ENTOMOLOGY. 883 



nials may be protected to some extent from the bites of the flies by coverinf; tliem 

 with rank smelling oils, etc. 



Ten generations of the house fly under different conditions, K. A. Bogda- 

 Now {Allg. Ztschr. But., S {1903), No. 14-15 , pp. 365-267).— In one .series of experi- 

 ments the wings of the common house fly were clipped for a series of 10 generations 

 in order to determine the effect of this operation ujion the flies. No permanent 

 effect was produced by clipping the wings. In a second series of experiments 

 flies were maintained for 10 generations with no food except meat mixed with 

 increasing quantities of the flowers of tansy. No effect was produced ])y this unusual 

 food. 



Mosquitoes, C. Fuller [Natal. Agr. Jour, and Min. Rec, 7 (1904), No. 1, pp. 

 50-56, figst. 7). — A brief account of the habits, life history, and means of combating 

 these pests. The use of permanganate of potash in infested pools and growing euca- 

 lyptus trees for the purpose of keeping away mosquitoes are condemned as absolutely 

 valueless. The usual remedies, such as covering the pools with kerosene and drain- 

 ing stagnant water, are recommended. 



Termites and termitophilous insects of Central America, F. Silvestri 

 [Rt'diii, 1 (1903), No. 1, pp. 1-J.i4, j>ls. 6,fi.gf{. 57). — A detailed technical description 

 is given of the various species of white ants known to occur in Central America. 

 Tlie author also descril;)es the habits of these insects and presents a discussion of the 

 biology of the various members of the colonies of white ants, the duration of the life 

 of individuals, feeding habits, nests, and the relationship of white ants to agriculture. 

 As a rule these species are injurious only to dead trees or timber, but sometimes 

 attack living trees. 



In the second part of the author's article notes are given on the various species of 

 mites, scale insects, flies, beetles, Hemiptera, etc., which are known to inhabit the 

 nests of wliite ants. 



Sex determination in bees and ants, W. E. Castle (Science, n. .s^r., 19 (1904), 

 No. 479, 2>j). 3S9-S92). — A l)rief jiojiular account of the theories concerning parthen- 

 ogenesis in bees, in which the author supports the theory of Dzierzon. 



Bee keeping, F. Sworder (Transvaal Agr. Jour., 2 (1904), No. 6, pp. 139-148, 

 pis. 4). — Various forms of comb foundation are described and notes are given on the 

 methods of preventing the falling of brood comb in young swarms. The author also 

 discusses in a brief manner the location and general management of apiaries, hives, 

 section honey, and the most suitable methods for hiving bees. 



Bees and their benefit to the farmer, J. D. Pikp: ( Ohio State Bd. Agr. Rpt. 1902, 

 pp. o06-.'>09) .■ — A general account is given of the problems concerned in apiculture 

 with si)ecial reference to the importance of bees in fertilizing fruits. 



Apiculture in Italy (Ann. R. Scuola Superiore Agr. Portid, 2. ser., 3 (1902), pp. 

 691-702). — A brief statistical account is presented of the quantity of honey produced 

 in various parts of Italy and of the import and export trade in this product. Atten- 

 tion is called to the importance of apiculture, and especially to the agency of bees 

 in the fertilization of fruit trees. 



Studies and observations on bumblebees, S. Bengtsson (Ark. ZooL, 1 (1903), 

 No. 1-2, pp. 197-222) . — The author reports the results of Ids observations on the 

 habits and life liistory of bum))lebees, with special reference to the species Bombus 

 disiingnendii.'i and B. hypnornm. The parasitic a;nd predaceous insects which attack 

 bumblebees are also briefly considered. The author discusses the nature and func- 

 tion of various individuals of the bumblebee colony. 



Annual report of the Royal Sericultural Station of Padua (Ann. R. Slaz. 

 Bacol. Padora, 31 (1902), jjp. 140, p/.s. 3). — An account of the general princi])les 

 which should govern silk raisers in the selection of races of silkworms most suitable 

 for any given locality is presented by E. Verson. 



Experiments were undertaken by E. Quajat for the purpose of devising a method 



