1()5(') EXPERIxMENT STATION RECORD. 



Destruction of rats and mice, J. K. (Jowdy {U. ,S. Dept. Com. and Lab., Mo. 

 Conmlar Jijd-s., 7o {rj()4), No. 2S4, pp. 417-419). — A brief outline i.s presented of the 

 work carried on by Ruux and Chamberland in distributing cultures of pathogenic 

 l)acteria for the destruction of rats and mice. Fields in which this inaterial was dis- 

 tiibuted were subsefiuently plowed up and examined with the result that the meth- 

 ods sceine<l to hasc proved very effective. i\pi>ureiitly !*5 jkt cent of the field mice 

 were destroyeil. 



Combating field mice, (\. (iuKNAUx {lUd. Aijr. Ahjh-ie cl Tuiil.sic, 10 [1904), No. 4, 

 pp. S2-S4). — A report is made concerning the results ol)tained in cond)ating field mice 

 by the use of pathogenic bacterial cultures as recommended by tiie Pasteur Institute 

 of Paris. The results thus far obtained indicate that tlie method is exceedingly 

 effective in destroying field mice and apparently no danger is to ))e feared from the 

 infection of other animals. 



Anew field mouse in Japan, C. Sasaki {Bal. Col. Agv., Tnkijo Imp. Urdr.,6 

 {1904), No. 1, pp. 51-55, pi. 1). — Theauthor describes as a new Species under the name 

 Arvicola hatanedzinnl, a field mouse which he discovered and studied with reference 

 to its habits and economic status. The nests are carefully described and notes are 

 given on the methods by which the mouse may be captured. Good results are 

 reported from the use of mouse typhus bacillus in destroying this pest. 



The distribution of cultures of mouse typhus, K. KoRXAUTn {'/Aschr. Landw. 

 Vermchsw. Oesterr., 7 {1904), No. 3, pp. 158, 159). — The author states that a consider- 

 ably increased demand has been made for cultures of mouse typhus bacilli to be 

 distributed in infested fields. This increased demand is apparently due to the uni- 

 forndy effective results obtained by the use of the cultures. 



A review of parthenogenesis, E. F. Phillii's {Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc.,43 {1003), 

 No. 174, PJ>- 275-345). — A critical review is given of the literature of this subject in 

 connection with an extensive bibliographical list. The author discusses in a histor- 

 ical manner the various the<iries which have been proposed regarding the origin of 

 the different kinds of individuals in the colonies of bees. The evidence thus far 

 obtained by various experimenters indicates that the theory of Dzierzon is a most 

 plausible one. Notes are also given on other cases of parthenogenesis observed in 

 insects, Crustacea, trematodes, rotifers, spiders, and vertebrates. A brief account is 

 also given of the causes of parthenogenesis in connection with a discussion of the 

 determination of sex, pa-dogenesis and partial parthenogenesis. 



A guide to the birds of New England and eastern New York, R. Hoffmann 

 {Boston: IIou(/}doii, Mi (III n ct- Co., i:i04, jip. NIII^357, pix. 4, Ji'jx- •>5). — The purpose 

 of this book is to awake an interest in the study of bird life ))y a description of 

 methods of observing birds in the field with notes on their migration, nest building, 

 and other habits. Keys are given to assist in the identification of species of birds 

 common for various months of the year. 



With the birds in Maine, Olive T. Miller {Boston: Hoiighton, Mifflin & Co., 

 1904, pp. IX ^ 300). — This volume contains miscellaneous notes on the habits and 

 economii! relations of a luunber of species of birds which occur in Maine and other 

 eastern and middle States. 



Birds of California, Irene G. Wheelock {Chicufjo: A. C. McClurg & Co., 1904, 

 pp. XXVIII + 578, ]>Is. 10, figs. 77). — In this volume the author presents a popular 

 discussion of over 300 species of birds recognized as of common occurrence in Cali- 

 fornia and adjacent islands. In connection with each species notes are given on the 

 feeding and nesting habits of the birds. The analytical key which serves to assist 

 in the identification of the species is based on the color and certain other character- 

 istics of the species concerned. The identification of different species of birds is thus 

 rendered comparatively simple. A supplementary list is also given of rare raigrant 

 birds and subspecies occasionally observed in the State. 



