96 ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BOTANY OF [ Malvaceae. 
several years in the garden, but in too luxuriant a state, produced some cotton, which 
Mr. Saunders pronounced of a much better staple than that usually cultivated in India; 
but he considered that produced by the tree cotton (Gossypium arboreum) of the best 
description, as both the fabric and staple were good. It appears worthy of being 
subjected to further trials, particularly to ascertain its productiveness, for of the fineness 
and silky nature of its staple there can be no doubt, as it is employed by the natives 
for making only the finest muslins... It was cultivated like the common Indian cotton, 
and gave its-produce in the first year in October and November, and a second crop in 
February. | LG er 
At p. 4, it is stated that Malwa and the north-western provinces of India seemed well 
adapted for the cultivation of cotton. It is already extensively cultivated there, and that 
so cheaply, being sold at 2d. and 24d. per pound, that it supports a successful competition 
in Bengal, notwithstanding the heavy expenses of distant transport by land and water. — 
(Colebrooke.) From the westward it is conyeyed on bullocks to Calpee, Banda, and Mir- 
zapore, where it goes down the Jumna and Ganges rivers, with the cotton grown in the 
northern provinces. The cotton plants which I saw in many places from Agra to Allahabad 
seemed more prolific than any I have seen elsewhere. Notwithstanding the careless culti- 
vation, the cotton in the capsules was more abundant; these were larger and more nume- 
rous than I had seen either higher up or lower down the country. The climate also, I 
conceive, well suited to them) notwithstanding the great heat of the months of April, 
May, and June; as the plants grow well, and attain maturity during the rainy months, 
which terminate just when the drying up of the soil, the dryness and clearness of the 
atmosphere are most necessary to check vegetative vigour, and determine the secretions 
towards the formation of fruit, and the perfecting of the seed. Bundlecund above the 
Ghauts, and Malwa, are also extensive cotton districts, and peculiarly eligible, on account 
of the soil, which is frequently emphatically called a black cotton soil, and a climate which 
is also most favourable. . The soil, formed in many parts of decomposed trap-rocks, is a 
loose friable black earth, penetrable by the most delicate fibrils. The temperature of this 
province, from its elevation, is moderate, when compared with the plains; the range of 
the thermometer is small, the hot winds comparatively mild, and of short duration, the 
fall of rain less than in the plains; and though fevers occur at their conclusion, the 
climate may be considered on the whole salubrious.—(Hamilt. Gaz.) From the slope of 
the country, and its elevation, we may conclude that the circulation of air is free, and 
evaporation favoured,soas to induce dryness of the atmosphere, which seems essential for 
the formation of fruit of any kind. In such a climate it would not appear a work of great 
difficulty to substitute a superior species or variety for that which is already cultivated, 
It may be added, that the author has heard that Sir John Malcolm, than whom no one 
was better acquainted with Malwa, was of opinion that it was particularly well adapted 
for the cultivation of cotton, and that it could supply an amazingly increased quantity. 
It would be interesting to ascertain precisely what peculiarities of climate are best 
suited 
