INTRODUCTION. 
XXIX 
of cutomologist to the Department of Agriculture, in May, 1678, was to commence a 
speeial investigation looking to those ends. 
An appropriation to the Department w as obtained for the purpose, and the investi- 
gation vnu carried on under his direction up to the time of his resignation, on the first 
of May la.-r. Since that time Congress has required the United States Entomological 
Coanniasioa to continue the work, and said Commission, at a late meeting, decided to 
place thil pari of Hi work in his charge. On behalf of the Commission, he would, 
therefore, call the attention of correspondents to the following questions and topics, 
with the request that answers thereto, or experience thereon, be returned to him some 
time before October next. 
Boom OOReepomdenta whom this circular will reach may already have answered a 
in' i. detailed one, leal out last yeut by the writer while connected with the Depart-' 
ment of Agriculture. He would beg such to again give their experience on the fewer 
topics of the present circular. 
He will be glad to receiTfl figures, either photographs or drawings, of machines or 
contrivances employed for the wholesale use of the Paris-green mixture, either in the 
fluid state or as a powder; or any other kinds of machines or traps employed for the 
destruction of the insect. Models of such are still more desirable, and may be sent by 
express, unpaid, to the headquarters of the Commission. Correspondence is solicited 
whenever any expense must attend the carrying <'iit <»t' t hese n que>ts, in order that au- 
thority may be given to make the necessary outlay and thus insure the refunding pi 
the amount. 
Respectfullv, 
CHAS. V. RILEY, 
Chief U. S. E. C. 
1. During what year was cotton first grown in your State, . ounty, or locality? 
2. How* many years elapsed alter cotton first began to be grown before the worm 
began to work upon it T 
3. Is the worm most dreaded after a mild or after a severe winter! 
4. Do wet or dry summers favor its multiplication T 
5. What is the earliest date at which you have known the worm to appear in spring T 
(i. In w hat locations does it most often tir-t appear? 
7. What is your experience, and what are your views, as to the winter habits of the 
insect f 
8. What natural enemies of the worm among birds, quadrupeds, or insects are you 
familiar with ? 
9. What has been the result of the efforts to allure and destroy the moths, and what 
methods ha\ e proved most satisfactory T Give your estimate of the relative value for 
this purpose of poisoned sugar, molasses, and vinegar, or other poisonous substances, 
and tires. 
10. Are the moths most attracted to sweetened substances when smeared upon trees, 
boards, »fcc., or when contained in vessels in or near which lamps may be lighted f 
11. Are any llowers known to be attractive to the moth? If so, specify them and 
their BeeSOP of blooming. 
12. What do you know, from your ow n observation, of the influence of jute grown 
near or with the cotton ? 
t& Has anything been found more generally useful and applicable, or cheaper, than 
the use of the Paris-green mixture, or of arsenic in some form, to destroy the worms? 
14. Have you know n of any injurious effects following the use of this poison, either 
to the plant, to man, or to animals ? 
15. State what you consider the best and most effective method of destroying the 
worms in your section. 
lb\ State the cost per acre of protecting a crop by the best means employed. 
Correspondents will ton/er a favor by numbering the replies to correspond with the ques- 
tions, and by icritiny M but one side of the paper. 
