CONTROL OF THE BOLL WEEVIL. 11 
Nevertheless, it is possible for the planter to follow this practice 
after maximum infestation has been reached and after the plants 
have been uprooted. Therefore, every means should be taken at the 
time of maximum infestation to plow under the infested squares as 
deeply as possible. This method is of little use in dry regions, but, 
fortunately, is of great importance in humid regions where other 
means of control are comparatively lacking in efficiency. Its impor- 
tance is increased by the occurrence of large areas of so-called stiff 
soils in the humid area. 
In 1909 the Louisiana Crop-Pest Commission published a circular 
dealing with the results of experiments with powdered arsenate of 
lead as a practical remedy for the boll weevil. This circular dealt 
with carefully planned field experiments which showed that the use 
of this arsenical was attended with great profit during that season. 
The Bureau of Entomology has investigated this subject for two sub- 
sequent seasons. The results have been to a certain extent contra- 
dictory, although there is an indication that a definite field of use- 
fulness for the powdered arsenate of lead will be found. The results 
of this work will be published in due time. The striking results 
obtained by the Louisiana Crop-Pest Commission in 1909 seem to 
have been due to peculiar conditions, including a great abundance 
of insects, which prevailed during that season. The work of the 
Bureau of Entomology also shows that the greatest benefits will 
occur when the weevils are most abundant. 
SUMMARY OF CONTROL MEASURES. 
(1) The destruction of the weevils in the fall by uprooting and burn- 
ing or burying the plants.—This is by far the most important step in 
control. It is so important that unless it is followed all other means 
will avail little to the planter. 
The burning of the cotton plants is not, of course, a good agricul- 
tural practice. It should not be followed except in emergencies. 
In all other cases the plants should be uprooted as soon as the cotton 
can be picked, cut by means of stalk choppers, and plowed under 
immediately. The ground should afterwards be harrowed or dragged 
to make it still more difficult for the insects to emerge. 
In many cases it will be found inadvisable to wait for the uprooting 
of the plants until all of the cotton is picked. When only a small por- 
tion remains for the pickers it is entirely feasible to uproot the plants 
by means of a turning plow and leave them in the field so that the 
cotton can be picked. This will hasten the opening of the green bolls 
and frequently result in a considerable saving to the planter. 
(2) The destruction of the weevils during the winter.—This is accom- 
plished by the destruction of the places in which the insects hiber- 
500 
