295 



tically then, so far as the experiments have progressed, reduced to the 

 use of a strong sohition of whale-oil soap, or a very strong resin wash 

 (See experiments 2 and 6.) Both these washes are expensive; we have 

 not yet found a cheaper whale-oil soap than 4 cents per pound by the 

 barrel. This would make the wash costs cents per gallon, and the cost 

 of application will increase the cost of the remedy to such an extent 

 that many fruitgrowers will not be disposed to use it. 



The resin wash, however, is even more expensive, and the first cost 

 of the tents for the gas process, to say nothing of the labor required 

 to operate the tents, is such that the whale-oil soap solution remains 

 the cheapest of the known effective remedies. It is safe to say that 

 trees once attacked by the scale will not recuperate without active 

 remedial work, and the choice therefore remains to the fruit-grower 

 between losing his trees and applying one of these washes, expensive 

 as they may seem. One well-known orchardist of our acquaintance has 

 unhesitatingly applied, during the present winter, the whale-oil soap 

 wash. It has cost him a good round sum to spray his large orchard; 

 but considering the value of his orchard, he is of the opinion that he 

 has come out of the fight at small cost, provided that the insect does 

 not reappear. 



Comparison of California results and climate with the results and 

 climate of Maryland seems to indicate two things : First, that in Florida 

 and Georgia, and perhaps even farther north, weaker washes than those 

 found necessary in Maryland will suffice. Secondly, that in Maryland 

 and more northern States, winter applications should be made as soon 

 as leaves fall, since at this time the insects will undoubtedly be more 

 susceptible than later in the season. 



REPORT ON THE MEXICAN COTTON-BOLL WEEVIL IN TEXAS. 



(Anthottomua grandis Bob.) 

 By C. H. TvLKK ToWN'SKXD, Temporary Field Agent. 



LKTTEK OK Sl'BMlTTAL. 



Las Ciutces, X. Mex., December 20, 1894. 

 Sir: I have the honor to submit the iuclosed report on an investigation of Antho- 

 nomus grandis and its injury to the cotton crop in Texas, made between November 

 15 and December 15, 1894. Following your instructions, I visited the infested cotton 

 regions of Texas, as well as parts of the infested regions in adjacent Mexican terri- 

 tory; also the border points of Eagle Pass, Laredo, and Brownsville, to determine 

 where the insect crossed from Mexico into the United States. During this time I 

 investigated its life-history, particularly its method of hibernation, so far as was 

 possible at this season of the year; its present spread in Texas; the amount of 

 damage caused by it in Texas in 1894; its history in previous years; the way in 

 which it has been imported from Mexico, its original home, into the cotton regions 

 of southern Texas; and other points mentioned in your instructions, as Avell as all 

 that suggested themselves during tlie course of the work. 



