\( San 
THE BOLL WEEVIL PROBLEM. 9 
of control outlined in this bulletin increases greatly in effectiveness 
when assisted by weather conditions. Fortunately in Texas this as- 
sistance is given under normal conditions. When this assistance is 
above the normal, as in 1904 and 1906, the crops will be exceedingly 
large. 
On the other hand, it is clear that the problem of the control of 
the boll weevil will be more difficult as the pest continues its invasion 
of the cotton belt. It can not be considered, therefore, that the 
problem is as yet completely solved. Better means of control must 
be devised for the region that is becoming invaded, and, if possible, 
means must be devised that will reduce the enormous loss that is 
suffered, especially during unfavorable seasons, in Texas. The prin- 
cipal work of the Bureau of Entomology at this time is in attempting 
to devise means for this requisite additional control. 
For the present there is no occasion to lose hope. Though the 
eastern planter must expect a more serious problem than that which 
confronted the farmers of Texas, the means of control outlined in 
this bulletin, especially the destruction of the hordes of weevils about 
to enter winter quarters, will enable him to continue production, 
though probably at a reduced profit. The sooner he adapts his plan- 
tation management to the necessary changes the less the loss will be. 
WORK UPON WHICH THIS BULLETIN IS BASED. 
As has been stated, the danger from the boll weevil was appreciated 
from the beginning by Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the Bureau of 
Entomology. For about 10 years, more or less continuous work on 
the vulnerable points in its life history and the possibility of control 
in various ways has been done. At first this was not extensive, 
although it showed the essential steps necessary in the control of the 
pest. Later Congress made available large appropriations for the 
exhaustive investigation of the insect and of means of reducing its 
damage. Work was begun under the first large appropriation by the 
establishment of a laboratory at Victoria, Tex., and the beginning of 
extensive field experiments. It has been the practice from the be- 
ginning to carry on field experimental work in direct connection with 
the laboratory investigations. All means of control suggested by the 
laboratory work have immediately been tested on large field areas. 
Later the headquarters of the investigation were moved from Vic- 
toria, Tex., to Dallas, Tex., on account of the continued spread of 
the insect and the necessity for a central location. The Bureau of 
Entomology has conducted experiments during several seasons on a 
total of more than 10,000 acres of cotton. This experimental work 
has been located on well-known plantations throughout the infested 
territory. The special requirements in different regions have been 
54614°—Bull. 512—12—2 
