ECONOMIC PLANTS 



219 



United States south of latitude 35 degrees. In this 

 belt is produced over two thirds of the world's crop 



FIG. in. Cotton Bolls. 



of this staple. This plant will grow on good soil and 

 it will grow on poor soil. It will yield rich returns when 

 the soil is well prepared, well cultivated, and well 

 drained, and when the opposite conditions prevail, 

 the crop is not by any means a failure. 



As the great enemy of the cotton plant, the boll 

 weevil, is constantly extending the range of its ravages, 

 the United States Department of Agriculture urges upon 

 cotton growers methods which will secure an early 

 maturing of the crop in order that the injurious results 

 of the insect may be minimized. Early plowing, the 



