~30 
extremely desirable that the author's name of the host should be given, 
but as I pointed out in my previous letters, it is unwise for us to just 
look into the cataiogue and find the author for the species. I think 
that all people sending in parasites for determination which are reared 
from a known host, should be specifically requested to supply the author. 
of the host. It is not fair to the systematists that they should be ex- 
pected to examine the catalogues to find the author, and it is extremely 
desirable that it should be given in case anything is published on the 
specimen submitted, 
cf, A, Pohver, 
Sveciulist in Forest Hymenoptera. 
BACTERIA AND FUNGY INTRODUCED WITH FIELD MATERIAL IN RFARING CAGES 
? 
Bacterial and fungus diseases, introduced through the medium of 
material collected in the field, frequently appear as complications in the 
entomological rearings of cli doing biological work. In the case of mater- 
ial reared in soil the infection is no doubt soread from one individual 
cage to another by repeated use of the recentacle into which the nidus with 
the specimen for investigation is spread for the periodical examination. 
The use of individual sheots of paper for the sontents of each rearing 
cage has proved slow and cumbersome. An assistant at this station has de- 
vised a tin tray, 5" x 7", with 2 spout or projection from one corner for 
directing the soil into the two-ounce salve box used for a rearing cage. 
The sides of the tray are $ inch; # inch would be better; and the spout 
placed in the center of the tray, with the approaches to it slanting 
would be a further advantage, The trays in use here are heavily enamaad 
and are dipped in a five per cent solution of mercuric bichloride after 
serving for the examination of each tray of forty-five cages; and after 
each encounter with material suznected of having died from bacterial or 
fungus disease. Since adopting this preceution the lesses at this station 
have fallen from thirty per cent to two ver cent among the Elaterid rear-- 
ings, . 
Wn. B. Turner, 
H.G, Barber of Roseile Park, N.J. spent considerable time 
during August in the Museum, checking up and reartangihg collectionsof 
Lygaeidae. 
Carl J, Drake, Instructor in Entomology, Syracuse Forestry School, 
spent three days during the first week in September in the Museum studying 
the collectionsof Tingidas and aquatic Hemintere. 
BH, Gibson. 
VERVILS DeSIRED BY DR. W,D. PIERCE. 
‘Dr. W.D,Pierce finds sevaral species cf Hurcpean vrigin among 
our Gymnaetron and Miarus and therefore desired to receive ior study 
