1853-62.] CENTRAL TABLE-LAND : FIVE DISTRICTS. 221 



the greater part of which is exported. This Cotton, 

 though short in staple, is of a fair quality ; but it is 

 liable to deterioration from careless picking and pack- 

 ing. It is not properly cleaned, and when gathered it 

 is packed loosely in bags which do not exclude the dust. 

 Were some mercantile firm to purchase direct from the 

 grower, and to superintend or insist on greater care in 

 the gathering, and to establish a screw press on the 

 spot to screw the bales ready for shipment in this dry 

 climate, instead of that process being performed in the 

 damp air of the sea- coast, I believe that the value of 

 this Cotton in the home market would be enhanced, 

 and the cost of carriage reduced. Piner qualities than 

 the Indigenous Cotton could only be produced by a 

 local demand and good prices." In a sub- 

 sequent letter Mr. Wedderburn stated that MrXieUer" 

 the extension of the cultivation depended ^|g^ 0ct '' 

 upon the profit to be derived from the ex- 

 portation of Cotton as compared with the exportation 

 of other grain products. That Government could do 

 nothing that would prove of advantage, beyond add- 

 ing a few bridges to a road, and thus facilitating 

 the export, and cheapening the cost of transit. Above 

 all, that the people would not be induced to grow 

 any kind of Cotton but their own stunted Indigen- 

 ous variety ; all previous experiments with foreign 

 seed having proved failures, excepting perhaps in gar- 

 dens and favoured localities ; whilst the commercial 

 value of other crops grown on irrigated lands rendered 

 it impossible that Cotton should be grown at a profit 

 on any but dry lands. Private individuals must take 

 the risk and profit of introducing a better system of 

 cultivation, if there be one ; and of dealing directly for 

 the raw produce, which is much deteriorated in picking, 

 cleaning, packing, and transit. 



Detailed report by Mr. Murray, the previous Col- 343 

 lector. — The following report, drawn up in Mr. Murray's 

 1858 in reply to Professor Mallett's applica- letter, 1st 

 tion, conveys still more particular in forma- J ' 

 tion respecting the Cotton cultivation in the district 

 of Cuddapah. 



