The Wichita daily eagle., 1904-05-28
ENEMY TO BOIL WEEViL
Ant Has Been Found in Guatemala
Which Eats Them


Washington, May 27-The department
of agriculture today announced that an
ant has been found in Guatemala that
is an effective enemy of the boil weevii.
1t will be Immediately introduced into
the cotton states. The greatest signifi-
canoe is attached to the discovery which
was made by o. F. Cook. the botanist
in charge OF tropical agricultural inves-
legations of the bureau of plant indus
try. Cabled instructions have been sept
to him to report Immediately to the de-
partment what assistance he needs in the
way of men and money. During q trip
in Central America last year Mr.. Cook
discovered a cotton grown by Indians
which gave evidence OF being immune
from the attacks OF the boil weevil and
on orders from the department he later
began an investigation in certain parts in
Guatemala and Mexico Mr.. Cooks in
vestigations have been in more or less
accessible regions in the province OF Alta
Vera Paz, Guatemala The weevils are
present there, but the Investigations
show that they are unquestionably kept
in check by the presence of an active
enemy in the shape of large and red
tions show that these ants spread them
selves over fields Of cotton four or FIVE
TO a plant and that they are constantly
engaged in the destruction OF the boil
weevils
After a conference with Dr. p. T.
Galloway. chief Of the bureau Of plant
industry. Dr. L. o. Howard. chief Of
the chronological division. and other ex-
perts. Secretary Wilson today had
special bulletin on the subject printed
Among other things this bulletin says;
The ants. like the Indians. probably
came from the dry, open interior plat
eau region. where the center Of the abo-
rieinal cotton industry of Guatemala Is
still supported. To such an act Of orr
gin TO this useful insect would greatly
increase the possibility of its introduction
into the United States. The scciima-
tization Of a thoroughly tropical animal
requiring continuous heat and humidity.
could scarcely he hoped for. If however
the cotton ant can survive a long, dry
season and perhaps cold weather in the
table lands Of Guatemala II might cas-
i,v learn to hibernate in Texas. as has
the boil weevii The ant is myeh better
able TO protect itself against frost. since
IL excavates a nest three or more feet
into the ground Several have survived
confinement for twelve DAYS without
food. and seem now 90 be thriving on
a diet OF cane Juice To take worker
ants TO Texas vii, be evidently n very
easy matter: but 20 secure queens and
establish permanent colonies NAV re-
quire considerable time and experiment.
and n thorough study of ali the habits
Of the species
Although cotton seems TO ne especisiis
adapted to attract the ant by means oi
its numerous nectAsfes the iHsec, Is
not. Ike some Of TIE members cf Tvs
class. confined 10 a single plant or 10
single kind OF prey II attacks and DE-
s,rovs insects Of eevry order. including
the henip,era ard ever centipe'3es, On
the other hand. IL does not @" '1e feas'
injury 20 the cotton or 20 any cthe'
PLANT, 60 far as has been asceFtsined
ard Il can be handled with srnpunity.
having none 81 tho waspish III temper