186 THE DEVELOPMENT OF KAW COTTON 



of length between various parts of the seed, and measures 

 the mean maximum length, leaving only the fluctuation 

 from seed to seed to be wiped out by sampling. The 

 application of statistical methods has been of the utmost 

 service in this matter, as may well be realized on consult- 

 ing works which quarrel with O'Neill's original method, 

 because damping causes the fibre to stretch a millimetre, 

 or for similar reasons. We are now able to prepare a 

 numerical statement, of any desired degree of precision, 

 in a reasonably short time and without eye- strain. 



But it should be observed that such a method is a 

 research tool, or a means of exchanging ideas, and no more. 

 While we amateurs are working out the lint length of a 

 sample by ten minutes of effort, the grader will satisfy 

 himself in as many seconds. It is also curious that the 

 precise method should be the reverse of the convenient 

 method, for the apparent length of cotton on the seed 

 even after combing is most deceptive to the eye. 



Examination of the Lint. The chief characteristic 

 examined in the ginned lint, apart from grading, is the 

 strength, since length is preferably determined in the 

 seed-cotton state. Before treating of strength-testing 

 we may mention one or two minor features for which 

 special methods have been found useful. 



Diameter. There is a more speedy way of determining 

 diameter than by the micrometer eyepiece. If a camera 

 lucida is set up, the magnification of its setting determined 

 by drawing an object micrometer scale with it, and the 

 diameter of fibres then drawn on a fresh sheet of paper, 

 the mean diameter of a large number of fibres can be 



