38 BULLETIN NO. 3, DIVISION OF ENTOMOLOGY. 



My conclusion is that the southern belt of Texas, as high as 30° 

 north latitude, offers Aletia a secure winter retreat, and that it there 

 passes through its different stages under the influence of temperature ; 

 and although cotton is its preferred food, yet it is capable of being sus- 

 tained upon other plants, selected by the instinct of the parent moth, 

 until the incoming of cotton. 



The fact has been established that it was indigenous and perennial in 

 the Bahamas, and from my observation, and all information gathered 

 in Texas, I think the same rule would apply there. 



Finally, regarding yourself as the highest authority upon this subject^ 

 as well as all others connected with your Department, I can reconcile 

 your last utterance upon the hibernation of Aletia, as far as facts are 

 concerned, with the theory advocated in this report and deducible from 

 all information gathered in my recent visit to Texas. You say " there 

 is nothing more fully established now than that the moth hibernates 

 principally under the shelter of rank grass in the more heavily timbered 

 portions of the South ; n and also that "you had been able to obtain the 

 inoths during every month." The only difference is a perpetuation of 

 the cycle of transformation instead of a true hibernation in that latitude. 

 , I have the honor to be, with sentiments of high respect, 

 Yours, truly, 



E. H. AffDEBSOK. 



Prof. C. V. Eiley, Entomologist. 



