94 



depends entirely the possibility or advisability 

 of undertaking any measures for the extermi- 

 nation of the weevil Avhich might prevent the 

 infliction of damage to that locality for several 

 years before it v^ould necessarily occur 

 through coming v^ithin the area of general in- 

 festation. 



Undoubtedly during the next few years local 

 newspapers, as well as the leading papers of 

 the State, will frequently receive reports of the 

 occurrence of the boll weevil in their vicinity. 

 Editors, before publishing such items, should 

 secure specimens and forward them to the 

 Entomologist and await his report as to their 

 genuineness. Published statements, if untrue, 

 can only do harm among their readers, and for 

 a time the harm will be as great as though they 

 were true, as they will affect all agricultural 

 and business interests. This is too serious a 

 matter to permit of the creation of undue ex- 

 citement through the circulation of misleading 

 impressions. The situation should be faced 

 calmly, intelligently and courageously to 

 safeguard the best interests of all who may be 

 affected by whatever effects the production 

 and sale of cotton. If faced in this spirit there 

 is absolutely no need for the existence in Ala- 

 bama of the feeling of "panic" v^hich has 

 heretofore accompanied the weevil during the 

 first few years of its occupation of new terri- 

 tory. 



