330 
attacked the grape vines in that vicinity, and describes its work as similar to 
that.of the North Carolina 4geria polystaformis. We have requested speci- 
mens to be sent to the department that they may be compared with those sent 
by Mr. Kron, but it is probably too late in the season to procure them this year. 
If the insect has really fastened itself upon the vineyards of Ohio, it will, 
we fear, prove a most formidable and destructive foe, as, from its secret, under- 
ground manner of working, it may multiply and spread to an alarming extent 
before its existence is suspected. T. Ge 
IS CROTALARIA POISON ? 
A correspondent writing from Burwood, California, sends seeds, leaves, and 
pods of crotalaria, or what is commonly called rattlebox or rattleweed, and 
Says: 
1 Rattleweed grows very generally all over the State, and is said to be poi- 
sonous tu animals eating it, particularly to sheep. Two of my sheep have lately 
died from, as I suppose, the effects of eating it. In both cases, I found in the 
stomach numbers of the rattleweed seeds, the contents of the stomach com- 
pletely dried up and adhering, so that the inner coating came off when they were 
removed. The animals were sick for two or three days, acting spasmodically _ 
the first day, running at starts, and then standing perfectly still, the head stuck 
in the air, and they not noticing any one going near them. Next day they 
seemed to lose the use of their faculties and lie down, moving only by starts, 
the head being raised all the time.” 
We are not aware that the common eastern species of rattlebox is poisonous, 
but the symptoms are those usual in sheep poisoned by the Kalmza angustifo- 
lia, sheep laurel, or lamb-kill. 
T. @: 
MILDEW ON THE GRAPE. 
The following original paper on this important subject, which has excited 
much discussion of late and developed many conflicting theories, was read by 
Mr. William Saunders, of this department, at the meeting of the American Po- 
mological Society at St. Louis. Mr. 8. has given many years of careful study 
to the subject : 
“Tn a communication which I had the honor of submitting to this society at 
their meeting in 1860, the causes and effects of mildew on grapes were treated 
somewhat at length. Subsequent observations have only tended to confirm the 
views expressed at that time; it has, therefore, appeared to me unnecessary to 
repeat the details already embodied in your proceedings. At the same time a 
bricf resume of what has been learned may be suggestive and useful for future 
reference. 
“There are various forms of mildew to be seen on the leaves of the grape, 
although for present distinction they may be divided into two classes, viz: those 
that make their appearance on the under surface of the leaf, and those that de- 
velop more particularly on the upper surface. 
« Both classes of mildew are mainly, if not wholly, the result of atmospheric 
changes, more particularly those of a hygrometric character.. 
«The most fatal form of grape mildew is that species which attacks the under 
surface of the foliage, and is known by the name of leaf blight, sun scald, and 
blasted leaf. Its presence is first indicated by a slightly yellowish discoloration 
