64 REPORT UPON COTTON INSECTS. 



struction. As an example, a record of 10 bales to 500 acres is given as 

 an average for Conecuh County, Alabama. In 1846 and ]847 the figures 

 again run high, and are given from 33.3 to G6.6 per cent. The returns 

 for the years that follow, up to the period of the war, are quite meager, 

 but still sufficient to show that the worms were at work in places, some 

 years doing considerable damage. For the years since the war the re- 

 ports point to severe losses, the figures probably ranging highest in 1873, 

 when 50 per cent, of injury is common, and .even 66 to 90 per cent, 

 quoted. Mr. P. D. Bowles, of Evergreen, Ala., gives as the general aver- 

 age for all years since 1868, 50 per cent., which may be correct for south- 

 ern sections of the State, though very high for the State as a whole. 



In tabulating the returns for years since the war, reports of "complete 

 failure" or "almost total loss" are frequently found from nearly all the 

 Gulf States, and representing almost every year. Statements of 50 to 75 

 per cent, occur more frequently, the greater losses having been suffered 

 in Texas and Florida, although in the lower central counties of Alabama, 

 particularly upon what is known as the black lands or "black belt," the 

 destructiveness has been severe in all years of insect prevalence. A los& 

 of one-third is of common occurrence; indeed a majority of the returns 

 indicate for bad years, in localities of heaviest production, a general 

 average of 25 to 33 per cent. Of course the percentage for the more 

 northern portions of the State, or those portions where cotton is less 

 generally grown, are so very much lower that it must make considerable 

 difference with the general average for the whole area of cotton produc- 

 tion. 



The following extracts of replies to a circular sent out by the depart- 

 ment will give some idea of the worst years of injury from the cotton- 

 worm, and amount of loss in particular localities : 



Woodville, Wilkinson County, Mississippi. In 1825 and 1846 fully 50 per cent. ; in 1867, 

 1868, and 1873, probably 25 per cent. Many other years, and for several successive 

 years, in certain localities, I have known the crop wholly destroyed in July, so that not 

 enough seed was matured to plant the next crop. 



Alleyton, Colorado County, Texas. One bale to 100 acres in 1867. 



Moscow, Polk County, Texas. In 1867 and 1873, the loss was total ; in 1877, about 75 

 per cent. 



Texarkana, Miller County, Arkansas. During the years 1865, 1866, and 1867, the worms 

 destroyed at least 25 per cent, of the crop each year ; and in some portions of the Red 

 River lauds the entire crop on many plantations. 



Evergreen, Conecuh County, Alabama. In 1825 the oldest farmers now living estimate 

 the loss at 98 per cent. ; loss in 1867, at least 66.6 per cent. ; in 1868, 25 per cent. ; in 

 1873, about 40 per cent., some placing it at 75 and some 90 per cent. ; in 1874, about the 

 same as 1873. In 1874 Mr. C. Drumond gathered 900 pounde of seed-cotton from 14 

 acres, which would have produced 1,000 pounds per acre. 



Waterboro, Colleton County, South Carolina. About three-fourths of a crop in most 

 years, when worms have been general, and in some neighborhoods seven-eighths. 



Burkville, Loumdes County, Alabama. In 1873 the loss was 70 per cent. This year, 

 [1878] on the bottom and lime lands, a loss of 20 per cent, is claimed. 



Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas. During many years three-fourths of the crop is 

 destroyed. 



