56 



ditions than any previously performed, we must conclude that it yet 

 remains to be shown that sweets of any kind have any value in the 

 problem of controlling the boll weevil. 



FEIGNING DEATH. 



This interesting habit of the weevil is its first resort as a means of 

 escape from its larger enemies. It has been tlie basis of many ma- 

 chines designed to jar them from the plants and to collect them in 

 convenient receptacles. If jarred from the plant, t,he weevil falls to 

 the ground, witli its legs drawn up closely against the body and the 

 antennae retracted against the snout, which is brought inward toward 

 the legs. The position is characteristic and can be more easily shown 

 than described. See PI. I, fig. 2. In this position it often remains 

 motionless for some time. If further disturbed, so that it finds that 

 Its ruse has failed to conceal it, it will start up quickly, run a little 

 way, and again fall over, feigning death. The color of the weevil 

 so closely resembles that of the ground that it is quite difficult to find 

 a fallen individual so long as it remains quiet. The habit is of great 

 value in protection. If left undisturbed until it believes danger to 

 be past, it recovers its footing and returns to the plant. 



REPRODUCTION. 



Under this general heading we present some of the most interesting 

 observations which have been made upon the habits of the boll wee- 

 vil. The relation of the sexes, the evident selection of clean squares 

 for egg deposition, the great destructive power of the weevil, the 

 rapidity of development, and the influence of varying temperatures 

 upon its activity and development may also be classed as among the 

 most important as well as most interesting observations. 



METHOD OF MAKING FIELD OBSERVATIONS UPON WORK OF 



WEEVIL. 



For the purpose of field study large cages (3 by 3 by 4 feet) were 

 made, the covering being of fine wire screening (PI. IX, fig. 36). 

 Uninfested plants having plenty of squares were found by'a c*areful 

 examination of each square and inclosed by the cages. The number 

 of weevils placed in each cage was varied according to the number of 

 squares within, ranging from 2 to 5 at various times. In making the 

 daily observations the cage was entered and each square examined. 

 Each square found attacked in any way was marked with a numbered 

 tag containing full data as to the lot of weevils and the number pres- 

 ent, date, and nature of injury (PI. IX, fig. 37). After all weevils 

 had been found the cages were removed to new uninfested plants for 

 another day's work. Close watch was kept upon all tagged squares 

 upon succeeding days, and every important change taking place in 

 each square was added to the record on the tag. The special points 



