.HTTER OF TRANSMITTA!. 



U. S. Department of Agriculture, 



Bureau of Entomology, 



Washington, D. C, April 10, 1906. 

 Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith a manuscript prepared 

 by Dr. W. E. Hinds, special field agent of this Bureau, engaged in 

 work on the boll weevil. This manuscript is a study of the pro- 

 liferation in the squares and bolls of cotton by means of which a 

 certain percentage of weevil larvae are killed. It does not deal at 

 length with the botanical aspects of the question, but is rather a 

 practical statement of the effect of this formation of loose tissue cells 

 upon the boll weevil, based upon a large number of observations 

 made by agents of the Bureau of Entomology. The botanical side 

 of this phenomenon has been fidly considered by Mr. O. F. Cook, 

 of the Bureau of Plant Industry, and this paper is therefore supple- 

 mental to papers published by Mr. Cook on this subject. The preface 

 is written by Mr. Himter, and the conclusions in~ the paper have 

 been revised by him. In addition to the general interest in the sub- 

 ject, the information given will be undoubtedly of distinct advantage 

 to those engaged in cotton-breeding work, and I therefore recommend 

 that it be issued as Bulletin No. 59 of this Bureau. 

 Respectfully, 



C. L. Marl ATT, 

 Acting Chief of Bureau. 

 Hon. James Wilson, 



Secretary of Agriculture, 

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