 10 {1915), No. 3, pp. 65-68 ) .—Experi- 

 ments tabulated show that the rate of digestion diifers in the rook from that in 

 the English sparrow, and that these two birds and the starling digest the 

 stomach contents in a period of from 4 to 4.5 hours. 



A synopsis of the races of the long-tailed goat-sucker, Capriniulgus mac- 

 rurus, H. C. Oberholser {Proc. U. S. Nat. Mas., 4S {1915), pp. 587-599). 



A review of the subspecies of the ruddy kingfisher, Entomothera coro- 

 mauda, H. C. Obeeholseb {Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 48 {1915), pp. 639-657). 



Entomological investigations, H. F. Wilson and L. Chflds {Oregon Sta., 

 Bien. Rpt. Hood River Sta., 1913-14, pp. 40-50).— In studies made of the insects 

 of the Hood River Valley, the codling moth was found to be the most important 

 pest. Observations of this insect made during the period under report indicate 

 the occurrence of a third brood. It is said that during the last two or three 

 weeks prior to harvesting, a large number of young larv£e appeared and entered 

 the fruit, causing considerable damage, and that the damage was serious, even 

 in orchards where three spray applications had been previously made. 



Statistical data relating to codling moth work in twelve orchards are pre- 

 sented in tabular form for several varieties of apple, showing the extent of 

 damage to the fruit, with various spraying dates, strengths, and combinations 

 of brand.s. Arsenate of lead in combination with blackleaf 40, lime-sulphur, 

 and Bordeaux mixture gave very efficient results. 



Observations relative to seasonal history and habits are included. The adults 

 emerge in May and commence to oviposit as soon as the evening temperature 

 rises to 60° F. or above, which condition prevails about June 1. The earliest 



