hs, they
were easily trapped and destroyed. By the use of a large number of
electric light traps, suspended from convenient wires, thousands of
these insects were lured to destruction before they could deposit their
eggs. We are encouraged to believe, that a few years of such wholesale
extermination, will soon rid us of these pests altogether.

"With a view of securing a continuous improvement in the quality of the
cotton, we propose during the next five years, to carefully select the
seed for each successive planting, from the largest, most prolific
stalks, that produce the finest fibre. Reasoning from past experience, I
think it will not be difficult to obtain a yield at least one-third
greater than that of last year; which, on account of extra-superior
quality, will readily sell for a still higher price. A careful reading
of the annual reports, made by our consuls, who are stationed at the
principal commercial ports of the world, has taught us, that to sell
well, American cotton must be baled to meet the requirements of foreign
markets. These markets demand that we must use a finer, better quality
of baling burlaps, that will enable us to make closer, stronger,
smoother packages, such as will at once impress the prospective buyer
with the fact that they are really fine, because in appearance they are
so tight, tidy, and attractive. To secure this, a small additional
expense for baling material, is money well spent.

"Considering cotton as a cash crop, our experience so far, proves it to
be especially adapted to the needs and methods of co-operative farming.
A single crop has put money enough into our treasury, to pay more than
double the purchase price of this farm."

"From your very clear and comprehensive answers to my questions, it
appears that a co-operative farm, by reason of the number and
organization of its workers, is equipped to carry on the culture of
cotton with more than ordinary profit. This I accept as being absolutely
true! Therefore I hail your success as a revelation of new
possibilities, which must surely follow in the near future!"

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE DISCUSSION GROWS MORE INTERESTING.

"Now Fillmore," said Fern, "I wish to ask, what have you been doing in
the department of experimental farming?"

"Much of the work in that department is still in such a preliminary
stage, that definite results cannot yet be declared. However, among the
experiments worthy of mention, are the fields c