486 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Mites Attacking Mushrooms. (Country Gentleman, for March 

 23, 1693, lviii, pp. 228-9, cols. 4, 1 — 27 cm.) 



" Some small reddish crawling lice," reported from Newburgh, N. Y., as 

 infesting " by millions," a large mushroom bed in a steam-heated cellar, are 

 doubtless mites. Examples should have been sent for name. Mention of a 

 mushroom cellar on the imperial farm at Vincennes, France, infested with 

 immense numbers of mites of a gray color. Tyroglyphus rostroserratus 

 infests mushroom beds in the vicinity of Paris — also of a gray color. A 

 new species of Rhizoglyphus occurring in pits in mushrooms was lately 

 received from Suffolk county, L. I. The Newburgh species may be Bryobia 

 pratensis which often enters buildings. Sulphur commended for killing the 

 mites, and how used; bisulphide of carbon might also be tried, in manner 

 directed. 



[^ee pages 449, 450 of this Report (x).] 

 Flower Crickets and Apple Twigs. (Country Gentleman, for 

 March 30, 1893, lviii, p. 246, col. 2 — 17 cm.) 



Eggs in apple twig from Fremont county, Colorado, are those of one of the 

 flower crickets, but of which species cannot be determined Mr. Allis, of 

 Adrian, Mich., is of the opinion that CEcanthus niveus is confined to the apple 

 and other hard wood, while the opposition usually referred to this species as 

 found in canes and grapevines belongs to CEcanthus fascialus . The oviposi- 

 tion of these crickets needs further observation and study. 



But little harm can result to apple-trees from these egg deposits . The 

 harm is more than counterbalanced by the good done in the large number 

 of plant-lice eaten by CEcanthus in its early stages. 



The Onion- Fly — Phorbia ceparum. (Country Gentleman, for 

 March 30, 1893, lviii, p. 246, c. 2, 3 —20 cm.) 



The onion-fly [replying to inquiry] is distinct from the cabbage-fly, 

 Anthomyia brassicai Bouche, although so similar that the same preventives 

 and remedies may be used for each . 



A strongly-recommended remedy is the burdock infusion, of which the 

 method of making is given. Other remedies are kerosene emulsion, tansy 

 decoction, whale-oil soap solution, soot and water, and liquid manures. 



As a preventive, is given — the preparation of the soil by deep working, 

 manuring, and rolling. Also, directions for removing infested plants from 

 the ground and for their disposal . 



Miss Ormerod's Eeport. (Country Gentleman, for April 13, 

 1893, lviii, p. 289, c. 2 — 35 cm.) 



Miss Ormerod's work in economic entomology commended ; the value of her 

 reports enhanced by their prompt publication: their satisfactory appearance; 

 convenient arrangement of their material; contents of the 16th report; an in- 

 teresting notice of " club-root." Nearly half the infestations noticed occur 

 also in the United States . Credit due the author for her successful intro- 

 duction in England of spraying with Paris green and water for insect pests . 



