884 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



Experiments were carried on to determine the agency of insects and other 

 animals in destroying mosquito eggs, larva-, and nymphs. Among the more 

 important species in this work mention is made of Notonecta glauca, Nepa 

 cinerea, Naucoris cimicoides, Gyprinus prasinus, and Gooytis barbatula. The 

 possibility of infecting mosquito larva with various bacteria and fungi was 

 also tested. It was found that Aspergillus niger and A. glaucus readily infect 

 mosquito larvae to such a serious degree that they are unable to complete their 

 development. 



The logical basis of the sanitary policy of mosquito reduction, R. Ross 

 {Science, n. ser., 22 {1905), Wo. 570, pp. 6S9-699, figs. 3). —The author main- 

 tains that the agency of mosquitoes in transmitting malaria and filariasis 

 may be considered as demonstrated. The importance of eradicating mos- 

 quitoes from infested districts is, therefore, considerably greater than would 

 be the case if mosquitoes were considered merely as a nuisance themselves. 



An attempt was made to put upon a mathematical basis the problem of mos- 

 quito extermination within areas of limited and large size. It is believed that, 

 after extermination plans have been put in operation, the numbers of mos- 

 quitoes will be reduced not only within the area of operation but to a con- 

 siderable distance outside of this area, at least equal to the usual distance of 

 migration of the mosquitoes. This is due merely to the fact that mosquitoes 

 are moving from place to place and tend to migrate into the areas in which 

 extermination methods are in operation. The larger the area taken under 

 such operations, the less noticeable will be the effect of migration of mosquitoes 

 from outside sources. 



The cattle tick, A. Lofgren (Bol. Agr. [Sao Paulo], 6. ser., 1905, No. 7, pp. 

 312-315). — The importance of this tick as the agent in the transmission of 

 Texas fever is briefly discussed. Animals may be rendered immune against 

 the disease, but the systematic destruction of the tick is considered to be the 

 best remedy. 



The cattle tick in Washington and Benton counties, W. G. Vincenheller 

 (Arkansas St a. Bui. 90. pp. 131-1 J/1). — Federal quarantine has been enforced 

 against the whole State of Arkansas although some of the northern counties 

 have been free from ticks. On account of this fact a State quarantine law 

 was enacted in 1899 for the purpose of preventing the infestation of these 

 counties. This law has failed in its intent, however, for the reason that no 

 provision was made for its enforcement and farmers did not realize the neces- 

 sity of preventing the infestation of their farms with cattle ticks. 



During the last few years the infestation of the previously tick-free counties 

 has taken place quite rapidly as a result of the annual migration of berry 

 pickers from farther south, some of whom take cattle along with them. It is 

 believed that this reinfestation could have been prevented easily if a more 

 active interest had been taken by the farmers concerned. Attention is called 

 to the injurious effects of ticks upon animal industry, and a copy is given of 

 the resolutions regarding the cattle tick adopted at the recent meeting of the 

 association of the commissioners of agriculture of the southern States. Brief 

 directions are given for dipping, burning pastures, and rotation in order to 

 exterminate the ticks. 



Bee keeping: Its pleasures and profits, J. B. Paige (Agr. of Mass., 1903. pp. 

 399-^11, pi. 1. figs. 2). — The economic aspect of bee keeping is briefly discussed 

 with particular reference to statistics obtained largely from the last census. 

 The cost and profits of bee keeping in Massachusetts are considered in some 

 detail, and directions are given regarding various practical matters connected 

 with this subject 



