12 



damage in a gjeat many fields. Although this insect has been on the 

 island as far back as records go, it does not become a serious pest 

 until the extended plantings of cotton permit it to increase in unusual 

 numbers. It is found all tlirough the Southern ^States, and since 

 effective measures have been developed to combat it its depredations 

 are not serious. It is highly important that our planters keep on 

 hand a certain amount of Paris green unless in a position to obtain 

 it quicklv. This caterpillar marches like an army and, unless stopped, 

 it will very rapidly devastate a field. It has appeared twice at the 

 experiment station, but was readily checked by the use of Paris 

 green mLxed with lime, 1 part of the former to 8 parts of the latter 

 dusted on the plants. 



The experiments with cotton at the station have been somewhat 

 extensive, following several lines. Two varieties of sea-island cotton 

 are on trial and quite a number of Egyptian cottons procured from 

 the United States Department of Agriculture. Bureau of Plant Indus- 

 try. So far indications point to the sea-island cotton as the most 

 profitable for Porto Rican conditions. The Egyptian cottons at the 

 station have made a very rank growth, but the production has not 

 been as good as expected, due doubtless to the excessive rainfall. 

 These varieties will probably do better in the drier sections, espe- 

 cially where irrigation is practiced. 



Our experiments with fertilizers indicate that the three elements of 

 plant food are needed in Porto Rican soils, but more especially potash 

 and phosphoric acid. With the first crop on most soils not much ferti- 

 lizer is recommended, but it is advisable to use a little containing 

 nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash. This will in all probability 

 prove remunerative, will tend to interest the planter in the needs of 

 liis soil, and will start him in properly using fertilizers upon which 

 the success of Porto Rican agriculture so much depends. 



It is proposed to issue a bulletin on growing this important crop, 

 and it is hoped that the area now planted wall be extended in the 

 island. It is estimated that during the year there were between 6,000 

 and 7,000 acres planted to sea-island cotton and that the yield will 

 exceed 5,000 bales. 



There is no especially discouraging feature to cotton growing in 

 Porto Rico. The cotton caterpillar has caused losses, but as it is 

 easily combated the planter should not become discouraged. It is 

 probable that this insect will decrease the cotton acreage during the 

 season of 1906 and perhaps for several seasons. 



There is much to be desired in cotton culture in Porto Rico. Better 

 methods of culture must be followed in order to improve the quality of 

 the fiber. This should begin with the selection of the seed and end 

 only with the delivery of the lint to the gin. Improved seed only 

 should be planted, and all wild cotton destroyed to avoid contamina- 



