10 BULLETIN 1056, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



seed as it comes from the gins contains an appreciable quantity of 

 stones and dirt, it may be found advisable from the standpoint of 

 economical upkeep of the delinting machines to install a cleaner 

 through which the seed should pass before entering the delinters. A 

 cleaning machine of this kind that will do effective work in removing 

 stones, metallic substances, dirt, and loose lint from the seed, reducing 

 the frequency of filing the saws, and producing a higher grade of 

 linters, may be purchased at relatively small cost. In the absence of 

 such a machine similar results may be obtained by equipping the 

 delinting machines with magnets at a cost of $30 to $35 for each 

 machine. 



WINTERS CUT PEE TON OF SEED. 



One of the most important factors in delinting cotton seed for 

 planting purposes is the quantity of linters that may be removed per 

 ton or how close the linters may be cut without injuring the germi- 

 nation. The exact quantity can not be fixed because it will vary with 

 the condition of the seed as it comes from the gin and to some extent 

 with the different varieties. Usually more linters are obtained from 

 seed ginned early in the season when the cotton is somewhat green 

 than from seed ginned later or when the cotton is matured and dry. 

 The normal rate of delinting by the cottonseed-oil mills is about 75 

 pounds per ton. 



During the season 1916-17, because of the abnormal demand for 

 linters for munition manufacture, an average of about 150 pounds 

 was cut. This shows the possible extent to which the seed may be 

 delinted, but such drastic action is liable to injure the germination. 

 Probably 60 pounds is a safe rate of cut when the seed is intended for 

 planting purposes. The appearance and condition of the delinted 

 seed is the most reliable indicator as to whether the lint is being cut 

 close enough. The operator can ascertain after a few minutes' run 

 whether any of the seeds are being injured or whether surplus lint 

 is being left on them, and he can easily and quickly adjust the 

 delinters so as to cut at the proper rate. 



The efficiency of this operation, as in ginning, depends to a great 

 extent on the experience and skill of the operator and the proper care 

 and adjustment of the machinery. The object is to cut the lint as 

 short and to make the seed as near uniform in appearance as is 

 possible without injury to the germ. Seeds delinted lightly and 

 heavily, compared with gin-run, are shown in figure 4. Injury 

 may be detected by noting whether the hulls of any of the seeds have 

 been cut through or broken by the saws. The seeds thus cut or 

 broken should be less than 1 per cent. (See illustration of cut and 

 broken seeds in fig. 5.) 



