19 



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, principalh^ a scanty rainfall, so 

 that they were comparatively unimportant factors. During 1896 the 

 inv^estigations 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 1896, 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, v/ith 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, 

 Lee, and Burleson counties became invaded, and some isolated colo- 

 nies were found across the Brazos River, in Waller and Brazos coun- 

 ties. Investigations by the Bureau of Entomology were continued, 

 and a summar}^ of the work, dealing especially with experiments 

 conducted by Mr. C. L. Marlatt in the spring of 1896, was published 

 in still another circular. At this time the legislature of the State of 

 Texas made provision for the appointment of a State entomologist 

 and provided a limited appropriation for an investigation of means 

 of combating the boll weevil. In view of this fact the Bureau of 

 Entomology discontinued, temporarily, the work that had been carried 

 on by having agents in the field almost constantly for four years, and 

 all correspondence was referred to the State entomologist; but, 

 unfortunately, the insect continued to spread, and it soon became 

 apparent that other States than Texas were threatened. This caused 

 the work to be taken up anew by the Bureau of Entomology in 

 1901, in accordance with a special appropriation by Congress for an 

 investigation independent of that being carried on by the State of 

 Texas and with special reference to the discover}^, if possible, of 

 means of preventing the insect from spreading into adjoining States. 



In accordance with this provision an agent was sent to Texas in 

 March and he remained in that State until December. He carried on 

 cooperative work upon eight of the larger plantations in the weevil 

 region. The result of his observations was to suggest the advisability 

 of a considerable enlargement of the scope of the work. It had been 

 found that simple cooperative work with the planters was exceedingly 



