570 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



A study of combined fungicides, J. de Bouttes [Prog. Agr. et Vit. (Ed. PEst), 

 26 (1905), No. 24, pp. 716, 717). — A favorable report is made of the addition of 

 sulphur to Bordeaux mixture, the combination being applied at one spraying. 



Three years' use of this mixture in comparison with sulphur applied in the ordinary 

 way has convinced the writer of its efficiency. The combined fungicide is said to be 

 much more adherent than the ordinary forms, and its greater efficiency is attributed 

 to the fact that the sulphur is deposited much more uniformly over the foliage than 

 is possible when dusted in the form of powder. The acid in the copper sulphate 

 mixture is said to materially add to the adhesiveness of the mixture. 



The crystallization of soda fungicides, F. Porchet (Rev. Vit., 24 (1905), No. 

 616, pp. 377-380). — The chief difficulty in the use of soda fungicides is said to be due 

 to their rapid deterioration. When solutions of carbonate of soda and copper sul- 

 phate are mixed, a colloidal precipitate of a greenish-blue color is formed. Ordi- 

 narily after standing for a little time the precipitate loses its blue color, becomes 

 crystalline, and is less adherent to the foliage than when freshly made. 



The causes of the changes were studied, and the author says that if properly made 

 the solution should stand for a long time without crystallization. Too great acidity 

 favors crystallization and alkalinity retards it, though too much alkali makes the 

 fungicide thick and less adherent. High temperatures favor crystallization. The 

 use of impure chemicals and utensils that have been used for other fungicides also 

 favors the depreciation of the fungicide. On this account a warning is given that 

 all utensils, spray pumps, etc., should be thoroughly washed before using them for 

 the preparation or application of fungicides containing soda compounds. 



ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY—ENTOMOLOGY. 



The mammals of Great Britain and Ireland, J. G. Millais (London, New York, 

 and Bombay: Longmans, Green & Co., 1905, vol. 2, pp. 299, pis. 72). — In this, the sec- 

 ond of the three proposed volumes relating to the mammals of Great Britain and 

 Ireland, the author continues a discussion of carnivora including the family Mustelidse. 



The greater part of the volume is devoted to a consideration of the habits and 

 economic relations of various rodents, including squirrels, beaver, rats, mice, and 

 voles. The anatomy and habits of each species of mammal mentioned in the vol- 

 ume are discussed in great detail, so that the work furnishes a fund of information 

 of unusual value regarding these species. The illustrations accompanying the vol- 

 ume are of excellent quality. 



Game laws for 1905, T. S. Palmer, H. Oldys, and R. W. Williams, Jr. ( U. S. 

 Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 230, pp. 54, jigs. 6).— This bulletin is similar in purpose to 

 those issued annually on the same subject since 1902. The information contained in 

 the bulletin is more condensed than in the previous issues and recent changes in 

 game laws are included. 



The destruction of gophers, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs, A. Meraz 

 (Com. Par. Agr. [Mexico], Oirc. 20, pp. 11, pi. 1). — These pests are described with 

 particular reference to the damage which they cause to cultivated crops. In com- 

 bating them various poisons have been tested, including phosphorus, strychnin, and 

 cynanid of potash. Traps, fumigation with bisulphid of carbon, acetylene gas, and 

 other remedies were also tried. Good results were obtained from the application of 

 fumigation methods. 



The destruction of rats, G. Gandara and C. Macias (Com. Par. Agr. [Mexico], 

 Oirc. 22, pp. 44, figs. 39). — The distribution and injurious effects of rats are briefly 

 discussed. Particular attention is given to a consideration of remedies for destroying 

 these pests. Among the remedies discussed by the author mention may be made of 

 baits containing phosphorus, arsenic, strychnin, and other solid poisons, as well as 



