248 EXPEEIMENT STATION RECORD. 



regarding the presence and effects of Coryneum and other fungi on chestnut 

 trees, stating no absolute conclusion at this time, but insisting on early atten- 

 tion being given to the root system in this connection. 



Cryi)togamic leaf diseases of Hevea in America, V. Cayla {Jour. Agr. Trop., 

 J3 (1913), No. 144, pp. 186-188). — The author, noting briefly several studies 

 made on the parasitism of H. l)rasiUensis, states that Dothidella ulei appears to 

 attack most readily and severely plants reduced in vitality by unfavorable con- 

 ditions. The disease is reported from the upper Amazon, but not in very 

 severe form. 



A blig-ht of the mesquite, F. D. Heald and I. M. Lewis (Trans. Amer. Micros. 

 Soc, 31 (1912), No. 1, pp. 5-10, pi. 1). — A disease of mesquite (Prosopis glandu- 

 losa) has been under the authors' observation for several years. It is said 

 to be quite abundant in the vicinity of Austin, Tex., and thought probably to 

 occur throughout the range of this species. 



The leaves are affected soon after the leaflets attain mature size, and in 

 the early stages the leaflets show a form of chlorosis which begins at the 

 margin and tip and advances until the midrib is reached. The general condition 

 is such as is popularly designated as rust. 



The fungus could not be referred to any known genus, and the authors have 

 proposed for it the name Scleropycnlum aureum n. g. and sp., a technical 

 description of which is given. 



The occurrence of the larch canker on Corsican pine, A. D. Hopkinson 

 (Quart. Jour. Forestry, 7 (1913), No. 4, pp. 287-290, pis. 2).— The author reports 

 on the prevalence of the larch canker (Dasyf<cypha willkommii) on the Corsican 

 pine. Of 100 trees examined, 90 showed signs of having been attacked by the 

 fungus, but a few of the larger specimens that had been infected had overcome 

 the disease and the wounds had begun to heal. In addition to the Corsican 

 pine (Pinus laricio), this fungus is said to attack also the Scotch pine (P. syl- 

 vestris) and the Austrian pine (P. austriaca) in the same neighborhood. 



An adherent spraying liquid, A. Lecomte (Rev. Vit., 40 (1913), No. 1027, 

 pp. 225-228). — Noting the contributions of Vermorel and Dantony (E. S. U., 

 29, p. 850) in regard to employment of casein to promote adherence in fungi- 

 cidal sprays, the author reports the successful use for this purpose of this sub- 

 stance in its natural solution, milk. The mixture, it is claimed, was found to be 

 entirely homogeneous when made with the percentage of copper usual in such 

 sprays. A mixture of 2 per cent copper sulphate, 1 per cent lime, and 2 per 

 cent milk in the aqueous solution is said to be satisfactorily adherent and not 

 prohibitively expensive under favorable circumstances. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY— ENTOMOLOGY. 



A text-book of agricultural zoology, F. V. Theobau) (Edinburgh and Lon- 

 don, 1913, 2. ed., rev., pp. XX-\-536, figs. 257). — A revised edition of this work 

 (E. S. R., 11, p. 427). 



The present status of the heath hen, G. W. Field (Bird Lore, 15 (1913), No. 

 6, pp. 352-358, figs. 9). — This paper relates to the occurrence of the heath hen, 

 which has been exterminated except upon Marthas Vineyard. It is stated that 

 6 years' experience proves that the protected reservation is an efficient method 

 for increasing the numbers of this grouse without artificial propagation. 



The destruction and dispersal of weed seeds by wild birds, W. E. Collinge 

 (Jour. Bd. Agr. \_London^, 20 (1913), No. 1, pp. 15-26).— In order to determine 

 to what extent birds are instrumental in disseminating weed seeds, droppings 

 were collected and placed upon sterilized soil and covered with a little fine soil. 

 One hundred and thirty- three plants representing 7 species developed from 54 



