160 EXPERIMENT STATION EECORD. 



" The only explanation for the above facts seems to be that the flies are blown at 

 least 6 miles off shore, and that they gather on the cribs as temporary resting 

 places." 



An unusual outbreak of Stomoxys calcitrans following floods, C. Fuller 

 {Agr. Jour. Union So. Africa, 5 {1913), No. 6, pp. 922-925). — A discussion of 

 an unusual outbreak of the stable fly in South Africa. 



The maggot fly pest in sheep, H. S. Major (Agr. Gaz. ts. S. Wales, 24 {1913), 

 A'o. 8, pp. 645-653). — A discussion of this pest has been previously noted from 

 another source (E. S. R., 29, p. 656). 



The bean stem maggot, R. W. Jack {Rhodesia Agr. Jour., 10 {1913), No. 4, 

 pp. 545-553, pis. 4). — The author here discusses the life history, bionomics, and 

 injury caused by Agromyza fahalis, a native African species which is generally 

 distributed south of the Zambesi. This dipteran is said to be the most serious 

 drawback to the successful cultivation of cowpeas and certain other kinds of 

 beans in this territory. 



Experiments for the control of the onion maggot, H. T. Fernald and A. I. 

 Bourne {Massachusetts Sta. Rpt. 1912, pt. 1, pp. 171-179). — This paper pre- 

 sents the details of experiments in which a number of insecticides and repel- 

 lents were tested with a view to determining their efficacy in controlling the 

 onion maggot. 



The experiments with carbon bisulphid, Nicine, powdered hellebore, a helle- 

 bore decoction, a soap wash, carbolized lime, and kerosene emulsion gave what 

 may be considered as negative results. More satisfactory results were obtained 

 in the control of the maggots from the application of carbolic acid emulsion, 

 made by dissolving 1 lb. of soap in 1 gal. of water, adding 1 lb. of crude carbolic 

 acid, and churning as in kerosene emulsion. Applications along the rows by 

 means of a force pump without a nozzle at strengths of 1 : 30, 1 : 40, and 1 : 50 

 parts of water decidedly checked the infestation in the rows to which it was 

 applied. It is estimated that the cost of this material and labor varies from $8 

 to $12 per acre for each application, according to the strength used. Since it 

 would be necessary to make at least 3 and probably 4 applications, the cost 

 would amount to from $35 to $50 per acre. 



"The whole experiment indicates (a) that no entirely effective method of 

 controlling the onion maggot has as yet been discovered ; (b) that many of those 

 thus far recommended are of little value, at least on large fields; (c) that the 

 cost of treatment with most of them is so great as to render them unavailable 

 for large areas. Finally, the most promising line of investigation seems to be 

 the discovery of something which will effectually repel the insects or destroy 

 the maggots, and which can be applied either as a part of the planting process 

 or in connection with cultivation, thus avoiding the necessity of special treat- 

 ments by combining these with usual methods of cultivation." 



The manzanita Serica (Serica anthracina), E. O. Essig {Mo. Bui. Com. 

 Hort. Cal., 2 {1913), No. 8, pp. 622, 623, fig. i).— This beetle is reported to be a 

 source of serious injury in Eldorado County, California, through its defoliation, 

 especially of the prune and apple. In some instances the trees have been killed 

 by the constant and complete defoliation. 



The application of arsenate of lead, at the rate of 8 lbs. to 100 gal. of water 

 to which 8 lbs. of lime has been added, as soon as the beetles appear in the 

 spring is recommended. 



A critical discussion of the Halticini attacking Cruciferse in central 

 Surope, F. Heikertinger {CentU. Bakt. [etc.], 2. Aht., 36 {1912), No. 1-5, pp. 

 98-127, figs. 18). — The several parts of this paper deal with the genera and 

 species of flea beetles attacking crucifers and the nature of their injury, the 

 cultivated crucifers attacked, tables for the determination of the species of 



