The Indian Wheat and Rice Weevil. 11 



in the field and only require suitable conditions to develop ; and that 

 wheat taken out of village pits in the same way, though apparently free 

 from weevil, in reality may contain the germs of the insect which, 

 though unable to develop in the pit, survive their residence in it and 

 develop as soon as they find themselves under favourable conditions. 

 If this second theory is the true one, it is evident that it is not much 

 use preventing the entrance of fresh weevils ; and that disinfection, to be 

 of any service, must be extended to the fields. 



The writer hopes this year to have a series of different kinds of wheat, 

 from various localities, taken straight out of the fields, and also from 

 village pits, and sent down to him in Calcutta with sufficient precautions 

 to prevent its getting infected on the road. If, as appears most pro- 

 bable, no weevil is developed in this wheat by the beginning of next 

 cold weather, the practicability of preventing the occurrence of weevils 

 would seem to be to a great extent demonstrated. 



It is suggested that similar experiments should be carried out by 

 others who take an interest in the question, and also that observations 

 should be accumulated on the points which have not yet been suflSciently 

 cleared up, in the history of the insect. 



For example : 



As to the occurrence of the weevil in the open. 



As to the length of life of the beetle when deprived of grain on 

 which to lay its eggs, and its bearing in connection with the question 

 of how long after the removal of the infested grain, the place which has 

 contained it must be looked upon as infected. 



As to the time normally passed by the insect in its different stages 

 of egg, larva, pupa, and imago, the number of generations in the year, 

 and the dates of their occurrence in various climates. 



As to the extent to which the insect is dependent on moisture in its 

 dififerent stages : and the effect of the dry heat of the north-west upon it. 



As to the occurrence of the weevil in grain other than wheat and 

 rice. 



The writer will always be glad to receive communications bearing 

 on any of the points dealt with in the foregoing account, and especially 

 such as relate to the success or failure of attempts actually made to 

 combat the pest. 



