12 



to the territory affected. His report was published in March, 1895. 

 It dealt with the life history and habits of the insect, which were 

 then completely unknown, the probable method of its importation, 

 the damage that might result from its work, and closed with recom- 

 'mendations for fighting it and preventing its further advance in the 

 cotton-producing regions of Texas. It is much to be regretted that 

 the State of Texas did not adopt at that time the suggestion made by 

 the Division of Entomology that a belt be established along the Rio 

 Grande in which the cultivation of cotton should be prohibited, and 

 thus cut off the advance of the insect. 



The events of the last few years have verified the prediction of the 

 Division of Entomology in regard to the advance made and the dam- 

 age caused by the insect. 



la 1895 the insect was found by the entomologists, who continued 

 the investigation started the year before, as far north as San Antonio 

 and as far east as Wharton. Such a serious advance toward the 

 principal cotton-producing region of the State caused the Division to 

 continue its investigations during practically the whole season. The 

 results of this work were incorporated in a circular by Doctor Howard, 

 published early in 189G, in both Spanish and English editions. 



An unusual drought in the summer of 189G prevented the maturity 

 of the fall broods of the weevil, and consequently there was no exten- 

 sion of the territory affected. It should be stated in this connection 

 that the region from San Antonio to Corpus Christi and thence to 

 Brownsville will frequently pass through similar experiences, which 

 will be quite different from anj^thing that may be expected to occur 

 in regions where the rainfall is more certain. In 1900 as well as in 

 1903, in all or part of the region referred to, the numbers of the weevil 

 were reduced by climatic conditions, principally a scanty rainfall, so 

 that they were comparativelj'^ unimportant factors. During 1896 the 

 investigations were continued and the results published in another 

 circular issued in February, 1897. This circular was published in 

 Spanish and German, as well as English editions, for the benefit of the 

 very large foreign population in southern Texas, 



The season of 1897 was in many respects almost as unfavorable as 

 that of 189G, although the pest increased its range to the region about 

 Yoakum and Gonzales. Although this extension was small it was 

 exceedingly important, because the richest cotton lands in the United 

 States were beginning to be invaded. The problem had thus become 

 so important that Mr. Townsend was stationed in Mexico, in a region 

 supposed to be the original home of the insect, for several months to 

 discover, if possible, any parasites or diseases that might be affecting 

 it, with the object of introducing them to prey upon the pest in Texas. 

 Unfortunately nothing was found that gave any hope of material 

 assistance in the warfare against the weevil. 



The season of 1898 was very favorable for the insect. Bastrop, 



