16 



In short, any farm operation Avhieh will tend to hasten fruit pro- 

 duction and its maturity is of value. Numerous observations indicate 

 that bolls which are three-quarters grown or more by August 1 are 

 practically exempt from bollworm injury : in fact, it is admitted by 

 all that early cotton is much less subjected to injury than late cotton. 

 This is due to the preference of boUworms for the more succulent 

 young plants and fruit. As has been stated, few boll worms attack 

 cotton until the appearance of the third generation, about August 1 ; 

 the importance of having fruit production well advanced at this date 

 is therefore quite evident. 



The planting of cotton early in the spring is practically the only 

 operation, valuable in reducing bollworm injury, which has re- 

 ceived general attention by planters. The advantage gained by this 

 desirable practice is often offset, to a great extent, by the use of " run- 

 down " seed. Oftentimes planters fully appreciate the advisability 

 of early planting, but are unable to carry it out owing to the fact that 

 the land has not been prepared during the fall and winter. Many 

 delay their planting in the spring so as to be sure that all danger 

 from frost is past. 'On the whole, the gains made by early planting 

 year after year entirely eclipse the occasional losses from late frosts. 



It has been amply proved that the use of fertilizers on many Texas, 

 Louisiana, and Indian Territory soils aids greatly in securing early 

 maturity of cotton, as well as in increasing the yield. 



The allowance of ample room between the rows and the j^ractice 

 of early chopping so as to encourage branching close to the ground 

 have been found valuable in increasing early sqmvre production, and 

 the consequent early maturity of bolls. Early and frequent cultiva- 

 tion should also be practiced to aid in the conservation of the mois- 

 ture necessary to dissolve plant food in the soil and thus hasten tlie 

 growth. 



In all cases the crop should be gathered as expeditiously as pos- 

 sible, so as to allow the land to be thoroughly plowed during the 

 fall and winter. As has been stated, the destruction of the hiberna- 

 ting pupae may be largely accomplished by this practice and, in con- 

 sequence, the succeeding generations of boUworms greatlif reduced. 

 Winter preparation of the land is, of course, a requisite for early 

 planting as well. 



ARSENICAL POISONS. 



In order that a thorough understanding may be had of the use 

 of arsenical poisons against boUworms, it will be necessary to outline 

 briefly the habits of the adults and larvse in cotton fields. 



From numerous observations made upon the egg- laying habits 

 of the moths during the past three years it has been determined 



200 



