QUESTIONS 237 



(5) Split a cotton seed and observe its simple structure. What are 

 the general parts of a cotton seed ? 



(6) Compare, as to the proportion of opened bolls, a plant of an 

 early maturing variety with one of a late maturing variety. Observe, as 

 to structure and outline, the general difference between the two plants. 

 Why is an early maturing variety of cotton especially desirable? 



The following practices are suggested to accompany this chapter. A 

 part or all of them may be included, according to convenience. 



(1) Field observations of such cultural operations of the cotton crop 

 as may be in progress. Written descriptions of the operation may be made, 

 with particular reference to the following points: 



(a) Efficiency of the operation. 



( 6 ) Amount of the operation performed by one man and team ( single 

 or double ) in one day. 



(c) Cost per acre of the operation. 



(2) A visit to an operating ginnery, by which the students should 

 gather a general knowledge of the ginning and baling processes. A brief 

 report may be made of the operations. 



(3) Instruction by an expert at one or more special periods in sam- 

 pling and grading cotton. 



(4) A study of the appearance of plants attacked by the principal 

 diseases mentioned in this chapter. A brief, descriptive report should 

 be given. 



QUESTIONS 



1. How long a period between frosts required by cotton? 



2. How is production affected by rainfall? By temperature? 



3. Describe the climate of the cotton region. 



4. How is the appearance of the cotton plant affected by different soils? 



5. Describe the best cotton soils. 



6. Compare value of rich soils in north and south portion of the cotton 



region. 



7. Compare soil adaptation of upland and Sea Island cotton. 



8. State the effect of fertilizers on cotton. 



9. Compare the value of fertilizers on cotton and corn. 



10. State the importance of phosphate. What form is preferred? 



11. State the effect of nitrogen. Where used to best advantage? 



12. How is nitrogen best supplied? 



13. How important is potash? 



14. How important is lime? 



15. In a complete fertilizer what proportion of the elements is recommended? 



16. What amount of fertilizer used? How is fertilizer best applied? 



17. Describe the preparation of land for cotton as to (1) disposal of old 



stalks ; ( 2 ) time of plowing ; ( 3 ) method of plowing ; ( 4 ) depth of 

 plowing; (5) disking and harrowing. 



18. Compare planting on ridges or beds, and planting on level land. 



19. How important is early planting? How is planting usually accom- 



plished ? 



20. What is best amount of seed to use? 



21. How should the spacing of cotton plants be regulated on good and 



poor soils? 



22. Describe the best methods of cotton cultivation? 



23. How is the weeder used in cotton culture? 



24. Describe a ginning outfit. 



25. State points in grading cotton, 



26. What are the grades? 



