694 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



( Washington Sla. Bui. oG, pp. 31). — Extensive experiments were made with various 

 modifications of the California and Oregon washes on orchards, including peach, 

 pear, i)rune, j)lum, apple, cherry, and apricot trees. During these experiments 

 nearly 20 fornnilas for these washes were employed, varying in conip(jsition from 1 

 to li lbs. of lime and 2 to 8 gals, of water for each pound of sulphur. 



In conversation with orchardists it was found that a great many modifications of 

 the published formulas have been used on a large scale, the purpose of the modifica- 

 tions being to secure more effective formulas. Nearly all formulas, except the most 

 dilute, were quite effective. It was found that after the ajiplication of the lime- 

 sulphur wash many oi the female insects came out from under the scale, but all of 

 these insects were found to die without reproducing. The criteria relied upon in 

 determining tlie death of the scale were a change of color from a pale yellow to a 

 dull orange and a shrivelling of the body. A series of laboratory experiments with 

 various insecticides was carried out by R. E. Snodgrass. As a result of all these 

 e.xperiments it is recommended that the formula of the wash be 1 lb. sulphur, 1 lb. 

 lime, and 4 gals, water, and that the salt be omitted. 



Potash lye alone was found to be ineffective and injurious to peach trees. The 

 lime-sulphur wash is just as effective when applied cold as hot. Kerosene or crude 

 California distillate petroleum was effective as a sumnier spray when used in strengths 

 of 10 and 12 per cent. Pear and peach trees were injured by the lime-sulphur wash 

 when this remedy was applied to young leaves. A chemical study of the lime- 

 suli)hur wash showed that, after the union of the sulphur and lime products is com- 

 plete, the excess of lime remains in the form of milk of lime or whitewash. 



A monograph, of the Coccidse of the British Isles, R. Newstead {Londun: Ray 

 Society, 1903, vol. 2, pp. VIII+^70, pis. 4^, figs. 7).— This volume completes the 

 author's monograph on this subject. The first volume has already been noted 

 (E. S. R., 13, p. 968). The number of species of Coccidse found in the British Isles 

 is 88, together with 4 varieties, and of this number 51 species and 2 varieties have 

 apparently been introduced from foreign countries. The genera treated in this vol- 

 luue include Leeanium, Pulvinaria, Kermes, Dactylopius, Ripersia, Orthezia, etc. 



The date-palm beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros), PI P. Stebbing [Indkin Mus. 

 Circ. Agr. Econ. Ent., No. 4, PP- 5, fig. 1). — This insect appears to have no important 

 natural enemies. The destruction of dead and decaying trees, removal and destruc- 

 tion of rubbish, and the destruction of grubs of beetles which may be found about 

 the roots of trees are recommended for controlling this pest. 



The orange weevil, E. S. Panton {Bui. Dept. Agr. Jamaica, 1 {1.903), No. 11, 

 pp. 249-253, figs. 2). — Prxpodes littatus is described in its different stages and notes 

 are given on its habits and life history. This insect does the most of its injury in 

 the larval form. The pest may be controlled l)y hand picking the beetles, thorough 

 cultivation, and application of lime or suliihate of potash as a dressing around 

 affected trees. Mention is made of Ells atrata as a natural enemy of this pest. 



Report on the distribution of Phylloxera vastatrix in Austria in 1901, 

 F. KuRMANN ET AL. {Bcricht uber die Verbreiiung der Eehlaus in Ostcrreich im Jahre 

 1901. Vienna: Dept. Agr., 1902, i>p. 356, pi. 1). — A detailed account is presented by 

 the inspectors in various parts of Austria regarding the prevalence and distribution 

 of Phylloxera, with special reference to the methods which have been employed in 

 controlling the spread of this insect. Copies are given of the laws and regulations 

 of Austria regarding this matter. 



Grapevine root worm, E. P. Felt {New York State Mus. Bid. 72, pp. 55, figs. 13). — 

 In the present bulletin the author presents the results of observations and experi- 

 ments made in 1902 and 1903, chiefly in the Chautauqua grape belt. The subjects 

 discussed in the bulletin include an account of the area of infestation, signs of the 

 presence of the insect, injuries due to this insect in Ohio, its early history in this 

 country, a description of the species in its native stages, notes on its life history, an 



