552 EXPEKIMEXT STATIOX RECORD, 



The results of preliminary experiments with polysulphids and flour paste 

 in the control of Chrysomphalus dictyospermi pinnulifera on citrus trees, 

 G. Del Guekcio {Riv. Patol. Ycg., 7 {lOl-i), Xo. 5, pp. 129-135; ahs. in Internal. 

 Inst. Agr. [Rome], Mo. Bui. Agr. Intel, and Plant Diseases, 6 (1915), No. 3, pp. 

 Jf74, lf75). — In experimental control work with this scale, known in Sicily as 

 " bianca-rossa," the author found that the use of 1 to 2 per cent flour paste, 

 fish glue, etc., added to the value of polysulphids in its control. Of the polysul- 

 phids that of potash is said to be the mo.st active, even in amounts of less than 

 1 per cent in the control of the larvte and 5 to 7 per cent in the control of the 

 adults. The action in July is so rapid that its effect xipon the adult scale is 

 apparent from the second day, while the larv.ne are destroyed almost instan- 

 taneously. This polysulphid, when strentrthened with flour, owes its increasetl 

 destructive property to its great hygroscopicity ; thus during the night and 

 early morning it absorbs moisture from the air and its injurious effects on the 

 scale are renewed, while during the day and until nightfall, with the warm air, 

 its action is lessened, 



Polysulphid of soda is said to be much less effective than the potash com- 

 pound, and the impurities which accompany it also prevent its use. Polysulphid 

 of lime alone does not adhere well to very young shoots and leaves or to green 

 branches or fruit. It adheres better to old citrus leaves, but never wets them 

 evenly. When strengthened with glue or flour it does not have the quick 

 action of polysulphid of potash, nor is it so effective, lacking the hygroscopic 

 property of the potash salt. On the other hand, it retains its protective action 

 longer since it is not as easily washed off by rain. 



Descriptions and records of Coccidae, T. D. A- Cockerell and Elizabeth 

 Robinson (Bill. Amcr. if us. Nat. Hist., S3 (1914), pp. 327-335, figs. 9).— This 

 article relates largely to Philippine scales. Several of these are described as 

 new, a number being of economic importance. 



Observations on British Coccidae in 1914, with descriptions of new species, 

 E. E. Green (Knt. Mo. Mag., 3. scr., 51 (1915), Nos. ,T, pp. 175. 176; 6, pp. 777- 

 185, pis. 3, fig. 1). — The notes here presented include descriptions of several 

 new species, and references to several others of economic importance. 



A note in regard to Trichodectes hermsi, M. C. Hall (Proc. Ent. Soc. 

 Wash.. 17 (1915), No. -}. pp. 1S6, 187). — T. hcrm^si is thought to be a redescrip- 

 tion of T. penicillatus. 



The butterfly guide, W, ,T. Holland (Garden CHy, N. Y.: Douhleday, Page 

 rf Co., 1915, pp. 237. figs. 190; rev. in Cannd. Ent., 1,7 (1915),' No. 9, pp. 309, 

 810). — This is a pocket manual for the ready identification of the common 

 species found in the United States and Canada. 



First report on the experiments carried out at Pusa to improve the mul- 

 berry silk industry, M. X. De (Agr. Research Inst. Pusa Bui. .',S (1915). pp. 30, 

 pis. Jf). — A report on breeding experiments conducted at Pusa, India, including 

 a short description of the different races of silkworms reared in that country. 



The influence of rainfall and the nonburning of trash on the abundance 

 of Diatraea saccharalis, G. N. Wolcott (Porto Rico Bd. Agr. E.rpt. Sta. Circ. 7 

 (1915). pp. G, pi. 1; Spanish Ed., pp. 6, pi. 1; abs. in Jour. Econ. Ent., 8 (1915), 

 No. 5, pp. 496-.'f99). — It is pointed out that the prevalence of the sugar cane 

 borer depends upon rainfall and the presence of trash. Through its destruc- 

 tion of parasites the burning of trash in Porto Rico is claimed to increase the 

 abundance of the borer by 100 per cent. 



Spraying notes on the control of the fruit tree leaf roller in the Hood 

 River Valley, I.. Childs (.four. Eron. Ent.. 8 (1915). Xn. 5. pp. .',.>7--}ff<?).— 

 The limits of infestation of this leaf roller in the Hood River Valley are well- 

 defined, the infestation at the present time comprising from 500 to 600 acres. 



