200 



encouragement in order to replace the short (native) kinds of Gos- 

 sypium indicum, as their product is superior both in quality as well 

 as quantity, to that of the last named. 



If we bring TEYSMANN's classification in accordance with the 

 latest views, that is the 5 principal kinds, G. barbadense. L. (Sea- 

 island cotton); G. peruvianum. Cav. (G. religiosum)\ G. hirsutum. 

 L. (Upland cotton); G. herbaceum. L., (G. indicum. L.) and G. arbo- 

 reum. L. (tree-like cotton) then that which TEYSMANN calls G. 

 religiosum must be G. hirsutum, and that which is described by 

 him as G. viti folium must be G. peruvianum. 



Whether the native kinds of cotton can be replaced by those 

 which offer planters better advantages is a question which we may 

 well ask ourselves. 



It is not sufficiently satisfactory from an economical point of 

 view to satisfy ourselves as to the similarity of the conditions of 

 growth with those of the land from which the cotton is imported. 

 It is true that it is a prominent factor, but the others, capital, 

 labour, transport etc., are of equal if not greater importance, to 

 the production as the growth conditions which are unsuitable can 

 be modified if they are not favourable. 



The special remarks concerning this we will postpone at present, 

 but later on will find an opportunity to view this point closer. 



Conditions of Growth. 



The cotton plant requires an atmosphere containing a lot of 

 moisture. It likes chiefly sunshine during the day and dew at 

 night. Heavy rainfalls are harmful to it, both in the first, and in 

 the last growing stages. If they happen to fall in the harvest time, 

 they may do great damage. 



Occasional mild showers followed by sunshine are good from 

 the beginning to the blossom time. A want of rain can be re- 

 medied by artificial irrigation. If this is not possible then the 

 rainfall in the first 3 months must amount to at least 75 m. m. per 

 month. Later on the dew may be able to completely replace this. 



A proof that the cotton and this is especially the case of the 

 finer varieties, grows best in tropical countries with a medium 

 rainfall may be seen from the rainfall tables of the cotton growing 

 countries in America which are given below : — 



