HIBERNATION. 



109 



more abruptly in Texas than in Louisiana. In Texas 25 per cent 

 have emerged by March 12, 50 per cent by March 21, 75 per cent by 

 April 8, and 100 per cent not until June 19. On the other hand, in 

 Louisiana 25 per cent have not emerged until March 30, 50 per cent until 

 April 27, 75 per cent until May 16, while 100 per cent will have emerged 

 only by July 3. Herein lies a powerful argument for early planting. 

 With 50 per cent of the weevils emerging after March 21 in Texas 



Fig. 24.— Diagram illustrating average rate of emergence of the boll weevil from hibernation in Texas 



and Louisiana. (Original.) 



and 86 per cent emerging after the same date in Louisiana, or with 

 75 per cent emerging after April 8 in Texas and 64 per cent yet to 

 emerge after the same date in Louisiana, it becomes evident that 

 every day gained hi Texas before March 21 or in Louisiana before 

 April 8 is of immense importance in the fight against the weevil. 

 Even later than these dates every day counts a great deal, because 

 it is apparent that the longer planting is deferred the more weevils 

 will be out to attack the cotton when it comes up. 



