THE CONCHUELA. 
69 
These worked on different sections of the plantation and in several 
gangs of from 6 to 50 boys each, the work of each gang being under 
the direct supervision of a man selected for the purpose from among 
the laborers. The time possible for the author to devote to this 
phase of the investigation of the conchuela did not permit of as 
detailed a study as was desirable, yet it is believed that the experi- 
ments are by far the most extensive ever conducted along the line 
of hand-collecting of insect pests. 
After testing various receptacles for containing the bugs as they 
are collected in the field, a dipperlike tin vessel, with a cover e< in- 
sisting of a detachable funnel, was devised" and found to serve the 
purpose in an ideal manner. The con- 
structive details of tins receptacle are 
shown in figure 9. A slight jar of the 
boll or leaf upon which the bug is rest- 
ing is sufficient to cause it to fall through 
the funnel into the chamber below, from 
which there is practically no chance for 
its escape until the receptacle is filled 
to the opening. The contents should 
then be emptied into a pail containing a 
mixture of water and kerosene in the 
proportion of two-thirds to one-third, 
respectively. 
Results of experiments. — The removal 
of many thousands of the conchuela 
from the cotton fields could not have 
other than direct beneficial results while, 
as an experiment, useful information 
concerning the practice of hand-picking 
of plant-bugs was obtained. 
The greatest obstacle to be overcome 
in order to obtain the best results from 
hand-picking was found to be lack of thor- 
oughness. There was much variation, however, in regard to this point 
and it was soon evident that it is dependent almost entirely upon the 
efficiency with which the boys engaged in picking the bugs were super- 
vised. A series of examinations was made in two tablas o( 120 acres 
each for the purpose of determining the number of bugs present on 
the plant- before and after picking. It was found that in one t<i!>!a 
about 21 per cent, and in the other about 33 per emit, had been re- 
moved. From the fact previously stated that in clear weather fully 
90 per cent of the bugs occupy conspicuous positions on the plants 
it is evident that the lack of thoroughness in the above-mentioned 
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Fig. 9. — Plan for the construction of a 
collecting can for use ia hand-picking 
cotton plant-bags: A. Main part of can, 
made of tin and wit ha wooden handle; 
B, funnel-shaped cover; C, vertical pro- 
jection snowing cover with opening in 
the center and vertical projection of 
handle al right. (Original.) 
"Credit ia due Messrs. Oonduil and Vauehan for their ideas in this connection. 
