:.i-;tti;r of transmiitai.. 



r. S. DkI'AK TMKNT OF A< ; K I( T I/IT 1{K, 



Ih'KKAl OF 10n'I().MOL()(;Y, 



Washington, J). ('., August 20, U)ii7 . 



Sir: I liavo \\\v honor to transmit herewith the maniiscTipt of a 

 paper, by Dr. W. E. Hinds of this Bureau, (Mititled "Some Factors 

 in the Natural Control of the Mexican Cotton Boll Weevil." It deals 

 especially with threc^ nnportant factors of natural control, concerning 

 which our knowledge has been lar<2^ely (extended throu<:h the cotton 

 boll weevil investigations of the Bun^au during the season of 190G. 

 These factors are: Temperature and moisture conditions, predaceous 

 and parasitic enemies, and food su])ply. 



In view of th.e fact that the boll wecA'il is not a ])assing pest, but 

 rather an enemy with which the cotton grower must reckon each year^ 

 it is evident that our knowledge of every factor affecting favorably or 

 unfavorably its development and attack must be made as complete 

 as possible. While it may not be possible to increase the effectiveness 

 of some of these factors, there is reason to believe that with our more 

 exact knowledge of tlie nature of their effect upon the weevil and 

 of the conditions under which they produce most beneficial results 

 others may be utilized far more than has been done heretofore, thus 

 lessening very materiall}^ the damage annually inflicted by the weevil 

 at little, if any, expense. 



This study of the natural control of the boll weevil is proba])ly 

 based upon one of the most extensive series of definite examinations 

 and records which has ever been made in economic entomology. The 

 paper reporting this work is therefore based upon a large amount of 

 statistical data. This has been tabulated witli a view to as much 

 condensation as possible without destroying the value and signifi- 

 cance of the records. The illustrations accom})anying the manu- 

 script are necessary for the best understanding of the text. I recom- 

 iiKMiu the publication of tliis report as Bulh^tin No. 71 of the Bureau 

 of Kntoinology. 



Respectfully, 



Hon. James Wilson. 



Secretary of Agriculture. 



V. II. Chittenden, 



. 1 cti II g ( 7/ iff of Burr (in . 



