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In a future bulletin this subject of the identification of 

 the cotton will be more fully and definitely treated. 



3. In improving the cotton plant is the fiber strengthened and 

 developed, or is there simply an increase in the size of the plant 

 to the detriment of the fiber ? 



The experiments seem to give an unmistakable answer to 

 this question. It was only on those plants which were 

 large, strong and healthy that the best condition of the fiber 

 was secured. But, this being true, it was noticed on the 

 other hand, that on those plants where there was a very 

 rapid growth of wood-limbs and leaves there was a diminu- 

 tion in the number of flowers. This was caused, no doubt, 

 by the great draft on the suj)ply of sap to satisfy the de- 

 mand of these growing parts. All things being equal, 

 therefore, it is safe to say that the best condition of the 

 fiber will be secured by a steady, constant growth of the 

 plant in all its parts. It should not be stunted or retarded 

 for lack of proper fertilization and cultivation, but every 

 demand should be met so that a vigorous growth will be 

 secured in all the functions of the plant. Nature often 

 needs assistance to enable her to do her best work, particu- 

 larly in her attempt to accomplish healthy results in the 

 poor soils so prevalent throughout the cotton belt. The 

 plant must be fed with the same judicious care that the 

 stockman bestows upon animals under his intelligent man- 

 agemeut. It must be equally fed for wood-making, leaf de- 

 velopment and seed maturity. And these ends can only be 

 reached through painstaking care and observation of all 

 stages of the plant growth and development. 



The experiments conducted at Auburn give conclusive 

 evidence that the improvement of the cotton plant under 

 the influence of the crossing processes does not deteriorate 

 the fiber, but tends greatly towards making it superior in 

 its properties. There was no efi'ort made to force the plant 

 in its growth, but every inducement was offered it to perfect 

 itself in all its functions. In the careful examinations made 

 of the cotton stalk in the field it was noticed that on those 



