18 



the first account associating the species with damage to cotton. The 

 material referred to was collected in the State of Coahuila, supposedly 

 not far from the town of Monclova. The exact date at which the 

 insect crossed the Eio Grande into Texas is as uncertain as the means 

 whereby this was accomplished. All that can be found, which is 

 mostly in the form of testimony of planters in the vicinity of Browns- 

 ville, indicates that the pest first made its appearance in that locality 

 about 1892. In 1894 it had spread to half a dozen counties in the 

 Brownsville region, and during the last months of the year was 

 brought to the attention of the Bureau of Entomology as an impor- 

 tant enemy of cotton. Mr. C. H. T. Townsend was immediately sent 

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

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

 viousl}^ completel}^ 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 Bureau 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 

 Bureau of Entomology in regard to the advance made and the damage 

 caused by the insect. 



In 1895 the insect was found b}^ the entomologists, who continued 

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

 and as far east as Wharton. Such a serious advance tov/ard the prin- 

 cipal cotton-producing region of the State caused the Bureau to con- 

 tinue its investigations during practically the whole season. The 

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

 published early in 1896, in both Spanish and English editions. 



An unusual drought in the summer of 1896 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 Christ!, and thence to 

 Brownsville, will frequentlj^ pass through similar experiences, which 

 will be quite different from anything that may be expected to occur 



find enclosed insects and many of the injured bolls, some newly punctured, others 

 taken from under the plant. 



Monclova, Mexico, and the surrounding country a few years ago was famous for 



its large supply of cotton; at this time none can be grown, owing to the destructive 



insect, samples of which are sent. The inhabitants would be glad to hear of a 



remedy, upon which matter in the future I w^ill communicate with your Department. 



Your obedient servant, 



Edward Palmer. 



