INSTITUTE AND COLLEGE, PUSA, FOR 1907-09. 77 



in the Bombay market where a white colour is one of the 

 chief desiderata. A constant introduction of fresh seed 

 would only partially remove the difficulty, as even in the 

 case of cotton at Dharwar from imported seed, it was 

 pointed out to Mr. Gammie that it was darker in colour. 

 In the southern part of the Madras Presidency it has been 

 proved that the karangani is superior to ufpam, and steps 

 are being taken to distribute quantities of the former. 

 The introduction of the seed drill is considered the most 

 important part of the work done. 



From Burma intimation was received that the depart- 

 ment had resolved to begin experiments; so, as a prelimin- 

 ary, sets of seeds of standard varieties were supplied in 

 order that their behaviour might assist in arriving at some 

 idea on what lines the trials should ultimately run. 



3. Collection of Varieties. — A large collection of 

 annual and perennial cottons, both indigenous and Ameri- 

 can, has been kept under observation at Kirkee and 

 Ganeshkhind. The only tree cottons which gave any 

 promise of success, were Bourbon and Spence cotton which 

 is ordinarily indistinguishable from Bourbon. 



4. Distribution of Seed. — Considerable quantities of 

 cotton seed have been supplied, in all, to 47 persons in 

 various parts of India. 



5. Identification and Valuation. — A good many 

 samples have been sent in for identification and valuation. 

 All samples received for valuation were submitted to 

 Bombay merchants, and the verdicts transmitted to the 

 .senders. An assistant recently appointed with a previous 

 knowledge of cotton valuation, has studied the subject 

 in Bombay and ought to prove of great help in the future 

 in this line. 



It is hoped to keep in close touch with cotton merchants. 

 The Cotton Specialist has met and talked with a good 

 many, and he feels that the trader and not the farmer is 

 the chief obstacle in the way of improvement. 



