44 COTTON CULTURE 



proved, a very early variety, is probably the most distinct 

 and persistent type in common cultivation, and is the parent 

 of dozens of other sub-varieties differing, chiefly or entirely, 

 only in name. The early varieties, of which King is the 

 type, are to be recommended for planting in high latitudes 

 and altitudes, or "fresh" lands, low-lying bottoms, or 

 whenever late planting is necessary. 



Experiments at the stations show that in the heart of 

 the cotton belt a medium or even a rather late variety, 

 under ordinary conditions, will give better results three 

 years in four than will the very early variety. 



The ideal variety is the one that has a strong, vigorous 

 stalk, medium to large bolls, and that continues to grow 

 and bear until late in the fall. It is advised that every 

 farmer should be guided by the variety tests at the several 

 stations. It may be well to add that for several years 

 past, there has been an increasing demand for upland long 

 staple from mills engaged in producing certain grades 

 of goods requiring a longer fiber than is afforded by the 

 common upland short staples, and it may prove a wise 

 thing to meet this demand. It is unfortunately true, how- 

 ever, that the upland long staple varieties are much less 

 productive in pounds of seed cotton and particularly in 

 the percentage yield of lint. To prove equally profitable, 

 the upland long staple should command a price from 

 twenty-five to fifty per cent higher than the short staples. 



Selection of Seed. Every intelligent cotton grower 

 should devote much care to the annual selection of seed, 

 with the view to maintaining and increasing the product- 



