226 



Proceedings, 



[NO, 9, NEW SERIES. 



In conclusion the introduction of foreign seed is a work of time, 

 and as hitherto proved of doubtful utility. Impregnation is more 

 doubtful still, but the improved cultivation of the native cotton 

 can go on at once, observations can be made if it does not contain 

 improvable elements within itself, " time is money " and before 

 a complete change could take place in the cultivation and accli- 

 matizing new varieties, years will have passed away and it is very 

 uncertain, if success would be attained at the end. 



(Signed) A. T. Jaffkey. 



In republishing the foregoing, the Committee do not think it 

 necessary to enter upon the several questions and objections raised 

 by Mr. Jaffrey. They consider the suggestion contained in Mr. 

 Thwaites' letter worthy of a fair trial, and trust that it may be car- 

 ried into practical effect, so as to test the points at issue fully and 

 satisfactorily. 



Too great care cannot be taken, however, in guarding against 

 the possibility of the style being fertilized by the pollen of its own 

 stamens and to prevent this, the latter should be removed before 

 the full development of the flower. The pollen which it is desired 

 to transfer to the style of the inferior variety can be easily shaken 

 off from the stamens of the better plant, if these are removed " en 

 masse" on the perfection of the flower to which they belong. The 

 New Orleans Cotton may be seen growing in the Gardens and the 

 perfect flowers examined by Visitors. 



The Committee republish the following on the object to be at- 

 tained by hybridizing Cotton. 



Paradenia, Ceylon, 24th March, 1859, 

 My dear Sir, — I am glad to hear that a decided effort is to be 

 made to give an impetus to an extensive cultivation of Cotton, for 

 the English Market in the Madras Presidency, and I trust it will 

 be attended with every wished-for success. 



It has occurred to me, as there would probably be some difficul- 

 ty in getting the superior descriptions of American Cotton accli- 

 mated in any moderate space of time, that attempts to improve the 

 Native Cotton are^well worthy of consideration, and I would sug 

 gest that systematic experiments should be made of crossing the 

 Native kinds with th« " Bourbon," " Sea Island," and " New 



