282 
M. Jean Dufour in the Chronique Agricole, Viticole et Forestier du Can- 
ton de Vaur, November 10, 1891, pp. 376-34, where he gives the life- 
history of this parasite and records a series of experiments conducted 
in the laboratory in pots, together with corresponding experiments in 
the field. These experiments showed that the disease can be dissem- 
inated to a certain extent by infesting the soil with artificial cultures 
or with fragments or entire specimens of diseased larve, but they also 
indicated to M. Dufour’s satisfaction that the method is not entirely 
effective as a remedy, even in the laboratory experiments where the 
conditions could be accurately governed. A large percentage of the 
treated larve resisted the disease, and in the field SP SUEUOSIUS the per- 
centage of affected larvee was considerably less. 
In view of the differing opinions among actual experimenters we may 
safely render a verdict of not yet proven. This idea of destroying in- 
jurious insects by contagious diseases is such a fascinating one that 
only the most careful investigators will escape the danger of drawing 
ill-founded deductions from their experiments. 
PARIS GREEN AND THE HONEY BEE. 
Prof. J. A. Lintner, of New York, was present at one of the sessions 
of the late convention of the North American Beekeepers’ Association, 
held at Albany, and ‘‘asked to be allowed to say afew words” in regard 
to the practice of spraying fruit trees with arsenical poisons. He 
thought experiments were hecessary to prove that bees were ever killed 
by the spraying of fruit trees. He doubted if they ever were killed in 
this way, and desired that samples of bees apparently killed in this 
- manner be sent him for analysis, which would be satisfactory proof. 
A committee of three was appointed to look after a series of experi- 
ments to prove this and to act with Professor Lintner. 
To those familiar with the literature of bee culture I need not say 
that there is little room for doubt as to the injury done by spraying 
during fruit bloom. Instances and complaints are heard on every 
side during the spring. One speaker on the subject said, ‘* Beekeepers 
_ never have good, strong, healthy colonies die during apple bloom. Itis 
a thing unheard of except where trees have been sprayed in the neigh- 
borhood during bloom.” But the convention evidently saw wherein 
present proof was defective and hence appointed the committee. Itis 
hoped that positive proof will be forthcoming that if necessary proper 
laws may be made regulating the spraying so that the rights of the 
little busy bee may not be interfered with.—J. H. LARRABEE. © 
EAST INDIA BEETLES. 
We have received through the Trustees of the Indian Museum the 
continuation of the Catalogue of the Coleoptera of the Oriental Regions, 
by the late E. T. Atkinson. This installment is published as a supple- 
