129 



drawing reliable conclusions as to the most potent influence that deter- 

 mined the direction and distance of flight. At this time, therefore^ 

 only the most significant facts observed can be given. 



The border line of the generally infested area in Texas moved north- 

 ward nearly 50 miles, reaching the limit of the area previously scatter- 

 ingly infested. In a general way the migration of 1904 moved east- 

 ward from about the boundary line between Texas and Louisiana^ 

 covering a narrow strip outside the eastern edge of the previously 

 infested territory. The movement began first upon the southern point 

 of this strip, extending from southern Louisiana northward, thus- 

 Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vernon parishes became successively infested 

 between August 1 and 15, and the movement continued from Vernons 

 through Sabine, De Soto, and Caddo parishes between August 15 and 

 30. During September a comparatively small, restless movement of 

 the weevils was noted, which carried the extreme limit of infestation 

 somewhat farther eastward. During an unusually warm period pre- 

 vailing during the earl}^ part of October a second general migratory 

 movement took place, which, in turn, was followed by a restless move- 

 ment similar to that occurring in September. The area newdy infested 

 by the August migratory movement included about 5,500 square miles,, 

 much of the territory covered being scatteringly planted with cotton.. 

 The October movement covered 2,000 square miles more, and brought 

 the eastern edge of infestation into touch with the Red River Valley^ 

 and some of the richest cotton-growing area of Louisiana. The breadth 

 of this newly infested strip was somewhat irregular, and averaged 

 about 50 miles, in some portions reaching between 60 and 70 miles^ 

 The onward movement was checked by a marked fall in temperature- 

 occurring about the middle of October, and it ceased altogether with 

 the occurrence of frost. 



One of the most striking facts observed was that the weevils suc- 

 ceeded in crossing bodies of water which, in some cases, were fully 

 10 miles in breadth. Stretches of non-cotton-producing countr}^ were- 

 also passed which were fully 40 miles in breadth. During the entire- 

 period of migration it was noticeable that weevils in the fields took 

 wing far more readily than they had done earlier in the season. In- 

 many cases, upon slight disturbance, weevils were seen to rise above 

 the roofs of houses and the tops of tall trees and disappear from view^ 

 How high they ultimately rose in flight no one can say, for the eye 

 could not follow them farther. 



There are available no detailed daily reports showing the direction: 

 and velocity of the wind during the few days within which most of 

 this migratory movement occurred. If such reports could be had 

 they might show for that period a general atmospheric movement con- 

 siderably different from the general average prevailing for the month. 

 16780— No. 51—05 9 



