THREE METHODS OF IMPROVEMENT 327 



being a new and much improved]stock, on the Levantine supply, which 

 alone came, at that period, to the markets of Europe. To the high 

 appreciation with which it was received (at so early a date) is due 

 doubtless the wider and more complete distribution of this species 

 than of any other cultivated cotton. But to the apathy, if not wilful 

 opposition, of the Spanish authorities has to be attributed at least 

 some share in the decline of interest that rapidly ensued. It exists 

 to-day in Africa, India, and other countries, in a state of complete 

 acclimatisation, but neglected doubtless through the subsequent 

 discovery of more valuable cottons. It is, moreover, significant 

 that in no Herbarium examined by me is there a specimen of this 

 plant from Brazil, or from any part of South America, with the 

 observation recorded of its having been found in a wild state. 



But I need not dwell on these and such like suggestions further 

 in this place, since I shall have occasion to revert to them again 

 while discussing the value of Hybridisation as an Agent in Staple 

 Improvement. My present object may be accepted as fully accom- Important 

 plished : namely, to enforce recognition of the fuzzy-seeded group of 

 Mexican cottons, as constituting a centre of influence hitherto 

 entirely overlooked. Hence it may be added that the proximity and 

 close association of wild species with the known centres of production 

 of special cultivated stocks is highly suggestive of their influence, 

 especially when it is observable that certain of the specific character- 

 istics of the wild species appear in the cultivated stocks. 



Methods of Improvement of Stock. There may be said to be three Three 

 methods. First, systematic selection of forms that appear spontaneously 

 in the fields, and which seem better suited to environment or possess 

 some special quality such as being blight-resistant (see pp. 241- 4), or 

 manifest a desirable property such as superiority of fibre. Second, 

 natural and artificial hybridisation of species and races along lines 

 calculated to secure an intermingling, strengthening, and fixing of points 

 of merit. Third, acclimatisation of approved stocks from one country 

 or locality to another. 



All three methods are of value, and have, therefore, to receive 

 careful consideration, but the last is usually the least hopeful, especially 

 when the supply is brought direct from remote regions with widely 

 different climatic and other conditions. Acclimatisation is, however* 

 in some respects the method that commends itself most readily to 

 many cultivators and casual investigators. A stock is much advertised : 

 it is argued that it will cost but a small sum to procure a supply and 



