COTTON BREEDING 



57 



produced on different parts of the same plant and even 

 on the same seed. This objectionable character can be 

 corrected by breeding (Fig. 14). 



(3) Strength of fiber. Much variation exists between 

 cotton plants as regards the strength of the fiber produced. 



FIG. 14. Cotton seeds with fibers attached. A and B cotton seeds 

 with fibers combed out to show uniformity and non-uniformity in 

 the length of the fibers. C Lock of Griffin cotton stretched so as 

 to show joints of origin of longer fibers a, 6, c. 



Any plant should be rejected that shows itself distinctly 

 inferior in strength of lint. 



(4) Color and cleanliness of fiber. Cotton lint should 

 have a rich, bright, creamy color and should be free from 

 trash and dirt. 



63. Well-defined ideal necessary. Before the cotton- 

 grower attempts the selection of his seed for breeding pur- 

 poses, it is essential that he have well fixed in his mind the 

 important qualities sought for in breeding cotton. In 

 other words, he should keep in mind a mental picture of 



