CLIMATE AND SOILS 29 



composed of larger particles and naturally are 

 less retentive of water; clay soils are composed 

 of very fine particles and are more retentive of 

 moisture. Under very dry conditions sandy soils 

 do not retain moisture sufficient for cotton; 

 while, on the other hand, clay soils are equally 

 objectionable during wet or rainy periods 

 for the opposite reason. The most reliable 

 cotton lands are therefore loams and sandy 

 loams, well drained, but with sufficient clay to 

 make them retentive enough to insure a uniform 

 moisture supply during the growing season. 

 When such soils have had proper preparation 

 and the early rains have been stored and re- 

 tained by later shallow and frequent cultiva- 

 tion, the yield may be expected to turn out 

 satisfactorily in all seasons. 



The mechanical condition of all soils are 

 greatly improved by keeping them well supplied 

 with vegetable matter. 



