Bryan morning eagle. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1898-1909, 1907-11-22

conclusively showing the practical val
ne OF the work OF destroying the
stalks.
The reasons for the destruction OF
| the plants In the fall are stated as FOL
lows:
Ffrst.-Fall destructon prevents alb
solutely~ the development OF n multi
tude OF weevils which would otherwise
become adult within few weeks oil
the time of Information. The destruc'
ton of the immature stages OF weevils
In infested squares and bolls Is ac-
complished. while the further growth
OF squares which may become infested
later is also prevented. This stops
materially the development OF the wee
wills which would normally hibernate
successfully, and by decreasing the
number of weevlls which will emerge
In the spring. the chances for sue
cessful crop the following season are
very greatly increased.
Second.-A proper manipulation oil
the stalks will bring about the destruc-
ton OF a great majority OF the weeyils
which are already adult.
Third II has been shown conclu-
sively that the bulk OF the weevils
which survive the winter are those
which reach maturity late In the sea.
son. II is evident that the weevils
that pass the winter and attack the
crop OF the following season are
among those developed latest In the
fall. and which. In consequence OF that
fact, have not exhausted their vitality
BY depositing eggs for any considera.
BILE length of time. Fall destruction OF
the plants, increasing the length OF the
alternating period. reduces many fold
the number OF weevils in the fields
that would otherwise emerge In the
spring 20 damage the cotton.
Fourth.-Ciearing of the field In the
fall makes II possible TO practice fall
blowing. which Is not only the proper
procedure In any system OF cotton
raising. but also greatly facilitates the
early planting OF the crop the follow
ing spring. The ground becomes clean
by this practice. so that but few places
for shelter are left for the weevils. and
various climatic conditions still fur
Their reduce the number OF survivors"
A number OF other experiments are
described with results In harmony
with the first. As TO the best time 10
destroy the plants. the circular says
Il Is when the weevils have become
so numerous that all or nearly all the
squares are punctured. In Texas this
is generally In October. Two meth
DDS OF destroying the stalks are de-
scribed. the one recommended being
as follows:
There are two effective methods OF
removing the plants from the ground.
One OF these, the method TO be pre-
ferred. Is To cut the roots two or three
inches beneath the surface by the use
OF an ordinary plow. The other Is to
pull out the stalks by the use OF le-
yer provided with toothed notch
which grasps the base OF the plant.
The latter process is better adapted
for use when the plants have been
killed by frost. When they are still
green. or ground Is dry. II Is frequent
~ difficult matter 10 remove them
with these levers. The Departments
general recommendation. therefore. Is
that the plants should be plowed out.
As soon as possible after this Is done
they should be collected by hand or by
means of rakes and brought together
In large heaps or windrows. II is very
important that this collection should
take place before the leaves have be
come dry and have dropped on. When
the plants are carried TO heaps imme-
diately after uprooting. all OF the leaf
age which will be dry In a few days.
remains TO facilitate the burning OF the
stalks.
After the stalks have become dry
enough they should be burned. II the
weather be fair. this can be done In
about two weeks. II rains cause
OF this period. Il would un-
be worth the cost TO the
planter 10 purchase crude oil sufficient
10 bring about the complete burning
,f all the stalks.
In conclusion the circular gives the
following impressive summary:
Having tested the methods OF wee
fil control which have been hitherto |
the writer firmly be-
ieves the destruction OF the stalks !
N the early fall Is the most effective |
method known OF actually reducing |
he numbers OF the pest. This de-
'truction will cost but n small fraction |
" the expense necessary In the IRE |
luent picking up in the spring Of the
square infested by the hlbcrnated wee
Ills. and far more thorough ms means |
u reducing the numbers OF the weevils !
han Is the practice OF picking hiberna-
ed weevils from the young plants. |
Early destruction OF the stalks Is es-
'ential 10 the greatest success OF any |
'ystem OF controlling the pest. All |
,ther practices recommended. though |
'ery valuable In securing crop. are |