ENTOMOLOGY. 775 



insect, the remedies usually applied in such cases are not effective against the ele- 

 phant beetle. Hand picking and jarring are to be relied upon to reduce the numbers 

 of the beetle. 



Practical suggestions for combating the coffee borer {Planting Opinion, 5 

 {1900), No. 40, pp. 6S7-GS9). — Planters usually adopt a method of cultivating shade to 

 protect coffee plants against the attacks of Xylotrechus quadrupes. If affected coffee 

 trees are to be burned for the purpose of destroying the insect, this measure should 

 be adopted before the insect has escaped, or previous to April 15. The author rec- 

 ommends that the adult insects should be caught by systematic efforts extending 

 over the whole season during which they may be found. It is also recommended 

 that the stems of coffee bushes be scraped and cleaned. The borer requires fissures 

 in the bark for the purpose of depositing its eggs, and egg laying would thus be ren- 

 dered difficult hy making the surface smooth. 



Calcium carbid as a remedy for phylloxera, F. Vassiliere {Bui. Agr. AlgP.rie 

 et Tunisie, 6 {1900), No. IS, jyp. 538, 539). — From experiments made by the author 

 it is concluded that calcium carbid applied at the base of the grapevine in the form 

 of powder, or in small fragments, constitutes a very valuable remedy against phyl- 

 loxera. 



On the cause of the resistance of American vines to phylloxera, V. Peglion 

 {Atti R. Accad. Econ. Agr. Georg. Firenze, 4- ser., 23 {1900) , No. J, pp. 183-^1) -—This 

 article constitutes an historical and critical discussion of American vines in America, 

 the hereditary transmission of resisting power to phylloxera, injuries of the root sys- 

 tem in relation to the resisting power, and the determination of the degree of resist- 

 ance. A bibliography of the subject is appended. 



The gall of the Monterey pine, W. A. Cannon {Amcr. Nat., 34 {1900), No 406, 

 pp. 801-810, figs. 6). — Pinus radiuta growing on the grounds of the Leland Stanford 

 Junior University was severely attacked by a species of gall gnat. The gall consisted 

 of a malformation of the leaves. The gnat larvae were found in pockets of the swollen 

 leaves, entirely surrounded by vegetable tissue. In the fall such leaves contain 4 or 

 more larvae. In February eggs were to be found deposited between the leaf fascicles, 

 on the outside of the young shoots, and between the scales. . In consequence of the 

 presence of the larvae, the epidermis of the scales and leaves was modified in structure 

 and function. The hypertrophy of the vegetable tissue was apparently not caused by 

 any substance deposited with the eggs. 



A contribution to our knowledge of the spiders of Victoria, including 

 some new species and genera, H. R. Hogg {Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria, 13 {1900), 

 No. l,pp. 68-123, ph. 5). — Brief biological and economic notes on a number of species 

 of spiders, together with descriptions of new species. 



Regulations of foreign governments regarding importation of American 

 plants, trees, and fruits, L. 0. Howard {U. S. Dept. Agr., Divii^ion of Entomology 

 Circ. 41, 2. ser., pp. 4). — This circular contains a brief statement of the requirements 

 regarding shipments from America to Austria-Hungary, Belgium, British Columbia, 

 Canada, Cape of Good Hope, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzer- 

 land, and Turkey. A list is given of places at boundary lines of different countries 

 where plants may be introduced. 



Physiological test of hydrocyanic-acid gas on strawberry plants, G. H. 

 Powell {Ddaimre Sta. Rpt. 1899, pp. 163, 163). — Experiments were made for the 

 purpose of determining the effect of hydrocyanic-acid gas on strawberry plants, dur- 

 ing which 1,500 Brandywine and Bubach strawberry plants were fumigated in a box 

 containing 60 cubic feet of space. At the time of treatment the plants were moist. 

 The period immediately succeeding the setting of the plants was unusually hot and 

 dry. The results of the experiments indicate a slight injury to all the plants. The 

 application of 0.1 or 0.2 gm. of cyanid of potash per cubic foot for 10 minutes did but 

 little harm. 



16466— No. S— 01 6 



