69 
CHARACTER OF INJURY TO CORN. 
In 3^oang corn still in the bud the larv?e seek out the tender 
uncurling leaves near the base of the opening portion (see PI. VII, 
fig. 1). Here they bore through the curled mass, making burrows 
which show as transverse rows of holes after the leaf has fully opened. 
Occasionally the plant grows too quickly for the boUworm and the sepa 
ration of la3^ers by unequal growth may squeeze it to death. As soon 
as the tassels are beginning to form, and while they are still well sur- 
rounded by leaves, they are attacked (see PL VII, fig. 2). The larvae 
now feed on the tassel proper, scarcelj^ ever eating into the leaves or 
stem. As soon as the ears begin to form the remainder of the plant 
is no longer disturbed. The damage to corn ears will be considered at 
greater length elsewhere. 
CHARACTER OP INJURY TO COTTON. 
The method of attack on cotton before the squares have formed is 
of little importance, since it is very rare for such cotton to be injured 
by the boll worm. It is interesting, however, as it shows that the 
spring generation can feed on cotton if forced to do so. Under such 
conditions they seem to prefer, when small, to bore into the cotyledon 
leaves or buds, and later to feed promiscuously on any part of the 
leaves. 
The squares are without doubt the part of the plant preferred by 
the majority of the larva?. After the newh^ hatched larva? have gained 
enough strength to get about readily they almost invariably enter a 
square and begin feeding on it near the base. As a rule the first 
square attacked is eaten hardly at all, and only a small black puncture is 
to be seen when the square ''flares" some twent3^-four hours later. The 
flaring of a square is a very characteristic process, the bracjts of the 
involucre folding back and exposing the inner portion (PI. IX, figs. 
3 and 4). Almost invariably squares which have flared drop from the 
plant some hoars later, breaking off at the juncture of the petiole and 
stem. Very rarely the}^ may dry up and remain upon the plant. A 
very slight injur^^ made by a newly hatched bollworm will cause a square 
to flare, but the}- can often withstand a considerable needle prick 
without harmful effects. The second square to be attacked by the 
growing larva shows a larger scar and generally a trace of excrement 
and a few silken threads spun by the larva, which has left it before the 
flaring begins. Such injur}'- to squares is quite generally known as 
the work of "sharpshooters;" improperly so, however, since the real 
sharpshooter belongs to another order of insects. 
After the larva has fed upon two or three squares it may either 
turn its attention to bolls or continue its depredations on othei* sq uares 
or flowers. It has now increased considerably in size and is about 
one-third grown. If it continues to feed on squares a large hole is 
