Keren tly 

 nale eggs in the small cells. One can only admit in 

 order to explain this remarkable fact, the principle of the theory of 

 Dzierzon, based upon the fecundation, because if the production of 

 males were due, for example, to the influence of season, it is evident 

 that the eggs laid at the same epoch in the large cells would become 

 male just as much as the others. In order to interpret all the facts, M. 

 Marchal thinks this theory should be modified, by allowing the inter- 

 vention of another factor than the will of the queen, and continues: 

 We will admit, then, that after her first deposit of eggs, exclusively 

 those of workers, which lasts until the first of August, the reflex which 

 brings about the contraction of the seminal receptacle at the moment 

 of the laying of each egg is no longer produced with the same energy, 

 and that therefore the eggs can be laid without being fecundated ; 

 thence the almost sudden appearance of males corresponding to the rela- 

 tive state of inertia of the receptacle. Then it is that the workers 

 building the large cells give the queen a choice between two distinct 

 classes of the alveoli, and she, stimulated by the presence of the large 

 alveoli, which seem to possess the power of rendering her reflexes more 

 rate from that time all her energies upon them 

 and will lay only fecundated eggs and females. The modification thus 

 introduced into the theory is important because it replaces the volun- 

 tary act of the queen by a passive one. The queen does not deposit 

 males and females at will ; but there comes a time when she cannot do 

 otherwi> than de] sit nudes because if t i huh , ertia of her re- 



M. Marchal finds that the laving of eggs by workers is normal in 

 August to a small extent, and that it is greatly increased in case the 

 queen is removed or stops laying. 



Circulars on Injurious Insects.— A valuable series of circulars 

 on injurious insects is being issued by the United States Divi.-ion of 

 Entomology. In each, one of the more important pests is discussed, its 

 method of work, distribution, life-history, natural enemies and reme- 

 dies being clearly described. Kecent issues include circulars 9 to 15, 

 with the following titles: Canker-worms, by D. W. Coquillet; The 

 Harlequin Cabbage Bug, by L. O. Howard ; The Rose Chafer, by F. 

 H. Chittenden ; The Hessian Flv, bv C. L. Marlatt : Mosquitoes and 

 Fleas, by L. O. Howard ; The Mexican Cotton-Boll Weevil, by L. O. 

 Howard, and Shade Tree Insects, also by Mr. Howard. 

 35 



