[88] REPORT 4, UNITED STATES ENTOMOLOGICAL COMMISSION. 
rains, with cloudy days, are unfavorable to the increase of the worm; cloudy days, 
even without rain, are unfavorable. 
5. Have never seen the worm earlier than June. 
6. Generally is seen first in moist, rich spots, where the cotton grows rapidly. 
7. Have seen the moths at various times during the winter as " candle-flies." Sup- 
pose that those worms that come to maturity when winter is approaching, by instinct 
seek some place protected from cold, and, if not disturbed, might remain in'chrysalis 
till the proper amount of heat would develop them into the moths. Those that are 
badly or slightly protected from cold may either be frozen by cold weather or warmed 
into life by a few warm days, while those that are properly protected, which probably 
are but few, will pass through the winter, and be revivedonly by the hot sun of May 
or June. 
8. Almost all domestic fowls will eat the worm. Geese will eat them to some extent, 
while chickens, turkeys, and guinea-fowls will grow fat on them. Almost all wild birds 
will eat them, and a large wasp, both black and red varieties, seems to be fond of the 
worm. In this section there are great numbers of a lace-winged fly, commonly called 
mosquito-ha wks. These are of various sizes and colors, and are very expert in catch- 
ing the moth on the wing. I believe this mosrjuito-hawk is very influential in pre- 
venting the progress of the worm. 
While on this question I would like to state that it is my opinion that much good 
could be accomplished, and probably many fields might be saved, if birds that are 
insectivorous could be domiciled in the field. From what I have heard of the Eng- 
lish sparrow it occurs to me that this would be the bird for the purpose. If bird- 
houses are located in various parts of the field, the birds would naturally hunt for 
insects near their homes, and the consequence, I think, would be that in all cotton 
fields well supplied with these birds the caterpillar would be kept down. If the 
English sparrow can be domiciled, that is, will stick to its house and feed around, it 
could be macke of great benefit to the cotton region. The suggestion is oftered for 
your consideration. 
Vtrv respectfully, 
F. M. McMEEKIN. 
C. V. Riley, Chief U. S. E. C. 
San Antonio, Tex., September 11, 18T9. 
I shall not answer your questions as I find them in the Herald of this city, for I pre- 
sume there will be plenty of answers for you. My object is to state a fact bearing on 
the Cotton Worm. I planted cotton in the State of Nueva Leon, Mexico, five leagues 
below the city of Monterey, in 1867. Cotton had never been planted at the place, 
nor nearer than 200 miles to it, in this world's history. I brought the seed from San 
Antonio, Tex., the ordinary Petit Gulf seed. The genuine Cotton Caterpillar ap- 
peared in the last days of May, and by the end of June ate up the crop. In the city 
of Monterey, at the same time, I planted in my garden (a large one) two patches of 
cotton — one the Texas seed, the other the black seed of the Sea Island genus, that is 
generally planted in Mexico. The distance between the two patches was, say, '200 
yards. I received a note from my partner at the hacienda below Monterey, about 
10 o'clock in the morning, telling me that he had discovered the worm in the cotton 
field. I at the moment passed into my garden and found the worm in both patches. 
Now, the question is. where did they come from ? The egg or germ could uot have 
been in the seed, as the butterfly cannot reach the seed to lay her eggs, and the gin 
would have destroyed them. I assert that they could not Lave been blown there, or 
have remained deposited in the earth from the creation thereof; yet they came. The 
weather was showery, hot, sultry, and between showers a hot sun. I have planted cot- 
ton all my life ; have noticed the worm, and have always found them to come after such 
weather as I describe. When you walk between the rows after a shower, and a sort 
of hot steam vapor comes up, then look out for the butterfly. I also planted cotton 
in the laguna, or Rio Nazas country, in the State of Duraugo, Mexico, in 1873-74- 
'75-'7b\ where we plant the black seed but once in five or seven years; as a general 
thing the same Cotton Worm to which I have been accustomed in Texas came every 
year ; but, as there is but little rain there, they seldom come before September, and 
Too !;it»* to do uracil harm. Scientists say there is no original creation possible now; 
thar all things of this world had their beginning when it was made; but i believe 
thai The atmosphere created the germ light there. When I was a boy there were no 
( ottOD Worms; now they never fail. These are points to which you are devotiug 
your time, ami so fraught arc they with the interests of our people that all will wish 
to aid yon as they can ; and I write this to state a fact, but which I know will add to 
youi difficulty. 
Iiespectfullv, 
EL P. BEE. 
Prof C. V. Riley. Chief V. 8. E. C. , 
