ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY ENTOMOLOGY. 651 



grown from diseased cuttings are dwarfed and bear an inferior quality of 

 flowers, although the quantity may be greater than from healthy plants. 



Some field experiments with the chestnut canker fungus, W. H. Rankin 

 (Ahs. in Phytopathology, S (1913), No. 1, p. 73).— The average rate of growth 

 of artificially produced cankers during the summer months was found to be 

 1.8S cm. per month. The conidia were observed about one month after inocu- 

 lation. The perithecial stromata were never formed until late in the summer 

 even in the case of infections produced early in the spring. Mature perithecia 

 were commonly observed by the middle of November in all cankers produced 

 by inoculations made even as late as August 1. Ascospores were found to be 

 ejected only when free Water was present on the stromata, and it is stated 

 that they may be found at any time during the year. The water content of the 

 tree as observed in 1912 did not alter the susceptibility of the tree to the 

 fungus. It was found that slow growing cankers could be produced on cei'taiu 

 species of oaks. Endothia virgininna is said to be not pathogenic on the chest- 

 nut in New York. 



Twig' tuberculosis of the Italian cypress, F. W. Negeb (Mycol. Centbl., 2 

 {1913), No. 3, pp. 129-135, figs. 6). — A description and discussion are given of a 

 disease of Italian cyiiress, in the twig swellings of which a parasitic mycelium 

 is found. It is thought to be possible that this disease of cypress may be due 

 to the same cause as the twig swellings of Juniperus phoenicea, the cause of 

 which is in dispute. 



Fung'icides, their preparation and application, A. Shaeples (Agr. Bui. Fed. 

 Malay 8tates, 1 {1913), No. 11, pp. 392-398). — Formulas are given for making, 

 also detailed directions for handling and using, several fungicides based upon 

 copper or sulphur. 



ECOTTOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLO0Y. 



The control of prairie dog's and ground squirrels, M. H. Spatjlding {Mon- 

 tana Sta. Circ. 20, pp. 9-26, figs. 2). — A popular discussion of these pests, their 

 natural enemies, and means of eradication. It is stated that the loss in differ- 

 ent parts of the State due to the depredations of small rodents has been very 

 great. 



The war ag'ainst field mice in France, J. Boyer (Sci.. Amer., 109 {1913), No. 

 e, pp. lllf, 118, figs. 5). — This article describes the methods used in combating 

 field mice, principally Arvicola agrestis and /!/ms sylvatictis, in France. 



The rat, its habits and their relation to antiplagne measures, R. H. Creel 

 {Put). Health Rpts. [U. 8.], 28 {1918), No. 9, pp. 382-386) .—The experiments 

 here reported relate to swimming, burrowing, climbing, jumping, preference 

 for food, and cannibalism of Mus norvegicus, M. rattus, and il/. alexandrinus. 



Note on leprosy in rats, J. R. Ridlon {Put). Health Rpts. [U. S.], 28 {1913), 

 No. 28, pp. 1U7, i//-'/8).— Three of 5,700 rats collected at Mayaguez, P. R., from 

 August 29 to December 30, 1912, and examined for plague infection were found 

 to be suffering from leprosy. 



Fumigation of vessels for the destruction of rats, S. B. Grubbs and B. E. 

 Hor.sENDORF {Pul). HcuW} Rpta. [U. /S.], 28 {1913), No. 25, pp. 1266-1274).— 

 The fumes of burning sulphur are said to be the most convenient and efficient 

 fumigant for the destruction of rats in vessels. 



The economic importance of the little owl in England {Abs. in Intemat. 

 Inst. Agi: [Rome], Bui. Bur. Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, S {1912), No. 10. 

 pp. 2320, 2321). — It is concluded that the little owl {Athene noctua), which 

 was introduced into England some 30 or more years ago, may be considered 

 as a beneficial species. 



