1845-49.] AMERICAN PLANT IN INDIAN SEASONS. 61 



Dr. Wight coincided in the view taken by the Associa- 

 tion, and reported that the experiment was in progress ; 

 Mr. Einnie, the Planter, having been located in the 

 centre of Tinnevelly, which was one of the best Cotton 

 districts in the South of India, and within about forty 

 miles of the eastern shore. 



DR. WIGHT'S NOTES ON THE ADAPTATION OF THE 

 AMERICAN PLANT TO THE SEASONS OF INDIA. 



Habits of the American Plant. — Some time after- 95 

 wards, Dr. Wight entered more largely Dr Wight , s 

 upon the subject of adapting the time of letter to Mr. 

 sowing in Southern India to the habits |^ e ^ 8 |^ h 

 of the American plant. Three things were Pari. Return 

 to be observed UW. p. w. 



1st, That in average seasons, the New Orleans Cotton 

 plant requires from six to eight weeks from the date of 

 sowing to that of coming into flower ; and about the 

 same length of time from the fall of the blossom to the 

 opening of the pod. 



2nd, That rainy weather, or even a dark, cloudy, 

 damp atmosphere whilst the crop was maturing, has a 

 tendency to prevent the boll from opening at the pro- 

 per time ; and if the opening of the boll is so checked, 

 the Cotton becomes more or less deteriorated ; varying 

 in degree according to the intensity of the deteriorating 

 cause, from absolute destruction to simple adhesion of 

 the fibres, or to mere slight discolouration. 



3rd, That the prevalence of rainy weather during the 

 period of growth promotes luxuriance and productive- 

 ness, provided that the drainage is free ; and provided 

 also that this humidity is exchanged for clear bright 

 weather at the season for maturing the crop. 



Four seasons of the American Plant. — The American 96 

 plant, like all other plants, must have four seasons, 

 viz. — 



1st, Spring, or season of germination, when but a 

 moderate quantity of moisture is required. 



2nd, Summer, or growing season, which calls for 

 more liberal supplies of moisture. 



