NOTES AND ABSTRACTS. 



267 



in Europe and N. Africa, and was beginning to attain disquieting pro- 

 portions. It has suddenly subsided, however, through the attack of 

 another fungus of the genus Cicinnobulus which has increased under 

 the influence of the same chmatic conditions which favoured the 

 growth of the Oidium and Vv^hich apparently destroys this last pest by 

 attaching itself to its mycelium and conidia. — M. L. H. 



Orchard Mites, Two Common. By George P. Weldon {U.S.A. 

 Exp. Stn., Colorado, Bull. 152; October 1909; 7 figs.).— This bulletin 

 deals with the brown mite {Bryobia pmtensis Garman), and the red 

 spider (Tetrmychus bimaculatus Harvey). The brown mite does not 

 confine its attention to fruit trees, having been first noticed as a clover 

 pest. 



After many experiments with tobacco and other sprays, the author 

 has come to the conclusion that flowers of sulphur, 1 lb. to 3 gallons 

 water, with sufficient soap to make the mixture adhesive, is a per- 

 fectly effective remedy for both pests when used as a summer spray. 



V. G. J. 



Oyster-shell scale, and the Scurvy Scale, The. By A. L. 



Quaintance {U.S.A. Dep. Agr. Bur. Entom., Circ. 121; April 30, 

 1910; 2 figs.). — The Oyster-shell scale {Lepidosaphes ulmi L.) and 

 the scurvy scale {Chionaspis fur fur a Fitch) are, with the exception 

 of the San Jose scale {Aspidioius perniciousus Comst.), more fre- 

 quently the subjiect of inquiry by orehardists than all other .scale 

 insects combined, and are often mistaken for the more serious San 

 Jose scale. 



The oyster-shell scale is the more important of the two, but while 

 it is unusual for either species to actually kill a tree, inestimable 

 damage may be done by stunting and retarding the growth. It has 

 a wide range of food plants, but is commonly found on the apple, 

 maple, poplar, horse-chestnut, willow, and lilac. The adult female 

 scales resemble a long narrow oyster shell, about one-eighth of an inch 

 long, grey, brown, or dark brown in colour. The male resembles the 

 female scale in colour and shape, but is smaller and possesses at 

 the posterior extremity, a small flap or hinge which permits the exit 

 of the adult male. 



The scurvy scale is a native of North America, and occurs princi- 

 pally on rosaceous plants and also on currants and gooseberries, but 

 is seldom abundant enough to cause injury or require treatment. 



The female scale is dirty grey in colour, and irregularly pear- 

 shaped, the male scales being much smaller, elongate, snowy white, 

 with three distinct keels extending along the back. 



In orchards well sprayed for San Jose scale, during the dormant 

 period, these two pests will rarely prove troublesome. Preparatory 

 to spraying, however, the trees should he carefully pruned, and any 

 dead and weakened wood cut out. — V. G. J. 



Palestine, Agricultural and Botanical Explorations in. By 



Aaron Aaronsohn {U.S.A. Dep. Agr., Bur. PI. Ind., Bull. N. 180; 



