12 CONTROL OF THE BOLL WEEVIL. 
nate. Many such places are found in the cotton fields or in their. 
immediate vicinity. A certain number of the weevils will, of course, 
make their way into the heavy woods and other situations beyond the 
reach of the planter, but many remain where they can be reached. 
(3) Obtaining an early crop.—The importance of obtaining an 
early crop has been shown to depend upon the small number of 
weevils which hibernate successfully, their late emergence from 
hibernating quarters, and their comparatively slow development 
during the early part of the season. The obtaining of an early crop is 
brought about by early preparation of the soil, by early planting, the 
use of early maturing varieties, a system of upbuilding and fertiliza- 
tion which will stimulate the growth of the plants, and by continuous 
shallow cultivation during the season. 
By early planting we do not mean that the planter should run great. 
risk of loss of stand by frost. Planting at too early a date is as bad 
as late planting. By early planting we mean the earliest planting 
that the farmer’s experience shows is reasonably safe. 
(4) Increasing the effects of climatic control—aAs has been shown, 
practically 50 per cent of all the weevil stages throughout the infestell 
territory are destroyed by climatic influences. This means that the 
power of reproduction of the weevils is reduced by one-half. A 
planter can increase the advantage in his favor by providing a suit- 
able distance between the plants and between the rows. It is also 
important to use varieties, where a a which have a comparatively 
small leaf area. 
(5) Encouraging the insect enemies of the weevil—This is accom- 
plished in part by procedures already recommended and, further, 
by the use of varieties which have a well-developed tendency to 
retain the fruit, and which also have a comparatively open structure 
and small leafage. 
(6) Hand picking of weevils and squares.—This is a practice of 
varying importance. Under some conditions it may be highly 
advisable, under others entirely impracticable; everything depending 
upon the cheapness with which the work can bedone. * * * It is 
therefore a matter that must be taken into consideration by each indi- 
vidual planter. This subject is now under investigation by this 
bureau, and the experiments under way will show under what condi- 
tions the practice of picking the squares or weevils can be 
recommended. 
Wherever square picking is practiced the best results are likely to 
follow where the picked-up squares are placed in cages so that the 
1Some of the best varieties for the humid region (Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) are Cleveland’s 
Big Boll, Cook’s Improved, Toole’s, and King. In Texas, Mebanes Triumph, Rowden, Lone Star, and 
other varieties will be found best adapted to boll-weevil conditions. For further information the planter 
should communicate with the Bureau of Plant Industry or the State Experiment Station. 
500 
