45 
of them will destroy a certain number of weevils, but the habits of 
the insect are such that none has been found to yield results that pay 
even a small portion of the cost of operation. It is emphasized in this 
connection that there are plenty of proper ways in which all avail- 
able mechanical ingenuity may be utilized in the fight against the 
weevil. There is great need for effective machines for assisting in 
the destruction of the weevils in the fall, and also for assistance in the 
cultivation of the crop. The present implements for cultivation, 
while effective in their way, could be improved in many respects, espe- 
cially for the purpose of hastening the maturity of the crop. For 
instance, cultivators like the chain-cultivator mentioned in this bulle- 
tin, to establish a dust mulch rather than to plow the ground, are 
much needed. There are some cultivator attachments, such as the 
spring-tooth attachment, which are exceedingly useful tools in main- 
taining a surface dust mulch, but these are not as yet in general use. 
SUMMARY. 
The following is an outline of the practical methods of controlling 
the boll weevil described in detail in the preceding pages. These 
methods are based upon extensive studies and much field experimen- 
tation. They represent practically all that is known about combating 
the most important enemy of the cotton plant. They form a system 
consisting of several parts. The planter can insure success in propor- 
tion to the extent to which he combines the different essential parts. 
(1) Destroy the vast majority of weevils in the fall by uprooting 
and burning the plants. This is the all-important step. It results 
in the death of millions of weevils. It insures a crop for the follow- 
ing season. 
(2) Destroy also many weevils that have survived the preceding 
operation and are found in the cotton fields and along the hedgerows, 
fences, and buildings. This is done by clearing the places referred to 
thoroughly. (See pp. 22-23.) 
(8) As far as possible, locate the fields in situations where damage 
will be avoided. This can not be done in all cases but can frequently 
be done to good advantage. 
(4) Prepare the land early and thoroughly in order to obtain an 
arly crop. This means fall plowing and winter working of the 
land. 
(5) Provide wide rows, and plenty of space between the rows and 
the plants in the drill, for the assistance of the natural enemies of the 
weevil, which do more against the pest than the farmer can do him- 
self by any known means. Check-rowing, wherever practicable, is 
an excellent practice. 
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