68 COTTON IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. [184549. 



CHAP. 2nd, That rainy weather, or even a dark, cloudy, damp 

 ' atmosphere whilst the crop was maturing, has a tendency 

 to prevent the boll from opening at the proper time ; and 

 if the opening of the boll is so checked, the Cotton becomes 

 more or less deteriorated ; varying in degree according to the 

 intensity of the deteriorating cause, from absolute destruc- 

 tion to simple adhesion of the fibres, or to mere slight dis- 

 colouration. 



3rd, That the prevalence of rainy weather during the 

 period of growth promotes luxuriance and productiveness, 

 provided that the drainage is free ; and provided also that 

 this humidity is exchanged for clear bright weather at the 

 season for maturing the crop. 



96 Four seasons of the American Plant. The American 

 plant, like all other plants, must have four seasons, viz. 



1st, SPRING, or season of germination, when but a mode- 

 rate quantity of moisture is required. 



2nd, SUMMER, or growing season, which calls for more 

 liberal supplies of moisture. 



3rd, AUTUMN, or ripening season, which requires but 

 little or none. 



4th, WINTER, or season of rest. 



In America these seasons of the plant correspond with 

 26th the natural seasons of the year; but in India they do not. 

 Pari. Rel In America the winter months are the season of rest ; but 

 P u j86.com- in India the summer months are the resting season. Thus 

 wights i n India the Cotton spring and summer occur during the 

 isS . M iSd rainy season, whilst the Cotton autumn occurs during the 

 P. 221. ^ r y k ea ^ O f February, March and April. 



