456 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



I, 1^0. 7, pp. Jio2-Jf51). — Details are presented regarclins tlio characters observed 

 in hybrids botvvoon distinct species of Genn.'eus, Phasianns, and Nnniida. In 

 all of these hybrids the characters in the first generation were not those of 

 either parent bnt were intermediate between those of the parent forms. 



Wild birds, useful and injurious, C. F. Archibald {Jour. Roy. Agr. Hoc. 

 Enghtnd, 6'.? (1007), pp. 11-32, fiffs. 7). — Attention is called to the lack of specific 

 information among farmers regarding the economic status of various common 

 species of birds. In order to assist in a better understanding of the relationship 

 of l>irds notes are given on the feeding habits of the starling, rook, magpie, mar- 

 tin, cuckoo, ringdove, pheasants, sea gulls, etc. 



Some common birds of Oreg'on, W. Ia Finley {Leaflet h LMiny and Deacrih- 

 ing Birds of Oregon, No. 2, pp. J 6, flgn. 10). — A popular discussion was pre- 

 sented of the feeding habits and economic i-elations of a number of the conmion 

 birds of Oregon, including the red-shafted woodpecker, western robin, western 

 bluebird, California jay, crow, kingfisher, western meadow lark, etc. 



The locust plague in Hortobagy in 1907, and birds, J. Schenk {Aquila, 

 14 {1901). No. l-.'i, pp. 223-215, pi. 1, flgs. 4)- — A description was given of a 

 serious outbreak of locusts which occurred in 1907. The species chiefly con- 

 cerned was Staiironotiis iiniroccaiiits. As the plague of locusts increased in 

 extent and numbers various insect-eating birds were observed feeding upon the 

 locusts. The habits of a number of species of birds on this occasion are de- 

 scribed by the author. The starling and stork proved to be particularly instru- 

 mental in destroying the locusts. 



A report on Trox suberosus, L. Iches {Bol. Min. Agr. [Bueiios Ay res], 

 9 {1908), No. 1-2, pp. SS-.'i.'f). — Reports have been repeatedly received that 

 T. siiherosus feeds upon the eggs of locusts and should, therefore, be con- 

 sidered as an important help in the control of locusts. Careful observation of 

 the beetle in cages specially prepared for this purpose failed to produce any 

 evidence that the beetle feeds upon the eggs of the locust. 



The destruction of Melolontha vulgaris, A. A'ivien {Atti 6. Cong. Internaz. 

 CJiim. AppL, 4 {1906), pp. 3//2-3//7). — Statistical data are given showing the 

 number of cockchafers which have been collected by school children and others, 

 pjiicouraging results have been obtained in the dissemination of fungus disease 

 among the cockchafers. It is not certain whether the fungus concerned is 

 Botrytis bd.ssiana or Isaria densa. 



Miscellaneous papers. A record of results from rearings and dissections 

 of Tacbinidse, C. H. T. Townsend {11. 8. Dept. Agr., Bur. Eiit. Bid. 12, tech. ser., 

 pt. 6. pp. 9.')-118, figs. 6). — The author here reports the results of bionomic 

 studies of tachinids made in connection with investigations by the Bureau of 

 Entomology of this Department of the parasites of the gipsy and brown-tail 

 moths. It is predicted that Blepharipa scutelJata, Pales pavida, ZcnilUa liba- 

 tri.1', and an undetermined species of Crossocosmia will be found to deposit 

 their eggs upon the leaves and be taken into the bodies of the caterpillars with 

 the food. From dissections, 14 American and 5 European species have been 

 determined to have the habit of depositing their eggs in this manner. 



Eiipeleteria magnicornis was found to larviposition on green shoots, leaf 

 stems, leaf ribs, and occasionally on the surface of leaves near caterpillars to 

 which the larvre readily attach as the host passes. From dissections, 13 

 species have been determined to larviposit. Dexodes nigripes and Compsilura 

 concinnata have the habit of depositing the living maggots inside the skin of 

 caterpillars. ■ Parexorista ehelonia-, Parasetigeiia scgrcgata, Tricholygn grandis, 

 Tachina larvarum', T. utilis, and T. clisiocampw deposit eggs upon the cater- 

 pillars. It was found that in the leaf-ovipositiou species, the eggs and first 



