18 41 42.] DR. WIGHT AND AMERICAN PLANTERS. 35 



Sudden renovation of the crop: Dr. Wight sue- CIIAP. 



ceeds Captain Hughes, February, On the 24th Fe- 1_ 



bruary 1842, Dr. Wight succeeded Captain Hughes in the ** 



Superintendence of the American Planters. But meantime Dr.wight's 

 a great change had taken place in the crop. The bright MaJ 'IBM. 

 cloudless weather, which had lasted from the 2nd November lu 35 < 1847 ) 

 until the 15th of January, was succeeded by a heavy fall of 

 rain, which had the effect of refreshing and greatly revi- 

 ving the plants. A second fall in the beginning of February 

 served completely to renovate them ; and when Dr. Wight 

 relieved Captain Hughes, they were quite healthy an:l full 

 of blossom and fruit. 



Relative effects of the Monsoon, the Brought, and 42 

 the Rain upon the Cotton shrub : difference between 

 the Red and Black soils. This great and unexpected 

 success is thus accounted for by Dr. Wight. The sowing com- 

 menced about the middle of September. In October, whilst 

 the plants were still young and tender, the North-east mon- 

 soon commenced, and then the plants outgrew their strength. 

 On the 2nd of November the bright weather set in, and 

 lasted so long, that the plants gradually sickened and droop- 

 ed, until they appeared burnt up. But meantime the soft 

 juicy wood previously formed, acquired consistence and 

 became well matured. The second rains supplied the requi- 

 site nourishment and stimulus to renewed growth, and a new 

 formation of flower buds. Here must be noticed a remark- 

 able difference between the effects of the Black and Red 

 soils respectively upon the cultivation of the plant. Before 

 the second rain in January and February, the Cotton in the 

 Red soil appeared to be in the most favourable condition ; 

 whilst the Cotton in the Black soil seemed to be utterly 

 ruined. After the second rain the state of things was ex- 

 actly the reverse. The plants in the Black soil were the 

 most nourishing, whilst those in the Red soil were less pro- 

 ductive. Dr. Wight attributed these results to the different 

 effects of the rain upon the two soils. During the first rain 



