THE BOLL- WEEVIL PROBLEM. 25 



different soils upon his own place and study the results to obtain 

 the greatest benefit from fertilizers at the smallest cost. In the 

 eastern portion of the cotton belt most of the farmers have ac- 

 quired this experience. In the West, however, this training is lack- 

 ing. Farmers mterested should commmiicate with the State experi- 

 ment stations and obtain the latest bulletms regarding experiments 

 with fertilizers m their own regions. 



The best method by far of building up soils so that early crops of 

 cotton may be produced is the use of legumes planted either with 

 corn or solid. In the alluvial soils of the Mississippi Valley remark- 

 able results in obtaining increased yields under boll-weevil conditions 

 have followed the growth of coMq^eas for a single season. The plant- 

 ing of cover crops is also of great importance and worthy of the care- 

 ful attention of all planters in the infested territory. 



Use of early varieties of cotton. — Fully as important as early prepa- 

 ration and fertilization in obtaining an early crop of cotton is the use 

 of early varieties. The greatest advantage in this instance comes 

 with the joint use of the other expedients recommended for weevil 

 control. By far the best method for obtaining seed of early maturing 

 cotton is for the farmer to carry on the selection himself. In many 

 cases, however, this is impracticable. 



The variety to be planted in order to obtain a profitable crop under 

 weevil conditions will depend on a number of factors. The soil, 

 chmate, and many other factors must be considered. In many locali- 

 ties it is extremely important to select varieties which are resistant to 

 diseases. 



What is needed is a variety which will mature quickly and set a 

 crop by a date not later than the middle of July. In humid regions 

 with heavy infestation the most productive varieties have been found 

 to be Kjng and its principal derivatives, namely, Simpkins and Broad- 

 well. In recommending these varieties the department reminds the 

 planter that they produce lint of a very short staple. Therefore, 

 something of commercial value will be sacrificed. These varieties 

 have small boUs and may safely be replaced by larger-boll varieties 

 in other regions. The Triumph variety is one of the best known for 

 the western portion of the infested territory. The Department of 

 Agriculture has perfected a number of varieties which are useful 

 in weevil territory. Among these are Lone Star, Dixie, Price, 

 Durango, and Columbia. Other varieties which have been culti- 

 vated with success are Cleveland Big Boll, Cook's Improved, 

 Rowden, Hawkins, Toole's, and Brown. 



Wherever possible the seed should be obtained from local planters 

 who have given attention to varietal selection. Varieties intro- 

 duced from distant sources require several seasons to adjust them- 

 selves to local conditions. The use of seed simply because it comes 



