154 AGRICULTURE 



this will doubtless increase the annual value of the crop about a 

 hundred million dollars. 



Range and Cultivation. The cotton plant is of tropical origin, 

 and its successful culture is limited to the region south of latitude 



CHOPPING COTTON ON A PLANTATION IN LOUISIANA 



thirty-seven. It needs a long growing season, at least six 

 months free from frost, an abundant, even rainfall during its 

 growing period, and much sunshine, especially during its ripening 

 season. 



Where climate and rainfall are favorable, it will thrive in almost 

 any soil. It prefers, however, a medium loam. 



After the plants come up, many good farmers run a harrow 

 crosswise over the field, to destroy young weeds and to thin the 

 cotton. The final thinning, or ' chopping to a stand,' should be 

 done while the plants are small. If this be delayed too long, 

 they become stunted and never regain their vitality. The cultiva- 

 tion should be clean and shallow, so as to destroy weeds and to 



