220 ECONOMIC PLANTS 



first one being in the preceding autumn, resulting in a 

 mellow soil from 6 to 10 inches deep, followed by throw- 

 ing up ridges, which are subsequently harrowed, with 

 well-defined water furrows between, is the first step. 

 The application of readily soluble fertilizers from one 

 to three weeks before planting is advised, but an ex- 

 cess of nitrogen should be avoided. 



A variety of cotton seed should be selected the 

 habit of which is to bloom early, mature quickly, and 

 open its bolls rapidly. Planting, should be as early as 

 past experience has shown to be reasonably safe. 

 " Plant when the soil has been properly prepared and 

 is in workable condition, and when the proper date has 

 arrived," regardless of the temperature of the air and 

 the direction of the wind. The plants should be set 

 about 2 feet apart in rows which are 3 feet apart. 

 Many planters reserve a part of the fertilizer and 

 apply it directly in the furrows with the seed, but 25 

 to 40 pounds of the readily soluble nitrate of soda to 

 the acre may be used instead. 



Cultivating begins as soon as the plants are in sight, 

 or even before if there is a heavy rainfall. Hand cul- 

 tivation begins with the appearance of the third leaf, 

 the object being to thin out the plants to the required 

 distance apart and destroy any weeds which may have 

 started. After this, cultivation once a week is prac- 

 ticed in order to maintain a good dirt mulch. Little 

 if any cultivation should be given after the plants 

 begin to bloom freely. The general rule is that early, 

 frequent, and shallow cultivation tends to produce an 

 early crop ; deeper and later continued cultivation tends 

 to delay the crop, but may increase the final yield in 

 sections not infested by the boll weevil. It is recom- 



