FIBER CROPS 179 



varieties the fruit-bearing branches are short, giving the plant 

 the appearance of having the fruit clustered about the main 

 stem. Other varieties have branches of such length as to give 

 the pyramidal or oval form to the general outline of the entire 

 plant when it is grown. Between these extremes there are an end- 

 less number of intermediate types. The method of branching is 

 of considerable importance in selecting and breeding cotton. 



FIG. 86. Young cotton growing on good soil 

 Well-tilled deep loam is the best soil for the cotton crop 



The cotton plant has a taproot which penetrates to a greater 

 depth than do the roots of most farm crops ; hence its resistance 

 to drought. Lateral roots penetrate every portion of the surface 

 soil before the plant matures. 



The leaves are from 3 to 5 inches broad and are generally 

 5-lobed (Fig. 86). Varieties with heavy foliage may be unde- 

 sirable in regions of heavy rainfall, especially when the boll 

 weevil is present. 



