The time from the hatching of eggs to that of pupating
varies according to the conditions of the weather. During warm
weather they mature in eighteen days, while in cold weather it
often takes twenty-six days.*
 DAMAGE.
 The amount of damage that a single worm will do is not
definitely known, but it is certainly greater than is usually sus-
pected. It was not uncommon for a single worm to eat in and
destroy three tomatoes in a single day, while two tomatoes were
rather a normal ration; and for a large worm to stay more than
a day in one tomato was rather uncommon.
 After attaining full "size, the larve find their way to the
ground, dig into it to the depth of an inch or two and turn into
a mahogany-colored chrysalis about an inch long. If they pass
into this state late in the year they remain so during the winter;
if earlier in the year, ten or twelve days are passed this way, and
then the perfect insect emerges. This in a day or two begins to
lay eggs for another generation.
 REMEDIES.
 Now, what concerns us most is when or how to take care of
it to best advantage.
 There are two ways that may be employed; either by arti-
ficial means or by encouraging its enemies. Just a few words in
regard to the enemies. First and foremost is the common toad
(Bufo lentigunosis). He is a very unassuming fellow, makes little
noise and no great stir. But his stir happens too often for the
welfare of a good many boll-worms. The time for the worm to
travel is in the cool of the afternoon and evening, just the time
that Mr. Toad has appointed to go out to take his recreation.
 The toad is a very shy animal, and if you wish to watch his
habits you must cultivate his friendship. It is almost useless to
try to slip up on him unawares; he has too good an eye and
ear. Another way is to kill and dissect them. In this way you
will find gnats, flies, beetles, grubs, and in tomato fields, larve
of various kinds, and at times moths; but the latter are rather
fewer than other insects. The lesson taught by this is that we
should not kill nor drive away toads. Cultivate their friendship.
You will be surprised how soon you can teach a toad to expect
food from you.
 "~. W. Malley, B. 29, p. 17, U. S. D. A. Div., Ento. 1891.