COTTON BREEDING 57 



produced on different parts of the same plant and even 

 on the same s6ed. This objectionable chara,cter can bp 

 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,b,c. ' 



Any' plant should be rejected that shows itself distinptly 

 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 

 ^rash 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 quahties sought for in breeding cotton. In 

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



