COTTON 219 



was another difficulty, the local gins being adapted for 

 the local cotton and not giving good results with the 

 Egyptian. Further, the local ginneries were not at all 

 anxious to handle this cotton, and buyers often found 

 themselves in difficulties. 



The disadvantages connected with Egyptian cotton in 

 Sind are : 



(a) It needs more careful cultivation than the Sindhi, 

 and requires to be grown on ridges. 



(b) It has a long growing period, and needs to be sown 

 at the latest by the beginning of April, while the first 

 picking is not generally ready till October. This entirely 

 prevents its cultivation on the inundation canals. In fact, 

 it is practically only on the Jamrao Canal, which is a 

 perennial canal, that it can be grown at the present time. 



The results of the efforts to introduce Egyptian cotton 

 into Sind are. however, very interesting and instructive. 

 It has been proved that, given proper conditions, it will 

 thrive well in the district, which is one of the few places 

 outside Egypt where this class of cotton has been success- 

 ful. In the future, when the country fills up and more 

 intensive cultivation is adopted, it is possible that 

 Egyptian cotton may be cultivated in Sind. 



Experiments with American cotton were begun several 

 years ago. It was found to be promising, and among 

 its advantages were : 



(a) Its quick growing period; it can be sown in June, 

 and the first picking is available in the end of September. 

 This is most important for Sind, as it enables it to' be 

 cultivated on the common inundation canals. 



(b) It is a good yielder, and on average land will 

 produce as much as Sindhi cotton per acre. 



(c) It seems to be hardy, and can be cultivated in the 

 same manner as Sindhi cotton. 



(d) The marketing of the crop is much easier than in 

 the case of Egyptian cotton. 



The writer paid a visit to the chief American cotton- 

 growing centres, and selected the variety called 

 " Triumph " as being most suitable for cultivation in 

 Sind. It is a big-boiled variety, an early and good 

 yielder, and is adapted for growth under irrigation. 



