COTTON-WOOL. 



393 



experiencing less harm. The flower of the maize causes Appendix, 

 the leaves of the cotton-tree to turn yellow, and stops its 

 vegetation for some time. Some plant peas between the 

 rows, to prevent the sun and breeze, and even the cotton- 

 tree itself, from drying up the soil. 



When the cotton-plant has reached the height of an 

 inch, and the seminal leaves have generally made their 

 appearance, it is necessary to inspect the rows, to replace 

 the seed in those holes where this may not have taken 

 place. When the plants are three inches high, the number 

 in each hole must be reduced to two ; unless it be appre- 

 hended that either of the two may die, then three or four 

 should be left. Whilst the plant is young great care 

 must be taken to keep it clear of weeds, that it may not 

 be impeded in its growth. If the cotton-tree has been 

 planted in November or December, it bears in six or 

 eight months ; if in winter, it is more backward, and only 

 produces in May or June. Until that time it requires 

 nothing more than clearing from weeds. Its greatest 

 produce is at eighteen months or two years. It is gathered 

 between the months of June, August, and September. It 

 has been known to produce a few pods in October and 

 November, and some trees have sometimes after their 

 great crop, given a small one in the month of May fol- 

 lowing ; but at this period, as after September, it is a 

 mere gleaning. When the cotton-tree is in its greatest 

 vigour the weeds do not appear to affect it much. At the 

 Isle of France the inhabitants encourage in their planta- 

 tions the growth of a plant known by the name of esquine, 

 which they hold in great esteem, because its roots do not 

 strike deep and therefore cannot hurt those of the cotton, 

 nor is there any thing in its flower or seed which can adhere 

 to the wool. It smothers all other weeds, covers the soil 

 in such a manner as to protect the wool from the dust, 



and 



