136 THE HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICAL FARMERS 



that has at least a reasonably long growing season. On the 

 northern edge of the cotton belt it is the usual practice to plant 

 the cotton on a ridge so that it will heat up sufficiently quick in 

 the spring to get a quick germination. During the time that 

 cotton is getting established it is rather a delicate plant, but 

 after it is once established it w^ill stand a considerable amount 

 of adverse climatic conditions. A low temperature during this 

 period will retard the growth of the plant very materially. 





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iWWito. in- 



FiG. 4S. — ]'l(iwiii<,' niulcr the cotton plant after the crop has been harvested. 



Therefore, a climate is needed where the spring comes on 

 rapidly, warming up the soil, and Avithout recurring cold periods. 

 After the cotton is once established it seems to thrive pretty 

 well mth very little moisture. A dry May is very desirable in 

 getting the plant well started. After this time seasonable 

 showers are necessary to give it the proper growth. Four 

 inches of rainfall per month during the growing season is a fair 

 average for the cotton belt. During the period of harvest, dry 

 weather is essential in securing a good quality of cotton. Rainy, 

 stormy periods will lower the grade and value of cotton very 

 materially. 



In planting cotton care should be taken not to get the seed too 

 deep, as it is rather difficult for a seed like cotton to get out of the 



