317 
891. Gosio, B. Action of microphytes on solid compounds of arsenic; a recapitulation. 
^Science, vol. xix, New York, Feb. 19, 1892, pp. 104-106. 
A paper on the poisonous products derived from wall papers containing arsenic. Gives 
methods used to ascertain whether the arsenical vapors are due to the presence of parasitio 
molds ( Mucorini.) By moans of pure cultures of Penicillium glaucum, Aspergillus glaucus, 
and Mucor muccdo , it was found that the two latter, and more especially the last, gave rise to 
arsenical gas when grown in arseniated culture media. Experiments led to the conclusions: 
(1) that the Mucor grew vigorously in media containing considerable quantities of arsenic: 
(2) that many solid compounds of arsenic give off' gases through the activity of the fungus 
which vegetates in contact with them; (3) this evolution of gas is constant and lasting in 
case of oxygen compounds of arsenic, including arsenite of copper; (4) in certain conditions 
of humidity, temperature, and light, arsenical gases are given off from hangings colored 
witli Scheel'e’s and Scliweinfurth’s green, through the vegetation of the Mucor , and there is 
danger in breathing these exhalations. (J. F. J.) 
892. H., * * * G. Suspicious fungi. <^Cult. and Count. Gent., vol. lvii, Albany? 
N. Y., Mar. 10,1892, p. 187, ^ col. 
Queries whether corn smut has any poisonous effect on cattle or whether two or three 
months in the silo would tend to destroy its vitality. Notes the disappearance of ergot from 
rye fields in recent years. (J. F. J.) 
893. Halsted, B. D. Autumn leaves disperse their molds. <(Am. Agric., vol. l, New 
York, Dec., 1891, p. 700, ^ col. 
Refers to the distribution of fungous spores over wide areas by means of the wind. 
(J. F. J.) (See Kansas AYeekly Capital, Topeka, May 5, 1892.) 
894 . Kienitz-Gerloff, F. Die Protoplasmaverbindungen zwischen benachbarten Gewebes- 
elementen in der Pflanze. <^Bot. Zeit., Jalirg. 49, Leipzig, Jan. 2, 9,16, 23, 30, 
1891, pp. 1-10,17-26, 33-46, 49-60, 65-74, pi. 2. 
The paper.deals mostly with the continuity of protoplasm in higher plants, but on p. 60 
the implication is made that parasitic fungi obtain their nourishment from the host cell by 
secreting a diastase-like ferment. On p. 67 the author proposes the theory that the fungus 
hyplise in lichens obtain their nourishment from the algm cells by secreting an enzyme. 
Thinks protoplasmic connections may be found between the neighboring cells of fungi 
when not all the cells are equally engaged in absorbing nourishment. Further states that 
their presence is rendered more probable from the fact that pits have been observed in the 
hyphai of Hymenomycetes. (W. T. S.) 
895. Lagerheim, G. de. The relationship of Puccinia and Phragmidium. <Mourn. 
Mycol., vol. vi, Washington, Jan. 6,1891, pp. 111-113. 
Gives differences usually stated as occurring between the two genera, especially in the 
teleutospores and uredospores, examining various species. Concludes there are points of 
resemblance between numerous species of the two genera. (J. F. J.) 
896 . Moult, M. Le. Lo parasite du hanneton. <Coinpt. rend. Acad. d. sc., vol. 
exm, Paris, Aug. 3, 1891, pp. 272-274. 
The author states that he has prepared cultures of the parasite on a large scale and urges 
the necessity of combating the beetle by infecting the soil before the transformation of the 
larva occurs. Has found spores produced both on the external mycelium and within the 
body of the larva, tilling the latter with a whitish powder. Culture tubes infected with both 
kinds of spores and with parts of the body of a mummified larva have given identical results, 
the fungu3 produced having the same characters as that on the worm. (E. A. S.) 
897. Osborn, Herbert. On the use of contagious diseases in contending with injurious in¬ 
sects. <Hnsect Life, vol. hi, Washington, Nov. lj 1890, pp. 141-145. 
Refers in a general way to the various diseases of insects, some of which are caused by 
fungi, and to the difficulties in their study. Gives an account of an attempt to introduce a 
disease of cabbage worms caused by a species of Micrococcus. Believes the disease may be 
transferred from place to place, but that it spreads very slowly and the tinal results are un¬ 
certain. (J. F. J.) 
898. Pearson, A. W. Constitutional health of plants. <^Gard. and Forest, vol. v, New 
York, Mar. 9, 1892, p. 118, 1£ col. 
Notes that at times the spores causing black rot destroy certain varieties of grapes and 
not others. The Ives is at times exempt when the Concord is destroyed. Queries whether 
antidotes for certain diseases might not be supplied plants through their absorptive systems. 
Healthy plants are better able to resist attacks of disease and when attacked are more 
likely to recover. An instance of this is given from the potato. (J. F. J.) 
899. Pearson, A. W. The constitutional health of plants. <^Gard. and Forest, vol. v, 
New York, Mar. 16, 1892, pp. 130-131, li col. 
Gives results of experiments with nitrate of soda as a preventive of strawberry leaf-blight. 
Considers that the immunity from disease was due to vigorous growth and the stimulating 
effect of nitrate. Pruning pear trees by stimulating growth prevented attacks of leaf-blight 
and cracking due to Entomosporium maculatum. (J- F. J.) 
900. Kiley, C. Y. Applied entomology in the United States. <(Am. Agric., vol. Li, New 
York, Jan., 1892, pp. 38-40. 
Refers incidentally to use of fungous germs for destruction of insects. (J. F. J.) 
16486—No. 3-9 
