FACTORS AFFECTING PRODUCTION OF LONG-STAPLE COTTON. 9 



difficulties and uncertainties of the present situation lie in the re- 

 ad] ustnaents that must be made in placmg the cotton industry on a 

 more honest and substantial basis, and thus open the way to a better 

 development of our resources of production. The competition that 

 is rapidly springing up in many foreign countries is likely to force 

 these changes in time, if they are not accomplished voluntarily in 

 the interest of American agriculture and of our own consummg public. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



The improved varieties of long-staple Upland cotton developed 

 and distributed by the Department of Agriculture introduce a new 

 factor into the problem of production. On account of their early- 

 maturing habits these long-staple varieties often j^eld as much as 

 short-staple varieties, and they are adapted to cultivation in many 

 parts of the cotton belt where the old late-maturing varieties could 

 not be grown to advantage. 



Too rapid adoption of the new varieties will result, no doubt, in 

 overproduction and a decline in prices of long staples. But, on the 

 other hand, there is reason to expect a large increase in the demand 

 for long staples, which are better adajjted to many industrial pur- 

 poses than the short staples that are now beuig used. The prospect 

 of a larger and more regular supply of long-staple cotton is likely to 

 lead to more extensive use and tend to more stable commercial con- 

 ditions, thus permitting a gradual development of the new long- 

 staple industry. 



8S189°— Cir. 123—13 2 



