BEPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGI8T 



495 



The Insects of the Past Year and Progress in Insect Studies. 

 [Read before the Albany Institute April 15, 1890.] (Trans- 

 actions of the Albany Institute, xii [August], 1893, pp. 

 227-240.) 



Pages 227-229 treat of the injuries from the grain aphis (Siphonophora 

 avence) and of the hop aphis (Phorodon hamuli), the prevalence of the apple- 

 tree tent-caterpillar (Clisiocampa Americana) and the white-marked tussock- 

 moth (Orgyia leucostigma), the unusual abundance of the forest tent- 

 caterpillar {Clisiocampa sylvatica), Otiorhynchus ovutus, and Silvanus 

 surinamensis — which, together with several foot-notes, are in addition to 

 the paper as published in the 7th Report on the Insects of New York, 1891, 

 pp. 331-342. 



The Cabbage Aphis. (Country Gentleman, for September 14, 



1893, lviii, p. TIT, c, 1, 2—29 cm.) 



Aphis brassicai Linn, is one of the most difficult of the aphids to control 

 by insecticides. Its mealy or powdery coating renders kerosene emulsion 

 only partially effective. It has, however, been highly recommended for it 

 by Prof. J. B. Smith and satisfactorily tested by him, as was also fish-oil soap — 

 1 lb. to 8 gallons of water, and also ground tobacco dust. Howaliquid in- 

 secticide should be used against it. Soapsuds said to be efficient. Pyrethrum 

 powder, also hot water recommended. If the eggs survive the winter on 

 the leaves, destroying the stripped leaves ordinarily left in the fields would 

 be very serviceable. 



A Beetle Destroying Strawberry Plants. (Albany Evening 



Journal, for September 27, 1893, p. 1, c. 6 — 11 cm.) 



A beetle eating innumerable holes in the leaves of strawberry plants, in 

 Connecticut, is the Paria aterrima. The grub feeds on the roots and has 

 been known as the strawberry-root worm. Its injury is new to the Eastern 

 States. The remedy for it is the application of Paris green to the plants in 

 August and September. 



Plugging Trees with Sulphur. (Country Gentleman, for Sep- 

 tember 28, 1893, lviii, p. T53, c. 3, 4 — 35 cm.) 



There is no virtue in sulphur placed in holes bored in trees and plugged, in 

 preventing insects feeding on the foliage. It has proved valueless in experi- 

 ments made for testing it. Where it has seemed to be successful, the appar- 

 ent success may be otherwise explained . Sulphur is not soluble in sap, and 

 even if it were it would be beyond the reach of the sap at the depth at which 

 it is usually placed. Experiments made by Dr. Fitch apparently showed 

 that sulphur, if it could be taken in the circulation, promoted the growth 

 and health of the apple-tree tent-caterpillar. An Iowa fruit-grower testifies 

 to the worthlessness of the 11 sulphur cure." 



