INTRODUCTION. XXIX 



of entomologist to the Department of Agriculture, in May, 1878, was to commence a 

 special investigation looking to those ends. 



An appropriation to the Department was obtained for the purpose, and the investi- 

 gation was carried on under his direction up to the time of his resignation, on the first 

 of May last. Since that time Congress has required the United States Entomological 

 Commission to continue the work, and said Commission, ac a late meeting, decided to 

 place this part of its work in his charge. On behalf of the Commission, he would, 

 therefore, call the attention of correspondents to the following questions and topics, 

 with the request that answers thereto, or experience thereon, be returned to him some 

 time before October next. 



Some correspondents whom this circular will reach may already have answered a 

 more detailed one, sent out last year by the writer while connected with the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture. He would beg such to again give their experience on the fewer 

 topics of the present circular. 



He will be glad to receive figures, either photographs or drawings, of machines or 

 contrivances employed for the wholesale use of the Paris-green mixture, either in the 

 fluid state or as a powder ; or any other kinds of machines or traps employed for the 

 destruction of the insect. Models of such are still more desirable, and may be sent by 

 express, unpaid, to the headquarters of the Commission. Correspondence is solicited 

 whenever any expense must attend the carrying out of these requests, in order that au- 

 thority may be given to make the necessary outlay and thus insure the refunding of 

 the amount. 



Eespectfully, 



CHAS. V. EILEY, 



Chief U. S. E. a 



1. During what year was cotton first grown in your State, county, or locality? 



2. How many years elapsed after cotton first began to be grown before the worm 

 began to work upon it ? 



3. Is the worm most dreaded after a mild or after a severe winter ? 



4. Do wet or dry summers favor its multiplication ? 



5. What is the earliest date at which you have known the worm to appear in spring? 



6. In what locations does it most often first appear ? 



7. What is your experience, and what are your views, as to the winter habits of the 

 insect ? 



8. What natural enemies of the worm among birds, quadrupeds, or insects are you 

 familiar with ? 



9. What has been the result of the efforts to allure and destroy the moths, and what 

 methods have proved most satisfactory ? Give your estimate of the relative value for 

 this purpose of poisoned sugar, molasses, and vinegar, or other poisonous substances, 

 and fires. 



10. Are the moths most attracted to sweetened substances when smeared upon trees, 

 boards, &c., or when contained in vessels in or near which lamps may be lighted ? 



11. Are any flowers known to be attractive to the moth? If so, specify them and 

 their season of blooming. 



12. What do you know, from your own observation, of the influence of jute grown 

 near or with the cotton ? 



13. Has anything been found more generally useful and applicable, or cheaper, than 

 the use of the Paris-green mixture, or of arsenic in some form, to destroy the worms? 



14. Have you known of any injurious effects following the use of this poison, either 

 to the plant, to man, or to animals ? 



15. State what you consider the best and most effective method of destroying the 

 worms in your section. 



16. State the cost per acre of protecting a crop by the best means employed. 

 Corresj)ondent8 will confer a favor hy numhering the replies to correspond with the ques- 

 tions, and hy writing on hut one side of the j^aj^er. 



