COTTON 321 



selection is shown by the fact that the differences in 

 question became noticeable when the seed supply for all 

 the islands was obtained from the same source; such 

 marked susceptibility to influence by environment em- 

 phasizes the necessity of raising strains of cotton suit- 

 able to the conditions under which they are to be grown, 

 and the realization of this point has underlain depart- 

 mental policy in relation to the industry for a number of 

 years past. 



Cultivation. 



For the successful growth of the crop careful and 

 thorough cultivation is essential. The tilth of the soil 

 must be maintained, weeding operations scrupulously 

 attended to, and a generally high state of efficiency 

 prevail. 



The standard of agriculture in relation to the crop which 

 is maintained throughout the Colony is undoubtedly high. 

 At the present time cultural operations are performed 

 almost entirely by hand, with the exception of the prepara- 

 tion of the land, in which cattle ploughs are employed to a 

 considerable extent. No doubt mule-drawn implements 

 could be, and in some few cases are, successfully employed 

 in weeding operations, though even here they require 

 to be supplemented to some extent by hand labour. At 

 the present time the labour supply available is adequate 

 for the existing industry in the majority of districts, 

 though it is doubtful whether it would allow any further 

 extensions of great magnitude to be made except at the 

 expense of other industries. 



Planting. 



The actual time of planting depends in a measure on 

 the advent of seasonable weather. In the early stages 

 of growth fairly moist conditions are essential for the 

 successful establishment of the plants. Once the crop is 

 thoroughly established, however, it is able to withstand 

 moderate spells of drought with a fair degree of efficiency, 

 while moderately dry weather is necessary during the 

 ripening of the crop and while picking is in progress; 

 excessive moisture during the latter period is apt to lead 



