58 FIELD CROPS FOB THE COTTON-BELT 



his ideal plant. If this is not done, there is danger that 

 lack of uniformity among the plants selected will exist, 

 due to the fact that certain plants will be selected for one 

 character and others for another. Little can be accom- 

 plished by such promiscuous selection. 

 ' 64. Methods of improving cotton, — At least three 

 methods are more or less applicable to the improvement 

 of cotton. They are (1) the careful and systematic selec- 

 tion and progeny-testing of superior plants; (2) hybridizing 

 or crossing different varieties or species with the object 

 of securing an intermingling and fixing of points of merit; 

 (3) acclimatization of approved stocks from one country 

 or locality to another. 



THE IMPROVEMENT OF COTTON BY SELECTION 



Systematic selection is easily the most important factor 

 in the improvement of cotton. To employ this factor 

 successfully the breeder must be able readUy to detect 

 and choose the best plants, even when a large number of 

 individuals are examined. This requires a thorough 

 knowledge of the points that go to make up an ideal cotton 

 plant. 



65. Selection of foundation stock. — After having 

 determined by variety tests the best variety for a given 

 locality the breeder will, by careful study, satisfy himseK 

 as to what type of plant of this variety is best. He is then 

 ready to make selection^ which are to furnish his foimda- 

 tion stock. 



The selection is best made immediately before the first 

 picking. The picking should be delayed until a rather 

 large percentage of the bolls are open. By walking slowly 

 through the field, examining the plants of each row, the 

 breeder should be able readily to detect those plants which 



