The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1904-07-07

mentioned above. the fact that tina
squares, containing weevil eggs. fall
from the plants soon after these eggs
! batSt Now, if these fallen squares
be kept gathered up from the ground
aud burned, the succeeding broods OF
the woevil will be reduced in num-
| 6ers. During midsummer the sun
| is ofttimes hot enough to kill the lar
vac in these fallen squares as they
| lie or the ground, provided they are
not shaded by the cotton plants. For
this reason the rows should be planted
well apart, and plants far apart in the
rows. The rows should also, run east
! and west instead of north and south
| in order that as much direct sunlight
as possible may reach the ground
about the cotton plants.
This method of planting should be-
| adopted by every cotton planter. even
though no weevils ore present, for
these methods also reduce the dam.
age done by the boil worm and cotton
caterpillar, insects which appear every
year in greater or less numbers.
We do not here propose to discuss
In detail the various ways of combat
ing the weevil as the pest has not
yet been found in Georgia. The above
is given as showing in what direction
repressive measures must be taken
when this pest ultimately appears in
Georgia.
The bon weevl in its natural spread
by fight, probably could not reach
| Georgia for several years, but unfor-
tunately the insect may be at any
time instroduced in shipments of cot.
ton seed or baled hay, or even baled
cotton, from the infested districts OF
Texas or Louisiana. A regulation
(haying the force of law) is already in
effect, which prohibits the shipment
into Georgia of cotton seed from Tex
as or Lo lisiana, without it's having
been thoroughly fumigated.
Every farmer in Georgia should
closely watch his cotton during the
growing season, and whenever he finds
any lew or unusual insect upon his
cotton. should send samples of it to
the State EntomoIogist, Atlanta. Ga.
for determination. The latter party
Will at all times, take pleasure In
answering inquiries Of this kind and
always free of charge. If the first
occurrence of the weevil can be de-
tected as soon as it appears and before
1t has a chance to spread over any
considerable area, 1t may be posi-
bio By drastic measures to STAMP It
out right there and prevent losses or
many thousands of dollars. Once it
obtains a good start, however, there
will be no such thing as determination.
Because remedial measures have been
mentioned above, the reader should
not conclude that the weevil can be
circumvented or that as good crops
can be made when it is present. No
matter what measures may be en-
ployed or remedies used, the cotton
crop Is certain to be severely cut
down by the weevil. Then, too.
many remedial measures are expen-
sive and their cost must be deducted
fror the profits OF the crop.
We know full well that the first
appearance of the boil weeviI is like.
iy to be around cotton mills, oil mills.
lumber camps and along newly con-
structed lines of railway, because it
is at such places that most important
agricultural products from Texas are
used II a competent manor two
men thoroughly familiar with the
boil weeviLs could be employed to am
nually examine the cotton fields in
these localities, it is very probable
that the first appearance of the weevil
would be promptly detected and meas
ures could be taken for exterminating
It, o. at least severely checking it's
spread Such measures would mean
the saving of thousands of dollars to
the cotton growers of the State, and
money so invested would be the best
insurance which Georgia could pur-
chase for the future of her cotton crop.
Unfortunately, no funds are at pres
ent available for such work, but the
State Board of Entomology stands
reauy 10 undertake this work as soon
as the people, through their legisla-
ture. deem it expedient to make the
necessary appropriation therefor.
WiImon Newell, State EntomoIogist.