80 



THE MEXICAN COTTON-BOLL WEEVIL. 



will develop. These general, conditions frequently bring about a 

 reduction of the number of weevils present in the field. This becomes 

 evident to the planter by the number of blooms seen. Of course, the 

 conditions soon change and the weevils become more abundant than 

 before. 



STATUS EXAMINATIONS. 



In order to become fully acquainted with the conditions of the weevil 

 during the most important parts of the season, it has been the custom 

 to conduct an extensive series of observations in the latter part of 



Fig. 16.— Status of the boll weevil in Texas in August, 1908; percentage of infestation of all forms. 



(Original.) 



June and first part of July and again in the first half of August in 

 order to learn the extent of damage being done by the weevil. These 

 examinations have been made so thoroughly and have been distrib- 

 uted in such a manner that it has been possible, even in June, to 

 determine the probabledirectionof the greatest movement of the weevil 

 during the season, to point out the regions in which the damage to 

 the crop will be greatest, and also to indicate where the control of the 

 weevil during the winter has been of greatest consequence. The 

 first "status" of the year frequently gives veiy definite evidence of 

 natural control or an absence of it. While certain general methods of 



