316 
881. Dearness, J. Poisoning from eating fungi. <[ Farmers* Advocate, vol. xxv, 
London, Ont., p. 216, tig. 1. 
Gives full account of a fatal case of poisoning attributed to eating of Helvrlla esculenta 
(Fries ). This species has hitherto been considered edible by Berkeley, (Gilbert, Burnett, 
and Julius Parmer. While author thinks it is not clearly proven that the species is poison¬ 
ous he decides it is unfit for use. (D. G. F.) 
882 . Devaux, Henri. Etude experimental sur l’aeration des tissus massifs: Introduc¬ 
tion a l’etude da m6canisme des echanges gazeux chez les plantes aerienues. <Ann. 
Sci. Nat. Bot., s6r., vn, vol. xiv, Paris, 1891, pp. 297-395, fig. 5. 
In course of his extended investigations the author examined the common edible agaric 
Psalliota campestris. There is easy communication through the internal tissues, but the 
exterior is only slightly porous. The composition of the internal gas differed only slightly 
from the atmosphere, but varied somewhat from time to time. The proportion of oxygen 
may fall below 1(3 in 1 ;u. Seven analyses are given, and analogous results are said to have 
been obtained with another subject. The examination was made before the pileus was 
developed. (E. F. S.) 
883. [Editorial.] A novel mode of using disease germs. ^Insect Life, vol. iv, 
Washington, Nov., 1891, p. 152. 
Gives abstract of a circular of a French firm advertising for sale culture tubes for the de¬ 
struction of the white grub. States methods recommended. (J. F. J.) 
884. [Editorial.] Work in Algeria with a fungous disease of the locust. <Hnsect Life, 
vol. iv, Washington, Nov., 1891, pp. 151-152. 
Abstract of a paper by Kiinckel and Langlois on a disease caused by Lachnidium acri- 
diorum n. sp. The experiments are not encouraging. (J. F. J.) 
885. Eyclesheimer, A. 0. Club root in the United States. <Jour. Mycol., vol. vn, 
No. 2, Washington, Mar. 10, 1892, pji. 79-80, pi. xv, xvi, figs. 2. 
Discusses the distribution and general characters of the disease. This is followed by a 
detailed statement of the effect of the disease on the tissues of various plants, particularly 
cabbages and turnips. There is no known cure after the disease is established, but pre¬ 
ventive measures may he effectual. Of all means tried lime seems to he the best. Steriliza¬ 
tion of the soil of the hotbed is also recommended. A short bibliography is given at the 
end of the paper. (J. F.J.) 
886. Forbes, S. A. On a bacterial insect disease. <Wmer. Mouth. Micros. Jour., vol. 
xii, Washington, Nov., 1891, pp. 246-249. 
Describes disease affecting chinch bugs, caused by Micrococcus insectorum Burr. No 
success has been met with in attempting to inoculate insects with the disease, because all 
examples examined were infected with the Micrococcus in question. (J. F. J.) 
887 . Fries, Rob. Om svampfloran i vara vaxthus. <Bot. Notiser, Lund, 1891, pp. 
145-157. 
Fungi arranged in three groups: (1) Species which, under natural circumstances, are 
living in open air, but which accidentally may also occur in hothouses, often with a some- 
what changed habit and appearance. (2) Species w'hich par preference are inhabitants of 
hothouses, and which do not occur in other places at least not in Sweden. (2) Species 
which have been accidentally introduced from southern lands. The second group includes 
several interesting species, most of which occur in great abundance, such" as Lepiotn ce- 
pcestipes , A garicus echinatus , A. volvaceus, A. parvnlus, A. confertus, Polyporus crypt arum , 
Coprinus dilectas, Piscina vaporaria, and Hydnangium cameum. But very few species are 
mentioned as representing the 3d group c. g. Hiatula benzonii, Agaricus gcoglerius, Laschia 
testudinella. (Tlieo. Holm.) 
888. Galloway, B. T. Observations on the life history of Uncinula spiralis. <Proc. Am. 
Asso. Aclv. Sci., vol. xxxix, July, 1891, Salem, Mass., p. 333, 3 lines. 
Abstract (see No. 132). (J. F. J.) 
889. Galloway, T. W. Notes on the fungus causing damping off and other allied forms. 
<MTans. Mass. Hort. Soc., Part 1, Boston, 1891, pp. 10, pi. 2. 
Records interesting observations on Pythium debaryanum and Saprolegnia monoica made 
in the cryptogamic laboratory, Harvard University. (B. T. G.) 
890 . Giard,A. Sur le champignon parasite des criquets pelerins. <Compt. rend. Acad. 
d. Sc., Paris, Dec. 7, 1891, pp. 813-816. 
The author says that Prof. H. Trabut has found that Lachnidium acridiorum Giard is 
identical with the fungus found in different parts of Algeria on the same host. Older cul¬ 
tures of the fungus furnish evidence as to its systematic position, On the insects them¬ 
selves it presented two different forms, designated Gladosporium and Fusarium, or Fvsi- 
sporium. In young cultures the latter predominates. When the cultures become older 
chlamydospores make their appearance. From this time parts of the fungus pass through 
stages closely resembling the genera Sarcinella , Stemphylium , Macrosporium , and Mystro- 
sporium. Gladosporium herbarum also passes through similar stages, and it is probable that 
the two fungi are closely related. It is also likely that the genera represented in the trans¬ 
formations are really not independent genera, but stages in the development of some 
Ascomycete. The Lachnidium closely resembles the Fusarium on violet leaves and chestnut 
trees. (E. A. S.) 
