U. S. I?EP?. OF ACR. LIBRARY 



BELTSVLLLE BR. 



LIBRARIAN -2- 



10-2-55 PLANT INDUSTRY S?A. 



53 BEL7SVILLE, MD. 



There are two possible modifications that can be made. If clearance 

 for the fingers is wanted, either the holes can be made nearer one edge 

 or a slot can be cut to the holes to accommodate the thumb and fore- 

 finger. If a larger number of bolls are to be processed for examina- 

 tion, a counter can be attached to the side of the base and actuated by- 

 means of a finger mounted on the lever. This addition will automatically 

 record the number of bolls cracked and greatly simplify the operation. 



It has been found that a bench top makes an efficient base when 

 portability is not essential. The lever is secured so that the handle 

 projects over the edge, thereby giving knuckle clearance. 



The bolls opened by this device are in even better condition for 

 examination than those opened with a knife, and ten times as many 

 can be opened in the same length of time. 



This device was first suggested by W. E. Conn of the Plant Pest 

 Control Division (retired). 



Agriculture - Washington 



