(3 



BULLETIN 668, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



have resulted, but in that ease plants could have been grown in only 

 55 instead of 99 hills. 



If the breeder were interested in obtaining for comparative study 

 a uniform stand of his progenies rather than maximum increase, two 

 cotton seeds in each hill, with as many nurse seeds as previous deter- 

 minations on percentage of germination would indicate, should be 

 ample provision against almost any condition that may arise to pre- 

 vent the emergence of the seedlings. The chances are good that at 

 least one of the two select seeds planted will grow, and one select 

 plant in a hill is all that ordinarily is required, especially where fur- 

 ther selection is to be- made. The beans, peas, or other cotton seeds 

 planted in the same hill could be depended upon to help the select 



Fig. 2. — Cotton progenies planted with pinto beans. One cotton seed and two or 

 three beans were planted in each hill. In 11 of the 110 hills planted no cotton 

 plants came up. owing to the failure of some seeds to germinate. Had two cotton 

 seeds been planted in each hill, a perfect stand might have been secured : hut by 

 so doing only 55 instead of 99 hills could have been grown from the same quantity 

 of seed and the maximum increase would not have been obtained. (Photographed 

 July 3, 1917.) 



plant through the soil. If the select seed should have a lower germi- 

 nation than 50 per cent, it would, of course, be advisable to plant 

 accordingly. 



The rate of planting to be employed when further increase plant- 

 ings are made depends upon the seed combination, percentage of 

 germination, and the kind of planter used. This feature will be dis- 

 cussed more in detail in another place. 



DELINTING COTTON SEED FOR NURSE PLANTING. 



The planting of cotton seeds with beans or peas is greatly facili- 

 tated by delinting them. This can be done with ease and little ex- 

 pense by immersing them for about 2 minutes in commercial sul- 

 phuric acid. After being delinted they should be washed in run- 

 ning water for at least 10 minutes in order to remove all the acid. 



