[72] 



REPORT 4, UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 



5. Of my own knowledge, they are to be seen here first in June or July, but some 

 of my friends and neighbors have reported seeing them occasionally in May, in few 

 numbers. 



6. They are almost always found first on the same places and same plantations, 

 scattered over the country, without any apparent regard to character of soil or sur- 

 rounding circumstances. This fact has been generally noticed and spoken of, but ho 

 solution has been made of it that is satisfactory and reasonable. Like most other 

 questions among men, outside of mathematics, discussion never satisfies all parties 

 nor settles the question. 



7. I have no experience at all of the winter habits of the insect, but I am satisfied 

 it remains here during the winter, in some form, and does not come here regularly or 

 at intervals from auy distance. My reasons for thinking so are too numerous to at- 

 tempt to write them to you, unless I thought I could prove the fact to a demonstra- 

 tion, and thus settle the matter beyond all future question or dispute. 



8. Birds of many kinds prey upon the worms, and many insects prey on both the 

 worm at all ages and stages of its growth and also feed on or destroy the eggs. No 

 quadrupeds disturb either eggs or worms, to my knowledge. Ants of various sorts 

 prey on them — both eggs and small worms. I have heard many insects spoken of, by 

 persons who had given the matter close attention, as being enemies to the Cotton 

 Worms, and preying on or destroying the eggs, young worms, and also those fully 

 grown. I cannot speak on these points from personal knowledge, not being a scien- 

 tist nor professional man, and having no turn of thought in that direction. I am sat- 

 isfied that many animals and insects prey on and destroy the Cotton Worm's eggs, 

 young and grown worms, or they would eat up the cotton every year they appear 

 here. They increase by nature so very rapidly after their first appearance that, un 

 less they met many and destructive enemies besides man, they would always in 

 crease in numbers so great as to destroy the crop annually. In wet years these va- 

 rious enemies are not jiresent themselves in sufficient numbers to make any impression 

 on the Cotton Worm, but in dry seasons they are numerous enough to nearly annihi- 

 late the Cotton Worm, and thus pre vest any great damage to the cotton crop. 



9. I have no experience about destroying the Cotton Moth. Many might, no doubt, 

 be destroyed by lamps, fires, &c., but the whole planting population would have to 

 engage in it systematically and persistently, or it would amount to nothing. The 

 destruction of any number of moths by a few planters or neighborhoods would do no 

 good. I have never heard of sugar, molasses, or anything of the sort being tried to 

 lure the moths. I think all such things humbugs, and on a par with the Yankee plan 

 tried in Lower Louisiana during the war, i: e., to spread tar around the cotton-fields 

 to prevent the Cotton Worms from entering them. 



10. I have no experience' to enable me to reply to this question. 



11. I cannot afibrd any information on this question. 



12. I have never seen jute nor any other plant being tried in this section for any 

 such purpose. Have heard stories told of such things being tried elsewhere. 



13. Paris green, Texas Worm Destroyer, and such poisonous medicines are the only 

 things which have ever been used hereto destroy the worms. I have seen Paris green 

 tried many times, and heard of its trial for years. There is no doubt that it will de- 

 stroy the Cotton Worm and preserve the cotton plants when the preparation is gen- 

 uine and not a cheat and it is used properly and thoroughly. Like everything else 

 done in this world, it must be done projjerly, thoroughly, and persistently to succeed. 

 I have no personal knowledge of the Texas Worm Destroyer, but it is veryhighly 

 recommended, indeed. - 



14. I have never known auy injury to happen to man, beast, or plant here from 

 using Paris green. All know that it is a violent poison, and use it with caution. No 

 doubt, man, animals, and plants can be injured by it, and perhaps all have been in- 

 jured in some places by its incautious use. 



15. Paris green used in liquid form, from large tin watering-pots made specially for 

 the purpose, has been most successful here; it is the preparation generally used. 



16. I cannot state the cost of using Paris green per acre, but its cost is not great, 

 and does not enter into auy man's calculation when he sets about to kill the Army 

 Worm. I have seen a field of cotton saved by two applications of it, which were made 

 at intervals of a month apart. This field yielded one bale per acre, whereas without 

 the destruction of the worms it would not have made half a bale per acre. These 

 worm poisons are now made and sold in great quantities by responsible parties, and, 

 like all other articles of general commerce, are abundant and cheap. There is no 

 question but that the cotton crop can be saved in part, if not in whole, from any future 

 destruction by the Cotton Worms, in all sections where the planters are energetic, in- 

 telligent, and harmonious in action by the use of poisons — Paris green, Texas Worm 

 Killer, arsenic in some form, or some other j)oison. I cannot now say that any plan 

 can be proposed to destroy the worm or moth before its appearance in the cotton 

 fields. Fires, lamp$, &c., would kill immense numbers of moths, but would only re- 

 tain the worms, and not destroy them. 



