LXXXIV EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. 



the fig^ insect successfully hibernates at Niles, Cal. , and there is now 

 no longer an}^ danger of its dj^ing out. In other words, the entomo- 

 logical problem of Smyrna lig culture in America is solved, and what 

 remains to be done belongs rather to the domain of horticulture, 

 namely, the introduction of more caprifig trees, improvement in the 

 methods of curing and drjang the fruit, and the determination of the 

 regions throughovxt the arid West suitable to the industry. The prac- 

 tical success of Smyrna fig culture in California is now onl}^ a matter 

 of time. . In a very few years Smyrna fig orchards will be in bearing 

 in many places in California and doubtless in other Western States 

 where climatic conditions are favorable. 



As stated in the report for 1901, Mr. Roeding spent nearly a year 

 in Smju"na studying the methods of fig culture in that country under 

 a commission from this Department. Much valuable data was obtained, 

 for the most part appertaining to the horticultural side of the problem. 

 The future of this industry, which promises to be one of the great 

 ones of the arid region of the West, becomes more promising every 

 year. 



Work on the Mexican Cotton Boll Weevil. 



The work on the Mexican cotton boll weevil reported in 1901 has 

 been continued, and has the present season been given a very practical 

 status by means of the specific appropriation by Congress for the pur- 

 pose of $20,000. A field experiment is being conducted on two cotton 

 plantations, one of 200 and the other of 125 acres, under the control 

 and direct management of the Entomologist, to demonstrate that by 

 proper methods the damage from the boll weevil can l^c so reduced as 

 not to be a serious menace to the production of this important staple 

 in the region in Texas already invaded bv the weevil. 



In spite of the dela3"ed beginning this year, owing to the late date 

 at which tlie appropriation was available, the entomological side of 

 this field experiment has been thoroughly successful, and the weevil 

 has been practically eliminated from the plantations under Depart- 

 mental control. The cotton season, however, in Texas has been the 

 most disastrous one climatically in twent^'^-five 3'ears, and this will 

 prevent the cotton yield on these plantations coming up to the average, 

 the lessened yield, however, in no wise being chargeable to the boll 

 weevil. It is urged that the means for continuing this investigation 

 be provided, as it is one of the ver}'^ greatest importance for the whole 

 cotton industry of the South. There can be very little doubt but that 

 ultimatel}' the Mexican boll weevil will spread to the adjoining State 

 of Louisiana, and thence across the cotton belt east of the Mississippi, 

 and is capable of becoming one of the most destructive insects in 

 America. If, on the other hand, the Department ctin demonstrate b}/ 

 practical field work that the weevil can be controlled, as indicated by 



