2 BULLETIN 708, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
is being taken in the matter to bring about practical results. This 
is especially true in view of the fact that very little experimental 
work has been done to determine the relationship that really 
exists between shucks and the corn inclosed by them. However, 
some reassuring observations in this connection have been recorded 
by W. E. Hinds, entomologist of the Alabama Argicultural Experi- 
ment Station.t Below are given certain significant quotations: 
The earliest maturing corn—almost regardless of variety—attracts them [weevils] 
in greatest number and naturally the ears that have exposed tips and loose, open 
husks are then the first and most heavily attacked. * * * But naturally the corn 
from the outer edges of the field and the poorly covered ears throughout the field 
will always contain more weevils than any other equal number of ears. * * * 
The two most important factors in producing this [weevil infestation] variation [of 
varieties] are generally comparative rapidity of development to maturity of the grain 
and the relative length and- tightness of the husk covering. * * * From our 
study of these varieties, we have become convinced that weevil resistance depends 
first of all upon the length and tightness of the husk covering upon the maturing ear. 
* * * TLong husks can be bred by selection in any variety. * * * Good husk 
covering and proper storage methods may entirely prevent the necessity for fumigation 
treatment. 
In the following pages are given the results of investigations whose 
object has been to establish definitely by positive means some of the 
more important facts regarding the merits of shucks as a means of 
preventing ear damage. 
RELATION: OF SHUCK CHARACTERS TO INSECT INFESTATION. 
FIELD INVESTIGATIONS. 
_ The field investigations described in this bulletin were conducted 
during the period from September 27 to October 4, 1915. The 
experimental corn had been planted on March 22 and 23 at Thomas- 
ville, Ga., and was among the first planted in the community that 
year. At th time the data were collected the moisture in the grain 
varied with the variety from 12.5 to 15 per cent. 
Fourteen native southern varieties were included in the investiga- 
tions. They were grown in adjacent rows and harvested and studied - 
separately, but for the purposes of this bulletin the results are con- 
sidered collectively. 
The ears were harvested with all of the shucks in place. They 
were then separated into three classes, termed “poor shucks,” 
““oood shucks without wormholes,’ and “good shucks with worm- 
holes.”’ 
Kars were classified as having poor shucks if the shucks failed to 
extend beyond the tip of the ear or if extending beyond the tip 
they did not close tightly and seemed to offer opportunity for insects 
to enter along the passage used by the silks. 
1 Hinds, W.E. Reducing insect injury to seed corn, Ala. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 176, p. 49-68, 4 pl. 1914, 
